Just re-read this again this morning and I'm still in awe of the depth and richness of this fic. Aberforth has the wisdom Albus does but none of the clinical coldness. And Sirius clearly still has the drive needed to survive--for Harry's sake. The entire opening scene (which took my breath away and which seem to be your specialties upon reflection) set the stage--and by the end, that last line, you can't help but know that yes, Albus knew what he was doing but Aberforth knew it, too, right from the start.