Please read this first. Future AN's/notes will be short - promise! This is my first OUAT/HP crossover and I hope I do not mess it up. However, I am a huge fan of both, so I believe I will manage. The main focus of the story will be Regina, but many of the other characters will have their appearances as well. Regina will later be in a f/f relationship but as of now, I'm not certain to whom her partner will be. I think it'll be either Elsa or Belle - but I'm not really ruling out anything yet. Maybe you guys have an idea/feeling after this first, huse chapter (I have never written a chap as long as this one but I decided not to split it in half).

For now I've decided to include the following OUAT characters as students, but with time I might add more to the mix, maybe create some of my own if I feel the need to. Also, for now all characters are either in their fifth or sixth year at Hogwarts. Oh, and I did keep the teachers from Harry Potter as well as Voldemort and a little surprise ;)

Enjoy, np

Oh and unfortunately I don't own any of the characters :( too bad.

Slytherin:

Regina Mills *6*

Zelena Mills *5*

Killian Hook *5*

Maleficent Drake *6*

James Nolan *6*

Cruella De Vil *6*

Arthur Knight *6*

Louise Ginger (Blind Witch) *5*

Gaston Dickson *6*

Hans Isles *5*

Keith Nottingham *6*

Ravenclaw:

Ursula Sea *6*

Victor Whale *5*

Jefferson Hatter *6*

Miranda Blue *6*

August Booth *6*

Guinevere Flower *6*

Marian Woods *5*

Mulan Fa *5*

Belle French *6*

Daniel Steed *6*

Eric Prince *5*

Kathryn Midas *6*

Megara "Meg" Greek *5*

Hufflepuff:

Sidney Glass *5*

Lancelot Knight *6*

Aurora Rose *6*

Tinkerbell Green *5*

Phillip Thorne *6*

Anna Arendelle *5*

Kristoff Rock *5*

Ella Cinder *5*

Thomas Shoe *6*

Archie Hopper *5*

Rapunzel Towers *6*

Gryffindor:

Graham Hunt *6*

Robin Hood *6*

Baelfire Gold *6*

Emma Swan *5*

Snow White *6*

David Nolan *6*

Ruby Lucas *6*

Ariel Waters *5*

Merida McAllers *5*

Hercules Olympus *5*

Elsa Arendelle *6*

Regina was sipping on her apple juice when a big hand came to rest just shortly above her ass, almost making her spill her drink.

"James," she scolded the smirking boy when he playfully pecked her cheek and sat down next to her. "You know I don't approve of you touching me inappropriately in public."

"Sorry but not sorry," he nodded towards the table next to theirs and Regina followed his line of sight.

At the Ravenclaw table, next to Eric and Jefferson, sat Daniel Steed, unabashedly staring at Regina. He wasn't even trying to hide his infatuation with the pureblood.

"Seriously, James?" Regina turned to look at her boyfriend. "Just leave the poor boy alone. You know I wouldn't even look at him twice if he wasn't a muggleborn. I am promised to you, remember?"

"I do. But he doesn't seem to care. I overheard him just yesterday, telling his friends that he will be taking you to the ball at the end of the Triwizard Tournament."

"The gall," Killian chuckled as he was sitting down opposite the couple, already loading his plate.

"Boys," Regina said as she watched Killian stuff his face with something akin to light disgust. "I believe I do have a say in that matter. I will not go to the Yule Ball with Steed."

"Well, at least that is something we can agree on," James huffed, thinking about their many recent fights. About some things, Regina and him were polar opposites.

"James, please. Not now," Regina raised a stern brow at him. She did not want their private matters discussed where everyone could listen.

"Will either of you put your name in for the tournament?" Killian asked, his mouth full. "I would kill to be old enough to enter. My birthday is a month too late."

"Of course I will," James sat up straighter, his chest puffing with pride. "Every Nolan ever off age during the Triwizard has entered their name. If I get picked the Cup is ours for sure. Durmstrang and Beauxbatons won't have a chance."

"What about you, princess?" Killian expectantly looked at Regina. "You're old enough."

Regina simply nodded, her features clouding over for a moment. "Yes, I will." Regina didn't exactly want to put her name into the Goblet of Fire. She was afraid and not at all eager to face three mortally dangerous tasks. But she was a Mills and she had a reputation to live up to. There was no way she would get away with not even trying to participate in the tournament. But, she calmed herself, chances were low for her of all people to be chosen. Chances were high that James would be the Hogwarts champion.

"Well, I'll be sure to be there tonight when the two of you put in your names."

That day, all everyone talked about were the upcoming games. Everyone was excited about the prospect of housing them, even the students who already knew they'd just be watching. It was the first time since 30 years that the Triwizard Tournament would take place after the games had been banned due to the high death toll of their contesters. New safety rules were in place though: Students were only permitted to enter if they were off the legal age, which was 17 in the wizarding world, and teachers and aurors alike would be on the lookout for distress signals from the champions.

"So Rubes, you really want to enter your name?" her best friend Snow asked the shapeshifter.

Ruby nodded. "Yeah, I couldn't live with myself if Regina was the only girl to put her name in. Someone's got to save our honor."

"Why do you think she'd even enter?" Snow asked, curiously looking at her friend. "I mean, we're talking about Regina. You know she doesn't like to get her fingers dirty."

"That's exactly it, Snow. It is Regina fucking Mills we are talking about. There's no way she won't put her name into the race. She's way too arrogant to miss this chance of earning eternal glory."

Snow laughed. "I suppose you're right."

"Is David throwing his name into the goblet?" Ruby wanted to know. "I know his brother will."

"No, I was able to talk him out of it," Snow said with a relieved smile. "I told him I preferred him alive. Same goes for you, you know?"

"Probably won't be chosen anyway," Ruby shrugged her shoulders. "I bet it'll be James, Arthur or Graham."

"Yeah, you're probably right. Well," Snow sighed, worriedly smiling at her best friend. "Let's go then. I'll accompany you to the Goblet of Fire."

Regina was standing next to James and Maleficent in the dim room that held the goblet. So far, Victor Krum and two other boys from Durmstrang, as well as a blonde girl from Beauxbatons, had put their names into the flames under the cheers of their classmates and teachers. Karkaroff was the only teacher still in the room - he was a cunning man and Regina hadn't expected any less; he was most likely learning everything about his champion's possible competition.

Just as James walked forward and put his name in the fire - under the hollers of Killian and Arthur - Snow White and her band of little Gryffindors walked in. When James got back to her side, he gave her a confident grin before starting to glare daggers at his twin brother. However, only Ruby Lucas and Graham Hunt went up to the goblet, their names vanishing in the flame. The content grin on James' face broadened.

"He's not even man enough to try and get into the tournament," he snickered, Arthur and Killian soon joining in his laughter. Regina inwardly shook her head at the boys' antics and watched as more pieces of paper were thrown into the blue flame.

Gaston, Keith and Arthur from her own house. Jefferson, Daniel and Mulan from Ravenclaw - oh and she did notice the wink Steed sent in her direction as he walked past. Lancelot, Arthur's stepbrother, was the only Hufflepuff to throw in his name. Ruby and Graham were soon joined by fellow Gryffindor Robin.

Taking a deep breath, the piece of paper with her name tightly clasped in her hand, Regina approached the Goblet of Fire, careful to not show her inner turmoil on the outside. With a well-practiced arrogant smirk she watched as her name was engulfed by the flames and strode back to James' side who wrapped one arm around her waist in a possessive gesture.

Tomorrow, Regina thought anxiously, her future would be decided. If she got chosen for the tournament, all she hoped for was to survive.

"Good morning," Dumbledore stood in front of the staff table, his voice magically magnified to reach even the last corner of the Great Hall. "Eternal glory! That's what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament, but to do this, that student must survive three tasks. Three extremely dangerous tasks... I am proud that the first games in 30 years will be held at Hogwarts and hope we have given our guests the welcome they deserve. Now, we will wait and watch as the Goblet of Fire presents us with our three brave contestants."

The goblet was carried into the room by Hagrid who placed it on a small stand next to the headmaster.

Together with Karkaroff and Madame Maxime, the headmasters of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, Dumbledore mumbled a string of words, their three wands pointed at the goblet. The entire hall watched in awe as the blue flame turned golden, spitting out the first little piece of paper.

Dumbledore caught it in his hand, unfolded it and announced: "For Beauxbatons, Miss Fleur Delacour!"

He had barely shaken the blonde student's hand, when the next piece of parchment already flew through the air.

"For Durmstrang," Dumbledore looked at the group of students surrounding Igor Karkaroff, "Victor Krum!"

Karkaroff looked proudly at his star student and clasped his shoulder before the boy joined Miss Delacour and Dumbledore.

And then the moment of truth had come. Silence befell all four house tables as the headmaster snapped the last name out of the air.

"And the final champion, competing for Hogwarts," the old wizard's eyes wandered over the tables before stopping his gaze at the green robed students, "Miss Regina Mills!"

Cheers came from the Slytherins and were soon followed by a few from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.

"Regina," Maleficent looked at her oldest friend with a worried frown. She knew that Regina hadn't wanted to put her name in, knew that she was afraid of what laid ahead of her. But, so she had tried to reassure her, chances were close to zero of her actually being in the games. Now though…

"I know, Mal," Regina finally found her voice, meeting her friend's worried eyes with a confidence she didn't have. "I know."

Schooling her features, Regina got up from her seat, gave a reassuring smile to her younger sister further down the table, and made her way towards the other champions. Regina was used to stares and attention, but never before had she felt that many eyes on her back, following her every step. Now she wasn't only Regina Mills, pureblood extraordinare, heir of one of the wizarding world's most powerful families, but also the Triwizard champion for Hogwarts. Instead of basking in the attention though, Regina had to focus all of her thoughts on not storming out of the room to throw up. Putting her name in the goblet had been one thing, being chosen by the goblet was something a whole lot different.

"Congratulations, Miss Mills," Dumbledore shook Regina's cold hand before turning to face the hall again. "May the tournament be just and honorable, may the champions succeed in their dangerous tasks, may no life be lost. I wish you all the best of luck, may the best contestant win."

The Great Hall erupted in applause for the three champions who were escorted out of the room by several professors, followed by the three headmasters.

"Regina," Professor Snape, also head of Slytherin house, was walking right next to her, his usually stoic face contorted with worry. "Didn't I tell you not to put your name into the goblet?"

"I know, Severus," she whispered back so no one else could hear their conversation. "But how could I not? The responsibility of our blood…"

"I told you I would have found a way to explain things to your mother, Regina. You've put yourself in immeasurable danger!"

Her dark eyes were sad as she looked up at him and gently squeezed his hand. "But how would you have explained it to him? You know he would not have been merciful and I can't watch you putting yourself in harm's way for me. Do not worry, uncle Sev. I will survive." Then she let go of his hand and confidently walked into the room ahead of them. Everyone else had already passed them and was waiting for them to join them. Well, here goes nothing, Regina thought, giving both Fleur and Krum a smile. It wouldn't do for them to think she was afraid.

Baelfire and Elsa were sitting in a corner of the library, far enough from Madame Pince so they could talk to each other.

"If I'd known she would enter her name…" Bae muttered under his breath, his expression one of guilt. "I should have -"

"The two of you haven't really talked for 6 years now, Bae, remember?" Elsa tried to reason with her friend. She knew that Baelfire and Regina had grown up together, that the two had been best friends until one of them was sorted into Slytherin and the other into Gryffindor. They'd been pretty much inseparable before Hogwarts.

"I know Elsa. But still, I should have done something. If she dies -"

"Regina Mills will not die, Baelfire Gold. You forget how resourceful she is. She'll manage." The Slytherin was arrogant for sure, but Elsa had to admit, that there were things she could be arrogant about. Sometimes, she wondered why the girl hadn't been sorted into Ravenclaw. Besides Divination she was always one of the top of the class. And she was a great flyer as well, being Slytherin's seeker since 3 years in a row now.

"I just hope you're right," Bae looked at his friend. He still looked worried but not as much as before. "I have to talk to her though, before the first task. Make things right between us."

In the Ravenclaw common room, the conversation of three students was entirely focused on the Hogwarts champion as well. Kathryn, Guinevere and Belle were sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace, wondering how Regina Mills would fare in the upcoming tournament.

"I've met her and her family on several functions outside of Hogwarts," Kathryn now said, to which Guinevere only nodded. They, like the second Mills daughter, came from wealthy, prestigious families and therefore moved in the same social circles.

"Yes, remember the last Christmas Ball at the Gold Estate? She was wearing the prettiest dress I had ever seen," Guinevere added.

"Girls, come on, that doesn't really say anything about her chances. Money or reputation won't help her survive or even win this," Belle chimed in, always the more reasonable of the trio. "I hate to admit it, but her grades… Well, I'm still trying to achieve her Potions grade."

"That's only cause she's a Slytherin and Snape's her godfather," Kathryn objected to the muggleborn's words. "You're head to head in every other subject."

"Still," Belle responded. "She's one of the best students here at Hogwarts, you can't deny it. I think she might actually have a chance."

"To what? Survive? Cause don't be ridiculous girl, we know she won't win the Triwizard Cup," Guinevere chuckled. "I mean, have you seen Victor Krum? Wits aren't everything in these games. She'll need strength as well."

Belle nodded but couldn't help but think that the girl actually DID have a shot at winning the thing. And - even if she was a snobby Slytherin - the Cup would go to Hogwarts. She hoped Regina Mills won.

"Miss Mills, ma'am," Regina was awoken by a wrinkled hand on her shoulder and a squeaky voice in her ear.

"Dobby?" she asked into the dark dorm room, rubbing her eyes, her voice drowsy with sleep.

"Yes, it is Dobby, Miss," the elf said, looking at his mistress with his big round eyes. "Dobby is sorry for waking young Miss, but Lady Mills sent Dobby here to get the Miss. We must leave right away."

Concerned, Regina nodded at her family's longtime house elf and got out of bed. "Am I allowed to dress first?"

"Yes Miss, Mistress Cora said to dress in your best school uniform and to be present.. presentib… presentable. That's what she said."

"Alright, I'll be right back, Dobby." Regina retrieved her dress robes and hurried into the bathroom. It was best not to keep her mother waiting for long.

Seven minutes later, Regina found herself in the entrance hall of Mills Manor. She was surprised to see her uncle Severus was here as well, talking agitatedly to her mother.

"Regina dear, there you are," her mother said with artificial glee once she'd spotted her. "A great honor has befallen you my child. He wants to meet you."

He. Regina involuntarily shuddered when realization hit her. HE. The Dark Lord. Her eyes met Severus' who only nodded at her. She knew he worried about her - he always did, ever since she'd been born - so she gave him a small smile, hoping to lift his spirits.

"Go Regina," her mother now said, giving her an impatient push towards the stairs. "He awaits you in the ballroom."

"Yes, mother."

With a final glance at Severus, Regina started ascending the stairs, each step feeling heavier than the one before. She'd known about the Dark Lord's residence in her family home. Until now though, she'd been too inconsequential to actually meet the dark wizard. Apparently, being chosen as the Hogwarts champion for the Triwizard Tournament had changed things. Finally, she'd reached the massive double wing door and cautiously pushed it open. At the other end of the room was a throne upon which sat a man - a creature? - in black robes, the pale hollow face a stark contrast, making him appear surreal.

"Ah, the young Lady Millsss," he hissed and his voice reminded her of a snake. "Come clossser."

It was not a request but an order. Regina squared her shoulders and walked towards the throne, stopping only three meters in front of Lord Voldemort.

"Clossser, dear." He beckoned her forward with his long spindly fingers until she was directly in front of him.

Then, his hand reached out and moved under her chin, tilting her head up until their eyes met.

Legilimency, Regina knew in an instant. She forced herself to relax and let the Dark Lord enter her mind. It felt horribly like rape of a sort. She could feel his foul presence in her veins, reaching into her very core. Thankfully, Severus had taught her Occlumency since she'd turned 13. Now, at age 17, she was not a master as her uncle, but good enough to keep almost anyone out or from seeing what they wanted to. She knew the Dark Lord would probably easily be able to breach her defenses. But, so she hoped, he wouldn't try to, not suspecting her of being capable of occluding her mind, of creating false memories. He would never know about her conversations with her uncle or the hatred and disgust she felt for himself.

Currently, the Dark Lord was watching as Dumbledore announced her name to the Great Hall. Eventually, she felt the pressure in her forehead ebb away and found herself staring into the red slits of Voldemort.

"I am proud of you, child. You will win thisss tournament and bring glory to Ssslytherin and your lord. To show you my deep appreciation, I will reward you with the Dark Mark. You will be my newest and youngest follower and I shall help you to greatnessss."

"I… thank you, my lord. I am honored." Regina felt anything but. She did not want to become one of his deatheaters, did not want to bear the mark and its dark magic on her skin. But what was she to do? Decline? It would be her certain death.

So instead she held out her left forearm and waited for the pain to come.

She knew it would hurt. Severus had once told her of the night he'd received his.

She clenched her teeth together in agony as he branded her for eternity. Her arm felt like it was on fire, her blood was boiling in her veins. When the pain became too much to bear, it finally subsided and she fell to her knees in front of the huge iron throne.

"Admirable," the Dark Lord seemed to be stating to himself. "Most grown men passs out when they earn their mark. A sspecial child indeed." Then, his voice rose in volume and he was addressing Regina again. "Rissse, girl. I shall sssummon you when I need you. And do not disssappoint me. Win the gamesss and earn your place by my ssside – lossse them however, and I shall punish you and yoursss accordingly. A chosen of the Dark Lord doesss not lose."

"Regina, dear," her mother almost ran towards her when she finally came back to the entrance hall.

Regina though only waved her away. She could not face her mother right now, the pride she'd undoubtedly feel at Regina's rise to the Dark Lord's inner ranks.

"Leave her be, Cora," Severus said in a voice that allowed no objection. "I will see to her. I am sure you will be informed soon enough of the happenings in the ballroom."

Then he motioned for Dobby to stay put. He himself would take Regina back to Hogwarts.

"Regina?" He approached her with caution. The girl looked as if she would crumble under a wrong word or gesture.

Silently, she held out her arm for him to take and together they apparated to Hogwarts. Because of Severus' position as a spy, the headmaster had enabled him to apparate into and out of his bed chambers.

Upon seeing the familiar furniture, the girl's sobs bubbled to the surface and she threw herself into the arms of her uncle. Beside her younger sister, he was the only "relative" she could count on.

"Regina?" Severus dared ask after a long while, when the sobs had finally calmed down.

Instead of an explanation, Regina freed herself of his embrace and pulled up the left sleeve of her robes. It was then, that tears started running down the teacher's face as well. He pulled her back into his arms, never wanting to let go. The blackened skin on her forearm seemed to mock him, to taunt him, telling him that he wouldn't be able to save her. But he would. If it was the last thing he did. Regina would survive the war that would inevitably erupt. Forever marked maybe – but alive.

"Miss Drake," McGonagall said at the beginning of Transfiguration, approaching the blonde Slytherin. "I would be ever so grateful if you told Miss Mills, that taking part in the Triwizard Tournament does not free her from her classes."

The Gryffindor half of the class snickered while the Slytherins held looks that could kill. Maleficent in particular was glaring at the old witch.

"Regina wasn't feeling well this morning," she explained, her features not giving away her worries for her friend. "I am sure you will have a written apology by lunch, Professor."

"The fame hasn't gone to her head already I hope?" More snickers from the Gryffindor side, although, Maleficent realized, neither Elsa Arendelle nor Baelfire Gold were joining in. Instead they looked almost... ashamed at the words of their head of house. Interesting, Mal thought. Maybe she should tell Regina about it. If she emerged from her bed sometime today. She'd looked positively ill this morning and hadn't said one single word to her.

"This is so unlike Regina," Baelfire whispered to Elsa once Professor McGonagall had stopped walking through the rows and was back at her own desk, looking through a stack of papers. "She would never just not appear to class without a word to the respective professor."

"I agree," Elsa nodded. "Something is clearly off. I just wonder… do you think it's rashly because of the tournament? I heard that the champions get clues about the tasks beforehand. If they can figure them out, they can better prepare for the task ahead."

"No, Regina wouldn't miss class. Not even then. She must be really sick. Maybe- maybe I could ask Zelena?"

"You could always try your luck I suppose. I don't think she'd tell you anything though. Remember third year? She was a second year then and had a huge crush on you. You declined her invitation to a date."

"Yeah, but come on. That's ages ago and we were both pretty much kids. She was 13!" Bae's last words earned him a curious but stern look from the professor, so he spoke more quietly when he continued. "She can't seriously still be mad at me for this."

"One, she's a woman," Elsa grinned devilishly at her friend. "And two – which makes your chances even worse – she's a Mills. I'd bet my favorite quill that she's still holding a grudge."

"So Cru, any luck?" Mal asked the other girl when she joined her in the Great Hall for lunch.

Cruella shook her platinum blonde head. "She won't talk to me either. I'm really starting to worry. She's not herself, Mal."

"I was afraid you'd say that. So what do we do? Should we go to Professor Snape?"

"No, let's give her another day. You know she doesn't like it when we go to her godfather behind her back, even if it's for her own sake. Remember second year?"

Mal nodded. She did remember. Regina hadn't spoken to them for a whole week. All because they'd involved Professor Snape in her little accident. A spell gone wrong - Cru's wand had been slightly broken - had gifted Regina two vampire teeth… Of course the proud and stubborn girl had tried to undo it on her own. The teeth though had only grown longer and sharper under her efforts until one day, she'd refused to leave the dorm, finally unable to hide the two corner teeth.

"Yeah, I remember," Mal now said with a chuckle. "I suppose we'll give her another day to get back to her normal bitchy self."

"Zelena," Bae nervously approached the fiery redhead, Elsa in tow. They'd spotted her on the stairs on their way to the Great Hall for dinner and decided to try their luck with the youngest Mills. "Zelena, hey," he repeated a little louder when the girl just ignored him, chattering to her friend Louise Ginger. Louise was a very extravagant girl. She was blind - and dressed accordingly even though she could surely find a way to not mix up all the colors if she wanted to - but could hex you into tomorrow from the other side of the Quidditch pitch, even when you were surrounded by a whole group of people. Her presence didn't make this any easier.

The redhead still chose to ignore the Gryffindor. She only turned around to raise a brow at them when Elsa addressed her as well.

"What do you want?" Zelena asked aggressively and Baelfire thought he could see Louise's wand hand twitch dangerously.

"I figured you would know how Regina was doing?" the boy asked, hoping to learn anything at all from her younger sister.

"Regina's fine. Not that you care. Or should care. Sod off."

"Wait!" Elsa exclaimed when the two Slytherins were already walking away. She'd decided to try her chances. Bae was one of her best and only friends and he really needed to know if Regina was alright. The two girls stopped but didn't turn around. "I… Regina and I were scheduled to meet today. She wanted to help me with my... my Potions homework," she quickly made up, hoping they wouldn't see through her lie.

At that, Zelena turned back around to face the older girl. "Why would my sister help a Gryffindor?"

Elsa's face flushed under Zelena's scrutiny. "I… Well, it's this new project we're doing in class. You know? Professor Snape divided us into..."

"Stop, stop, stop!" Zelena exclaimed. "You're giving me a headache. I really don't care what you're doing in class anyway. Regina should be in the girls' dormitory. Today's password is 'Gryffindor sucks'."

"Thank you, Zelena," Elsa sputtered, happy she'd gotten away with her lie. She turned for the stairs leading to the dungeons, when the redhead called her name.

"You're welcome, I suppose. Oh and Arendelle? Password is 'snakebite'. And don't let anyone catch you, you know no one's allowed in the other houses' common rooms and dorms."

Elsa nodded. Just minutes later, Bae and herself were standing in the dungeons, in front of a stone relief that looked like a snake ready to pounce - the entrance to Slytherin house.

"Let's do this," Bae mumbled, resting his hand on the snake. Not a second later, he pulled it back, hissing in pain and uttering a curse about 'bloody Slytherins'.

"I guess they're not keen on intruders," Elsa giggled at his antics. "You should go to the Great Hall anyway. You can't sneak into Slytherin house AND enter the girls' dorms as a guy. And there really is no point in both of us missing out on dinner."

He hit his forehead with his flat palm. "Oh, damn it, you're right. Didn't even think about that." Then he grinned. "Well, you go ahead then. Don't let the snakes bite you."

"I'll try not to get bitten," she joked. "You owe me big time, Bae. And I doubt she'll even talk to me if I get there."

"Thanks for trying though," he called after her, watching as the snake's mouth opened at hearing the password, revealing a hole in the wall that was big enough to comfortably walk through.

"See you later Bae," Elsa called back, the entrance already disappearing behind her.

The Slytherin common room was not how Elsa or any Gryffindor would have imagined it. It wasn't dark and moody but warm and inviting. Emerald green sofas and armchairs were littered throughout the open room, a beautiful marble wizarding chess set stood in front of the fireplace, and bookshelves covered almost every little piece of wall. Thankfully for the Gryffindor witch, the common room was currently empty – everyone was probably already in the Great Hall. Well, everyone besides Regina. Not knowing which staircase led down to the girls' and which to the boys' dormitories, Elsa decided to follow her instincts and took the one to her right. She knew she was right when she came upon a brass sign at the end of the stairs: "Entrance only for witches. Wizards not allowed from this point on."

Elsa went through the archway and found herself in a long hallway. There were seven doors so Elsa took a wild guess and entered door number six.

The room was pitch black - no sun- or moonlight down in the dungeons - so Elsa lit the tip of her wand with a whispered "Lumos".

There were three beds in the room. On the last one, Elsa was able to make out a curled up figure. Regina. She tiptoed closer - she didn't want to wake her if she was asleep - and almost jumped out of her skin, when a raspy voice broke the silence.

"You really never were any good at sneaking around, Mal. But like I said earlier - Go. Away."

"I'm sorry, it's…"

At the stranger's voice, Regina sat up straight in her bed, already pointing her wand at the intruder.

"You? What's Baelfire's best friend doing in my room?" She yelled at Elsa. Her dark eyes were glaring at the blonde Gryffindor. "How did you even get in here?"

"Bae was- is worried about you. I'm here to check on you, nobody could tell us anything," Elsa calmly explained, taking several steps towards the brunette. "Are you alright?"

"I… that is none of your business! Leave now before I hex you into oblivion!" Regina shouted but it was already to late.

The blonde girl gasped and started to back away from Regina, her back eventually hitting the cold wall. Her wide blue eyes were trained- on her left arm!

Regina looked down at herself and gasped as well when she saw that her sleeve had ridden up her arm, uncovering part of the Dark Mark. Hastily, she pulled the sleeve back down and wrapped her right hand around her wrist, holding it tightly in place.

"I… please wait. I- I can explain…" Regina weakly called after the retreating figure of the Gryffindor. "I won't harm you. Please?"

Hearing the proud pureblood beg somehow turned a switch inside of Elsa and instead of taking her legs into her hands and getting out of the room as fast as possible, she took a few steps back towards the other girl before staying rooted to the spot. One day, she was sure of it, her caring, trusting nature would kill her. The Hufflepuff part of her. She fixed her bright eyes on the dark haired girl, trying to not stare at her newly covered arm.

"Thank you," Regina breathed out once she realized that Elsa would stay, would listen to what she had to say. She could've run off to the headmaster instead, gotten her expelled from the school.

"I… I didn't get it voluntarily," she studying stated, nodding towards her left arm. "My family is loyal to the Dark Lord - I'm sure you've heard all about my older sister, Bellatrix - and when he summoned me yesterday, I couldn't refuse. He would have killed me. Would have punished my whole family. Do you understand?"

Elsa gave her a small nod. She'd heard stories of the eldest Mills sister. She was already with the Dark Lord when he killed the Potter family five years ago. She'd been 17 back then. The Dark Lord had been weakened immensely by striking the killing blow against little Harry Potter - so much so, that for over two years people had believed him dead - and Bellatrix Mills, barely off age, had been imprisoned with most of the rest of his followers in Azkaban ever since. No one had seen Lord Voldemort since that fateful night but over the last three years, the voices that he was back and powerful as before had started to get louder and louder. Apparently, he really was back. The mark on Regina's arm was the visible proof of his comeback.

"I didn't want this. You have to believe me. He- there was no choice." Tears started flowing down freely the Slytherin's cheeks. "There was no choice..."

And Elsa believed her. Regina Mills may be a lot of things - a snobby, bitchy pureblood being one of them - but she was not a deatheater. She'd never called anyone a mudblood; her words could be harsh sometimes but she was never cruel; she measured people by their deeds, not their blood or family.

"I know. I believe you, Regina," Elsa muttered, closing the distance and wrapping her arms around the other girl. "You're not one of them. The mark on your skin doesn't change who you are." And Elsa felt her heart reach out for the proud girl that was reduced to a sobbing mess in her arms.

AN: So. You did it! Did you like it? Is this worth continuing? I mean, I will definitely continue writing it but if you guys out there are interested, I will try to write faster/more often and most importantly keep uploading new chapters. Also feel free to give me ideas, maybe you even have a preference for Regina's (or someone else's) love interest.