What a charming story. The beginning really emphasizes what a survivor Severus is, managing to scrape a life together out of such grim circumstances. I admire how well you were able to balance his IC misanthropic tendencies with the greater openness he would have, being freed from his memories. Harry is wonderful, the way he flings himself headlong into Severus' life, bringing his particular brand of loving empathy to bear. It's a very believable depiction of how Harry would grow and thrive, after being free from the threat of Voldemort. Nicely done!