Why So Defensive?

Author's Note:: Well, here we have it, a fight. I must admit I'm not the best at these scenes, but I think it's a rather enjoyable way to introduce a new dynamic and foundations for a new conflict inside of Hogwarts. Please enjoy, and next chapter(or the one after that) I'm thinking of introducing a new character, due to popular demand ;)

Hogwarts Hallways 1976

"I would like a 5 inch essay on the practical uses of the Sticking Charm by Wednesday!" Flitwick squeaked. Next to Eirian, Sonia groaned. The class began to pack up and file out of the classroom, Lily and Eirian included.

"This is what separates the sixth years from the first years, I guess." Lily commented as the pair exited the room. "You could wait three weeks as a first year before you get your first essay for a class, sixth year the first day back and there it is, waiting for you."

"True, but I can't imagine that it will be too hard to find 'practical uses' for the Sticking Charm." Eirian responded. "Where do you want to spend break?"

Lily took a moment to think about it. "We might as well head to the library and start working on the essay." Eirian nodded and they made their way up the stairs. As the two girls passed a hallway (less frequented by students due to the fact that the lighting never seemed particularly great and it was rumored that the suits of armor liked to move) they heard voices.

"Let me down! Let me down! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to—"

"Silencio!"

"What's going on?" Eirian whispered to Lily, her eyebrows furrowed in concern

"Your guess is as good as mine." Lily shrugged. "Let's go see." Eirian nodded and they turned down the hallway. Before them, a small group of Slytherins (it seemed like there was four, maybe 5) encircled a small boy, probably a 3rd or 4th year, who was hanging in the air by his ankle. Eirian looked at him, even from upside down he had a striking resemblance. The straight blonde hair with the cowlick in front, green eyes, small upturned nose. He looked just like Rhys.

Lily pulled Eirian's arm. "Let's go get a teacher." She whispered.

"You go, I'll take care of this." Eirian said, shrugging out of Lily's grasp.

"I'm not just going to leave you here. You might do something stupid." Lily crossed her arms and tilted her head.

"I'm about to do something very stupid, but I'm a Gryffindor. Foolhardy bravery is what we do right?"

"It's what Potter and his gang does." Lily corrected.

"Oy!" Eirian yelled, moving forward towards the circle. "What's wrong with you?" she snapped. Five heads turned towards her, one almost comical as he dangled, if she wasn't so angry about it. She looked at the faces in the circle. Rosier, Mulciber, Avery, and Wilkes. She could have guessed.

"This doesn't involve you." Evan Rosier responded coolly, looking over from where he had the boy suspended in the air.

"No, but somehow I have a feeling that this boy didn't want to be involved either. Why don't you let him be, and we can have a swap out." Eirian said taking out her wand. Rosier raised an eyebrow and looked at his friends, letting the boy drop. Mulciber also took out his wand as the boy ran out into the greater hallway. Avery and Wilkes stepped forward as did Lily. Two against four. This would be fun.

"Expelliarmus!" Eirian said pointing her want at Mulciber, who deflected the spell.

"Little bit juvenile don't you think?" Mulciber asked.

"Not if it works." Eirian responded, dodging an attack from Rosier. She continued blocking jets of light. "Never underestimate simple spells." Eirian continued. "Obscuro!" Rosier stumbled and thrust his hands out in front of him, unable to see.

"Bitch!" Mulciber cursed. A jet of blue light flew past Eirian's ear and just missed Mulciber.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you never to hit a girl, Mulciber?" Eirian tightened her grip on her wand. She had half a mind to turn and join forces with Mulciber against the newcomer. Black sauntered forward so he was next to Eirian. Black fired off another spell which was cast to the side with an easy swipe of the wand. Behind her, Eirian heard a small yelp as Lily was thrown backwards into a wall. Potter, who had probably materialized along with Black, knocked out the spell caster who had hurt Lily.

"Stop." From down the hall a tall thin boy, with extremely pale skin and a large hooked nose walked forward. He had shoulder length, greasy black hair and dark, almost black eyes. The Slytherins turned and looked at him. "Enough." Mulciber narrowed his eyes.

"Listen, Severus—"

"Come to play, Snivellus? Wanted to help fight the muggleborns and blood traitors?" Potter asked, glaring.

"Stay out of this Potter." Severus responded coolly. The three functioning Slytherins, along with Rosier stood opposite the three Gryffindors.

"Well it appears as if you're attacking my friends, so I'm going to decline the invitation."

"I'm not your friend." Eirian hissed, although she was ignored.

"It's done. Come on." Severus said, motioning with his head for the Slytherins to leave.

"Run away, Snivellus" Potter said. "Just like the coward you are." Severus' eyes widened and then narrowed.

"Stupefy!" Severus hissed and Potter side dodged it.

"Is that the best you got? Levicorpus!" Snape was lifted up. The other Slytherins' wands pointed to Potter. Black and Eirian (despite herself) joined sides with Potter, as the Slytherins began firing spells. It wasn't long after the second assault began that all of the students found themselves thrown back from eachother.

"Stop!" Eirian looked at the voice, fear welling up in her stomach. "You four, Professor Slughorn is waiting for you in his office. Take your friend with you. The three of you come with me." Professor McGonagall commanded.

"What?" Eirian asked, incredulous. "I was just—"

"Now." McGonagall repeated, Eirian shut her mouth. Lily stood up from where she was slouched on the wall.

"But, wait Eirian was just – " Lily tried, and McGonagall ignored her. Eirian filed out behind Black with her head down. She should have listened to Lily.