Okay, so I cringed when I saw your prompts, because I *really* don't like infidelity. I mean, really a lot. Maybe I was a Hufflepuff in another life, or something. But then, I couldn't *not* read it, because it's yours. So . . .
This is a wonderful story, long and detailed and expertly paced and terrifically engaging on almost every level. I cried. Rather a lot, really. But I also laughed. Because life is like that, and this story is really about Harry's life, as mediated through Snape, who continues to do his best to save it, just as he has all along.
Things I especially love: The relationship between Snape and McGonagall; I've always had a thing for their relationship, when it's well done, and it is here, with all that snark and vitriol masking deep respect and affection. It actually gave me a twinge when she died and I realized that Snape wouldn't be there to greet her, because you know, I really think he would've.
The kids, every one of them, even just-like-his-namesake James, but especially Lily. When I read the line about her threatening to turn the portraits into sad clowns on velvet, I laughed my ass off, because how perfect is that? And Albus, with his crush on Draco, who was probably the most *believable* version of Draco I've ever read in fanfic.
And Harry was so . . . I love your Harry, as he grows up and struggles along and does his best to figure out how to live the life he's been handed and deal with all his own mistakes and the mistakes of others. His capacity for forgiveness is so enormous and so lovely, and I love that he isn't some kind of *saint*, that he cries and rails and is tired and wants something for himself, *and* is loving and determined and sweet and funny and human.
And Snape's voice is just right, in narration and in dialogue. He is so *smart* and so justifiably bitter in the beginning, at losing his expected peace, and so articulate, the perfect foil to Harry, and able, more than anyone, to tell hard truths. I'm so glad he's able to make his peace with Dumbledore, who I really do believe loved him, and loved Harry, and, yes, sacrificed them anyway.
And I love the ending, just the idea of the two them together in their painted world and eventually moving on--together, I have no doubt--to all the people who will be waiting for them both.