Dear Mystery Author - my apologies for the delay in posting this feedback. No sooner had my gift been posted than work kicked into high gear and I had to go out of town for a week! Bleah!
I've read it several times now, and it's definitely going in my "keepers" file. I just adore your characterization of Milly - her toughness and independence, her determination, and even her belief that she's just not the sort of girl who ever could have the fairytale ending, or wind up with the hero in anything other than the sort of partnership-with-benefits relationship she and Harry have been maintaining.
I also really loved the loyal corps of Slytherins, still gathering with a picture of their dear Head of House, and still supporting each other in the ways that Slytherins do. Sweet, funny, and very touching. The glimpses of the way things were in Slytherin House and how they've all changed since the war were fascinating, and you made me tear up with that scene between Milly and Pansy at the party.
I never have been able to believe that Harry and Ginny could sustain a relationship that wasn't centered on their kids, so it makes perfect sense to me that they would wind up like this, with Harry determined to cling to the trappings of a perfect family, even though there's nothing much left between him and Ginny.
Draco was wonderful in this - I'm not a fan of utter spoiled-brat Draco; but I do enjoy reading a Draco who came through the war and has managed to grow up a bit. Loved his collusion at setting up Harry and Milly for their negotiation! *G*
This was a lovely, delightful gift, Mystery Author, and I'm going to enjoy rereading it many more times. Thanks so much!