<3
First of all, I have to say that I was wearing this expression pretty much throughout the entire story.
This, now this is exactly why I love Beholder so much. I never would have thought of pairing these two together, but you've crafted such an original, creative, and moving piece of fiction here. I am well and truly a sucker for stories in which sensible and competent people try to navigate the arbitrary world that is wizarding Britain, and I love the space this occupies outside the boundaries of canon.
The worldbuilding is wonderful. Magic feels utterly organic (and technological!) here. I love Silvanus's background (Albus, you utter twit) and Millicent's unapologetic self, and Severus! Oh, you gave me Severus!
I'd be hard-pressed to pick my favourite parts, but these are some of the lines that thoroughly hooked and charmed me:
Apparently, third-years had been sufficiently inoculated by bone-shattering, blood-spilling Quidditch matches, lessons about the goblin rebellions and giant massacres, and the occasional Potions spill.
"Tha's a, a . . ." He fumbled for a suitable word. "an imper'nant question."
It was ironic that two confirmed bachelors should conspire to court the caustic old spinster, but Argus' persistence--if not his seduction strategies--eventually bore fruit. (Not just Snape - you gave me Filch too! *g*)
After several long moments, Millicent spoke again. "You'll have to say something. I can't tell what you're thinking. If you'd rather snog a Horklump, just spit it out."
"Neck before nipples. If the dictionary can manage to get that right, you should at least have the decency to try." :-D
Thank you for writing this wonderful story. I enjoyed it immensely, and I know it'll be a much-revisited addition to my personal favourites file of smart, sensitive, utterly unconventional stories about brilliant characters getting unlonely.