*laughs* A roller coaster, yes. I felt that way while writing it, too. And I think all my years of watching the tension between Snape and Harry grow more violent and personal, combined with feeling shortchanged at the way the series sidestepped any real resolution between them - well, it all got poured into this fic. All the frustration and intensity. Plus an investigation of what it would actually take to bring them together.
I love seeing where people divide over Harry and Snape and their anger. Some readers feel Harry's unsympathetic. And of course it was important to me that Snape never stop being an arsehole. I wanted the balance of power to keep shifting back and forth, especially toward the end. Although as long as Snape was trapped by the collar, he never really had the upper hand.
I'm so glad you hung in there for the ride. Your comments have me beaming with pleasure. Perhaps the end redeemed both of them enough to give you hope.