Title: The First-born Child
Author: rakina
Team: Dragon
Genres: Alternate Reality *Hover/Click for Games Definition of Alternate Reality*
Prompt: Anniversary, Possessive
Rating/Warnings: NC17 *Coercion. Underage (Harry is 16.)*
Word Count: ~70,337
Summary: Come, my friends, and listen to the tale of a flawed hero; the tale of Severus Snape who loves Lily Evans and is determined to have her. But when Lily passes beyond his reach, Severus manages to salvage something for himself: Lily will give him her child. Her first-born child, to be his own, his wife, and his love. Lily only has one child, and she comforts herself that her contract with Severus is void, for Lily's first-born is a son, and Severus had wanted a wife: a girl just like her mother. Severus thinks rather differently; Lily owes him. But in acquiring Harry Potter he discovers, belatedly, that love cannot be coerced or bought however desperate your need; that love is free, and the most valuable thing in the world.

A/N: Firstly, A big thank you goes out to my regular beta, Hel Bee, whose steadfast support has kept me going through thick and thin on many occasions. I also had input during the Snarry Games from my fellow Dragons, whose help is hugely appreciated, especially Lilyseyes and the most excellent Svartalfur.

Next, please note that this story is set in a parallel reality slightly skewed from our own. Do not assume everything here is the same; it's not. Here, Harry's significance to Severus lies in being Lily's child, and nothing else. There is no prophecy and no Dark Lord out to kill him, although there is a Dark Lord. I wrote it this way because, to me, Harry's significance for Snape was always his parentage, the rest be damned.

The Games is a wonderful thing to be part of, and owes its existence to djin7. Much love to you, Djin.

(Almost) lastly, I must mention the mods of Team Dragon, who have been endlessly helpful; most of all our Team Capitan, joanwilder, who is made of so much awesome that sometimes I get lost in my head contemplating her.

And finally... I should shut up, because this reads like an Oscar speech and you need to get to the story.
Disclaimer: The characters from Harry Potter belong to their creator, J K Rowling, and not to me. But the bard's mine.


( The First-born Child by Rakina )

Mod note: Due to the length of this story, we will not be posting another until tomorrow evening. Thank you!