Before the Letter

Sweet Dreams

What was it like before Harry knew he was special? Was life easier before the magic? Before Hogwarts there was no Draco Malfow, no potions class and professor Snape. Before Harry knew he was special there was no Lord Voldemort or big war. He was simply just a strange child living with his mean and uncaring Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, and his bully of a cousin Dudley on 4 Privet Drive. He still lived under the stairs in the old broom closet.

Before the letter telling Harry Potter of special he really was, he dreamed. He dreamed that there were bigger, brighter and better things then his broom closet bedroom. He dreamed people were nicer, more loving, more magical then his family of Privet Drive.

"Harry darling, good morning," Lilly would tell her son and she made him breakfast in the kitchen.

"What smells so delicious mom?" Harry as he sat down at the kitchen table. "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

"Bacon, eggs and toast," Lilly said with a smile. "How did you sleep?"

"I slept very well, like I was on a cloud." Harry smiled.

"Well that sounds lovely; I wish I slept on a cloud." James said as he ruffled Harry's hair. "Good morning beautiful," James grabbed his wife and gave her a big kiss.

"Ew gross," Harry giggled.

Lilly made a plate for both the boys and sat them on the table. James sat down and took his first bite of his toast and grinned "Delicious," Then James searched the table. "Has the paper come in yet?"

"I haven't seen the owl this morning. It shouldn't be long." Lilly announced as she placed a cup of coffee in front of him.

"An owl?" Harry asked.

"Well how else do we get our paper Harry?" James laughed.

Lilly sat down with her plate of breakfast and cup of tea. As she sat down an owl flew in from the kitchen window and dropped the newspaper on James' breakfast, then sat on the counter.

"I suppose you want a tip after ruining my breakfast?" James said to the bird.

"Awe so cute this owl is in training." Lilly smiled. The owl was small, smaller then regular size.

James flicked his wrist and his breakfast was no longer all over the table. Then he flicked his wrist again and magically appeared a coin. He then placed the coin a small sac the bird had tied to it. He patted the bird on the head and bird flew out the kitchen window again. Harry watched as James began to read the paper.

"Dad, what is wrong with the paper?"

"Why would do you mean Harry?"

"Well the pictures, they are moving. That is strange."

"Nothing strange about it son, how could the pictures possibly stay in one place. It would be difficult for you to stay in one place wouldn't it?"

"Oh, I guess you are right."

"It's time for school Harry. You should go get ready." Lilly told Harry. Harry got up and was about to take his plate. "Oh you just leave that there and go get ready. Today is a big day for you." Before Harry Could make it out of the kitchen. "I love you Harry."

"I love you too." James said after Lilly.

"I love you the most," Harry announced. He hugged them both together.

"Wake up, wake up, wake up!" A voice yelled from the top of the stairs. They stomped all the way down the stairs and all the way back up again. "I need my breakfast, wake up Harry Potter!"

Harry put on his glasses and opened the door to his broom closet bedroom, just to be pushed back in by his annoying cousin Dudley. A ritual that happened almost every morning, Harry was more surprised Dudley didn't get board of this. Then again Dudley was quite a simple person and found any kind of way to torture Harry amusing.

"Harry! You should have been in here earlier! I have already finished breakfast." Aunt Petunia said as she ate her breakfast at the table. "Fetch me a coffee will you?"

"Yes Aunt Petunia," Harry made the coffee and placed it in front of his Aunt.

"Excuse me Harry?" Dudley yelled angrily. "Where is my breakfast?" Harry then made a plate of eggs, bacon and toast piled high for Dudley before making a plate of his own.

"Why is daddy, mommy?" Dudley whined.

"Daddy had to go to work early darling. He will be back for dinner this evening." Aunt Petunia smiled at her precious child. "You will have to take the bus today Dudley, is that ok?"

"Yes mommy," Dudley said with food in his mouth. "I like taking the bus, but I do not like sitting beside Harry Potter."

"You don't have to sit with him sweet'ems."

"May I be excused?" Harry asked. He had finished his breakfast and made his way back to the closet to find some school clothes. Once he was done getting dressed, brushing his teeth and finding his back pack, he went back into the kitchen to clean the dishes. Dudley had finished and left his plate completely licked clean at the table. Aunt Petunia was outside sipping her coffee in the garden.

Dudley and Harry did not walk to the bus stop together. Harry gave Dudley a head start. He did not leave the house until Dudley was out of site from Privet Drive. Harry also took his time with every step so that he was as far away from Dudley as he possibly could be. This was so Dudley wouldn't have the opportunity to torture Harry before getting on the bus. With every step he took, he would stop and look at the trees or gaze at the houses. At one point he passed a park and decided to take a break from walked and swing on the swings a time or two before setting back off to the bus for school. Once he arrived at the bus stop he only had a minute to spare before he it arrived.

"I go first." Dudley pushed Harry and out of the way in order to get on the bus. Dudley always sat at the back of the bus when he took it to school. Most days however, Uncle Vernon would drive Dudley and Harry would take the bus alone. Harry preferred this as Dudley wouldn't be able to bother him. He could sit on the bus free from torture and in peace and quiet.

"Morning Harry," William gave a smile. "Would you like to sit with me at the front of the bus today?"