here via regan_v
Wow. This is wonderful and very original! There was some very sharp writing here, like the last line (♥) and this one:
Severus brought Slughorn's warm fist to his mouth, kissing the back of his hand where brittle bone lay somewhere like memory beneath soft plump skin, too far away to cause hurt.
What a great description.
I really enjoyed your Snape here as well -- his strength and determination and desire to be touched. You also managed to make Slughorn sympathetic as well! Thanks for this.