What a wonderful story! The emotional tension of the beginning is absolutely right for the circumstances, battle and Snape's deathly condition.
More realism with the exhaustion that slowly overtakes Poppy, her fit of tears on Minerva's shoulder - I love how Minerva uses her crisp manner as a sort of extra backbone in these horrible days! And then, the beautiful quiet hopeful ending. This fic is a gem of an example of how to pace and vary the tone and emotional shadings of a story!
I love all the beautiful little details too, like the way Poppy avoids letting Aberforth see how she's been crying. That's such a great touch, showing a complex character. I love seeing Poppy like this, all brave and tough and ferociously competent (looking after all those kids hexing each other and getting hurt every year? I should think so!) but just as deeply kind and caring, too.
All of these characters are so awesomely well depicted, and wonderful to see. There's far too little written about Poppy, especially interacting with these other very interesting adult characters! What a treat.