Yay! I'm so glad to see this posted. I've been waiting to see the final product, and it's wonderful. It's still incredibly sad and makes my chest ache, but that's to be expected. I feel so sorry for Harry--not realizing how much he cares for Snape until it's too late--and for Snape as well. Your story really gave credence to Harry's belief of Snape being one of the bravest men he's known.