Thank you.  I try very hard to keep the balance, to keep Snape realistic to canon, yet also the type of character who would take Harry in.  It's quite difficult, and I'm not always successful.

As always, reviews are appreciated beyond words.

Hahaha, I know exactly what you mean. How about this:  Some angst for Harry, with Snape making it all right in the end?

Glad you liked the packing scene.  Inspired by semi-true to life events with my 12 year old nephew.  He was visiting me for a few weeks and I sent him off to a sleep over, trusting him to pack without thinking to check his bag.  Once he was gone I found his pyjamas and his toothbrush were still at my place.  Heh. So Snape thinks to check where I did not :)

Sometimes it's just a matter of flow.  The chapter needs to stop somewhere and that was the logical place based on the next chapter and the chapter after that.  Undoubtedly I could have written more and turned two chapters into one, but trust me, then you would have even longer to wait!

Unfortunately real life keeps me very busy these days.  Glad you liked it though, and thanks for reviewing!