Thank you! You have captured the very heart of what I was trying to accomplish in this story, and you've said it much better than I could have.
I've always believed Snape needed to grow beyond the nastiness--never really thought he could be that mean. As for the faith, he's the only HP character I've thought could find some meaning in a belief system.
Oh, yes, we have to have a happy ending. No other way. Thanks again.