I appreciate your thoughtful comments and enthusiasm! This was great fun to write, especially Luna, which was a first for me. I did a lot of research on clowning and tried to work in legitimate gags and bits that are common to clowns. The hospital visit is one I'm familiar with, having done a few of those myself (not as a clown). And I don't think I'm capable of writing a story without Snape. And making him Minister felt very good and right.
Thanks so much for the investment of time to read such a lengthy story!