Chapter Text
"Harry... Harry wake up!"
Harry opened his eyes to see his mother staring down at him with a hand on her hip. "Five more minutes..." he groaned as he turned over, using the pillow to cover his head.
"Accio."
Harry groaned as the pillow whisked away from his grasp and into his mom's hand. Why did he have to be the son of one of the most gifted witches?
It just wasn't fair...
Harry sat up as he stared grumpily into his mom's bright green eyes. He sighed as he saw a mischievous grin on her face.
"Lily! Is Harry awake now?" Harry heard his father shout from down the hall.
"Unfortunately," Harry said, crossing his arms.
"Today's a very important day, young man," Lily said as she pulled Harry's arm. "Most wizards and witches dream for this day. Some of them don't even get to have it."
"What... my birthday?" Harry said.
"Your 11th birthday," Lily said.
Harry's eyes widened. "Wait... you don't mean..."
Lily smiled as she handed an envelope to Harry.
Mr H. Potter
The bedroom on the right side, Potter Cottage,
Godric's Hollow, West Country,
England, Great Britain
Harry beamed with excitement. He had completely forgotten it was his 11th birthday. Time had flown by so quickly. He immediately tore open the envelope as he unfolded the letter taking in everything.
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. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry flipped to the back which seemed longer than the front, though he didn't question the logic as magic was always doing weird things to perspectives.
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)
by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic
by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory
by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration
by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions
by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS
ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK
Yours sincerely,
Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus
Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions
Harry looked at his mom after he finished reading the letter and said. "Wow... there's a lot here. Where are we even going to get all of this?"
"Well... there's only one place I trust more than anyone to get a wand from," Lily said. "It's time we pay a visit to Diagon Alley."
"You mean I get my own wand?" Harry said getting up from the bed.
"Yes," Lily said. "No more practice wands for you anymore. Come on, your father is waiting for us. We best get going. Get dressed and we'll head out as soon as you're ready.
Harry nodded and his mother kissed him on the forehead. "I love you, mom," Harry said.
"I love you more," Lily said before stepping out of the room to let her son change.
Lily felt strong arms wrap around her waist as James smiled. "My boy's gone and grown up now hasn't he," James said. "It was only a year ago he was still playing with that toy snitch."
"Don't get too excited, James. He might not become a quidditch player, you know," Lily said.
"Oh, I know," James said. "But that doesn't mean I'm not going to encourage it."
Lily smiled and kissed James before leading him to the kitchen. Her smile faltered. "I'm nervous sending him to school," Lily said. "You've heard the rumors haven't you?"
James nodded. "It's all the ministry will talk about. Dumbledore's been keeping an eye out though. No word, no sign . We can't stress Harry out more than he already is going to be. Besides, the point of him going to school is so he can learn to defend himself. So that when the day arrives, he'll be ready. We'll be ready."
"I just... I worry..." Lily said. "A boy shouldn't have to worry about being... hunted his first year of school. And without us around to help him..."
James wrapped his arms around Lily. "We just have to trust in Dumbledore," James said. "That's all we can do.”
James glanced at the Daily Prophet which read You Know Who: Back or Hoax?
They had been lucky to protect Harry together and defeat Voldemort once. But they both knew it was far from the end of it. He would one day return and once again be on the hunt for their son.
It was only a matter of time...