Harry woke with a groan, feeling the tension in his back immediately after waking. His old, hardened mattress wasn't doing wonders for his bruised body. Days like this, when he woke to another day of monotony and bruises and no thanks, he would consider just running away. He had his 'Powers' to rely on, and he thought he was intelligent enough to get by. But, these feelings would pass, as he justified his continued stay at the Dursleys home. He had a direct access to clean water, decent food, and clothes. He didn't even have to see them all that often. Besides, no-one would really care about him unless he could offer them something, he'd think, and the situation I have right now is durable.
Harry, being an emotionally shunned 10 year old boy, didn't quite grasp the concept of love. He wouldn't, not for a long time, and thus stayed in an unhappy home when he could have run away, or reported his family for neglect. He didn't want to draw attention to himself, and even though he knew logically he wouldn't be hated for his 'Powers' a little part of him, the small, childish part, couldn't let go of that fear.
Enough sad thoughts harry angrily thought as slowly clambered out of his cupboard. He had breakfast to make.
Harry was allowed to sit with his family for once, as both his Aunt and Uncle were distracted with making Dudley happy. Harry sat quietly at the edge of the table, his mind on other matters (Which is better? String theory or loop theory?) when Dudley hit Harry with a whip. Harry blinked. That was new.
'Hey, freak! Can't you hear? Get the post!' Dudley yelled, spittle flying everywhere. Harry sighed. If it meant escaping his overweight cousin, he'd gladly do any chore. Harry got down, and made his way to the door, and gathered the letters in his hand. He quickly flicked through the days post – any information, even if he wasn't going to act on it, was interesting. Harrys rapid hands stopped suddenly when he noticed a rather odd letter – it seemed to be written on parchment. Even odder, it was addressed to him – Harry James Potter. The boy had frozen in shock. As far as he was aware, only his Aunt and Uncle knew his middle name – not even the school had it on their registers. Apparently, his aunt had hated his dad.
'BOY! What's taking so long?!' Vernon's voice made harry jump in surprise.
'Coming!' Harry called back, quickly stuffing the letter under his shirt. It could be another secret to keep from his relatives, as Harry had the strange feeling that his Aunt and Uncle wouldn't like him getting attention when Dudley did not.
Harry collapsed under a willow tree (one he'd begun to affectional think of as his) in the park. He slowly withdrew the letter from the morning from under his shirt, where it had been kept for the last 4 hours. As it was summer, Harry was free to work all day for his Aunt without interruption. However, as he had worked so hard she had unusually given him the rest of the day off – and he was keen to use the time to examine this mysterious letter. Harry held it in his hands, slowly running a finger over the wax seal. It seemed to be a coat of arms, but he couldn't quite make out the shape. Harry shrugged. Carpe diem, he thought as he opened the envelope. His heart stuttered as he skimmed the letter.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin, First Class, Grnad Sorc. Chief Worlock, sumpreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry finished rereading the piece of parchment for the fifth time and looked at the second page.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
Three sets of plain work robes (black)
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry blinked. Then blinked again, a slow grin starting to uncurl on his face. Magic. He had Magic, not 'Powers'. He was a wizard! He wasn't alone! In rare, childlike glee, Harry let out a giant whoop and started to run around, a slight breeze picking up and rustling his untidy hair. Harry laughed, breathless, and glanced down at the paper in his hand once again. He didn't understand how he was meant to get any of his equipment, or how he was even meant to convince his Aunt to let him go, but he was sure he could manage. For the first time, he had something that he wanted to achieve, something he desperately longed for. It felt like his chest was on fire with excitement, and with uncontrolled glee he gathered his letter and sprinted off to the library: he had a book on owl behaviour to find.
Later that night, a lone figure sneaked out of number 4 Privet Drive. Harry was surprised at how easy it was to break out of his cupboard and walk to the park. If I had know, I might have left that place earlier, Harry thought to himself. A slight hoot broke him out of his musings. Harry glanced up, and saw a tawny owl sitting on a low branch near him. Harry grinned again, stretching muscles that hadn't seen use for what felt like years. 'Hey girl,' Harry said softly, slowly edging towards the bird. It watched him, almost amusedly. 'You wanna take my letter? Do you understand me?' Harry was close enough for him to hold out his reply and have it be close enough for the owl to grab. If Harry didn't know owls couldn't do so, he would have sworn that the tawny bird rolled it's eyes at him before taking his note in its beak and flying off. Harry shook his head. Well, a few days ago I knew magic wasn't real. Maybe owls can roll their eyes harry thought as he made his way back to the house. He smiled to himself along the way. The way things were going, his life was about to take a definite twist – for the better.
AN: So! I hope this all flows, and doesn't seem too rushed. I wanted to get this scene, and a couple of others to come, out of the way before the plot really starts to pick up.
To the guest reviewer (Sonsky) on the last chapter: Thanks for your input, I really apprciate it. You did raise a good point, something I tried to answer without getting ahead of myself - basically, Harry is crazy!smart, and knows (logically) he could have a much better situation, but he doesn't want his powers/magic to be discovered, doesn't trust easily, and basically can't be bothered. He knows he could have it worse (not a healthy way to think I'm aware) and is quite apathetic about it.
This will all be explored in depth later! It's is part of the plot! Please be patient, and if you liked it please review!