Warning: This chapter contains mention of past abuse.
Tender Hooks
By: Bucket/Replacement for the Stars/filthyfreedom
Chapter Seven:
Past
The fate I'm lookin' at there ain't know way around
A long and lonely path I'm destined to go down
'Hope For Me Yet', Dierks Bentley
(O.o)
Year: 1969
Date: May the Eleventh
It had been two days, and Severus had not spoken to Nessie at all. He had ignored the other boy even when his half-eaten sweet potato pie had reappeared in front of him, he had ignored the other boy when wide green eyes had implored him to at least acknowledge that Nessie was there, he had ignored the other boy when Nessie had quoted his favorite passages from The Faerie Queene. Severus had even purposefully turned away when Nessie started crying after Severus had obviously chosen to hang out with Lily and Petunia instead of him.
However, not even Severus Snape could ignore the soft words Nessie was breathing as he floated, looking decidedly too-pale and perhaps a tad bit lucent, above the foot of Severus's small bed.
"My Uncl' h'rt me. H' s'id b'd thi'gs." Nessie took a deep breath and squeezed his eyes shut. In the moment he had, Severus looked up to see the butterfly he had given Nessie give one last pump of its grey wings before swaying to an exhausted rest in the tangle of Nessie's black hair. Severus made sure to be looking obviously down at his book and visibly ignoring the other boy as he ruthlessly mutilated the English language when Nessie reopened his eyes, the green gaze far too damning for Severus's tastes. "I 'm b'd, Sevvie. A b'd bo'. Fre'k. My A'nt d'dn't fe'd m'. S'id fo'd w's onl' f'r go'd boys. 'ts why 'm so sm'll." Nessie paused and Severus could feel the other boy shift as he attempted to collect his thoughts. "F'rst t'me Uncl' hit m', I w's th's meny." Nessie held forward two fingers and Severus glanced up before he could stop himself. Nessie's small hands twisted again in his lap as he continued undeterred. "Was w'th belt. I w's b'd, Sevvie, v'ry, v'ry bad. At' too m'ch wifo't per—p'r—p'rmiss'on. Onl' h'd toas'. On' pi'ce. I co'ldn't m've f'r t'ree d'ys. M'de me t'll h'm all th' th'ngs I did wr'ng, lik' liv'ng. Lik' bre'th'ng. L'ved in c'ge unt'l f'ur, th'n d'dn't liv' an'm're." The butterfly in Nessie's hair gave a feeble flap of the grey wings and then went motionless once again. "W's ask'd qu'stion: d'e or liv'." Nessie looked up and somehow managed to catch Severus's gaze. Holding it tightly, like a precious child, Nessie expounded, "Ch'se t' liv'."
Translation: My Uncle hurt me. He said bad things. I'm bad, Sevvie. A bad boy. Freak. My Aunt didn't feed me. Said food was only for good boys. It's why I'm so small. First time Uncle hit me, I was this many. Was with belt. I was bad, Sevvie, very, very bad. Ate too much without permission. Only had toast. One piece. I couldn't move for three days. Made me tell him all the things I did wrong, like living. Like breathing. Lived in cage until four, then didn't live anymore. Was asked question: die or live. Chose to live.
This will be the only chapter in which Nessie's words are translated. Perhaps it will give you, the readers, a better understanding of what he is saying. I will not change how he speaks, as I like it and there's a reason for it. Perhaps it will get better with time, but it is doubtful. Nessie will explain more on his abuse and how he came to be with Severus once he understands it.
Happy readings,
Replacement for the Stars
Oh, and another thing: To anyone who reads Morsus, have no fear, the next chapter is soon here! It'll be posted in a couple of days, I'm hoping.
Ch6 Review Responses:
cyiusblack: Here you go!
Maloanne: Thank you!
Jisa: Oi! That it does! :) Thanks
-Replacement
