Just to say -- I have come back to this story several times now, and it is without doubt one of my absolute favourites from this fest: the beautifully written exploration of both Severus and Minerva's psyche here haunts me. I particularly enjoyed the overdue conversation with Albus -- while I sometimes think that Albus encouraged Severus' bad teaching, I also like this take on the situation. Severus' angry reaction was glorious, as was Albus' understated: "We have a complex relationship, Severus and I," Albus said finally. "He is important to me, but he is difficult. Oh, not in terms of teaching; I'm not angry about that. He did a reasonable job for a neophyte, and he can only improve. Especially with your guidance?" There is so much going on beneath the surface here, and it was an utter joy to guess at the implications behind every perfectly placed word.
I also rather liked the framing you gave this (with Finn's spanking). Minerva's shame over not receiving the same treatment as her brother rang utterly true, as did her shame over her father's silent treatment (I had a similar father).
Also, a confession: The spanking scene should not have been as hot as it was (I have never particularly enjoyed spanking in fic), but you not only convinced me that it could happen, that it could work between these two, but made me actually find it hot.
Thank you for this utterly memorable story, which has enriched my imagination and given me so much pleasure over the past weeks.