Usually when he took over another ship, Severus gave the people aboard a piece of driftwood and sent them swimming. That would not be an option for these people though. His crew had already sent them into the water. In all, there were nineteen people. Nineteen shots split the air. He heard some of his crewmen murmur that it was a waste of bullets.
Upon returning from his errand, he found the boy sitting with his back against the headboard in the same position that he was found in on the ship. Severus doubted that he would open his eyes or could even for that matter. They were both incredibly inflamed. Even without seeing, the boy shrunk into himself when Severus sat down.
He tried to break the silence. "Are you hungry?" No response. He tried again to no avail. The boy either thought that he was like them or mentally disabled. He did not think it was the latter. Snape had the feeling that many a man would have crumbled in what no more than a twelve year old had endured. It seemed that it was something only time could take care of. By the shape he was in, the damage would take a lot of time too. One more thought crossed his mind. He needed to see those cuts before they became infected.
"This is going to hurt, but I need to look at your back." He noticed that the boy had lifted his head at the word "hurt." "I'm sorry, but it is surprising that they are not already infected." Severus then left the room to fetch some brandy to disinfect and clean rags. When he returned, he surprised to see his charge lying on the bed with his shirt off. For the first time he got a good look at the damage on the boy's body. Most of his skin was red or pink with old and new scars. The rest was a sallow white, not affected by the sun. He realized that he was wrong about one thing though. Some of the newer scars had a sick green tinge. He grimaced, thinking the people who did this got off far too easily. Severus soaked a rag in brandy and began the task. The boy's entire body went rigid. Severus tried to be as quick as possible but still do a good job. Fifteen minutes later he had to get clean rags because all of the originals were covered with streaks of blood. The majority of the cuts had opened. Severus was almost done, and he wondered if his chest was as bad as his back. He dealt with the infection as best as he could, but knew that he would have to watch carefully. For some reason, he was not surprised that the boy had not cried out. He knew how the boy developed such a high tolerance for pain.
Harry did not have the faintest idea of what was going on. One moment he was in his place and the next he is being carried onto a different ship; that was what he guessed at least. This "Captain," he now remembered, was acting like he cared. It was almost funny. Why would anyone care for him? It was not possible. He belonged by himself in the darkness unless it was time to be punished because he was very bad. Harry never knew why, but Master knew. He never told Harry, only that he should be grateful for such kindness.
He realized that the man had just said something about pain, and then realized that he was talking about cleaning his punishments. The man left. It was strange really. The others got mad when at first he had tried to show them, but this captain wanted to see them? It just did not make sense. Better to do what he wants. If he wanted to see them, then so be it. Harry did not want to get punished again. He took off his shirt and winced as his punishments stretched with the skin of his back. It was off just before the Captain returned. He was lying on his stomach with his eyes closed against the bright room, so he missed the grimace that appeared on the Captain's face.
And then he was rocked back to his familiar world of pain. A long time ago he had made a place in his head to run away. He couldn't help as his body went rigid. He hoped the Captain would hurry. He could only stay for so long.
Harry never opened his eyes, but still felt completely awake. He didn't know where he was. The smells and the soft cloth underneath him were totally unfamiliar to him. There was no light in the room, but he could tell that this was not his place. The air seemed less…contained. He felt the light movement of air along his bare back. It was then that it hit him. Master was not here anymore. He did not know if he was safe, but it felt, if not good, then better. His back was only a dull yell instead of the blistering scream that it usually was. He gave a small sigh of appreciation. Harry did not know why this was happening to him; he had been continually told that he was bad, evil. The evil never felt better about something that had happened. It was his final thought before sliding back into the sleep of the ill.
The sun lit the room in gold when he woke again. Harry opened his eyes as much as the swelling would allow, but was soon regretting it. So long in the dark could never help him in the light. He turned away from the sources as best as he could. Maybe this was his new punishment. He banished the thought. Harry refused to think of that now. Lie here, pretend to still be sleeping and maybe the darkness will come again. Maybe if he just pretends, this could all be over.
He never realized that there was a man sitting in the corner, at least not until he heard the sound of someone standing and walking toward the light. There was some scraping and a rustle of cloth before everything dimmed. The same process was done on the other side of the bed, so it was just dark enough for him to carefully open his eyes. Harry still did not move though. Maybe the man had not seen the movement before. Harry could only hope. He didn't know if he could take another punishment so soon. He still hurt a lot from the last time.
The man gave a sigh. "I know you're awake," but Harry made no response. Maybe he would think himself mistaken and leave. It was worth a try if he was to be punished anyway. He sat as still as he could. The man walked away from the chair he was about to sit down in. Harry hoped he would leave, but the man walked over to where Harry was lying instead. He cringed when the Captain leaned forward to look down at his face. What Harry heard next surprised him.
"I believe we have yet to introduce ourselves," he said it with a convincing smile, "I am Captain Severus Snape of The Rogue, and now I believe it is your turn." He looked at Harry expectantly. He tried to form the words but couldn't. Harry no longer knew how to speak after so long in silence.