If Snape's Worst Memory was Muggle
ā¼ļøTrigger warning for violenceā¼ļø
'All right, Snivellus?' said James loudly.
Snape reacted so fast it was as though he had been expecting an attack: dropping his bag, he fisted his hands and drew them up, when James shouted, āGet him!' (Expelliarmus)
Snape dived for his bag, but James and Sirius were already on him. James swept his feet under Snapeās; Snape fell with a hard thud. (Impedimenta) Sirius let out a bark of laughter.
Students all around had turned to watch. Some of them had got to their feet and were edging nearer. Some looked apprehensive, others entertained.
Snape laid panting on the ground where James and Sirius stood over him. James glanced over his shoulder at the girls at the water's edge as he went. Wormtail was on his feet now, watching hungrily, edging around Lupin to get a clearer view.
'How'd the exam go, Snivelly?' said James.
'I was watching him, his nose was touching the paper,' said Sirius viciously. 'There'll be great grease marks all over it, they won't be able to read a word.'
Several people watching laughed; Snape was clearly unpopular. Wormtail sniggered shrilly. Snape was trying to get up, but James thrust him back to the ground with his foot.
'You--wait,' he panted, staring up at James with an expression of purest loathing, 'you-- wait!'
'Wait for what?' said Sirius coolly. 'What're you going to do, Snivelly, wipe your nose on us?'
Snape let out a stream of mixed swear words and threats.
'Wash out your mouth,' said James coldly, then pulled his bag round. He probed deep, finally, he removed a bottle of water and a small container of travel liquid soap. He mixed the two and shook it hard, then forced it down Snapeās throat. (Scourgify)
Pink soap bubbles streamed from Snape's mouth; the froth was covering his lips, making him gag, choking him--'
James and Sirius looked round. James's free hand immediately jumped to his hair.
It was one of the girls from the lake edge. She had thick, dark red hair that fell to her shoulders, and startlingly green almond-shaped eyes--Harry's eyes.
'All right, Evans?' said James, and the tone of his voice was suddenly pleasant, deeper, more mature.
'Leave him alone,' Lily repeated. She was looking at James with every sign of great dislike. 'What's he done to you?'
'Well,' said James, appearing to deliberate the point, 'it's more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean ...'
Many of the surrounding students laughed, Sirius and Wormtail included, but Lupin, still apparently intent on his book, didn't, and nor did Lily.
'You think you're funny,' she said coldly. 'But you're just an arrogant, bullying toerag, Potter. Leave him alone.'
'I will if you go out with me, Evans,' said James quickly. 'Go on ... go out with me and I'll never lay a hand on old Snivelly again.'
Behind him, Snape was beginning to inch towards his school bag, spitting out soapsuds as he crawled.
'I wouldn't go out with you if it was a choice between you and a giant squid,' said Lily.
'Bad luck, Prongs,' said Sirius briskly, and turned back to Snape. 'OI!'
But too late; Snape had pulled out a small penknife from his bag, directed it at James and threw it; a gash appeared on the side of James's face, spattering his robes with blood. (Sectumsempra)
James whirled. Sirius had pounced on Snape and restrained him to the floor, (Levicorpus) Snape fought in vain as Sirius forced his robes above his waist; to reveal skinny, pallid legs and a pair of greying underpants.
Many people in the small crowd cheered; Sirius, James and Wormtail roared with laughter.
Lily, whose furious expression had twitched for an instant as though she was going to smile, said, āLet him up!'
āFine!ā James nodded to Sirius, who hesitated but got off Snape. Snape disentangled himself from his robes and quickly got to his feet, fist curled tightly, but Sirius shoved him hard which brought Snape down. ('Petrificus Totalus!)
'LEAVE HIM ALONE!' Lily shouted. She had her fists out now, ready to fight him. James and Sirius eyed her carefully.
'Ah, Evans, don't make me hurt you,' said James sincerely.