A/N: Hey guy, Felicia here! Hope you're enjoying the story so far, because it's been an absolute pleasure to write.

So when I wrote this chapter, I had a feeling it would be more dialogue than description and I had intended on balancing the chapter out so it wouldn't seem as if either was receiving unequal treatment. Hopefully, I've succeeding in doing as such.

I also started chapter 7 long before I began 5, or 6. I dunno why, I guess I was just really excited to write this particular chapter.

Funny story actually: I always bring my writing with me to school so I can work on it during free periods, but a few weeks ago, I cut class and hung out around the house and I couldn't find my printout of my work, well I did, but I had everything accept the page that I outlined about chapters 4-7 and I didn't want to work on them without being fully aware of my plans for each chapter. The page I did have began with chapter 7 so I just started writing that. And once I finished I started 9 and didn't really focus on the chapters still needing attention. So I went back and wrote the other stuff and made sure everything was in correct order.

Anyway, enough of my dribble-drabble, enjoy reading!

And remember: Bellatrix LURVSSS reviews so please her appetite and she won't curse you! (you'll know you'll like it anyway if she does, but do it! XD) :D

Felicia


In the Shadows of Endless Nighttime

Chapter 7

"Lucius, careful! She's not well enough for you to handle her in such a way." An uneasy command came from miles outside the prison walls, where a wary Narcissa Malfoy began to help her sister to safety. The couple had been risking their lives in their attempts to get the renegade to Malfoy Manor as quickly as possible, however, it was rather difficult for Lucius not to just drop Bellatrix and leave her for his wife to tend to by herself. As much as he previously detested Narcissa's eldest, he couldn't act out if it meant not pleasing her wishes.

"Don't be absurd. I'm carrying her, the best I can. If she can endure fourteen years in that horrid place, she can surely last a few strides in my arms." Lucius smirked silently. He peered over at his wife and his face suddenly became contorted with persuasion, his eyes revealed an artificial sense of security, enough to ensure Narcissa of a false sense of Bella's safety. When he saw that she nodded ever so slightly, indicating her understanding of her husband's words, he continued onward and that become the last discussion on her sister's well being.

While the Dark Lord took it upon himself to free his remaining followers and make sure each of them received safe passage from Azkaban, Narcissa begged the Lord to allow her the privilege of taking Bella, caring for her sister herself, to make sure she could recover properly and quietly, away from any Aurors or threats to her survival. Now, after many miles without much use of Apparition, she begins to regret ever asking Him to heed her suggestion.

What had her sister ever done for Narcissa? Even as a child, she can remember that Bella's treatment (however merciful it might have seemed compared to her taunting and teasing of Andromeda) was not as "sisterly" as she would have preferred. And as she walks beside her husband, occasionally glancing at the pile of skin and bone in Lucius' arms, she scoffs slightly at her form.

"Something the matter, dear?" He must have heard her express her disgust.

"Yes, as a matter of fact." Narcissa answered far too quickly, for Lucius understood exactly what she was implying.

"I'd prefer it myself, if we just Apparated to our home, rather than having to agonize over carrying her." His stressing of the word caught her immediate attention.

"Oh, as if she weighs anything at all!" She snapped back, suddenly regretting her previous actions. When it came time for Lucius to respond, he was anything but pleased with her tone,

Mocking her, he replied, "I don't see any reason as to why we couldn't take turns, darling." He smirked in her direction.

She began to shrug off his proposal with a wave of her hand, "If I had the strength to do that –"

"Then do not complain." He retorted.

They fell silent, awkwardly returning to a state of quiet, resisting the other's glare. After several more minutes, Lucius turned once more and began again, "Don't you think it wise, that we Apparate to the house rather than risk our own imprisonment for harboring such a fugitive?"

Narcissa married a coward; this was not the first time of the evening he asked her to do so. When he presented the question earlier, she could sense his fear, fear of capture, fear of displeasing Voldemort, and not making sure Bella returned to safety as he had ordered them to do when she so sympathetically suggested. The first two times she answered his question, had obviously not penetrated his stubborn skull.

Once more, she replied, annoyed at his persistence, "You think it wise to do so, because you are not the one in such a weak state. Bella is not ready to experience such great levels of magic just yet. If we attempt to Apparate, she may be affected by the sudden force and would become worse than she already is."

"You suggest we continue onward, when our whereabouts can be easily detected? Honestly Narcissa, it is for the benefit of us all if we take the chance. Even if it does shake her, it is not something a Healer cannot deal with properly."

Narcissa suddenly felt torn, torn between listening to her husband's talk of getting to shelter as soon as the opportunity arose, and her sister, or what little life remained a part of her. They had stopped now as she began to contemplate his advice. She looked over to Lucius and then to the blanket, the blanket that held Bella wrapped in the security that was her husband's arms, not that it mattered to our dear Bellatrix, for she was unconscious. Narcissa didn't blame her; it was too much shock for one's body to all of a sudden taste daylight again, after so many days in darkness. At first, they both thought she had fainted of exhaustion when they found her amongst the other high-security escapees; now it seemed Bella was in a deep, senseless sleep.

As Narcissa observed her sister, she could see every indent of her body that spoke of what Azkaban was like. Her mangled, unwashed hair covered most of her face, and for that she was grateful. She was already too horrified by her scars and unhealed wounds, to see what was underneath her stiff, straw-like strands.

She pitied her, her life of crime, the life that led her to such a state. It was not a sight any one person should have to witness, and as she brought her right hand to her cheek, remorse filling her heart, tears began clouding her eyes. She turned away, batting them back into her head with her lashes, resisting the urge to cry in front of her husband.

Yes, she despised her sister, her rank of power, her endless glee and pride. Yes, she despised her laughter, her cackles of insanity. She despised her lovers, countless compared to those of Narcissa's younger years. She despised the way she manipulated her parents to take her side against her in arguments. She despised her sister, yet underneath the hatred and resentment, she also loved her. Her blood was Bella's. They were all that was left of their immediate family, and though she detested what her sister had become, she idolized it all the same. Narcissa, though more compassionate than Bellatrix, understood her torment and because she still acknowledged her as family, she took it upon herself to care for her, despite their differences.

With a sigh she replied, "We can try, but it may not be the best choice."

"She will heal more quickly if she is attended to sooner, Narcissa. I think she would appreciate that more." Lucius had convinced her. He was right after all, regardless of his underlying purpose to flee as fast as he could.

And with a loud crack into the fresh evening air, the three were out of sight, and out of harm's way.

Well what do ya know?! TWO chapter updates! I told you I felt bad. I hope this makes up for it :)

Stay tuned for more soon! (But not AS soon as the last ;) )