Title: What Could Have Been

Rating: K+

Warnings: none

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot. I can wish though!


Harry blinked blearily and yawned- surely no one in their right minds would actually get up this early? He glanced at his clock (it was squished between various quidditch posters on the wall of his very Gryffindor themed wall) and realised it was 9 o' clock already. His sleep befuddled mind then tried to grasp what day it was; but not after dozing for 5 more minutes. With a jolt of realisation Harry realised it was his 11th birthday! He promptly tore of his duvet, grabbed his glasses and hurried down the stairs.

"Mum! Dad! It's my birthday! Today!" He yelled. By now Harry had gotten downstairs and into the snug kitchen where James Potter sat at the round table and Lily was humming a muggle song while popping some bread into the toaster. His Dad grinned,

"Yup! Your uncles Padfoot and Moony are coming for lunch, and to give you presents of course! Now, after you've eaten we'll give you our presents and perhaps check the mail for a certain letter," Lily nodded her agreement and handed Harry the toast she had put in the toaster before. After stuffing it down, Harry set about opening all of the gifts, his favourite of which being his Dad's old invisibility cloak (" You better give those professors lots of trouble while carrying on some *Ahem* family traditions!" "He will not!"). Eventually their handsome tawny owl flew through the window. James stood up to get it and Lily went with him.

"Anything from Hogwarts for me?" Harry questioned hopefully,

"Nah, sorry son..."

"What?! You're kidding, right?"

Lily smacked her husband's arm. "Here it is Harry. We can go to Diagon Alley tomorrow," Mock glaring his Dad, Harry opened the envelope with barely concealed excitement.

Dear Mr Potter

We are delighted to inform you that you have been accepted into Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry...