Oh, this was awesome! I loved the chess quotes, the richness of Italy's wizarding culture and, of course, the very unique tale of what happened to Harry and Severus. I've read other fics where Dumbledore is made out to be the villain, but I always end up loving him again by the end - not this time! I think you actually made me hate Albus a little. Loved Severus finding love and a future, and Harry finding freedom. Did you plot out what happens next 'off camera'? Does Harry become the child of the prophecy, or does he continue on a completely different path as Hadrian? Do the 'bad people' eventually come for him?