Regina's fear was unexpected, so much so that it actually turned on itself, augmenting it...she didn't even make sense to herself anymore! But, that didn't stop her face becoming a mask of terror, frightening the life out of Emma. The girl, who was at first more than eager to ask questions as to where they were going and what they were going to do to her was now cowering, choosing to put Snape between her and Regina. Odd choice of protection, but she felt that at that particular moment, Snape would be less likely to turn her into a blubbering messs with just one look. She had made a mistake, that much was obvious. But just how big, she was about to find out. So, she took one silent deep breath and followed her lover and her lover's best friend to a destination known only to them.

''Sherbet Lemon.''

Regina looked up, surprised at the words that came out of Severus's mouth.

''Seriously? One would think it would be something different, not the two words everyone knows about from just reading Potter's biography.''

''People hardly go up there anymore. I think they're terrified they'll meet him and actually have to have a converstion with the old fool. Something which is likely to happen anyway, he can't seem to find a portrait to sit still in.''

Snape's words were mean, but didn't quite reach his eyes. And Regina knew just how much he missed his friend and how much he still exactly regretted that he was the cause of the man's demise, even though the wizard himself had ordered it so. Comfortingly, she put a trembling hand on his forearm, conveying all her inner thoughts he always knew how to read even without Legilimency.

Emma flinched at this display of intimacy, the green-eyed monster rearing its ugly head, just as it did that day by the lake. Her emerald eyes swam with tears, but she refused to let go of them, so she simply fixed her stare on the ornate carving of a bird which was turning into a staircase, fuming on the inside.

Unbeknownst to her, Regina had noticed Emma's observation of her and Severus's interaction and couldn't care less what the girl thought. The guilt trip could wait. If she lived another day, that is. Because she knew, that when it came down to it., she wouldn't have the strength left in her to fight Snow. She would let herself be chained and shackled and led to a dungeon in Azkaban. And the Dementors' putrid breaths would surround her, sapping her of what little will to live she had left in her before they would finally end her life. She thought that it would even be a little bit of an annoyance for Snow, not being abe to kill her herself, and this pleased Regina, in that, cling-to-whatever-you-can-to-stay-sane kind of way.

''So...what now?''

''I see patience isn't amongst the few character traits she possesses, Regina. If you would, stand here.''

His knuckles slid down the prominent cheek bones of his best friend, urging her to look at him, not caring one bit he had quite a captive – and furious – audience.

''Think back to what you want to show. Only memories of your own choosing. This isn't Legilimency, you know it's less invasive.''

He was reminding her she had no reason to share all of her vulnerability with Emma. For that, she was grateful and nodded, letting out a few silvery tears which he caught with the tip of his wand, encasing it in a small vial.

Then, he approached the large oval object he had placed in the middle of the room. He poured the contents of the vial into the Pensieve and retreated. The liquid in it swirled forebodingly.

''Your turn Princess.''

His address was by no means friendly and Emma inwardly shuddered at the hiss which was attached to it.

Emma turned to peer into the liquid contents of the dish and felt herself being sucked into it. Her heart raced and then she was flooded with memoires so potent in their pain that nothing else int he world mattered. What had she done?!

When Emma was jolted back to reality, she colapsed in a heap on the floor. Regina still stood in the far corner of the office, behind Albus's desk, a certain phoenix and Snape flanking her sides. She was grateful for both their presences, although, the bird being there did surprise her somehwat. She thought he had gone when Albus died. Still, Fawkes was there, enabling Regina's raging senses to calm. She turned to the beautiful bird and petted its wings. Fawkes nearly purred and she laughed slightly, paying no attention to Emma whatsoever.

''Regina...I...''

''Don't talk. Not now. You know, that's what's important.''

And that's when Regina realized why Fawkes was there. He looked at her, almost pointedly, and she swore she could see him nod. Snape cleared his throat and she looked up at him. His eyes turned to the bird as well, and Regina shuddered at what she was about to do. But, if it meant staying alive...not that she particularly enjoyed, but still giving Snow the satisfaction of dying seemed like a probability she'd rather miss out on. Always the rebel. She smirked at her thoughts.

She opened her mind to Severus's inner Legilimence, and he entered it with ease.

''Old friend...I will miss you.''

''Oh, not as much as you'd like, Gina.''

''Visits?''

''As often as possible. You know me, if I don't have someone to outdrink, what would my life be?''

She laughed, Emma looking at her, a question in her eyes.

''That's it then. What about her? Can she follow?''

''Only when all is settled and resolved here. If she so chooses. And, I'm afraid, if Fawkes sees it fit. But I wouldn't worry too much, he, much like Albus, is a romantic at heart. If Emma Charming is your one true love, she will come to you. I have no doubts.''

Regina's breath hitched as she heard an owl tapping softly at the window. Severus reached out for the paper attahced to its foot.

''There's no more time. They're coming in less than half an hour. They have just alerted the ministry of their arrival. It seems the Queen wasn't all too delighted that a professor was daring enough as to ''corrupt'' her innocent little baby girl.''

''It's just as I have expected. I have to go now. Tell her...Just...''

''I know.''

With those last words ringing in her head, she stood up suddenly, beckoning to Fawkes with her right hand. Emma watched the scene with dread. Regina placed the bird on her shoulder and with one loud flap of its beautful fire-red wings, they were both gone. Emma felt tears sliding down her face as a disinterested Snape glowered at her from the other end of the office.

On the other end of the scene, Muggle London awaited Regina with all her problems and all her magic. She'd never expect it to become home. But it would, and quicker than she thought.