Superb!
I just wanted to add to the comments here so did a quick copy and paste from my review on FFN:
Again, I am late in reviewing another gem of yours.
The Japanese words you title each section with set the theme. The words flow beautifully, I am instantly transported to a place of peace and quiet. Your descriptions paint a clear picture for me, of both man and place. Your skill for selecting the perfect, poetic words leave me breathless again, like 'dictated not by the whims of man but the laws of nature.'
I am saddened by Snape's painful memories of his father, Lily, Voldemort and Albus - I daresay that last one was the most painful for him to bear. Seeing his bullies being excused and indulged while he is saddled with burdens and looked at in disdain. That storm of rage is a given, as natural and expected as the other days of opposing apathy. I am proud of Snape for finally rising above it all and choosing to live.
I smile at the mention of his hair and no matter how hard I've been controlling myself, I squeal a bit here, thinking of a certain someone who will surely appreciate Snape's new resolution. In fact, I'm already half lost in dreams of fingers combing lovingly through clean, long black hair, the owner of those fingers knowing his own hair will never look like this. The hidden meaning in your choice of words jump out at me again, dispelling my Snarry thoughts - 'his head above water for once.' Poor Snape, at last, something so much safer than those times of being way in over his head. At last, he's ready to face company once more and I like how the boy feeds him and sets him a familiar task. Not even Snape can argue. Again, that last sentence catches my eye.
I am spechless at the conversation between Sensei and Snape. The language fluency charm is a clever idea and allows to put down the exact meaning of what is to be said, inferred, hinted, etc. It is most unfair that you can write so well of Snape and Harry (forgive me, I must once again say how much I adore Fly on the Wall :D) and now, of Sensei. Exactly the person Snape needed at that point in time, He needs to forgive those, Albus more than others and himself most of all. I also like the subtle hints of Sensei and Albus. Purely Severus at the end of this section, cautious and wary in his promises. But he is a good man and he will do the right thing, for himself to progress and heal.
This next section has me smiling, firstly, because of course Severus is irked to find his fellow student a mere boy and secondly, because you have winked at my little Snarry heart with those cute little clues. A beautifully written tea ceremony with all its complexities. A sad picture of Sensei's life. Again, Severus does not easily forgive Albus, but I liked how the mere word 'boy' was enough to remind him of tousled hair and green eyes again.
Oh, I am pleased to see Severus' spirit almost healed, he has interest in those around him now, and *sparkly eyes* he even seeks out Sensei! That picture of him giving into abandon leave me smiling as does his bright eyes and flushed cheeks. Lovely! But no, he's not wholly healed yet. My dear writer, your delicate hints of Harry now leave me longing for them to meet again, for Severus to know love once more. I feel a bit sad now.
My word, how time flies! Two years? Ah, you have rendered Severus most handsomely here - I love the his imperfections. And I rejoice at that album Sensei has painstakingly prepared. Harry - I am speechless. Callow youth indeed, all fresh ideals and innocence, digging himself deeper while trying to redeem Severus. The contrast is painfully clear - while Severus has been slowly healing and learning about himself and about other things in peace, Harry... oh, the poor boy has been suffering just as slowly. If Severus cannot heal him, I hope he will bring him to this peaceful haven.
You must continue this, dear writer! You must have spent a long time on this - and it's beautiful - but it's time for Severus to save Harry and I must read of it! I must.