A gloomy mist hung thickly over Malfoy Manor, no warm light glowing through the numerous windows, the gates a formidable steel.
Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange didn't even falter as they stalked through the threshold, the magical enchantment melting the gate away. A conspicuous gold peacock poked it's head out of a bush as they strode past, but otherwise they reached the house unbothered.
The massive doors swung open before they had even knocked, and Lucius Malfoy strode down the stairs that swept into the large entrance hall.
"Bellatrix. Rodolphus." He nodded at each in turn. "Welcome." His voice echoed in the cavernous space. They followed him through the showy house to the main living room, where large windows failed to allow light penetrate the dark carpets and gothic curtains.
A very pregnant Narcissa Malfoy was sat stiffly on a sofa. She rose clumsily as the guests enter, her platinum blond hair the brightest thing in the room.
"Sister." Narcissa said airily, gliding over to hug Bellatrix, either not noticing or ignoring how she flinched.
With a lazy flick of his hand, Lucius brought golden champagne flutes of Firewhisky, and they sat down, perched on the armchairs, the room still cold despite the roaring fire.
"How has life been treating you, Bellatrix?" Lucius said dryly, smirking a little.
Bellatrix glanced quickly at her husband. He shook his head slightly.
"We're both fine."
There was an awkward pause, and then Rodolphus spoke, addressing Lucius.
"How is your work going?"
Before Lucius could start, Narcissa rose, took her sister's hand and tugged her out of the room.
"Come, Bellatrix. I need to talk to you."
They entered the smaller drawing room, and Narcissa flicked on the lights, casting long shadows on the walls.
"Talk to me Bellatrix. I know when something is wrong." Narcissa said, taking Bellatrix's hands and looking imploringly into her eyes.
"Nothing is wrong." Bellatrix said quietly, weaker than before.
"Please." Narcissa's eyes welled up a little. "Tell me. I'm your sister."
Bellatrix turned and looked out of the window at the long lawn that stretched out into the fog.
"I can't tell you."
"Bella." Narcissa pleaded. "You can tell me anything."
There was a pause, and when Bellatrix turned, Narcissa could see the tears glistening in her dark eyes.
"Rodolphus and I." She coughed to clear her throat. "Rodolphus and I were unsuccessful again."
"But you can try again…?" Narcissa said softly.
Bellatrix nodded slightly. "It is our job to...upkeep…the pure-blood line. And yet we have failed this too."
Bellatrix shook her head. "I am unable to conceive." She turned back, anger glinting in her eyes. "This is how the ancient wizarding families die out. Rodolphus and I are desperate." Her gaze turned to Narcissa's pregnant bulge, huge under a long black gown. Her smile twisted a little.
"Bella. I'm sorry. This must be so hard. For you and for Rodolphus."
"But look at you with your little family." Bellatrix's voice had hardened, her eyes manic.
"No, Bellatrix, it isn't like that!" Narcissa was pleading. "Don't get angry."
It was too late.
Bellatrix strode out, slamming the door theatrically behind her.
"Rodolphus!" She screeched. "We're leaving!"
Rodolphus scurried out after her, looking a little confused, struggling to match Bellatrix's pace.
Lucius turned questioningly to his wife, tears running down her face, but she pulled away, watching out of the large window as Rodolphus and Bellatrix paced away, their heads high, their shoulders thrown back in apparent arrogance.
But Narcissa couldn't see the tears streaming down Bellatrix's face, or hear the quiet words Rodolphus crooned in an effort to console her.