Re: Kelly Flail, Part II
Yes, I do like to think that as Deputy Headmistress, Minerva surely had to be able to stand toe-to-toe with Albus Dumbledore.
Re: the bonding scenario, I just wanted something that enabled them to not only sense one another during that horrid year, but that would be a touchstone even after. Also, in canon we see Snape running into her (and the cloaked Harry) in Chapter 30 of book 7, and she calls him Severus and he still refers to her as Minerva without indication of overt hatred and perfectly polite discourse... until there is concern over Harry revealing himself which is followed by some over-the-top dramatic wand-waving on her part, which, to me, indicates there is far more going on than one might first assume. :)
I'm glad you found so much in the story to enjoy, and again, I'm just very pleased that you liked your gift. That's all I really hope for during an exchange. So thank you for all the commentary.