Thank you, Ella!  And yes, you're exactly right...Harry did need some time alone with Severus.  And yep, that's exactly how Draco is right now, but that's how I think he would be acting.  He has a lot of emotions and feelings, and some changes going on inside right now, but he isn't quite ready to admit guilt and remorse aloud yet.  But since SC is primarily from Harry's POV, with a bit of Severus, it may not be quite as obvious what's going on in Draco's head yet.  It's been pretty difficult to write, but I think things will begin to change soon.

As for freeing Harry, well...there have been guesses about that, and some people have been right.  I only hope readers won't feel cheated about my plan, but it has been in the works for some time now.    

Hey, sproutchild!  Well, it's not the best for Harry yet, but I do plan for things to get better pretty soon.  As for Mr. Draco, well...I knew he wasn't going to come across as too sympathetic in this one, but his 'dramatics' are not because of his punishment or having to do some chores.  He is traumatized because of his mother's death, his experience with Dolohov and Greyback, losing Severus and feeling all alone.  But, being Draco, it's hard for him to show vulnerability or pain.  He's lashing out, like a wounded animal right now.  Also, his talk is defensiveness, because deep down he has realized that he did a horrible thing in casting that spell on Harry and telling the public...but again, it's too hard for him to admit his remorse and guilt yet.  So he's being very defensive about it all.

Anyway, I'm sure you'll do great when you begin showing Severus in a softer light in 'Antonomasia'...and speaking of that, lol, when do you think that might be?  I literally can't wait!

Merry Christmas!