Oh, this is just so wonderful, and I'm simply brimming with glee right now. First off, I have a weakness for de-aged snape. There are times when I SEEK OUT stories with de-aged Snape in them 'cause I get in the mood. And you've done a wonderful job of aging him at a nice, steady pace.
Gilderoy is so much like I see him. Of course, he's getting better, but also, of course, he's not going to let them know just when and where and how much he's getting better 'cause it's TERRIFYING out in the real world.
I love how you've got them to an understanding with each other, too. After all that Snape has seen, him having a grasp on why Gilderoy is the way he is, and how he might feel compassion for someone such as he...
Thank you so much. I really do love this story, and it's just the PERFECT gift!