Wow, I loved this -- my favorite story of the fest. That last line is just a killer. The perfect ending, painful as it is. I'm putting this story on my rec list for sure.

I'm a sucker for Severus/Petunia fics, especially when they are done as well as this one is. The magic ornaments are just so clever, and I love the way you fit everything plausibly into canon. I love the delicate color imagery that weaves throughout.

The scent that was uniquely Severus teased her nose: a mixture of wood smoke, herbs, a coppery tang, and beneath it all something bitter, like unshed tears.
Great description.

Wonderful job, Mystery Author.