True. Seeing Severus surrender to emotional insecurity is a heartbreaking thing indeed, although I've always imagined that he'll be precisely like this, deep down. Obviously I also always imagine that Harry will be on hand to help heal each and every one of Severus' emotional wounds. Hopefully he'll do just that here. :)

Thanks, as always, for taking the time to let me know your thoughts about another work of mine, my friend. Your insightful comment was greatly appreciated.