Severus' life had never been easy.
Some of his first memories were of fear and pain. Of the alcohol smell lingering in a dimly lit house. His childhood home had rarely been forgiving or welcoming. Instead, as a child, he’d walked around the house with light steps so as to not be noticed. He’d carefully peeked around corners as his parents argued loudly.
Though there had been bright moments at times; it had certainly never been easy.
As Severus takes care of Harry he starts to look back on his own childhood. Memories he rarely revisits resurfaces. There were similarities with their past, but also endless differences. He slowly notices how he differs from his parents and his past.