That was an exceptional fic! I loved everything about it, from the pairing (so rare! so *right*!) to the play structure to the plot running through practically all of Snape's adult life.
I also adored how much went on between them with so few words spoken, and the way Aberforth's resentment for his brother (and the perceptiveness of it) is one of the things that seems to draw him to Snape - not just pity, but protectiveness. And how we only truly get to see how deep it got until the end.
Snape was wonderful throughout, and I loved how the perspective of him changed by being addressed as a 'lad' and being looked at by someone not impressed by (or even aware of) his Snape-ish ways and the impact he has on students, for example. It makes him a lot more vulnerable. And drunk, monosyllabic, foulmouthed Snape was so great!
And yes - that was the most brilliant (and, omg, nonsexual!) explanation for practicing inappropriate charms on a goat, ever! Poor Bess! Poor Aberforth, too.
Absolutely gorgeous writing throughout, too, with a superb exit line. Considering that I can kink on writing even more than sex, lines like Opened one button and another and another, laying him bare, his gargoyle of a lad, all pale pitted stone and sharp angles. sent my little heart pitter-pattering like all get out :).
That, and He'd had his share of cast-offs in his life, worn out clothing and broken toys. Albus never was careful with his things. If nothing else, it had made Aberforth a fair hand at mending.
I loved this so, so much, and will scan the masterlist like a hawk to find out who you are - because you're one *heck* of a brilliant mystery writer :). Thanks for writing this!