Arthur Mallory growls.
"Is there some Watcher protocol for getting around legalities that he may have been hoping to lean on?" Bella asks Giles.
He pauses, then adds, "Don't you worry, Arthur. She doesn't seem at all inclined to feed you to a vampire."
"I mean, I dunno, Sherlock, did you get enough dinner?" She isn't serious. Quite.
Growl, goeth Arthur Mallory.
"Although it's arguably no more than he deserves, I must advise against feeding Arthur to a vampire," says Giles.
"You're probably right," sighs Bella theatrically. "Anyway. Is my working hypothesis that this was some kind of fucked-up test about right?"
"Unfortunately, yes. I was under the impression that it had been discontinued centuries ago, but it seems I was wrong."
"I'm not familiar with the details, but I predict the Council will not be happy with this outcome even if it does fall into some sort of loophole. How did you manage to, er, ally with the vampire...?"
"Oh, Mr. Mallory here overdosed me. I could barely twitch when I came around and he located me. So, a bit lacking in options, I engaged him in charming conversation. I'm very charming, Giles, did you notice? And he is an unusually nice vampire."
"And, I mean, as charitably as I can possibly interpret the entire mess, it was a test of some combination of my wit and social skills, since my superpowers were inoperative. I think I passed with flying colors."
Mr. Mallory is apparently exercising his right to remain silent while his face is mushed into the carpet.
"And I'm glad you didn't help kidnap me. But I'm a little annoyed that you didn't actually get me a magic teacher for my birthday."
Mallory twitches. Bella tightens her grip. He stops twitching.
Eventually, Charlie shows up, cuffs and disarms the arrestee, and carts him off.
"I don't technically have anywhere to sleep," remarks Sherlock. "Do you suppose I can get away with taking this hotel room for the night?"
"Probably. They'll charge him either way. But you might be in a bind when they try to kick you out during the day tomorrow."