CH.2

After that random summer day when that purple-stamped letter came, nothing seemed the same. Dozens and dozens more letters came in, day after day. It seemed like they would not stop, from the mailman, in the milk carton and eggs, it was becoming too much for Uncle Vernon to hide from Harry.

At least thought, what he thought was hiding them from Harry. In reality Harry had seen the letter but he was curious to see if any of the others were any different from the original. Plus, Dudley getting the mail a couple times wasn't so bad. After 20 odd days of wrestling with Uncle Vernon, he was fed up with the letters, and all could see that. Harry, of course had no control over the letters, but strangely enough, his uncle didn't punish him like he usually would. He only seems to catch himself and walk away.

Eventually it gets to the point that on a random Wednesday, Uncle Vernon makes everyone pack their bags and be ready for a little road trip. Harry is visibly confused as to why he's being included on a trip, but welcomed the break from being watched by Mrs. Figg And so here we are on July 31st in the middle of a lake, in a small shack, during a thunderstorm. and as the thunder rattles the shack and rumbles around them, Uncle Vernon picks up a package.

Dudley and Harry, although wrapped loosely, can figure out what's inside. Harry, who's been known to read any gun magazine at the library, vaguely recognizes a DP-12 Double Barrel Pump Shotgun. Uncle Vernon has never been one to be worried about home protection so Harry questions internally what could make him so afraid. Right as he finishes that thought a rumbling knock at the door perfectly in sync with the thunder hits.

Again and again the knocking repeats unceasingly. It's at this moment that Uncle Vernon ceases all attempts at hiding what's in the package and takes out the shotgun. Clearly he has some idea what's behind the door and so does the frightened Petulia in the corner. Dudley and Harry could only stare at each other in amazement as they wondered what could reduce their family to such.

Finally, after about 20 seconds of knocking, the door comes down. And then in its place, stands a man. not an ordinary man, but an absolute behemoth of a human being. Dudley, Harry Vernon and Petunia all crane their necks almost straight up to look the Giant in the face. He grabs the gun from Vernon, and twists the gun barrels of the gun with one massive hand.

After this feat of pure physicality, he brings out his other hand from behind him.

And pulls out a cake.

Confusion sweeps the room, as everyone blinks twice while leaning in closer to make sure they're not dreaming. The man man bends down, real close to Harry's face and speaks in a low deep voice. "You've got your mother's eyes, but look just like yer dad."

At this point Vernon speaks up and says "Sir you're breaking and entering ,I demand that you leave at once" in a high pitched squeal. He turns back to Vernon growling "And I see the great prune hasn't changed one bit, have yeh?" turned back to Harry "Anyway Harry, I'm Hagid and I know it's a little smushed, but Happy Birthday!"

Utter disbelief dances across his face as Harry thinks. Sure enough it is his birthday, an event never celebrated in the Dursley household but nevertheless today is his 11th birthday. Hagrid says "Well ya knew I just had to come in person to see 'cause the letters kept on getting destroyed," glancing back at Petunia, who squeaked, "About you coming to Hogwarts".

"My answer?" replies Harry, "You mean that letter about Wizarding and school supplies was real? I'm sorry but it's kinda hard to believe and I don't even know you." Hagrid looks around, seems to blush, and then says "Well you know I don't expect much, about Hogwarts or me. I haven't seen you in 11 years but I was one of your parents friends. I looked up to them my entire life and was one of the ones who missed them most they were gone, Harry. They were one of the greatest wizards I ever knew and the entire wizarding world felt pain when they died."

Harry said "My parents?", as things started to click, "You must have me confused 'cause my parents died in a car crash. I don't think they were wizards or went to Hog…."

Hagrid cuts Harry off and spins towards Vernon menacingly "You didn't tell him."

"The boy didn't need to know, he's already freakish as it is. I was keeping him safe, as Dumbledore requested." Vernon smirked "Why I oughta…" Hagrid trails off as he looks in disgust at the Dursleys.

He turns back to Harry and immediately his demeanor changes. "Harry," he says softly, "You're a wizard". "Imma wot?" Harry exclaims in disbelief, as his British accent takes over. "You're a wizard, your parents were too, in fact they were some of the finest wizards the Wizarding World ever saw." "I don't understand, is this the magic that all those letters were talking about?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, and they went to Hogwarts, one of the greatest wizarding schools of all time to boot. Which is why the staff wants you to come to Hogwarts, especially Dumbledore," Hagrid added. "Dumbledore?"questioned Harry, who was taking all this in remarkably well.

"You didn't. Tell him nothing about magic.

Or even. Tell him.

ABOUT DUMBLEDORE" roared Hagrid to Vernon and Petunia.

In a rage he looked around, picked up an umbrella, and said something, Harry thought it might be Latin, and a bright flash of energy burst out the tip. It's target? Dudley. To his credit, he tried to duck but was too slow, hitting him squarely on the nose.

Or should I say snout, as the boy rapidly began turning into a half boy, half pig hybrid.

Content, Hagrid turned back to an awestruck Harry and continued, "Yes Dumbledore, one of the most powerful mages there ever was, Headmaster of Hogwarts, and the close friend not your parents." Harry at this point is fully convinced and says "I'd love to…" looks at Vernon continuing "If it's alright with him."

Vernon ponders this for a couple of seconds and then says "I suppose I wouldn't mind leaving more freaks to take care of you, after all it'll keep you off my hands longer" he chuckled darkly. Hagrid didn't like that very much, but opted not to comment on it, and just threw him a dirty look.

"Great, I'll stay the night so tomorrow we can get your school supplies in London before boarding the train August 31th at 9 and 3/4 station." grinned Hagrid. '9 and ¾ station?' thought Harry, 'That can't be a real thing.'

And then he flashed back to no less than five minutes ago, when his cousin was turned partially into a pig. Deciding that it wouldn't be the strangest part of his whole ordeal, Harry shook his head yes and hugged Hagrid. "Thanks for wishing me Happy Birthday, I think it's the first happy birthday I've ever gotten." Harry choked out in blurry tears. Due to his position, he didn't notice the tears forming in Hagrid's eyes as he hugged Harry back.

Or Hagrid offhandedly flipping Vernon off

Probably for the best

Disclaimer: I forgot in the first chapter, but however much I wish I did, I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters, just using them.

And reviews are always appreciated. -Z