I'm so pleased you enjoyed the story. I wanted Severus to be strong but flawed, Harry problematic but forgiving. Julian, well, I figured he'd be a surprise, but it felt good to write that part of the story especially.
I think you're one of the first commentors to have already read Captains Courageous. I had to read it as a teenager, and it had a big impact on me at the time. And I'm with you--I'd love to have a copy of Snape reading it too.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read; I choose the stories I read carefully too, as I don't have much free time. So it means a great deal to me that you read, and that you enjoyed it--thanks for telling me.
Btw, I got to see Pan's Labyrinth while I was in the UK! I thought of you at the time, and I enjoyed it so very much. When I got back, we finally managed to get it so my husband could see it, and it's still stuck in my noggin! I'm glad you recommended it so heartily. What a great film!