Severus Snape is found on the roof of the Astronomy tower. But what has brought him back from the dead?

Professor Carlin discovers the reason Snape has returned, but is it too horrible to contemplate?
(This chapter contains mild language)

Severus is recovering from the shock of finding himself not dead. He begins to settle in to life at Hogwarts, and becomes more friendly with Serene. And he washes his hair.

Serene and Severus make a trip to Diagon Alley, and find unexpected danger and tragedy.

The new school year at Hogwarts starts under the watchful eyes of Aurors. Severus makes it through his first day of teaching with only one minor mishap...

In which Serene has her first Legilomency lesson, and we learn why Severus wouldn't wash his hair back in the day. Severus and Serene have dinner with the Potters, and Severus tells Harry the real reason he hated him so...

I think I should warn my readers that this chapter contains a scene of Serene teaching a class in healing curse wounds that some may find disturbing. I assure you that no fluffy animals were permanently harmed in the writing of this chapter.

Severus and Serene finally go out on their first date.

Sorry it took so long to update. My computer died on me, and I had to get a new one, then I found that I had to severely edit this chapter because what I had loaded on my flash drive was an earlier draft that would not have passed muster on this site due to, erm, adult content.

So, anyway,

Severus and Serene's relationship progresses to the next level. Soon after, Severus realizes that there is a void inside him that nothing, not even Serene, can fill.

I told you guys I wasn't finished with that horcrux...

Severus continues his quest to reunite his soul, and Serene notices that it is taking a toll on his health. Will Severus's anger with Dumbledore prevent him from finding the remorse he needs to heal his soul?

This was originally going to be a long one, but because of the time frame involved, I decided to split it into two, so the story is going to end up at twenty chapters instead of nineteen.

Harry rushes to Hogwarts in one last attempt to help Severus heal his soul before the horcrux is destroyed. Will he be successful, or will Severus be condemned to live with only half a soul?