The boy let out a large yawn as he rose from his bed. He didn't even have to look at the alarm clock to know that the sun wouldn't be out yet. Quietly and carefully he got dressed in a worn pair of jeans and a black hoodie that was just a tad too small. Just as quietly he opened the rickety window in his room and slipped out, his small feet landing on the slick morning dew grass with a muffled thud. Sneaking around to the back of the building and behind the shed he came face to face with his most valuable possession. A old somewhat rusty bicycle. Using the key that he always kept in his jeans pocket he unchained the bike and took off to start his daily routine.

The downtown streets of London were long and filled with people and cars even at five in the morning, the boy didn't mind it though, the constant dull noises of the city background helped keep him awake. He worked up a little sweat as he peddled turning into a filthy back alley. Following that alley it came to an empty lot with a single stair case leading to a steel door that looked vaguely ominous as a light flickered above it. Chaining his bike to the stairs he made his way up them and knocked on the door with a specific pattern.

Knock

Knock

Pause

Knock,knock,knock.

The door swung outward and revealed a grizzled old man. He was rather short only being head and shoulders taller than the boy himself with a thin gray beard.

"Cyrus! You're late. It's coming out your pay!" They boy, named Cyrus, knew for sure that he was actually early but didn't bother arguing. It would only make things worse.

"Sorry sir, I'll take extra morning assignments to make up for the inconvenience." Cyrus' voice was both slightly exasperated and sarcastic. He managed just enough self control to not roll his eyes. The old man squinted at him, trying to find any sign of impertinence. After failing to find any the gave a sharp nod and handed Cyrus a heavy nondescript black backpack.

"Deliver this to our usual." Cyrus nodded and took the backpack. The door slammed in his face as he was handed his first assignment of the day. This was the usual agreement between himself and the old man who only went by the name of Mars. Nearly two years ago when Cyrus had been wandering the streets of London looking for work he had bumped into Mars. The old man gave him a once over and hired him immediately. His job was rather simple: he delivered things. Mars would hand him a backpack or bag or package and Cyrus would drop it off no questions ask and return for his payment and next assignment. Mars had a strange way of knowing of exactly when Cyrus dropped off his assignments.

Making his way back downstairs he unchained his bike and went to work. Biking for almost ten miles he came to a taxi park. Tossing the backpack into the blue recycling bin he began to make the long journey back.

Knocking on Mars' door once more he waited. And waited. Cyrus frowned, Mars had never took this long to open the door before, and he would be damned if he worked for free. Still he knew better then to bang on the door so he continued to wait. Finally the door swung open and there stood Mars, looking slightly more harried than usual. He shoved a wad of cash into Cyrus' hands and slammed to door closed immediately. Cyrus shoved the money into his pocket and turned and left. He would count it when he got back. Hopping back onto his bike he road back to the building he slept at.

Saint Germain's Orphanage for Young Boys. Cyrus slept there, and occasional ate there as well if there was enough food, but he would never consider that place home. Hiding his bike behind the unused shed he chained it back up and made his way to the front of the building. As soon as he opened the door and stepped into the entrance hall he knew something was wrong.

"Boy." His toes curled and his jaw clenched as the matron addressed him. The matron in question gave him a very haughty once over before she continued.

"There's someone here to see you. Best not keep them waiting. Go straight to your room." Cyrus nodded once and sped walked past her eager to already get this day over with.

There was a sudden sharpness behind Cyrus' eyes as he placed his hand on the doorknob to his assigned room. And he knew. He knew that the moment that he opened this door his life would change forever. The thought filled him with hesitation and trepidation.

Cyrus took a deep breath.

Gritted his teeth.

And opened the door.

Inside of his room he found a rather strange looking man. He had slick greasy black hair, a long hook nose, and wore strange black clothes. His expression was impossible to read.

"I've been waiting for you ."

The pain behind Cyrus' eyes intensified ever so slightly and he knew he had to be careful with this man.

"I hope you weren't waiting too long sir." The strange man in question half raised an eyebrow before resuming his faceless expression.

"No, now sit, we have many things to discuss and I don't want this taking too long." As the man was sitting on the only chair in the room Cyrus made his way over to his half made bed and sat down. Once he was situated the man gave him a rather strange letter. Cyrus gently peeled it open.

To,Cyrus Lestrange

's Orphanage For Young Boys

Fifth Bedroom on the first floor.

We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Minerva Mcgonagall, Deputy Headmistress.

Cyrus looked back to the strange man who was now looking at him with an expectant look.

"Sir? This Hogwarts, is it a real school of magic?" He received a curt nod.

"I can assure you that it is most certainly real. It is a boarding school in Scotland were you will be spending most of your year. Should you choose to accept." His voice was monotonous as if he had already given this speech several times already.

"Can you show -"

Cyrus was cut off as the man pulled out a black wooden stick. With a wordless swish and flick several pens that Cyrus had laying on his desk started to float.

"I trust that this will be significant enough proof." Cyrus nodded distractedly his eyes still on the floating pens. A new starving desire invaded his entire being like never before. To learn everything he could about magic and become the best wizard ever. The voice of the man speaking again pulled him away from his thoughts.

"My name is professor Snape the potions master, and I will be escorting you to Diagon Alley to assist you in purchasing your school things."

Cyrus looked back at his letter and saw the second page hiding behind the first. It was a shopping list. There was one item there that made him smile.

One Magic Wand.