Harry's heart leapt in his chest as he read the address. There was no mistaking it, this was his letter. He flipped it over quickly and looked over at his mother, who wore a smile which told him she knew exactly what it was. Sure enough, there was a crimson wax seal which sealed the envelope shut, stamped with the crest of a coat of arms.

He tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter while Lily's smile brightened and she placed her hands on his shoulders.
"Congratulations Harry! Go on! Read it!" He couldn't tell which of them was more excited, but he looked back at his letter and began to read.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme 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. Pleased find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress

For a second, Harry just stared at the letter, his hands trembling slightly. Then he stood from the chair so suddenly that it tipped over backwards and threw his arms around his mother. Lily chuckled softly and hugged him tightly, offering a nod to her husband who just stepped into the kitchen.

"Sorry about the wait, I decided to use that shampoo you just concocted, Lily and it turned my hair pink. What'd I miss?" He adjusted the collar of his robe and made a straightaway for the pot of coffee.

"Our son just got his letter, James. Dumbledore sent out the notices backwards." Harry tore away from his mother (who pulled out her wand her wand and magicked the chair back upright) and nearly crashed into his father as he sat down at the table, sipping his cup of coffee.

"Gracious, he has? He's eleven already? Just joking! Of course I know how old you are! Give it here Harry, let your old man take a look." Between sips of coffee, he reached over and messed up Harry's previously wild hair, taking the letter and examining it.

"Well that's that then. We'll have to make a trip to Diagon Alley later and pick up your supplies, and of course a gift." During his excitement, Harry had almost completely forgotten about Ron and Percy's party later, but the mention of Diagon Alley brought it back into his mind.

"Oh! And Dad? Mrs. Weasley is holding a party tonight for Ron and Percy and she invited us. Could we go?" His father looked thoughtful for a moment before turning to he and his mother.

"I don't see why not, but it is awfully sudden. Tonight?" Harry's mother had a simple answer for that.

"They must have sent the letter days ago. They used that ancient dust ball Errol. Oh James, can't we just buy them a new one at Eylops when we go?" She looked at him pleadingly as she pointed at the Weasley's owl on the windowsill.

"Now, Lily. I thought we agreed on this. If they don't want charity, let that be their choice. Why don't you run upstairs and get dressed, Harry? Your mother and I will take you to Diagon Alley as soon as you're ready." At this, Harry threw his arm around his father's neck and gave him a swift squeeze before bolting out of the kitchen.

James gave a soft chuckle and smiled to his wife as he heard Harry's feet jogging up the stairs, and he took another sip of his coffee as his bedroom door gave a loud slam.