Prompts: creature of the night, "I can smell your fear from here.", firewhisky, a raven's cry
Narcissa's head whipped around, searching behind her. The gathering gloom made it difficult to discern shapes.
"I can smell your fear from here." The familiar voice came from behind her once again - the opposite direction of just moments prior.
Narcissa was no fool, she disapparated with a pop. (Narcissa had never seen a Muggle horror movie, but if she had, I guarantee the witch would have been shocked by the characters idiotic enough to stand around talking to the big bad.)
She quickly stepped across the wards and stood, ramrod straight, waiting. The strong magic layered upon by generation after generation of Malfoys would stand against a creature of the night.
The sound of flapping wings on the edge woods hemming in their estate distracted her momentarily. She heard the raven's cry - an omen.
"Were you planning to finish that apology?" His silky voice wrapped around her, causing a shiver.
He stood inches from her, appearing nearly the same as he had that last time she'd seen him. More than five years ago, on the day he'd died.
"There's no need really. My Legilimency has been sharpened by my change. I could see your thoughts and fears from a mile away, with the way you were projecting."
Narcissa hadn't often looked Severus Snape in the eyes when he'd still been human; to do it now would be beyond folly. Oh, but she wanted to. She was drawn to him, nearly taking the step across the invisible line separating them.
Her chest heaved, she couldn't seem to draw in enough air. She clutched her wand in hand, but couldn't remember a single spell. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips; she should say something, give him some response.
"How?" Not the most eloquent thing to ever come out of her mouth.
"Oh, I think you know how these things happen."
The Severus she had known always seems to be in motion. A tactic to leave others on edge, his constant movement meant to distract. This not-her-Severus had no such compulsion. He stood ethereally still.
"You mean how did I hide?" The smirk on his face was still exactly the same.
He glanced towards the manor behind her.
"You live alone." It was a statement, not a question.
She still felt the need to explain. "Draco lives in a flat in London with Hermione Granger."
"Why don't you invite me in for some of the excellent firewhisky I am sure is even now hidden away in Lucius' study, and I will tell you the tale?"