Hands

{ Body Headcanons } 

If there is any aspect of Severus Snape that could be
described as elegant, it would be his
hands. While on their own they are not overly remarkable – his fingers too long
and tapered for traditional standards of masculinity, his knuckles too pronounced
for good health – it is the way he controls them and keeps them steady that
draws one’s eye toward them favorably.

Over the years his hands have acquired many small scars as a
result of accidents while preparing potions ingredients, be it from knife or by
flame. Some he gained from fighting, though these tend to concentrate
themselves around his knuckles the most. His left fingers have slightly
elevated nail beds in comparison to his right as a result of overcompensated
regrowth after an – unfortunate –
incident in the first war he’s unlikely to ever discuss, and the inside of his
right palm bears a scar from a blood pact that took place prior to the
acquisition of his Dark Mark.

By the time he is in his thirties, Severus will have
developed early arthritic symptoms in both of his hands. A result of childhood
malnourishment, broken bones and frequent nerve related abuse in adulthood, he
massages a tonic into them daily and works to hold them steady – it is a conscious
effort for him even at that young age to keep his hands functional. It is not
uncommon to see him ball his hand into a fist and release it several times
before taking to any potions prep actions, and to pause in order to wash his
hands in warm to hot water, as it tends to be the fastest means of easing the
ache.

He passes these actions off as keeping all ingredients clear
of cross contamination, but an attentive mind ( or a familiar one ) will likely
notice that his hands are frequently hidden out of sight when they aren’t
working, and that he seems to favor them. As they are very much a part of his livelihood,
Severus holds considerable value in their care and is often ensuring that they
are warm and medicated so as not to lose control over them.  

After the incident with Nagini, this problem is badly
exacerbated. He suffers partial paralysis on his right side, which has resulted
in his need for a cane. He struggles with feeling in his right hand, while his
left is often gnarled and cramped as a result of the weight he often has to
place upon it when using his cane correctly. When he is well rested and strong
of mind and body, Severus cheats his limp by hovering slightly above the ground
and essentially flying everywhere. This is incredibly taxing to do, but it has
helped him hide the extent of his injuries and likely, has kept his hands from
worsening far faster. It is likely he will be forced to retire early for a wizard,
if only because his hands will not longer be capable of performing the tasks
necessary of him within DoIS.