August 1991
Albus Dumbledore sat in his office, sucking on a lemon drop. When he wasn't busy with school or ministry matters, this is where one would usually find the aged wizard.
The new school year would be starting soon. This was the year that Harry Potter was supposed to start at Hogwarts. He had sent out the boy's acceptance letter himself.
And speaking of letters, it was at that very moment, a owl flew into his office and dropped off a letter. Albus opened it and read it.
Dear Headmaster Dumbledore,
How are you sir? I received you acceptance letter for Hogwarts the other day, and I must admit I am slightly confused. Not the usual confusion a muggle raised child might be, but confused because I am already enrolled in a school of Magic. I started at the Celestial Academy of Extended Learning two years ago. So I must officially decline your offer to attend Hogwarts. Though, I'm sure Hogwarts is a marvelous school, I am quite happy where I am. Thank you for you time.
Sincerely,
Harry James Potter
C.A.E.L
Ps, You are more then welcome to check my educational status with the Ministry of Magic.
This wasn't what Dumbledore had been expecting. He was sure that Harry was still unaware of the magical world. But the child did sound happy in his letter.
Albus threw back another lemon drop. He would check with the Ministry, and if everything was on the up and up, he would send a letter apologizing for the mix up to Harry, and wish him all the luck.
He knew Harry was destined for great things. And he, Albus, needed to be an influence on him. It would be better to be a friend, then some manipulative old man who seemed like he was trying to control the boy's life. He would offer the boy advice and guidance when appropriate.
And with that, he left his office, humming a tune no one else remembered anymore. The man was a century and a half old.