A/N I felt the need to write a Marauders era fic. Short as they come.
Lily pressed a trembling hand against her prefect's badge. It was pleasantly cool to touch, but in her mind, it was a white-hot beacon reminder that she was neglecting her duties.
When she had fastened it on that morning, Lily swore, as she did every morning, that she would uphold the law and order of Hogwarts to the best of her ability. That she would be brave in the face of bullies, be kind in the face of cruelty, and be fair in the face of inequality.
But now, with her back pressed against a cold stone pillar and her hand pressed against a cold metal badge, Lily didn't feel any of those things. She gathered her breath and peeked around said pillar, gazing into the courtyard.
In the windswept square stood a trio of boys no older than herself, all with black hair. Two of them were facing off against the third; wands drawn, but twirled lazily on their fingers or resting coolly on their shoulder.
"How's it going, Snivs?"
"It's been a while, we thought you didn't like us anymore!"
"I have no wish in joining in on whatever depravities," the third boy sneered, "you two have been partaking in." The other boys snapped to attention, their wands gripped tightly in front of them.
"Mr. Padfoot," said one shakily, "I believe Snivellus is suggesting something that I don't quite like."
"Mr. Prongs," said the other, with the barest hint of amusement, "I believe you're right. I also believe that Snivly is going to pay." On the last word, Sirius Black launched forward, his wand emitting a stream of green light.
The ray caught Snape in the chest, propelling him backwards and into a scowling stone gargoyle. As the teen staggered to his feet, he pulled his own wand up to be level with his assailants.
" I would think that you, Potter, would have better things to do than involve yourself in illegal duels where you are clearly outstripped. Why aren't off chasing that. Filthy. Worthless. Mudblood?" Lily saw James cringe, but before he could form a response, Snape had his footing. "Lacarn-"
" Petrificus Totalus!" Lily watched the greasy haired teen stiffen and fall to the ground. She snapped her head back behind the pillar. This is wrong, this is wrong, this is so wrong.
"Mischief managed, I think Prongs."
"One more should do…"
Lily felt a "No!" catch in her throat, the guilt and nerves turning the cry to a cold stone lump before it could even form a muffled admonishment.
She knew she should stop James from doing whatever he was about to do. She knew that she should have stepped in the moment James and Sirius had cornered Snape. But she also knew that when she heard a loud crack followed by an inhuman wail, that the cool sensation blossoming from the core of her stomach was pure, guilty, ruthless satisfaction.