A massive barn owl winged its way toward suburban Surrey. The magnificent bird swooped down dropping a letter which slid in though the bronze mail slot. Inside the house, which was marked number four, a family could be found eating a quiet breakfast. It just so happened that as the owl rose to perch in a nearby tree the postman happened along and dropped two more missives through the mail slot. Upon hearing something dropping the mail slot a large walrus of a man whose mustache warranted the comparison as much as his size ordered, "boy get the post!" A small green-eyed boy looked up from where he was washing the pots and pans from making breakfast, and drying his hand replied, "Yes Uncle Vernon."

As he approached the mat in front of the door where the mail landed, he noticed an unusual letter. There was never anything addressed to him, no invitations, letters, or postcards. Yet, there on the vanilla-colored envelope in emerald, green writing was Mr. H. Potter 4 Privet Drive, Little Whining, Surrey, The cupboard under the stairs. The other two were predictably the utility bill and a postcard from Vernon's sister Marge. Harry foldedand slipped the envelope with his name on into his pants pocket. Then returning to the kitchen table he handed the mail to his uncle who complained, "took you long enough." Getting back to his chores Harry couldn't help wondering what could be in that letter.

So that night while the Dursley's were too busy paying attention to the telly, Harry sat and read his letter. "Dear Mr. Potter, we are pleased to inform you that you have accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You will find attached the list of required school supplies. We await your owl by no later than July 31st.

Respectfully,

Professor Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Head Mistress, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry"

The scrawny boy scribbled a quick response to the letter in hopes of figuring out what they meant by, we await your owl. "Dear Professor, thank you for the letter this morning. I would require some assistance in getting the needed school supplies. Please advise me as to where and how? Thank you, most sincerely, Harry"

He fell asleep that night dreaming of the school and what adventures might await him there. With no Dudley around he might even be able to make some friends for once. The following morning provided Harry with a perfect understanding of what they meant by await your owl. As the beautiful barn owl swooped down next to Harry as he worked in the rose garden. Harry pulled out the not that he scribbled and gave it to the owl who kept staring at him. That was what it was waiting for, as it then took off immediately.

As July turned to August the green-eyed boy began to wonder if the entire thing had a figment of his imagination. He had just finished plating the Dursley's breakfast when a knock came at the door. Vernon as usual complained, "Who could it be at this bloody hour, go see what they want boy." Harry walked over to the door and opened it, there stood a tall man, with sharp, features and long dark hair. He wore black trousers and a black button-up shirt. The man sneered as he took in Harry's appearance, "Good day Mr. Potter. Is your aunt at home?" It took Harry a moment to process before calling, "Aunt Petunia the man at the door wants to speak to you."

Petunia tea still in hand came into the room, only to drop the teacup and its contents on the rug breaking the beautiful cup. The man complained, "Good day Petunia, always a pleasure." Somehow Harry got the idea that the man did not perceive speaking with his aunt as a pleasure. His aunt finally gathering her wits replied, "what are you doing here? I had thought that you died along with my sister." The tall man rolled his eyes, "I'm here for the boy, he's Lily's son and it has fallen to me to ensure that he gets properly supplied for the upcoming year."

Vernon came in and joined them at this point. His face was purple with rage, "We promised when we took him in that we'd put an end to all this rubbish." The dark-haired man sneered, "and you think that you can simply stop him from being who he is by keeping him from the world into which he was born. Really, and how has that worked out so far?" That shut Vernon up pretty quickly.

The man then turned to Harry, "I'm Professor Severus Snape, I'll be your potions professor at Hogwarts. For now, let's focus on the essentials. Do you have any descent clothes? Do you have any shoes that do not require repairs? The green-eyed boy shook his head no to both questions. Snape, face palmed at that, "An audible answer if you please." Harry smiled, "no sir." The Professor nodded, "very well then we will start at Madam Malkin's and Twilfit & Tattings when we reach the alley."

With that the Professor withdrew from his sleeve a stick. Seconds later a purple bus arrived with a bang. The conductor stepped off of and read from a card, "Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for stranded witches and wizards. My name is Stan Shunpike and I'll be your conductor. Snape nodded and guided Harry on telling the conductor that they were going to Diagon Alley and paid for theirtransportation with several gold coins. They were soon at their destination.

The Professor carefully guided Harry to a large gleaming white building at the end of the alley. Harry, having never been here before found everything fascinating. There were stalls and window displays of unusual plants, books, and racing brooms. Soon they stood in from of large silver doors that held a plaque that read, "Strangers take heed of what awaits the sin or greed. If you seek beneath our floors treasure that was never yours then thief, you have been warned."

Harry was guided through, and they stood in a que awaiting on of a number of odd-looking creatures. The Professor explained, "Goblins oversee all of the finances in our world. They are quite clever, but not always tactful and friendly." Soon enough it was their turn, and Snape handed the goblin an old-fashioned key. They followed the teller to a volt that was his, he turned to the Professor, "how much should I take to cover everything?" Snape rolled his eyes, "I would suggest just filling your bag we can always come back if needed."

The Professor next guided Harry to a shop with a display of clothes in the window, "I need to restoke on my supply for the positions cupboard, I'll be back shortly." Harry nodded and slid in the door with a bell chiming as he entered. A pleasant voice called out, "Hogwarts too dear?" Harry again nodded, and followed her, as a petite blond woman led him towards the back. "We have another young man just now being finished up." Finally finding his voice Harry said, I need a whole wardrobe." The woman's eyes sparkled as she considered what all would be needed.

Just then, the bell sounded letting Harry know that another patron was entering the store. The magical measuring tape was moving around him frantically taking all kinds of measurements for the garments that will be needed. Another young man with blonde hair was shown to stand on the block next to Harry. The boy was about the same age as Harry himself. A thought that was verified moments later as he heard, "Hogwarts as well?" The posh polished voice of the other boy was playful indicating that he already knew the answer. So, Harry just smiled briefly, as the woman moved on to pinning his robes, before replying, "Yes, of course." The other boy continued on, "Where are your parents? Mother's looking at wands, while father is taking care of books." Harry said, "My parents are dead. Professor Snape brought me." The blonde boy nodded, "They were our kind, right?" Harry gave the question some thought not really sure what the boy could mean, "They were a witch and wizard if that is what you mean." Thankfully, before the conversation could continue on much further the seamstress let Harry know that he was done and could select what charms and fabric he wanted, and she would send him an owl with his completed order. So, Harry selected his fabrics and a resizing and anti-wear charm. He paid and made his way out where he met up with the professor and went on to gather his books, and wand. Severus handed Harry a bag,

"I took the liberty of selecting your potions supplies for you. Given your mother I expect high quality work from you. No slacking and come prepared first class, understand?" Harry nodded, "Yes sir."

Soon enough Harry was back at Privet Drive, and the professor left, ensuring that Harry had access to his books setting several on the table by his mattress warning him once more to read these before getting to school.