I've finally managed to get the time to sit somewhere quiet and read this fic of yours, agnes, and I must say I'm truly impressed so far. ♥
I was planning to read and review every chapter of it, but that plan went out the window as soon as I reached the end of chapter one. I just couldn't stop reading. I had to know what happened next and the idea of stopping to write you a message, even a small one, seemed simply impossible.
I love this AU world you've created and also the tidbits here and there that show how everything remains the same, despite the AU-ness of it. Severus still loved Lily deeply. Draco is still an arrogant and manipulative little brat. Albus is still his usual candy-obsessed, jovial but also plotting self and poor Severus is still a stern but knowledgeable professor, stuck in the middle of all of them.
I love Harry's zest for life, his enthusiasm for everything from making snow angels to enjoying the sleigh-trip and your Severus is perfect, just perfect. He's very formal and closed off, viciously self-defensive when provoked and elusive to boot, whether this by design or because he hasn't yet managed to notice his students' interest remains to be seen. :D
I loved the descriptions of Harry's unique magic and how it seems to have found a 'home' in Severus' core when he healed him. I also love all those instances in which Harry does something caring, like staying with Sev when he was injured or making those pancakes even though I hate them too, because that ruthless, opportunistic Draco of yours keeps claiming responsibility for all of it. Hopefully Severus doesn't seem inclined to correspond him, but now it's clear that Draco isn't planning to give up any time soon.
All in all this is a wonderfully paced, brilliantly conceived story with a truly original plot that has drawn me in so completely that I can't wait to find out what happens next. Wonderfully written, agnes. Kudos on a job well done. :D