That was beautiful, a lovely study in what could and couldn't be. Your subtly adjusted premise into a world where by a few character death reversals was fascinating, and just as convincing as JKR's version. I like how you take all the characters seriously, not just dumping Ginny once she is dead and those ramifications, nor Lily, nor anyone else. It rings so very true in the actions and reactions of Harry and Snape. Throwing that trope of the Snape who sees the 'true' Harry on its head was invigorating, and opens a whole building of possibilities to play with between them and their loves/lives/losses.
I have to applaud Harry for having the sense and maturity to just walk away (even if in some ways he never truly can leave completely) from what would have become an incredibly destructive relationship, no matter that it damaged in the leaving. Many people don't have that ability and no matter what my inner angst-on-toast side thinks about seeing it play out, it would be like slicing both of them open repeatedly with a razor, more so than even now. That tragic clarity Harry has to see that it will never work is... just so clean and painful. Yet I equally love Snape here trying to reconcile (and failing because he doesn't have the time to get near success, if there is such a thing) his need and loss of Lily, his loss of Harry, the hurt and being a .. left over relic. Two steps forward and three steps back. It is not just his brokeness but both Harry and everything else.
I love this for being an uncompromising portrait of two people who cannot, are unable to, and will not compromise or give less in emotions or their needs and desires in life.. gorgeous. I love the openess and lack of resolution of the ending, leaving it at once oddly hopeful but devastatingly closed and ruined all the more for that. So.. thanks. It made my day.