Title: Red Hair
He sat under the tree, hugging his legs. He watched the so called Marauders out of the corner of his eye, always wary of Potter and Black, but most of his attention was on Lily. She was sprawled on the grass, unworried. Flaming red hair curled around her face and spread over the ground, while shadows from the tree split her features into light and dark patches.
Severus thought that he had never seen anything so beautiful. Bright green eyes opened briefly, glancing over at him.
"What are you thinking about Sev?" She enquired, innocently curious. He blushed, thanking whatever deity existed that Lily wasn't a trained Legilimens.
"Just that Transfiguration paper." He lied. He could never tell her the truth.
"Oh, it's due in tomorrow right?" His mind drifted again, half listening to Lily's chatter.
"Petrificus Totalus!" Severus stiffened, toppling sideways. He couldn't move, his breathing was restricted, and he could hear Black laughing insanely. They moved into his line of vision, Black and Potter – inseparable as always. Pettigrew followed them like an ugly puppy, while Lupin remained in the shade, reading and casting disapproving looks their way.
"Who wants to see us have some fun with Snivellus?" Potter's arrogant voice rang out. Always the showman, seeking an audience. After all, it wasn't bravery with no one to see it. Some people laughed, girls giggling at the Quidditch star James Potter.
Without warning a jet of light shot at his face, causing an explosion of pain in his nose. People laughed harder, calling for more. Severus watched Lily stand up next to him, lovely Lily. He dimly registered her shouting at Potter, but turned his attention to the blood pouring over his face. Just a broken nose, this time.
His tormentors turned and left, his bonds loosened so he collapsed into a heap. Someone knelt beside him, red hair falling into his line of sight.
"Oh Sev." Lily whispered.