"But need alone is not enough to set power free: there must be knowledge." – Ursula K. Le Guin, A Wizard of Earthsea
On one fateful morning Harry went to get the mail, because neither his cousin, aunt nor uncle could be bothered to do it. He picked up two letters and a postcard. He halted. No way. He could feel it. Magic.
Mr. H. Potter
The Cupboard under the Stairs
4 Privet Drive
Little Whinging
Surrey
Harry stared at the letter. He could feel the Magic in the parchment. The spark. He startled when his uncle called from the kitchen. Crivens! He quickly hid the letter in his clothes and took a deep breath. Show no fear. Show no emotion at all. He returned to the kitchen and handed his uncle the remaining mail. Uncle Vernon was still chuckling from his joke. It wasn't that funny.
After Harry had hidden the letter safely within his cupboard, he tried to do his chores. He really tried, but his mind kept drifting back to the letter. He even checked his cupboard in the afternoon, making sure the letter was still there. Harry had a few close calls. He almost knocked down one of Dudley's photos, almost ruined his aunt's vest and in the end he almost used magic in front of his relatives. Harry shuddered at the thought. If Harry had been caught, he would have spent the rest of the summer in his cupboard. There was a reason why he had never heard of magic before going to school. It was even forbidden to say 'Magic' in his relative's home. Sometimes Harry wondered if his relatives were hiding something, if they knew about magic. He checked one last time for any sounds in his relative's home. He had been looking forward to this moment all day. He removed the letter from its hiding place and took it in both hands. He could feel the magic in and on the letter. Traces of magic from multiple sources. Traces of something big. He turned the letter and examined the wax seal. A badger, an eagle, a snake and a lion surrounding the letter 'H'. He couldn't wait any longer. He broke the seal. It felt just like entering the library for the first time. He read.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY.
A school? Finally! Finding information on schools or apprenticeships had been so far his highest priority. Now it was just handed to him on a silver plate. Harry was relieved. He had already planned to latch onto the next wizard or witch he saw and to not let go until his questions got answered. He had been hesitant to go through with the plan, since he wanted to make a good first impression. The headmaster Albus Dumbledore seemed to be a highly regarded wizard. However, Harry couldn't help but think of the wizards of Unseen University. A title like 'Supreme Mugwump' could mean anything or nothing at all. He continued reading. Your owl? Do wizards and witches use them as carrier pigeons? And where can I get one? He frowned. This is not good. Is there a way to contact them by mundane mail? How can they know where I sleep and not know that I don't have a owl? Harry examined the envelope. No stamp. A cold feeling settled into his stomach. They await my owl by no later than the 31st of July. What if I don't find a way to contact them? What if...Don't panic! Harry took a few deep breaths to calm down. Harry postponed fretting over how to contact Minerva McGonagall and checked the supply list.
Harry had hardly slept. He had racked his brain long past midnight and tried to come up with a way to send an answer back to Hogwarts. He had just fallen into an uneasy slumber when he was woken up by hammering against his door. Time to make breakfast.
Harry had written the response to his acceptance letter. He had asked for help to get his school supplies and to explain magic and the magical world to the Dursleys. Harry already knew that this wasn't going to end well. He decided to send his letter per mundane mail. It doesn't hurt to try.
Harry was going through his notes. There was not much information in the letter. However, this information was his very first real glimpse of 'real' magic.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry:
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
Deputy Headmistress: Minerva McGonagall
Possible subjects: - Spells
- History of Magic
- Magical theory
- Transfiguration (Changing)
- Magical botany
- Potions
- Magical creatures
- Self-defense (Dark Magic, possible wizard duels)
- Astronomy, astrology
School starts at the 1st of September
Uniforms (black robes, cloak, pointy head, protective gloves (Dragons are real!))
Cats, toads and owls are allowed (Familiars?)
First years are not allowed their own broomsticks (Flying broomsticks assumed)
Wands:
"Support wheels"?
Necessary for advanced magic?
?
Harry had sent the letter four days ago while he had been shopping with Aunt Petunia. He had been able to sneak away for a few minutes and his aunt had not noticed. Now he was waiting. He would hope for the best and prepare for the worst. His notes gave him a little bit of comfort. Harry wondered if it was already past midnight. He knew wishing was stupid. Nevertheless, he wished for the opportunity to learn. He also wished for a happy birthday.
"Show no fear. Show no emotion at all." - Avatar: The Last Airbender, Book 1: The Siege of the North
"Don't Panic!" - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy