I so thoroughly enjoyed the build up here. I loved seeing their seperate lives develop and how Harry and Severus grew themselves. The image of your Severus had me thinking naughty thoughts... ;D And I always enjoy Albus' machinations, especially if they lead to romance for our boys. Finally, of course I love your 'firedrakes.' They remind me of A. McCaffery's firelizards in her Pern series (something I'm addicted to) and to see their presence here was delightful. Their such a pair and their characters shine through just as well as their humans' do.