This is a rare gem: poignant and creative and not without humour. Very erotic too.
The View-master and its modified uses were a wonderful idea, and I enjoyed learning the mechanism of that nostalgic device. The whole concept of having some artefact turn out to be valuable in an unexpected way is a favourite of mine, and so is reading about an established relationship being revived, especially when the main problem is communication, or as Severus so perceptively summarized the dilemma: But after all this time saying nothing, how could he say something like that now? Your beautifully written story dealt with those elements in a believable manner, with so much understanding for the characters.
Poor Severus, it was both sad and heart-warming to watch how he tried to distract Harry with the View-master, how he thought tea might help, how inadequate he felt and how he noticed Harry’s smiles and wanted to say things, but couldn’t. The fantasy reel and Harry finding it made me happy in more ways than one. Not only did things start getting better, but the sex was hot and sweet. I loved Severus’ matter-of-fact reaction to a concerned Harry in a skirt: "Come sit on my lap, little girl, and I'll tell you," said Severus, patting his leg. *shivers with delight*
He found just the right words to say here too: "Professor, I thought corporal punishment wasn't allowed." "You thought wrong. In special cases, it is allowed. I think you'll agree, Miss Potter, that you are a most...special case indeed." Harry turned red, and for a moment, Severus thought Harry might actually be furious at the thoughtlessness of his words. But then he realised that Harry was blushing. And obeying. Such a significant, beautiful moment.
I was so relieved when Severus came up with the idea of using the View-master to teach him the meaning of his feelings and how to express them wordlessly. I keep picturing Harry looking at the images and realising what Severus has been longing to do.