DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to Harry Potter or any affiliated characters. Such things belong to J. K. Rowling

Prelude

"I do hope he'll be alright living with Muggles", Minerva McGonagall said as Dumbledore laid the small bundle at the doorstep of Number 4 Privet Drive.

"He'll be fine", replied Albus Dumbledore. "I've seen them; these are the kindest muggle folk I've seen thus far, not to mention they're his only relatives". "Besides", he continued, "I've been keeping an eye on the Dursley boy, he may not look it, but he has magical blood in him for sure. "So even if the parents don't take to the child kindly, he'll have little Dudley to turn to."

"Good luck, Harry Potter", said Dumbledore, as he leaned down to secure the boy's blanketing. After saying their last goodbyes, Dumbledore quickly pulled out his Put-Outer and clicked it several times, causing each of the streetlights on Privet Drive to flicker on again. By the time the final streetlight was lit up, the only thing that could be seen was a tabby cat running through a nearby alleyway.

The next morning, Petunia Dursley opened the front door to get the milk bottles and let out a shriek.

"Vernon", she called. "Vernon, come here, there's a basket at the door!"

"Coming, dear", Vernon replied as he was seating a cranky Dudley into his highchair, "Just settling Duddy in for breakfast." Vernon then made his way to the front door to examine the strange package.

"This isn't the post, love", said Mr. Dursley, "It's… a baby!"

"Look, he's holding something", said Petunia. Vernon gently pulled the envelope from the infant's hand, opened it, and began to read the contents:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Dursley,

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that your relatives, the Potters, have been murdered. At approximately 8pm last night, a highly dangerous sorcerer, known as Lord Voldemort, broke into their home and brutally murdered them for reasons unknown, their infant son, Harry, is the only survivor of the attack. It is presumed that Voldemort tried to kill Harry too, fortunately, the only sign of harm is a small scar on the child's forehead. Officials in our community have concluded that Voldemort has been killed due to his own attack rebounding upon him.

You must understand that Voldemort's defeat comes as a joy to all those in our world. He has been terrorizing our world for years, and we will all rest easier knowing he is gone forever. As such, young Harry has already become quite renowned for this feat. His triumph over Voldemort will be remembered forever, but we felt that for now, he is best off left in the hands of his relatives.

I also need to remind you that Harry, like his parents, is a wizard. Therefore, he will need training to hone his skills. (I shall be writing to you again to also discuss another matter at a later time) On the September following his 11th birthday, Harry Potter will be attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to begin his education in the magical arts. He will attend Hogwarts for seven years, which after he turn 17 years of age, be able to live on his own.

In closing, I kindly ask that you take good care of Harry Potter. You are the only relatives he has left. Remember, at age 11, he will be starting school at Hogwarts. Until then, feel free to school him in the ordinary curriculums.

Yours truly,

Albus Dumbledore

"Lily's dead", Vernon said with a sniff. "She's dead, along with James, and little Harry's lucky enough to have survived." "The nerve", he growled, "to just up and kill them like that. I mean, what in blazes did they do to this Moldy fellow?"

Petunia had been quietly sobbing the ever since Vernon had read the "Potters have been murdered" line. "My sister", she cried. "Lily… I c-cant believe…"

Vernon wrapped his arms around to embrace his wife. "I'm sorry dearest, so sorry", he whispered. Vernon glanced over to the lump in the basket, which had just begun to stir. "I s'pose he's with us then", he said. Vernon then let go of his wife, grabbed baby Harry and walked inside. "Looks like you have a new home now, tyke", he said to his nephew as he went to get a spare can of baby food.

The boy would soon awaken to be greeted by a giggling Dudley Dursley, cuddled and soothed by the still shaken Aunt Petunia and receive words of encouragement from his Uncle Vernon. Harry Potter didn't know it at the time, but he was destined to change the world. Wizards all over Britain were celebrating…him. To Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived!