when all this is over and done with, I hope I'll at least have earned Professor Snape's respect in return. I'm not yearning for more than that; not really. I'm a realist at heart, you see. It makes me ache for her that she wants to hope for more, but is too practical to let herself. And Snape is endearing, as well, in a somewhat stiff and formal way (like "But what I had in mind was a different kind of dinner, one at a restaurant, one of the kind that is generally associated with" - he pauses; there is some hesitation in his expression, a sight I rarely see - "courtship.") that suits him. Lovely fic all around! (And a hint of Dudley to top it off. Thanks!)