A Nightmare in Heaven

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

“No, I can’t be. I’m just Harry.”

“Well, you better believe it young man. I’ve been awaiting your owl for several weeks now, we’d best be off. You’ve got some shopping to do and if my memory serves correctly, you won’t be getting it done with these two lay-abouts. Come along now.” The woman named Professor McGonagall reached out and took his hand, leading him towards the door. Since the only complaint he heard from his aunt and uncle were sputters of indignation at being called lay-abouts, he went with her. Surely wherever she was taking him was a happier place than with the Dursley family.

“No time for dawdling. Now don’t let go of my hand and take a deep breath.” He did and was suddenly met with a wholly uncomfortable squeezing sensation and fought off the urge to be sick when it ended. “Rather unpleasant your first few times, but you’ll get used to it. Now come along, we haven’t got all day. We’ve a tight schedule Mr. Potter, the train leaves in only two hours!” He let himself be tugged and lead around a magical street with signs everywhere claiming the name to be Diagon Alley. Not having the faintest idea where they were in the country, he let himself gaze on all the magical things around him. Spells being cast without so much as a thought, items floating midair and changing colour to attract the attention of passerby, cauldrons stirring themselves with strange concoctions inside...he could hardly contain his excitement.

They went to a curious bank filled with slightly scary goblins and endured another sickening form of transport before Harry was blinded by the gold in his vault. Having been told his entire life he wasn’t worth anything, he only took a few pieces, but conceded easily enough when the professor tutted and filled a small pouch. 

“That ought to last you for your supplies and a few galleons as pocket money if there’s time left over and for the train.” He thanked her and they continued looking for school supplies. 

His favourite had been shopping for a wand. Mr. Olivander was a bit senile and sort of eclectic but Harry liked him. He had a calm sort of energy, even if his shop practically screamed chaos. He happily paid for his purchase and upon Professor McGonagall announcing that was the last item on the list, asked if there was a pet store that he could go to. She smiled and happily led him inside a shop while he decided if he wanted an owl, a cat or a toad. 

Deciding against a toad was easy enough but he couldn’t seem to make up his mind between a cat or owl when a quiet hoot and a white feather floated down in front of his face. He looked up and caught sight of a beautiful snowy owl with intelligent eyes. The bird launched from its perch and landed on his shoulder, gently tugging on his hair affectionately. 

He named her Hedwig. 

Their trip to Platform 9 ¾ was relatively uneventful. They walked to the end of the street and stepped into a fireplace before he was told to tuck his elbows and bend his knees slightly. He did so and after the world spun around insanely quickly with a flash of heat, he found himself looking at what had to be at least a hundred people mulling about around a crimson red steam engine. 

Parents were hugging their children and teenagers were running to each other, no doubt to catch up after the summer. Like Diagon Alley, spells were used in large quantities and made him grin. He almost couldn’t believe he was going to a magical school to learn how to do all sorts of things! But most of all, he was entirely too grateful to be leaving the Dursley house behind. He only hoped it wasn’t a dream.

“Now board the train and mind your manners. I’ll see you back at the school Mr. Potter.” He nodded and made his way to an empty compartment. 

He heaved his trunk in and settled down in his seat with a book to read for the ride. He was quite content with his little compartment for some time until the door crashed open and in flew a brightly redheaded boy that seemed about his age.