WHEW!!! I finally managed to make it all the way through this! I started reading it on the 26th, I believe, and was immediately sucked in by the fabulous setup and the beginnings of the plot. But I've had other things demanding my time and attention, so I had to read the rest in chunks over the last few days. I kept coming back to it, though, because I was itching to see the next stage of Percy's plan!
You sold me on this difficult pairing here. I can absolutely see Snape, as inexperienced as he is, being blindsided by the whole thing. And I'm glad you went with this hopeful yet realistic ending -- one in which Snape needs to learn about love before committing to it with premature promises.
It was the plot, though, that really kept me reading. Percy's plan was, indeed, brilliant. Kudos, Mystery Author.
Your characterizations of all the various side characters were fantastic, and I loved their interactions with and responses to Snape. I particularly enjoyed the dynamics between Snape and Harry, and Snape and Kingsley.
Also, Mystery Author, I think you fail at anon. I'd bet my right arm I know who you are. ;)