Ah, this is a beautifully designed little story. The sentences are so well-crafted, and the dialogue is intelligent and sometimes crackingly clever. I love the lack of sentimentality, the fierceness and bloodyminded sense of obligation that mark Severus' personality, the fact that Harry's trademark boldness is being used to pave the way for gay acceptance in a world that brands them perverts. It's a nicely grown-up prelude to a love story. I also adore the insight implicit in Harry's mistaken belief that Snape is indifferent to what people think of him - and how Snape is tempted to live up to Harry's view, when clearly his lifelong misery has, at least in part, been dictated by caring too much. It's poignant, especially in the way it echoes with Snape's reflection upon the difference in their attitudes toward their sexual desires.
I'm also pleased by the fact that Snape isn't about to let his self-hatred or their incompatible histories get in the way of a promising opportunity.
In case it's not clear, I enjoyed this immensely. Purely on the level of craft, this is delicious, and it does a bang-up job of keeping Harry and Severus in character. My only complaint? I wish there was more of it. ;)