A wonderful story! Your Severus was a delightfully complex character, barking and biting in a most enjoyable manner. I liked that you showed us why he felt and reacted the way he did and that his reasons and justifications were nuanced, connected to his personality and past experiences and to the fact that Harry was, as Severus himself noted, capable of arousing the most contrary impulses in him. Mmm…was he ever! Harry was also capable of being undeterred by Severus’ brusqueness, which made their conversations really satisfying to read. And I loved his ability to surprise Severus, both during and after the deliciously wild eruption.
Oh, but it was cruel of you to recreate the charged atmosphere so beautifully and then interrupt that second time with more Remus-searching. I know it would’ve been gratuitous and whatnot, but damn, I was ready for more hotness. :D
This was my favourite of the many exquisite, insightful moments:
They wait. Severus feels the warmth as Potter comes to stand close beside him. About to shove him away, he finds himself instead relaxing into the boy’s body, allowing its closeness. It is a weakness—but what, after all, does it matter? This is Potter, who always sees Severus at his worst.