You know, to be perfectly honest, I was very nervous at the beginning of this journey because I knew that there were quite a few Snarry-loving historians/archaeologists/librarians who would be A)reading my fic, or B)on my team! Thankfully the anxiety didn't last too long because some of those people became valuable resources and the loudest cheerleaders. So, what I'm trying to say is that it's a huge honour to know that you enjoyed the story and that you felt the universe was true to the era! *hugs*
I've never read Once upon a time in Egypt, so I'm going to have to get on that right away! *bookmarks*
I'm so glad you felt that I stayed true to our characters, heard all the echoes of canon and didn't feel as if you were in the middle of an historical info dump. :) I've read a few stories where the research overshadowed the characters, so I've always tried to absorb as much as I can, close the books and plant myself in the new universe. That strategy allows me to use the character's canon identities to direct how they will respond in any new world.
Isis's kiss had a very tender, Lily-like feel. It was so nice to be able to give Harry a glimpse of that mother/son relationship. You probably know this already, but She Who Knows the Orphan is one of Isis' alternate names - I didn't even have to make that up! :) When I found out that little fact, I knew she would be the one to embrace Harry as a son and guide him on his journey.
Severus of the Sea: How did you read my mind like that? Truly amazing! It didn't make it into the final draft, but I had intended for them to journey North to the Sea once they had left the palace. If it had become the epic I had first endeavoured to write, we would have seen Severus reconnect with his people, and Harry's wide-eyed awe when he finally saw the vast expanse of water.
thank you for commenting on the original/canon-shadow characters. I fell in love with Theshen as the story progressed. I tried to give him Albus' compassion and wisdom, Ron's devotion and Hermione's ability to state the truth of the matter. Amun: Yes! In my head he was a combination of fudge and the darker side of Slughorn. He's such a scene-stealer! :)
You don't know how pleased I am to find another pervy kindred spirit to share my Egypt kink with! *wink*
Thank you again, SO MUCH, for all of your kind words. *biggest hugs*