Disclaimer: Oh come on, did you really believe I'm JKR?
Sev wasn't a lot like Father.
Father was mean, he shouted a lot (normally at either Sev or Mum), especially when he was drunk. No seven-year-old should be able to identify gin, whiskey, vodka or beer by smelling someone's breath, but Sev could. In fact, he had a lot of experience with knowing what exactly Father had drunk, and how much. Judging that was a vital key to survival in the Snape household.
At the moment, Father was drinking whiskey. Lots of whiskey.
That meant that Sev should at best sneak out, and let the grown-ups handle the situation, otherwise, he'd be in so much trouble. For existing, for being a wizard. Sev didn't like being called freak or boy. Sometimes he wondered whether Father actually knew his name. Sev did know it. Severus Tobias Snape.
He tiptoed outside. When he was far enough from the house, he released a breath he hadn't even realized he was holding. Finally - freedom.
He could go to the playground. With a little bit of luck, there'd be no one there, and maybe he could get a go on the swings. He liked the swings, but other kids had a tendency to laugh at him. Mum didn't even get that his clothing was ridiculous, Father didn't care, and they had no money anyway.
There were two girls on the playground. He knew them by sight. The elder was as mean as they got. She always made fun of his clothes, whenever he met her, and that he was from Spinner's End.
The other was... pretty. Very pretty, with red hair, and green eyes.
She was sitting on the swing.
And then, she jumped off, and spent just a few moments in the air too long, and Sev realized that this girl was a witch.
How was she called again?
"Lily, Mother said you shouldn't do this!"
Lily. A pretty name. As pretty as the girl.
Sev just sat behind the bushes and observed. She was so... different from Father and Mum. Beautiful. Strong. And kind.
He wanted to be friends with her. He didn't have any friends, and he was desperately in need of one.