Reading this hurts so good. What an awfully challenging dilemma you’ve given Severus and the reader. I’m trying to convince myself to believe that Severus’ ”You’re dead” was addressed to ”Ginny”, and together with the ”last kiss” it meant he was about to tell Harry the truth, thinking that it would be the end of their relationship.
Hmm, I can’t decide how Harry would react, but he was the one turning the Stone. Maybe they’ll decide to keep up the pretence for the Weasleys’ sake, move in together, slowly fall in love, and have children. After all, it took a few years before James was born. (Don’t know how Severus would agree to that name, though.) OTOH, I’m afraid your summary spells out Severus’ biggest problem all too accurately. *sigh*
Oh yes, and this story was utterly brilliant and beautifully written. I loved the subdued atmosphere, the quietly gentle lovemaking, and your way of describing nature.