Magical Origins

Year 1: The Letters

One Year Later

Harry woke up with a small yawn as he looks around at his small bedroom. It was almost hard to believe that just a year ago, he used to live underneath the stairs inside that small cupboard. He was also getting more and better meals. Mostly because he threatens to ice cube the Dursley's if they didn't feed him. What really made him happy was how he force Dudley into doing all of his chores and was finally starting to lose weight. It was hard to believe, even for him, but it was true.

Harry was so surprised to see how quickly everything began to change, but he was happy. Well, he was happy as he could be. What frustrated him the most was he was having trouble moving water around. It wasn't like that day when he made the Dursley's cowered in fear before his might and power. He never told the Dursley's that it was a one-time thing, but he reminded them deeply of it. He pretended to be 'normal'; in return, the Dursley's wouldn't mistreat him. A fair deal in his book, but he was getting stronger.

Aunt Petunia was 'kind' enough to give him his mother's journal on magical theory. Unfortunately, he barely understood half of what was written inside of them. Still, he was getting ideas on how to perform his magic. The best he could do was make small things shake a bit before he collapses from exhaustion. He never understood why, but Harry wasn't the type to give up so easily.

Harry was currently enjoying reading on the idea of using charms for well everyday life when a sudden knock on his bedroom door caused him to jerk his head towards the door.

"Harry, are you awake?" Aunt Petunia asked from the other side of the door.

Harry gave a heavy sigh before he got up and opens the door. Aunt Petunia looked like she was dress to go out and was looking very proper.

"What is it, Aunt Petunia?" Harry asked in a cold tone.

"Well, as you are aware, today is Dudley's birthday." Harry let out a groan as he realized he did forget what the day was. He's been so focusing on mastering his magic that he failed to see this coming. Aunt Petunia realized he did indeed forget but didn't comment on it. Instead, she continued as if nothing was wrong. "I was hoping if you would be kind enough to cook the breakfast while Vernon and I set up Dudley's presence. As you know, Dudley will be going to Smelting Academy, and I want this to be a good day for him. I would appreciate it if you kept… you're… abilities a bit quiet." Petunia asked politely. She waited patiently for his answer in hopes he would say yes.

"Sure, Aunt Petunia." Harry finally says after he gave it some thought. He needed to take his mind off his abilities for a while and realized this would be a good way not to get stress out over his water abilities.

Harry got on to cooking the bacon and eggs as he was thinking about the different possibilities of mastering water. For some reason, it wasn't as strong as it was when he first used it, and it frustrated him to every end.

Dudley came running down the stairs; excitement could be heard as every footstep seemed to shake the second floor. He jumped the last few steps and ran into the living room with a big smile on his face. All that vanish the moment Dudley caught sight of Harry in the kitchen. Dudley swallowed his apple and seemed to be burning up a sweat as if Harry was going to curse him.

"Harry Birthday, Dudley," Harry said in a monotone voice.

"Thanks, Harry. I was wondering… can you come with us to the zoo?" Dudley asked in a somewhat calm voice. Harry merely looks at Dudley in surprise before he narrows his eyes as if calculating his motive.

"Aunt Petunia asked you to ask me, didn't she?" Harry said slowly.

"Well, mom said it would be nice if we acted like a family," Dudley admitted slowly.

"Fine, I'll go. Just don't give me a reason to make me regret this, or I'll make you regret crossing me." Dudley slowly nods his head before he turns to his present and starts opening them. The wrappings were flying everywhere as Dudley was busy looking at all his new toys. Harry calmly sets four plates of food and pours the orange juice. Harry shook his head in amusement as he remembers Dudley admitting he was afraid of turning him into a human Popsicle. Now because of this fear, they were far more tolerant of him. It was a tense situation for all of them, but life was getting more comfortable. Even though Harry was still considered to be a second class citizen than a member of the family, it was much better than being treated like a parasite for every second he was inside the house.

Vernon came into the living room, and as usual, he ignores Harry as he took his seat on the sofa and read the morning paper.

"So today is the day that my Dudley makes his first step into the world as a full-grown man," Vernon said calmly as he took a sip from his morning coffee and looks at Dudley with a huge smile on his face. "I know you'll make me proud and grow up to be a fine good man," Vernon added, which caused Petunia to beam in pride at her son. Harry tried to resist the urge to gag at the sudden family love Vernon love to do and say. He found it a pathetic attempt to make him feel ashamed that his family wasn't around to love him. Harry didn't care, he would find his own path instead of having it guided towards him like Dudley. The family began to eat their breakfast slowly as Harry was enjoying his well cook meal.

"So boy, I understand you're going to the Zoo with us today," Vernon said as he slowly finishes his meal.

"That's correct," Harry answers, coolly. Vernon cheeks flush red from the cheek but kept his temper in check.

"I see, well as you know, the world doesn't know about your… talents." Vernon said slowly. "I would prefer if you didn't use it in a public place." He added in hoping to get a positive response from his nephew.

"I will if you all behave," Harry said in a cold voice. Harry smirk as he watches his uncle turn a deep shade of red and look ready to strangle him before he took several deep breathes and tried to calm down.

"I'll see to it that Piers doesn't do anything and leaves you alone," Vernon added in a somewhat calm tone of voice. Harry merely nods before he eats the last bit of food on his plate and placing it in the kitchen.

The doorbell rang, and Petunia opens it up to a rat-like face boy with a small woman. Dudley jumped up and ran to his best friend. The two chatted away as Harry got up and went to his room. He wasn't in the mood to deal with Piers or interested to talk to him. Harry began to snicker at the thought of turning Piers into a rat. He closed the door and changed his clothes into something more presentable. Aunt Petunia called him to let him know that it was time to go. Harry sighs, hoping he could of at least had more time to himself before heading to the zoo.

On the way to the zoo, Vernon usually likes to complain about several things. His favorite was Harry, but he knew better these days to say a word about him in a bad light. Unless he wanted a repeat of what happened last summer. So instead, he started complaining about motorcycles. Harry remembered his dream about flying in a motorcycle but wisely kept his mouth shut about it but couldn't help wonder if there were flying motorcycles in the magical world.

Harry was shaken from his thoughts as he looks around to see they arrived at the zoo and curse himself for dozing off.

Harry enjoyed himself for the most part at the zoo. They had a nice time walking around, seeing the animals interact with each other. When they got to the monkey cages, they seem to sense Harry's presence and got excited. Vernon ushered them away to get lunch. Harry got a small but decent size meal. After they had finished, Dudley complained about wanting to see reptiles, so they went to the reptile house and began to look around. Dudley looks at the first snake chamber he could see; the snake was fast asleep.

"Make it move." Dudley whines. Vernon taps the glass, but the snake didn't even stir. "Do it again," Dudley orders his father. Vernon taps the glass louder, but the snake didn't move. "This is boring." As he walked off with Piers.

Harry walks up and looks at the snake. It was a pretty big snake, around ten feet long. It could be nine, but he wasn't so sure. He didn't care; he was admiring its body perfectly. It was brown with lighter brown patches on it.

"My cousin is a full-blown idiot," Harry mutters as he admires the snakes' beauty. The snake, as if it heard him, woke up and moves up till its head was leveled with Harry's. Not sure what to make of its sudden movements, Harry spoke again. "Does that happen a lot?" The snake gave a small nod.

"Where you from?" Harry asked, eagerly. It felt amazing to speak to another animal. The snake moved its tail to the sign, and Harry gave it a quick read. "Oh, from Brazil, how was it there?" Harry asked, calmly. The snake shook its head and points at the sign again. Harry reread it and saw from the description it was a captured bred in the zoo.

"Oh, I see, so you've never been to Brazil."

"Are you talking to a snake?" A girl asks as she walked up to him. Harry turned to look at her and realized she was just as tall as he was. Her dark brown hair fell neatly on her shoulders while her eyes seem to be a mirror of the ocean's blue. Harry suddenly felt irritated at her sudden rudeness.

"Who are you?" Harry snaps at the girl.

"Who are you?" She snaps back. She looks furious over the fact that she was being insulted.

"Mr. Dursley, Dudley, take a look at what that snake is doing." Piers suddenly shouted. Dudley came running over and punches Harry out the way. "Move it, freak." Dudley snarls as he got up close to the glass. Harry being smaller than Dudley, was crash into the girl and landed on the floor with the strange girl under him.

What happens next to happen so fast. Harry's anger boiled over him that the glass had suddenly vanished where Dudley and Piers were pressing their faces into the glass. The next, they went headfirst into the snake chamber with the Boa Constrictor. The Boa Constrictor moved out of his prison and turn to face Harry.

"Thanks, amigo's."

"Anytime," Harry answers in an awed voice. The people began to scream as the snake moves into the crowd and snaps at a few heels playfully that got dangerously close to its body.

Harry got up and places his hand on something soft. He paused as he tried to feel what he was touching.

"Pervert." The girl screams before she punches Harry in the face. Harry was shocked, but her punch but even more shock that he was holding onto her chest for a brief moment.

"Ouch, she's too bloody violent," Harry mutters as he turns to look at where Dudley and Piers were. They were shaken as more snakes seem to be moving in on them, but the glass had reappeared. Blocking there only means of escape.

Zookeepers rush in trying to get the two boys out before any of the snakes decided to attack the two boys.


"They deserve what happened to them," Harry shouted back at his uncle. Vernon had started yelling the moment they arrived home, and Piers was safely in his own home. Vernon didn't dare touch Harry, the fear of turning into a toad was too terrifying for him.

"I don't care; you should have left it to me before you use your freakiness," Vernon shouted back.

"You wouldn't have done anything. I warn you not to mess with me, but your damn son punches me for a few seconds of self-enlightenment." Harry shouted.

"To your room now, no dinner for you and you won't be coming out till the end of summer you understand me boy." Vernon roared.

"Fine." Harry snap as he went up the stairs and slams his door shut.

Harry collapsed on his bed, anger and exhausted. He didn't feel sorry for what he did to Dudley and Piers. But he was pissed off that every time he tried to defend himself, he would get in trouble. Vernon would never do anything more than shout and take away some nights where he would be able to eat. Vernon was too afraid if he punishes Harry too far, Harry would lash back with is magic and turn them into toads or something worse.

It was the only edge Harry had on his side. It was the only thing from getting the life he somewhat wanted. It was only a matter of time before they realized Harry was only carrying empty threats, and the beatings would return. He just wanted his god damn letter to arrive.


The next month was pretty bad for Harry as he was shut in his room for the remainder of the summer. Harry finally had enough of the foul treatment that he came downstairs when Dudley was watching T.V. Dudley screamed and ran out of the room. Vernon was beside himself and was ready to reassume the beatings, but Petunia calmed him down and told him Harry could go out and eat again.

"So boy, are you planning any mischief," Vernon asked as he looked at Harry, who was eating a sandwich.

"If I were, you wouldn't know about it," Harry answers coolly. Vernon grinds his teeth at the smart response. Dudley decided it was a good idea to come down and show off his new Smelting Uniform. Petunia used the distraction to have Vernon complaint his son instead of pushing Harry's buttons.

The tension was dropped with the announcement of the mail coming in.

"Get the mail, boy," Vernon said, without looking at Harry. Harry signs as Dudley seemed to smirk at the treatment Harry was getting. Harry gave a sigh and got up to the front door. He grabbed the mail and gave it a quick look. There were four letters. Two were bills and a letter from Marge, and there was a letter for Harry. Harry looked at it and saw an eagle, a lion, a badger, and a serpent. It was clearly addressed to him, as it not only said his name but the room he was staying in. Harry was standing there, shocked as if he didn't believe what he was reading.

"What you doing? Checking for letter bombs?" Vernon called from the kitchen. He started chuckling at his own joke. Harry walked back to the kitchen after carefully putting his letter on the bottom. He handed the letters to Uncle Vernon. Vernon snorted as he saw the bills and quickly read Marge's letter.

"Looks like Marge is sick. She ate something funny while on vacation." Vernon said. He put the letter down and looked at the last one. His face turns purple so fast he looks like he was having a stroke. With shaky hands, he opens the envelope and read the letter. He paled as he read each line. His face growing darker with each passing second till his face looks like a plum.

"Pe…Petunia." Vernon cried out. Petunia looked at the letter and began to pale.

"What should we do, Vernon?" Petunia asked.

"I'm right here, and I want to go." Harry snapped at the strange rudeness he was receiving.

"No, absolutely not." Vernon hissed.

Harry's anger boiled over, and his eyes shifted into a misty silver orb. As if static electricity was in the air, cracks could be heard on the table as plates and cups began to wobble. The room began to grow dark, and Harry was grinding his teeth dangerously.

"I meant to say was, of course, you can go, as long as you don't use your unnaturalness in public," Vernon said as he whimpered from Harry's anger. Harry calmed down as Petunia began the acceptance letter. She turns to the window where an owl was posted. The owl took it and flew off. Vernon gave Harry his letter with a shaky hand. Harry left the kitchen and went up to his room.

Once he was safely inside. He opens it to see what the letter actually said.

'To Mr. Harry 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.

The term begins on September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31st.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress'

Harry paused as he reread the letter and couldn't help but feel it was real. He was finally going to learn about magic. Maybe he could learn how to use his abilities better and become great. Oh, how he wished to become great.

While Aunt Petunia told him much, most of the details she had were skeptical because she knew very little and only knew what she had learned from the stuff his mother told her.

Harry was so lost in his thought that he almost failed to see the second piece of parchment fall out. He quickly read it and realized it was a supply list.

Harry was lost in his thoughts that he didn't even realize he was dreaming the day away. Before he knew it, he fell asleep with a smile on his face.

The next day Harry woke up with a tap on his window. He groans and complained, but the tapping continued. Harry threw his pillow at the window only for the tapping to grow louder. Harry grabbed his sheets and pull them over his head. The tapping grew louder and more intense.

"What is it?" Harry asked as he finally got up. He looks at the window to see a brown barn's owl pouch on the window. Harry got up and open the window to let the owl in. The owl flew to his bed and landed neatly. It held out one of its legs to reveal a letter. Harry untied it, and it took off out the window.

Unscrolling the parchment, Harry took a quick glance at it before making sure it was safe to read. He was surprised he got a response so quickly.

'Dear Mr. Harry Potter,

I shall pick you up today at ten o'clock to pick up your supplies and introduction to the magical world. As your parents have left the key to your trust vault for your school, I shall assist you in picking up some gold for your time in school. Please be aware that you will be with another student attending Hogwarts, and your best behavior is a must. Rules of the school and the basic laws of the magical world will be explained during your trip to Diagon Alley.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Minerva McGonagall'

Harry looked at his clock and realized it was a quarter till nine. Meaning he only had an hour before he had to go. He quickly grabbed a pair of clean clothes and opens the door to the restroom. He didn't even stop to apologize to Dudley as he rushes in front of him and slams the door in his face.


While Harry was in the shower, the doorbell rang, and Vernon answered it. He was shocked to see Professor McGonagall standing there.

"Good morning Mr. Dursley. I am here to pick up Mr. Potter for his school supplies."

"Oh... your one of them... I wasn't expecting you..." Vernon stuttered.

Professor McGonagall pulls out a pocket watch and looks at it for a moment.

"I am early it would appear. I wasn't expecting to be here this early. I had sent an owl to Mr. Potter just an hour ago. I should take it that you would invite me inside so I can bring Mr. Potter back to his world."

"Of... of course," Vernon stated as he let Professor McGonagall inside.

Petunia came in and was wearing her oven gown on.

"I would like a bit of information regarding Mr. Potter. It has been ten years since I have last seen him." Professor McGonagall asked.

Petunia and Vernon look at each other. Both paling at the thought of what their nephew was capable of.

"Well, he's very different. He's careful not to open up, but he loves the idea of knowing magic." Vernon said slowly.

"He's always been an outcast. Mostly keeps to himself." Petunia added.

"I see, anything about his magical talents," McGonagall asks slowly.

"Well, we think he can talk to snakes." Petunia said slowly. She was fidgeting in a clear way to say she was uncomfortable.

"Is that…er normal?" Vernon asked.

"It is unusual… but not unheard of." McGonagall said slowly.


Upstairs, Harry was putting on his best clothes as he was trying to rinse his hair. He put on his broken glasses before he grabbed his spare change. He went downstairs to see his aunt and uncle talking to someone in a green robe.

"Professor McGonagall," Harry said in a slow voice.

"Hello, Mr. Potter. I see you are ready." She said as she eyes his clothes. While they were Harry's best, they were still a mess even for him. She pulled out her wand and flicks it once before Harry's clothes turn brand new and fitted him perfectly. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon shifted uncomfortably. Clearly happy that Harry was going to be out their hair but was terrified that he would come back seeking vengeance for all of his mistreatment.

"Mr. Potter, are you ready to leave?"

"Yes, ma'am. I've taken my spare change in case I needed it." Harry said slowly.

"Very good. Now before I take you to Diagon Alley, we must pick up another young student who will be starting her first year as well. Now then, take my arm so we can travel quickly."

Harry paused before he walked over and took hold of Professor McGonagall's arm. With a soft pop, they vanished.

Harry felt as if he was being pulled into a tight rubber tube at incredibly high speed. He came out and landed on soft grounds before he realized he was out.

"What was that?" Harry asked.

"We apparated. Very successfully too. Though most people have a tedious to puke the first time." Professor McGonagall said as she walked up the house path.

"I can't imagine why," Harry said as he was trying to hold his stomach from emptying its contents.

Professor McGonagall walked up to the door while Harry was holding his side. When she came back, she was walking with a young girl that looks strangely familiar.

They both looked at each other before they pointed the finger at each other.

"YOU!" They shouted at the same time.

"You two know each other?" Professor McGonagall asked as Harry and the Girl stared at each other.

"Unfortunately." The girl said.

"Well then, Mr. Potter, meet Liliana Morris. Miss Morris, meet Harry Potter." Professor McGonagall said, slowly watching the two children.


Author Notes: ok, it was a bit rush, but I hope you guys enjoy it. If someone is willing to beta, then let me know and don't complain about my grammar. I'm aware, and I tried to fix it the best I could. Working on the third chapter. It will be called Diagon Alley. If anyone gots any suggestions, they would like to see or any ideas for magical shops. I'm open-minded to accepting them.