Sibilant: hissing.
May 11, 1976
"Snape!"
Severus looked around. Mulciber and Avery had just appeared at the top of the stairs from the dungeons, long black cloaks pinned at their throats even though sweet, early-summer air was drifting through the open front doors. Avery was looking bored, but Mulciber watched him from across the crowded entrance hall with a sharp look in his dark eyes. He jerked his head toward the marble staircase, indicating that it was time to head toward their classes.
They were waiting for him. They wanted his company. He had often walked with them in the halls and sat with them at meals and in the common room, but never before had Mulciber called him over. As if Severus were a necessary fixture in their group.
"Suppose that's my cue," Lily said lightly, pushing herself off the wall she'd been leaning against while they'd been talking. They were going to the same Charms class, whereas Mulciber and Avery were older, headed toward N.E.W.T. level Defense Against the Dark Arts on the other side of the castle. But it wasn't the destination that was priority.
"I'll talk to you later," he told her quietly, feeling the familiar disappointment mingling with his excitement as she hoisted her bag onto her shoulder, already starting melt into the rush of students.
"Sure." She flashed a smile at him. "But Sev…" she grabbed his wrist as he made to cross the hall so he wouldn't have to watch her leave. She bit her lip. "Be careful."
"They're not going to do anything –"
"I'm more worried about what they say, what they're always hissing in your ear. Make sure what you think is from your own mind, yeah?"
He opened his mouth, maybe to defend his friends, maybe himself, but she had already turned and he was watching her walk away.
"She corner you again?" Avery drawled, coming up behind him. "I'd report her to Old Sluggy for harassment if I were you. A filthy Mudblood like that stalking me? Or maybe I'd put it to good use and just lead her down some dark corridor sometime."
"Be quiet, Avery," Mulciber cut in, rolling his eyes as he strode toward the staircase. Severus hurried to keep up as that little, snot-nosed Black materialized out of the crowd as if he, a scrawny, smooth-cheeked fourth year, belonged with them. "She's Severus's to do what he likes with."
See? Lily just didn't know them like he did. Avery was an arse, for certain, but Mulciber had his back. Mulciber didn't judge who Severus hung round with. He wished he could say the same for Lily.
A/N: Maybe similar to some stuff I've already done, but it just seemed to fit. I very much wanted to make this a James and Sirius chapter since I read the amazing, wonderful, fantastic 'Anatomy of a Bromance" (that can be found on my favorites) and was in that sort of mood, but the word begged this. Hope the story is still keeping you interested. I loved all your suggestions for characters. TFS, yours were especially interesting! I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you in ages! Your reviews make my day! Well, all of you guys make my day, really, just for bothering to see what I have to say. So, a long-overdue thank you to all of you fantastic readers! One word left for May! Whohoo! Any ideas for Prorogue: to differ or postpone?