Chapter 3 : A Series of Strange Accidents

Nearly eleven years had passed since that night that Harry was left on the doorstep of Privet Drive by his parents. Even by ten year old standards, Harry was skinny and had a distinctly uncared for look. Harry was dressed in second hand, hand me down clothes which were often too large for him because they were usually his cousin Dudley's, who was considerably larger than him. The saddest part was that unlike some children who Harry had met, Harry's poor appearance had nothing to do with lack of money, as his aunt and uncle had a better than average income, emphasised by Dudley, who was spoiled and always had the best of everything. No it was simply that no-one cared for Harry, thought of simply as a nuisance, a burden, an unpaid servant and his cousin as a punch bag.

Harry had suffered abuse for years. Which his aunt and uncle rarely physically attacked Harry, they verbally degraded him on a daily basis and gloried in emphasising their love for Dudley and in contrast the lack of affection they felt towards him. His classmates treated him similarly and they came in three categories. Those who friends with Dudley who picked on him simply because Dudley did. Those too afraid of Dudley and his gang to be seen to be friendly with an outcast. Then, there were those who looked at Harry as a freak and feared him because they thought he had abilities that were strange and sinister.

Over the years, Harry had a number of 'accidents', which he couldn't explain. There was the time he ended up on the roof of the school building when all he had been doing is trying to escape Dudley's gang. Then there was that time he had inadvertently dyed the teacher's hair blue. The strangest accident however was during show and tell a couple of years ago. A boy whose father was an adventurer had brought in a cobra snake for show and tell. Harry had been fascinated by the appearance of the snake but Dudley and two of his lackeys Malcolm and Piers, noticing this mocked him. Harry had felt a surge of anger towards Dudley and thought of how much he hated him but to his horror as he had been thinking this, the cobra had wrapped himself around Dudley. Harry had been really horrorstruck, and despite his dislike of his cousin fearful for his life and then noticed that the snake somehow seemed to react to his fear by uncoiling itself from Dudley.

Harry reflected on the possibility could have special abilities as he woke up and then thought bitterly, fat lot of use. This was emphasised seconds later when his aunt knocked on the door the cupboard under the stairs where he slept and screeched :

"Up, come on get up," .

Harry groaned and got up. He was then forced to cook the breakfast and endure the charade that was performed every time it was Dudley's birthday where Dudley complained that he did not have enough presents despite the fact that every the size and number of presents got considerably larger every year. Then his aunt and uncle would shamelessly pander to Dudley's greedy demands by promising to add one or two more presents.

Today they were going to the zoo. The original plan had been to leave Harry at somebody else's but since they couldn't get anyone and they didn't trust him to be left alone so reluctantly Harry was allowed to come. Despite the fact he was told to be quiet and it was made abundantly clear he wasn't wanted, he could not but feel more positive about how the day would turn out as he sat in the back of Vernon's car with Dudley and Piers. Uncle Vernon, Dudley and Piers began to have a conversation about motorbikes, which Harry made the mistake of contributing to :

" I had a dream about a motorbike once. It was flying.".

This immediately drew Uncle Vernon's ire, "Motorbikes do not fly!" he bellowed.

" I know they don't. I was just saying." replied Harry.

"Well don't!" shouted Uncle Vernon, which caused Dudley and Piers to giggle loudly.

However despite the bad start to the day, the day ended up being one of his better days. Harry was allowed a cheap lemon ice lolly which wasn't that bad, he got to finish Dudley's knickerbocker glory and as he and the others visited the ducks, a bushy haired girl, who was with her parents, smiled pleasantly to him, something that had happened to Harry rarely in his life. Bored, Dudley decided that the last place they would visit before they left would be the reptile house. Dudley quickly decided he was interested in the largest snake in the reptile house. Harry couldn't help but feel surprised at Dudley's eagerness to go and see a creature that had once threatened to kill him. Harry remained silent, as Dudley approached the glass, pressing his face up against it.

" Make it move." he whined at his father.

Vernon tapped the glass but nothing happened.

" Do it again." ordered Dudley and he did but nothing happened.

" This is boring" he groaned and walked away leaving Harry alone with the snake.

Harry could not help but pity the snake. I mean he might be stuck with the Dursleys but at least he got to move about. It winked. Harry stepped back in utter amazement, shocked. The snake then gave him a look that plainly said I get that all the time. Harry was distracted from his amazement, as he felt sympathy for the snake who seemed to gesture towards the sign below that said : Boa Constrictor, Brazil. Bred in captivity.

Sure that he was just imagining his ability to communicate with the snake, he spoke quietly in a voice that was barely a whisper, so that no-one would hear and think him mad : " Can many people talk to snakes?" .

The snake replied in a low hiss, " No, it issss a rare ability. Only S-S-S-Salaz-zar Sssslytherin and hissss dessscendantssss have been able to talk to sssnakessss,".

Harry had no time to ponder who this Salazar Slytherin was, as the snake had caught Piers' attention who called to Dudley, " Dudley, Dudley you won't believe what this snake is doing!".

Dudley barged Harry out of the way who fell to the floor. What happened next happened very quickly. One minute, Harry was leaning against the glass, the next the glass vanished and Dudley fell into the pool. The snake slithered along the floor calling back to Harry, Thankssss amigo, Brazil here I come. Harry gaped in shock but was then dropped in by Piers who said, " You were talking to it, weren't you Harry,".

After the incident, Vernon had been too angry to form a coherent telling off and before locking him in his cupboard, struck him hard, causing a cut on his cheek to form from his ring. Harry was locked in his cupboard for weeks and when he was finally let out, it was the summer holidays. Harry did his best to avoid Dudley for weeks in the summer as he and gang enjoyed a sport they had named Harry-hunting, which involved catching Harry and attacking him, which they rarely did as Harry usually was too fast. One evening Harry however made the mistake of thinking it was safe to go to the local play parkand sit peacefully.

Sneaking up on him, Malcolm, Dennis and Piers grabbed Harry from behind and pulled him off the swing. Despite struggling and thrashing about with elbows the three overpowered him and held him while Dudley punched him, knocking his cello taped glasses to the ground. Suddenly something happened to Harry that he never expected. A black boy, who was three or four inches taller than Harry and unlike Harry looked well built came to Harry's aid and pulled Malcolm off Harry and tackled him to the ground. He attempted to get up and attack the boy but a sharp elbow sent him to the ground. He then prised Dennis off Harry and ducked a punch from Piers before striking him with one of his own and pushing him to the ground. Dudley was startled, so Harry took the opportunity to hit him with two punches. One was a right hook that struck him in the mouth and the second to the nose which began to bleed.

Dudley, who clutching his sore mouth with one hand and attempting and failing to stem the flow of blood from his nose with the other, gave Harry a look that was a mixture of anger and amazement. Dudley and his gang slowly skulked off, leaving Harry alone with his mysterious saviour.

" Thanks man." Said Harry.

" Its ok. I hate bullies! I know what they're like. That was funny when you hit that fat shit in the nose." replied the boy. The two roared with laughter at the memory before Harry spoke again.

" What's your nam-" he began but the boy interrupted him and said " Sorry got to go in. Mother will kill me if I'm late. See you round mate," and waved as he left. Harry waved back, bemused at the boy's sudden departure and sad that the closest thing he had to a friend had departed. Sighing, he decided to go home and face the music.

To his surprise, the Dursleys did not hold a grudge too long. Although a fresh cut appeared on his left cheek and he had to endure the bellowing of his aunt and uncle, they were preoccupied with the mysterious letters that were arriving for him. It began one morning at breakfast.

" Dudley get the post."

" Make Harry get it,"

" Harry get the post,"

" Make Dudley get it,"

" Dudley hit him with your Smeltings' stick"

Harry went to get the post and discovered to his surprise an envelope. The envelope was thick and heavy, made of yellowish parchment, and the address was written in emerald green ink. On the back there was a coat of arms with a lion, an eagle, a badger and a snake. The envelope was so specifically addressed to him that there was no possibility it was sent by mistake

Mr H. Potter

The Cupboard Under the Stairs

4 Privet Drive

Little Whinging

Surrey

When Vernon and Petunia had discovered this, his envelope was snatched off of him and the letter was burned. Whoever was sending the letters continued to send more and more letters as the week progressed, despite Vernon nailing up the letter box. By the Sunday, dozens of owls were littered all over Privet Drive and hundreds and hundreds of letter came flying down the chimney. Harry had attempt to grab a few but he was overpowered by Vernon. After this Vernon had moved them around a variety of locations until finally they came to this battered boat in the middle of the sea.

" Let's see if they can reach us now" he said cheerfully victorious.

Harry couldn't help but agree as he settled down to sleep in the battered hut, but he unlike Uncle Vernon did not feel this was reason for happiness. Harry glanced at Dudley's digital watch, 00:10. It had been his 11th birthday for ten minutes and as usual it was completely ignored.

Just as Harry mused about his relative's indifference, a loud BOOM interrupted his thoughts. The door came down with a massive crash and in stepped a beetle eyed giant of a man. The giant squatted down to fit through the doorway and then turned to look at them all.

"Sorry 'bout that. Couldn't make us a cup o' tea, could yeh? Its not been an easy journey … " .

The giant then sat down on the battered moth eaten sofa. He gestured at Dudley to move out of the way and approached Harry.

" An here's Harry'. Last time I saw you, you was only a baby Harry. Yeh look a lot like yer dad, but you've got yer mothers eyes" . When he approached despite his monstrous appearance he was not intimidating, in fact his approach was warm and kind and his eyes were twisted into a smile.

Vernon attempted to get the giant to leave by grabbing a shotgun. The giant however squeezed it as if it were simply a piece of rubber and turned away from the Dursleys and approached Harry again. Harry was in a state of confusion and for the first time he approached Hagrid.

" Who are you?"

" Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and grounds at Hogwarts. Of course you'll know all about that?". After Hagrid had responded, he bent down and pointed his umbrella at the stone grate where there was then a roaring fire.

Harry was grateful for the warmth but remained confused.

" Sorry no,"

" No?" responded Hagrid, " Blimey Harry did you never wonder where your parents learned it all?"

" All what?" asked Harry confusedly.

"ALL WHAT! Now wait just one second, " thundered Hagrid. The Dursleys cowered against the wall in fear of Hagrid's anger.

" But what about our world. My world. Your world. Yer parent's world?"

" What world?"

"DURSLEY!" screamed Hagrid, while Vernon muttered incoherently.

" Yeh must know about your parents surely? They were amongst the most gifted in our world. They're famous. You're famous!"

" Were they?" asked Harry astonished. At this point Vernon interrupted Hagrid.

" Stop at once, I forbid you to tell him anything." commanded Vernon, with little success. Petunia gave a horrified gasp.

" Ach, Dursleys go boil your heads, both of yeh. Harry yer a wizard!"

Harry was shocked and there was a long silence where the only sound that could be heard was the sea crashing against the rocks where the hut was built.

" I'm a what?" gasped Harry.

" A wizard and thumpin good un', once yer properly trained, " said Hagrid.

" No you must be making some mistake. I can't be a wizard, I'm just Harry" said Harry. To his surprise Hagrid chuckled.

" Not a wizard eh? Never do anything you couldn't explain when you were angry or scared?" .

It clicked. Harry had had series of logic defying accidents throughout his childhood, including twice setting deadly snakes on Dudley by accident. Harry looked up at Hagrid and smiled a genuine smile of realisation and a new sense of freedom.

Hagrid then showed Harry his Hogwarts letter. It was a nice moment as Harry and Hagrid sat together and Hagrid told Harry all about Hogwarts. They had almost forgotten the Dursleys were there. Until Vernon interrupted from the sidelines.

" He will not be going," He insisted.

" And I suppose a great Muggle like yourself will stop him ? " scoffed Hagrid. At Harry's confused look he added, " Muggles are what we call non-magic folk in the wizarding world, " .

" We swore to stamp out this rubbish when we took him in. He will be going to the local comprehensive Stonewall High, not this silly crackpot school," said Vernon forcefully.

" You knew?" responded Harry angrily.

This time it was Petunia who responded, " Of course we knew. How could we not? My dratted sister, oh my parents were so proud the day she got her letter. Isn't it wonderful? We have a witch in the family. I was the only one to see her for what she was, a freak! And then she met that Potter and he brought his freaky little friends along. He was arrogant and just as strange and abnormal. I knew you would turn out exactly the same. And then if you please, she got yourself blown up and we were landed with you -" she shrieked.

" Blown up! You told me my parents died in a CAR CRASH!" said Harry furiously.

" A car crash kill Lily and James Potter. Its an outrage! it's a scandal" said Hagrid gruffly.

Hagrid turned again to the Dursleys : " Harry has had his name down at Hogwarts since the day he was born. The son of Lily and James Potter and the most famous boy of his age in the wizarding world not go to Hogwarts indeed. Harry ignore these buffoons," he gestured to the Dursleys before continuing, " You will be taught and the finest school of witchcraft and wizardry and you will be taught by the finest headmaster, Albus Dumbledore,"

This was the last straw for Vernon who broke out shouting " I will not pay for some crackpot old fool to teach him magic tricks!".

Hagrid's facial features turned into a scowl and he stood up pointing the pink umbrella at Vernon, before growling angrily, " Never insult Albus Dumbledore infront of me."

Hagrid then pointed the umbrella at Dudley and the next moment a pig's tail was sprouting out of his backside. Dudley grabbed his backside in horror and squealed, before beginning to cry. The Dursleys screamed in horror. Harry roared with laughter and Hagrid smiled before whispering to him, " I'd appreciate if you didn't tell anybody at Hogwarts 'bout that. Strictly speakin I'm not allowed tae do magic,"

"Why not?" asked Harry.

" I was expelled in me third year for … well … er … - " Hagrid stuttered and Harry sensing Hagrid's discomfort allowed him to change the subject.

" That reminds me Harry. Happy birthday. I'm afraid I might of sat on it but it should taste good just the same," . Hagrid opened a white box to reveal a specially baked cake with pink icing and the green letters " Happy Birthday Harry" . Hagrid then gave Harry sausages which he was very grateful for and given his hunger, he felt as if they were the best thing in the world.

" So Hagrid what did happen to my parents?" asked Harry.

Hagrid looked uncomfortable " Well, er, I'm not really sure I'm the right person to tell yer Hagrid. I thought, you'd already know,"

" Please Hagrid," said Harry pleadingly.

" Well all righ'. I suppose I am as good a person as any. Righ' Harry one thing you need to understand, is that not all wizards are good. Ten years ago one went as bad as you can go. His name was V- V-, "

" Maybe if you wrote it down," suggested Harry.

"Nah I can't spell it. Ok I'll say the name once, Voldemort," said Hagrid.

" Voldemort!" broke out Harry shocked .

Hagrid reprimanded him for using the name, as he had shuddered violently. Harry apologised before allowing him to continue the story of Voldemort, how he had grown in power and how his parents had fought against him but no-one lived when he decided to kill them. He then explained to Harry that he was famous because for some unknown reason Voldemort's spell had backfired and Harry was the only wizard ever to survive the Killing Curse.

Harry had almost dropped his sausage, shocked that somehow he had managed to defeat one of the most powerful and evil wizards of all time at the age of one yet had been bullied by Dudley and kicked about like a football all his life.

Harry determined that in the wake of this news he would allow no-one in either the Muggle or wizarding worlds to push him around any longer. Hagrid seemed to decide that Harry had had enough for the night and suggested Harry go to sleep. He allowed to sleep under his moleskin coat which was incredibly comfortable to sleep under.

Hagrid said good night to Harry before explaining that they would be heading off to Diagon Alley the next day to get his school supplies. Harry smiled. It seemed as if there was an escape from the Dursleys.