Thanks for this beautiful work, to which I was just referred by someone who reviewed one of my own stories. And I totally agree with her--your Snape's voice is perfect. He is so private and needy and ready to believe the worst...but then at the end, he is brave enough to take what's offered, which makes me think Harry will find that the man is not unable to love, though it will take some cautious handling to gentle him.
I'm going to look up your other writing right now. Thanks again for this!