The Letter
Harry sat in his room looking out his window. The thirty first of July, and his 15th birthday had come and gone. He had received the usual cakes and goodies from Hagrid and the Weasly family. There had also been gifts from Ron, Hermione and Sirius. Ginny Weasley had also sent a gift, and a mushy birthday card. What had Harry worried was he had received no letter from Hogwarts informing him of next term and what books he would need. His aunt and uncle had said nothing of his birthday, preoccupied with his cousin Dudley's instead.
Dudley's birthday had been weeks ago but they were still carrying on about it. They were down there now, laughing loudly and carrying on for Harry's sake. Dudley still was carrying on about his new computer and various other expensive gifts, as well as the complete new wardrobe promised to him by Aunt Marge. Dudley had in fact gotten so large last year that he out grew his school uniform and had to wear an orange muumuu until he lost enough weight to fit in a uniform again. It didn't take to long after wearing the muumuu for Dudley to starve himself down to a surprisingly trimmer figure. 'Good' Harry thought, 'his hand-me-downs will fit better now.'
From below, Harry heard the postman bring the mail and Uncle Vernon thundering off to retrieve it. It wasn't long before there was a bellow from downstairs.
"HARRY! YOU GET DOWN HERE AT ONCE" Uncle Vernon roared.
Harry went down the stairs wondering what all of the fuss was about. He wasn't expecting anything by mail. All of his things came through the owl post.
"Read this." Uncle Vernon demanded waving a letter in his face.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Dursleys:
I am writing you to inform you that there have been some changes to the manor in which your nephew, Harry Potter, will be transported to Hogwarts this year. Due to circumstances beyond the control of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic, we feel that it would not be in the safest interest of Harry to take the Hogwarts Express, which departs on the first of September.
Harry will be transported by an authorized representative from Hogwarts, Meagan Slayton. Miss Slayton will arrive at your home on the evening of the 31st of August to pick up Harry. She will be carrying identification in the form of a drivers license issued by the State of Texas in the United States. In addition to that, she will also be carrying a letter from myself, a letter from Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, as well as a letter from Harry's godfather, Sirius Black, authorizing the transport. Please check that the person picking Harry up on that evening is carrying these documents.
We have made arrangements for all of Harry's school books and needed supplies for the next term to be waiting for him when he arrives at Hogwarts.
We are sorry if this causes any inconvenience to you and your family. We do feel that this must be done to ensure Harry's safety.
Sincerely,
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"What have you done that you are so much trouble the school sending someone to pick you up? Uncle Vernon demanded, his large face turning red.
"I don't know anything about this, Uncle Vernon. I didn't do anything."
"I bet you didn't" Dudley added sarcastically. "Probably made some else's tongue six feet long, and now they're out to get you." Dudley had eaten some of Fred and George's 'Ten Tongue Taffy' the year before and his tongue had gotten quite large before his aunt and uncle let Arthur Weasley fix it.
"I didn't give you that candy, it fell out of Fred's pocket and you took it." Harry said coldly.
"This representative had better not pull anything funny, Harry. You write this McGonagall person and tell her no funny stuff. No fireplaces. You hear me, boy. You'd better do it quick, too. She'll be here next week."
With that Harry went to his room. The first thing he did was send an owl to Ron letting him know everything. Hedwig was glad to have something to do. It had been a fairly quiet summer and she had spent a lot of time in her cage. She nipped his ear and spread her wings and she was gone.
She returned a few days later with Ron's reply:
I don't know Harry, sounds funny. I asked Dad, he said pretty much what McGonagall said. He said Miss Slayton is acting for the Ministry and for Hogwarts. He also said the she knows enough about Muggle life not to do any "funny stuff" and that's all he said. He looked worried when I said her name. Didn't like it. I guess I see you at Hogwarts.
Ron
Harry wondered why he hadn't gotten a letter from Professor McGonagall explaining that someone had to pick him up. Nothing about this situation made any sense to him at all.
A couple of days before this Miss Slayton was to come and get him, Harry did receive a letter from Professor Dumbledore. The letter told simply that he was to abandon any plans to travel on the Hogwarts Express. He was to travel with Miss Slayton without question. This did make Harry feel a little better, but it did not put his mind to ease.