Gosh, I'm not sure where to start with this. The story was masterfully crafted - the 'semi-oblivious narrator' device worked extremely well, and so many themes (Severus' parents, the sea, stealing 'souvenirs', suicide and life and death...) were cleverly embroidered onto the canvas of the broader story. I'm not sure I quite liked or disliked any of the characters in this; as I'm sure you intended, they remained ambiguous - each with their own strengths and weaknesses and patches of light and dark - and they leave the reader feeling vaguely uncomfortable and voyeuristic to the end. Intelligent and thought-provoking throughout - Brava! (although I confess - the sappy part of me does pine for a 'happy ending' ;-) )