Eeee, this is the PERFECT way for me to wind down on a Friday night from a looong week of RL -- the snowy setting was so vivid, I feel like it's Christmas already! Thank you so much, mystery author, for a wonderful tale full of so many elements in a story that I love :D
OK, where to start? I was gripped from the beginning with the whole mystery of Hogwarts' ward problem and very much intrigued by Harry's choice of profession. Glad he was able to fix the ward-termites! I also liked how the larger story gradually unfolded from the ward plot line, layer by layer until we get to the Claiteag part. I do like Snape's reasoning for being difficult not wanting to put Harry in a forced situation, though I doubt he can hold off Harry for too long ;)
But I'm jumping ahead of myself... I loved the awkward interactions between Snape and Harry, and later the not-so-inhibited staff party scene (drunk!Snape is one of my favorite trope, how ever did you know?). Obviously as a reader of a Snarry fest fic, I knew who the Destined is supposed to be (you totally nailed another one of my all-time kinks of "destined" get-together fics!), and I may or may not have been cheering Harry on as he gradually came to the realization of who he's been dreaming about all along *g*
All in all, a very enjoyable read, and I wish you could see the huge grin on my face as I type this. Thank you for a lovely, lovely gift fic!