This was witty, adorable and humorous. Dare I call Snape the scorpion cute? The way you described his movements and gestures, the image of him protecting Harry by guarding his sleep or by sitting perched on his shoulder, attacking anyone threatening him -- it melted my heart. I loved his prickly character and comments too.
The “dialogue” between Snape and Harry was full of sparks and humour. I had fun trying to guess if Harry knew all along or at which point he found out. This was so lovely: Snape felt hot and cold, sensing that Potter was leaping ahead in this race for enlightenment, outstripping him in both power and grace. "I saw you, you know. Watching me. My eyesight isn't great, but I can see a damn great eight-inch-long black insect — " "Arachnid." "What?" "Potter, a scorpion is an arachnid." "I know," Potter said, "I loved the way you bristled every time anyone called you an insect. I don't think you realised quite how you gave yourself away sometimes. You certainly gave yourself away, watching me in the shower."
It was great to see Harry so calm and confident, mature and with a glint in his eye. He was very appealing and a perfect match for Snape.
I enjoyed this story so much. Thank you.
PS. Molly really is horrible, isn't she? I never understood her attempts to "protect" Harry, especially in OotP and DH. So stupid and irritating.