The reception's gotten fuzzy
The delicate balance has shifted
Put on your gloves and black pumps
Let's pretend the fog has lifted
Now you see me, now you don't
Now you say you love me
Pretty soon you won't.

-Dilaulid, The Mountain Goats

The sound of heels clicking against stone echoed in the hall. Evening had settled over the female cells Azkaban, and most were sleeping, although not soundly. There were occasional terrible, mangled screams; cries for mercy, cries for people long dead. Narcissa kept her gaze focused forward, trying to retain her composure. She continued, as quickly as she could, until she reached her destination.

"Cissy," Bellatrix said, and strode over to the bars. She grasped the metal. "You came."

"Yes, but I cannot stay long," Narcissa replied, removing black gloves. She was standing a measured distance from the cell.

"Cissy, come here," she ordered. "I haven't seen my sister in weeks. She should be greeting me properly."

"Bellatrix, I'm here to speak with you," she began, as she'd rehearsed. "Lucius and I have been discussing this matter-"

Bellatrix snorted, and Narcissa could sense the darkness that was already enveloping her. Azkaban had begun to take her already.

"-and we agree that your conviction is tarnishing our reputation. Lucius has aspirations, and a family member in Azkaban isn't exactly the best person to remain close to in politics. I'm afraid…I won't be visiting you again. At least for some time."

Bella's eyes narrowed, and she clutched the bars so tightly her knuckles were white.

"Excuse me?" she hissed. Narcissa stood her ground.

"I am sorry. More sorry than you know. But it is for the good of the family. And we will try to secure your release quietly."

"Bitch!" Bellatrix spat, and Narcissa took a step back, her hand flying to her mouth. Her features were twisted with anger, and her words cut into Narcissa as sharply as curses. "Your husband has poisioned you, Narcissa. How dare you abandon me, when I need you the most? What concern could you possibly have other than for your sister? What matters more than blood? To think that I could have ever loved you."

"Bella, please," Narcissa whispered, quickly moving to the bars. Her eyes were filled with tears. "Lucius insists-it is not my choice-I love you, Bella, please speak to me!"

Bellatrix turned her back, ignoring her sister for a few moments. Narcissa reached her hands between the bars, managing to touch her shoulder. Suddenly, Bellatrix spun around, and grasped Narcissa's hands tightly. Narcissa cried out in pain.

"How dare you even consider such an idea, let alone agree to it," Bellatrix whispered dangerously, her mouth close to Narcissa's ear through the bars. "We are bound together, Narcissa, forever. Our fates are inseparably entwined. You are mine, and I yours. You cannot let a man tell you what to do, especially when concerning me."

"Yes, yes, I am sorry, so sorry," Narcissa replied, her voice shaking. She was incredibly aware of their closeness, of Bella's breath on her neck.

"You will see me, Cissy. Do whatever you have to do. Hide, lie-anything to get you to me," Bellatrix told her softly. She reached her hands through the bars, and ran her graceful fingers along the length of Narcissa's delicate frame. Narcissa closed her eyes, relishing the feeling.

"Bella," she murmured as Bellatrix's hand traveled from hip to shoulder to chin, and back again.

"You were wrong, weren't you?" Bella whispered.

"Yes, I was wrong, and I am sorry," Narcissa agreed quietly.

"And you love me, don't you, Cissy?" Bella whispered, and her fingers moved lower.

"Oh, I love you, Bella, so much," Narcissa moaned.

"Good," Bellatrix hissed, smiling wolfishly. "Give your sister a goodnight kiss, Cissy."

Hike up your fishnets, I know you
If we live to see the other side of this
I will remember your kiss
So do it with your mouth open
And take your foot off of the brake
For Christ's sake!