AU: After 1st year, Harry is warned by Dobby not to return to Hogwarts. He goes off on his own. It's a while before he is tracked down/rescued by Snape. He is unable to enroll into Hogwarts so late, so he is instead taken on as an apprentice. Can Prof. Snape's firm hand mentor him and help him prepare for his future? (CP Warning).
Tonks proposes to Lupin, but he has other plans.
A submission for the Daily Prophet's pre-competition writing prompt "Celebrate Good Times." It is an alternate take on the seeker's prompt "a child is born." This fic is written from the perspective of Snape as he finds out Lily has just given birth to Harry. It's a bit dark and angsty- but hey, it's Snape. My apologies to any Sirius fans, he's kind of a jerk here.