A/N: The challenge was to write a 100-word drabble in which Snape says 'Thank you'.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Lily Evans, and all their associates are characters belonging to J.K. Rowling. I claim no rights to them, their surroundings, or their situations. Much to my sorrow.
Belated
---
When the Marauders finally tired of their plaything, Severus--bruised, nauseated, and shaking with humiliation--slowly gathered his scattered belongings.
A shadow fell over him; he kept his eyes down, praying to be left alone.
"Still here, Snivellus?" He flinched. Please, not her... "You mean you've only just now got off punching-bag duty? Pathetic. Maybe if you'd said something civil instead of flinging insults--"
"Thank you."
Pause. "What?"
He straightened up, books clutched to his chest. "I couldn't say it with my Housemates watching. They'd lynch us both. But thanks, Evans."
Lily watched, nonplused, as he painfully limped away.