Hi everyone ! I hope you're having a fantastic holiday. I know I am. Anyway, here's my little present, nothing much I'm afraid.

It occured to me that my British English and American English is more or less the same, and so, I would like to apologize for that, and for any coming mistake. I'm trying my best to reproduce British English in Bella's speeches but I guess I fail most of the time.

Other than that, same old; all mistakes are mine. (No beta for this one)

Disclaimer : I dunnot own HP or OUaT.

Enjoy!

Chapter VI.

"What is this muggle atrocity?" Asked a clearly disdained voice, watching something her mind couldn't quite grasp. A chuckle came at the over side of the room, and the witch glared, her eyes sending daggers. If looks could kill, the wolf would already be dead and buried.

It amused Ruby to no end, how Bellatrix could act like everything was beneath her — and she had no doubt that if she believed it enough, then it would actually be — even though she was curious about the thing.

Said thing, or atrocity, was a cell-phone. Of course, Bella did not understand what it was, or its use, or even its looks. But still, it was peculiar to say the least to watch someone talk into an object and have the object actually respond to her. Bellatrix had been left speechless for a few long seconds, before objecting with as much contempt as she could master. Old habits die hard, she was the living proof of that.

"It's a phone, Bellatrix. It allows us to speak with people that are too far away." Ruby explained, a small smile gracing her lips. She actually found the witch quite endearing, even though she knew for a fact after having experienced it that she was dangerous — as much as Regina.

It amazed her how much the two women looked like each other. Of course, she would never tell this to any of them — especially not Regina — but in some ways, they were similar. They acted more than they lived; they hid behind annoying defence mechanisms, and they felt like there was no tomorrow. They also took a liking in irrational hatred, and at some point, violence. Still, Ruby hoped that at least Regina was past that point, because they really didn't need the two witches to help each other in destroying everything — because they would succeed, no matter how much it pained her to admit that.

"A cell-phone. How ridiculous. Do you not use owls?" She was frowning now, trying to understand why on earth they had to act like they were superior. They were dirt, garbage, filth, and so on.

"Well, no. It's not fast enough." Bellatrix scoffed at that, and crossed her arms on her chest, muttering things to herself. She truly looked mad in that moment, and Ruby was afraid she might be performing a spell to transform her into something, or kill her, maybe. She hoped the older woman was just crazy.

"Anywaaay. Umh. So the Mayor should be here any moment now."

"That Regina woman? I do not want to meet her." The British woman looked like a child now, and it made Ruby smile. She was actually … cute … Sort of.

"You kinda have to …" Ruby looked sheepish, and Bellatrix pouted.

"You can't make me do anything, you monstrosity! How dare you! How dare you think filth such as you can order me around!"

Here was the Bellatrix they all knew, and it made the wolf flinch just a little bit. How could she not be mute after all that screaming, in all her life? Her voice was a little hoarse, sure, but otherwise completely normal.

"Know your place, dog."

The British definitely didn't look cute anymore, and Ruby scowled. She was getting tired of being insulted. First by Regina, and now by a book character! This was getting ridiculous.

"Alright, first, you calm the fuck down. Second, you don't have a say. Third, eat your damn breakfast!" Bellatrix was surprised by such an outburst and she just stood there, paralysed, with no idea what to do or say. Her hand was hitching to get her wand, and cast a 'crucio' to the offending woman, but without really knowing why, she didn't. She just sat back, and ate her eggs, a look of disdain clear on her face.

Ruby just sighed, and ran her hand on her face, getting tired by the second. She couldn't wait for Regina to get here, and sort out this mess. Maybe send the woman to where she was from. Yeah, that'd be good. She frowned, remembering that Bellatrix thought this was a dream — or wished it wasn't. She remembered how truly terrified she had seem when she had crumpled on the floor, moving in a autistic pose, repeating to herself that it wasn't a dream. The wolf didn't know what to think of this. She'd always thought that Bellatrix was the crazy Death Eater with blind devotion to her Lord; it seemed surreal that she might actually not like her life.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden gasp, and she turned her eyes toward the door to see Regina had finally gotten here. At least. She sighed in relief, and stood to approach the woman, who looked like she had seen a ghost. Who could blame her.

The Queen appeared at the bottom of the B&B, straightening her cloths in a habit. She sighed, trying to prepare to what was to come, even if she didn't know exactly what it was. She had a feeling she would not like what she would find upstairs, but still, a small part of her believed that this was just a very sick joke. There was no Bellatrix. Not a real one, anyway.

Shaking her head, she climbed the stairs slowly, her heels clicking on the floor in a familiar sound. It relaxed her, the sound of her heels; she couldn't stomach going anywhere without hearing it for herself. Somehow, it kept her grounded. Gave her a purpose.

Finally at the top of the stairs, she slowed her pace. She had a feeling, deep in her belly, that she could not like what was there, and she wanted oh so much to turn around and just leave. She wanted to ignore the issue, to play dead and to finally be left alone. But the Fates hated her — still — and here she was, approaching the only open door on the floor. She breathed deeply, and stepped forward, turning so that her body could face the room. And she gasped.

The sudden noise maybe Bella lift her head from her plate, staring at the intruder with narrowed eyes. She assessed the woman quickly — more out of habit than a real need to do so — and decided that she had to be at least a little bit powerful in order to have such presence. It didn't scare her, though, because she was still sure of being the greatest witch this world — not hers, she would never be stronger than her Lord — has ever known.

"Regina, thank God you're here." The wolf said with relief, and it made Bella snort. Like this woman — the 'famous' Regina — could help her if she decided to torture her into insanity. She smiled at herself, and her eyes drifted to her plate again, finish her breakfast. She had been rather famished; and even if she would never admit it, this muggle food was actually quite tasty. She hummed, and pushed the plate away.

"This is impossible, Miss Lucas. Bellatrix Black cannot be here. Cannot stay here, anyway. She has to go back." The words were merely a whisper, something that she should hear. But she did, and she got mad, standing up suddenly.

She didn't want to go back. She couldn't stand the pain and suffering anymore; she would not let them send her back. She gripped her wand, and pointed it at the brunettes, a sparkle of insanity clear in her eyes. Make them fear you. It's the only way.

"What do you think you're doing, filth?"

If the wolf flinched when she saw the wand, the other woman just frowned, like it was just an inconvenience. That got the crazed woman even madder, and she began yelling her usual nonsense.

"I am a pureblood! I am Bellatrix Black, of the famous and most ancient House of Black and you will not force my hand into anything! Filthy filthy filthy MUDBLOODS. I WILL NOT –"

"Enough of this." The woman waved her hand and suddenly Bellatrix was paralysed. What was that? Wandless wordless stupefy? That was … impossible.

Regina didn't know what to think. Here she was, clearly before her eyes, the crazy crazy woman who terrified her son when she read him the story. The woman who made all children shook and wished her death. She was here, before her very eyes, and the Queen didn't know what to think.

Still, she was annoyed by the interruption, and even more so by the yelling. So Emma had been right after all; she did indeed like to say filth a lot. She fought a chuckle, earning a strange look from Ruby that she just brushed away. This just wouldn't do. So she stopped the crazy rumbling, waving her hand in an almost bored manner.

She was no fool, though; she knew the mad woman was dangerous — if not more than her.

But she had to deal with this … situation and she could not do that with the other woman's yelling like the crazy person she was.

"Alright, now that this is settled. What do we do, Regina?"

The Queen found herself without an answer. She honestly didn't know. She looked at the witch, frowning ever so slightly, before returning her gaze to the wolf. She had to think of something; there had to be something.

"Other than sending her back?"

"Well, yeah, but that's not gonna be easy, is it?"

The older woman shook her head, sighing softly. She didn't need this new mess into her life. Though if she was entirely honest with herself, she had to admit that it was a welcomed distraction. At last, she didn't have to think about Robin, or … Emma.

"Ah! Regina, you're here. Good." Speak of the devil. The former Mayor scowled instantly, and looked towards the door, frowning when she set her eyes upon the blonde woman.

"I did tell you I would be, did I not?" The annoyed tone in her voice didn't go unnoticed.

"Uhm, yeah … Hey Ruby…" Emma said somewhat sheepishly, biting her lip. "Hi Bella….trix." She froze, finally realizing the witch was not moving either. "What happened there?"

"She was distracting me." Came the simple reply, in a bored tone. Obviously, Regina was done discussing with Emma, and she turned her attention to Ruby for a second, before setting her gaze upon the British woman. She waved her hand, releasing the magical bounds.

Bellatrix nearly fell at the sudden freedom, and she took her wand out on an impulse, pointing it at the offending brunette. Her eyes were shooting daggers, and she was shaking in rage. "How. Dare. You!" The spell was on the tip of her tongue, and she was fighting her instincts. She wanted to, though, she wanted to be the crazy person they all wanted her to be. It was easy, she thought.

"Now, calm yourself, Madame Black." Regina was a little wary, though her stance did not betray it. She was forcing herself not to panic. The rage she could see in the other woman's eyes, she was all too familiar with it; and she knew all too well its damages. She took a small breath. "We are not trying to force you into anything. But surely you understand that you do not belong here." Ever the politician, her tone was curt and civil. She even smiled a bit, though it didn't reach her eyes.

The dark haired witch seemed to be considering, and with great effort, put away her wand. She held it at her thigh, almost lazily; but the Queen wasn't fooled, she knew that Bellatrix's temper was dangerous.

"Umh, Regina?" Came the somewhat shy question. Regina's attention snapped to the blonde woman and she arced her eyebrow, inviting her to continue. "Should we not, I don't know, get Mr. Gold?"

It was like ice running on the brunette's skin. She scowled, and turned her eyes away after a cold response. "We will not get that imp involved."

"But he will know eventually!"

"No. He will not know because we will find a way to solve this before he does." That was the end of the discussion, and Emma sighed.

"Who's that Gold guy?" The witch asked, and Regina rolled her eyes, silently cursing the infuriating blonde.

"A pawnbroker." There was more to it, Bellatrix could tell, but she decided not to push the issue further.

"Rightty. So. You can do magic too, I see." Regina frowned once more, and sighed, ignoring the British woman intently; which she didn't appreciate, but decided on pouting more than making a tantrum out of it.

"Ruby, I trust you can keep her safe for the time being." The surprising use of her name didn't go unnoticed by Emma and the Wolf, but neither said anything.

"Well, I kinda hoped you could take her in. Cuz you know, she … she kinda destroyed the wall and everything?" Bellatrix snorted, and Ruby smiled sheepishly, while Regina gripped the bridge of her nose. She felt a migraine coming up.

"I can't, Miss Lucas. It would be too dangerous for Henry." She tried to keep her voice from going frosty. Somehow, she didn't want to be mean to Ruby. Go figure.

"Are you kidding? The kid would be thrilled. And, well, he's … staying with me, anyway."

Her whole body went rigid. Once again, Emma was getting on her nerves, and everyone noticed. Ruby facepalmed, while Bellatrix was suddenly smiling like a madwoman. Blood!, she thought.

"Thank you for the reminder, Sheriff." Her tone was icy, and she didn't even turn to look at the woman. Emma knew she had screwed it up, once again, but couldn't help it, it seemed.

"Pretty please, Regina? Granny is going to kill her otherwise."

Regina sighed, deeply, and straightened her spine. "Very well." She turned to Bellatrix, frowning once more. "You shall come with me, then."

"What if I don't want to?"

She was acting like a child, and even if the Queen knew it was just to annoy her, it was working admirably. She was two seconds away from snapping.

"I'm afraid you have no choice, dear. This isn't your world, and we can't have you roaming around, can we?" She smiled, a polite smile, entirely fake, and turned suddenly on her heels. "Come along, dear. I don't have all day."

Of course, Bellatrix did not like being ordered around, and her fingers flexed on her wand. Still, she stood, and scowling, followed her. Both women went pass the Sheriff without acknowledging her, and went down the stairs.

Spotting the elder woman, Regina walked to her, her posture rigid. "Eugenia." She merely looked over her shoulder and looked at Bellatrix, Granny following her gaze. She only nodded in response, grunted what looked-like a 'thank you', and went about her tasks.

"Well, shall we?" The Queen smiled once more, turning to Bellatrix, and outstretched her hand.

Bellatrix watched it with disbelief, and shrugged, grasping it. A second later, they were engulfed in dark purple smoke.

After apparating for the first time, she thought she lived through one of the most annoying sensations in the world. Boy was she wrong.

Whatever the cold brunette did, it was worst. She felt like gagging on smoke, falling to her knees — much to her disgrace — when the cloud finally disappeared. She coughed, and coughed, trying to regain her senses, and finally croaked out, annoyed. "What. In. The. Name. Of. Merlin."

She lifted her head in time to see the other woman smirk, and she saw red, once again. She pointed her wand rather violently, and began muttering the words, only to be interrupted by a 'tsk'.

"None of that in my house, if you please. It was merely a teleportation." She turned on her heels, then, and walked into what seemed like a kitchen; not that she'd ever step a foot in there.

Bella took a look at her new environment, and found herself strangely at ease. Not that she would admit it, but the place was downright beautiful. Yet, she was accustomed to more … well … to darker decoration. But that would do quite nicely.

Finally stable enough to stand on her feet, she straightened up, and followed the other woman. She saw her pouring a rather dark beverage, and frowned, settling on a stool near the small bar.

"What's that?" She asked, trying to sound smug.

"Coffee." Came the simple reply, the brunette taking a sip while turning to face the British woman, a tired look settling on her features. "I am Regina Mills."

Bellatrix smiled a little, unsettling the Queen. "Bellatrix Black."

"I know." Regina said tiredly, and she sighed, taking another sip, the black coffee doing wonders to her mood. "I would like to set a few rules, since you'll be staying here until … Well." She knew better than tell her she was going to force her to go back to her world, remembering how upset it made her earlier.

"Rules? You think you can order me things, mudblood?" Her tone was angry, and Regina did her best not to appear too annoyed.

"First rule, you shall stop all this name-calling. It's unbecoming." She frowned a little, continuing. "Second, you shall not speak to my son, or there will be consequences. Third rule, you are not to touch anything before asking me."

"But!-"

"No. I do not want you to destroy my house like you did Miss' Lucas wall."

Bellatrix huffed, and pouted, crossing her arms against her chest.

"Last rule. No unforgivables. Ever."

At that, her reaction was scary. She rose to her feet, her eyes reflecting cold hatred, her hands grasping her wand and shaking in anger. "I will not stand for this!"

Regina just stared, appearing unaffected. "You will. Otherwise, I'll lock you up without your wand. You cannot go around and curse people." She was trying to remain civil, even though it was boring her.

"Careful now, mudblood. I could curse you into oblivion!" And to empathize her point, she pointed the wood towards Regina, the words on the tip of her tongue once again.

"I said no name-calling. And this is not up to discussion. Now put that thing away and follow me, I'll show you to your room."

Without waiting for an answer, she set back the mug on the bar and left the kitchen, slowly ascending the stairs.

Alone in the kitchen, Bellatrix sighed, and shook her head slightly, a smile gracing her lips. This woman was a challenge, and what did she love if not challenges?

Any thoughts?

I'm cherishing my one review.

'Till next time, folks.

And happy holiday. Merry Christmas. Soon-to-be, happy New Year.