It was a dull, grey Tuesday when our story starts. In Surrey, Little Whinging to be exact. A rather large man dismissed a cat on his way to work. He did not realize the far reaching consequences that action would have.
The cat continued on her journey, one that took her to the man's house, Number 4 Privet Drive. She sat on the wall all day, watching as the mother inside overindulged her child. The woman, for the cat was indeed a woman, thought with disgust that she would never treat a child of her own that way. For a variety of reasons she and her husband had never had children of their own, although she considered each of her students her children in a way. Regardless, she had never been a significant part of a young child's life, something she yearned for.
Much later that evening, her husband arrived, putting out all of the muggle street lamps. When he glanced at her, she took human form again.
"You can't leave him here Albus! These people are the worst sort of muggles!" Minerva McGonagall exclaimed.
"I know, but I have no choice dear. Think of how he would be treated in the wizarding world, how the fame would turn his head," the man said resignedly.
"We could take him in ourselves," the woman said with a hopeful tone in her voice.
"I think it best that we not. It is better for him to be surrounded by family, to ensure the blood wards work," Dumbledore said sadly.
"Very well. I disagree, but I plan on checking on the boy monthly, to ensure he is being properly cared for. And if he isn't, I will take him to come live with us."
"That seems fair enough. I think you're wrong though and he'll have a great childhood with his cousin and aunt."
With that Hagrid arrived and the baby was left upon the doorstep with nothing but a letter to explain his presence. The lights returned to the street and the wizards disappeared.