He had been there only once, in the late autumn of the fateful year 1981: After staring for hours at the still-smoking ruins of the house, he had Apparated back to Spinner’s End and then to the deserted play ground where he had first met her. Awww. That's so sad. *hugs Severus* But gosh, what potent lines. *sigh* I really just can't imagine having been Severus. Growing up as he did, seeing and doing what he did. Just...gosh. And the sadness and helplessness he must have felt...you've captured that perfectly here.
"Er ...." he said and then said nothing, just gaped at him, like a fish.
Severus restrained himself from saying something.
"Snape?"
"Good morning to you, too, Mr. Potter," said Severus through gritted teeth. He was astonished at how strangely comforting it felt to speak this name again.
"Snape?" Potter bleated again.
Severus did not roll his eyes. Instead he took a deep breath: "Yes, that is my name, Mr. Potter."
Oh, god. Where do I begin?! Classic, wonderful Harry- totally out of his element, almost constantly. *grin* I adore the line about Severus being comforted by saying his name again...even if he's not in love with him yet, there's definitely a history there. So I love that you've shown that! And the snark! The snark! *grin* Of course he didn't roll his eyes...far too undignified! *grin* So instead, we have snark. Hehe. Love!!
There were two sofas and several armchairs in the rather large room, but all of them were buried under heaps of Quidditch gear, clothing, magazines, and children's toys. Dirty plates and glasses were everywhere, and piles of clothes were under the dining table. Yes! This would be the house of any man going through a divorce who had kids, but especially it's Harry house. Haha. Oh, lovely. I can't tell you how much I adore the details. It just makes the story pop and come alive to have all these little things that characterize them and set up the background. *sigh* Lovely. Absolutely lovely.
With an almost invisible flick of his wand Severus immediately undid the silencing charm Potter threw before he left and applied a cushioning charm on the door frame that prevented the door from closing.
Yes!!! *grin* Gosh, you've got them all in such perfect character! This is so Severus, and I love it when he's like this. *sigh* Excellent. I also love that Harry's an adult! He's an adult man, so he can be a bit of a slob especially with kids to take care of, but he's not a teenager anymore- he speaks to Severus politely since Severus didn't start anything. He doesn't immediately do or say something stupid (well, his original surprise notwithstanding. *grin*). Just...yes. Goodness. If I loved this fic any more I don't know what I'd do with myself. *grin*
Aaaack! I can't just quote the entire fic back to you, can I? *is seriously spazzing out with joy here* Love, love, love the floo call between Harry and Ginny- you've characterized them both very well here, but especially Harry! We get to see the serious side of him, and the part about him feeling terrible thinking Severus died for so many years and everything he said at the memorial...*sigh* Because really, Harry would feel that way, and I love a Ginny that understands and accepts it! Because again, you've made her human. Made them all human- not plot devices. And the "because you would have said no"- ha! Yes, even Severus has enough social skills to know that is NEVER what you tell someone. Hahaha. And Harry's line about "if he's a horrible teacher, because you know he will be"- ha! Just, really. So very Harry, and an excellent line, and *sigh*. Just so, so very happy. <3
"Do you like Quidditch?" the boy finally asked.
Severus did not look up yet. "Not very much," he admitted.
"Why are you reading a Quidditch magazine then?"
"Because I like reading," Severus replied.
"That's stupid," the boy said.
Hee!! I like him already. *grin* Characterized him in three lines of dialogue! You're good at that. <3
[I think this comment might be too long- I've had them cut off on me before. So I'm going to post this one, but more will be coming!!]