Written for Snape Appreciation Weekend at Hogwarts: Son- Write about his relationship with one or both of his parents.
Word Count: 243
Severus winced as a sickening crack echoed throughout the room as his father's hand connected with his mother's face.
"You liar!" he accused, his voice laced with fury, "My son is not a wizard. He is a normal boy, and we will raise him as such. None of this foolish nonsense will never be mentioned again as long as you are under my roof. Understood?"
"Yes," she answered, her voice hoarse. She had no other alternative response, as any protests would have angered her husband further.
"Good," said Tobias stiffly, "now get up, you miserable scumbag, and prepare our evening meal."
Eileen just stood there and took his abusive words without complaint, but Severus could sense her inner turmoil as if it were his own. She was afraid of her husband.
She entered the small, dank kitchen and mechanically began to pull out pots and ladles. She could not afford a brand-new stove, so she was resigned to use the conventional method: the hearth.
"Mum?" asked Severus hesitantly, "How do you manage to put up with Dad?"
Eileen doesn't reply at once, leading him to believe that she hadn't heard him. He repeated the question once more before he heard a soft response.
"Sweetheart," she murmurs, making his heart warm, "never treat a woman like your father treats me. Be kind and sensitive towards their feelings."
Her voice rings bitterly in his ears, but it's a valuable piece of advice he'll never forget.
