This is such a great parseltongue story! And I loved it all, the UST, the funny situations, and of course Severus voice! :)
I think I am in love with this sentence: He would rather cradle the small hope he harbored, cherish it as the main source of light and joy in his life that it was, rather than let it be tarnished by Potter’s pity or disgust. and then when he finds out that Harry wants him too! Just perfect! :)