When Harry Was In Slytherin House

Proluge: The Boy Who Lived

Mr and Mrs Dursley were, frankly, normal people. They were the least people for anybody to expect to be involved with anything strange or mysterious, because they didn't believe in nonsense such as this. Mr Dursley was the director of a firm called Grunnings, which was a company that made drills. He was big, overly beefy, he had hardly any neck at all however he did have a very large moustache. Mrs Dursley was thin, blonde and unsurprisingly, had nearly twice the amount of neck that Mr Dursley had. She always thanked anybody who was responsible for her having so much neck because Mrs Dursley was always spying on the neighbours- it was like a hobby. The Dursleys, known to many people in the town as Mr Plump and Mrs Skinny, also had a small son called Dudley and in to them, there was no finer boy anywhere.

The family had everything they had ever craved for, except unlimited pizza which was Mr Dursleys and Dudley's favourite food. However, they had a secret. A very very big secret that made them live in fear of anybody discovering what made them quiver at the mention of the name. The Potters. Mrs Potter was Mrs Dursleys sister, but they hadn't ever spoke for several years so Mrs Dursley pretended she didn't even have a sister, because Mrs Potter and Mr Potter were as unDursleyish as it was ever possible to be. The family shuddered to think what the neighbours would say if The Potters ever arrived on the street. They knew that the Potters had had a son, quite recently in fact, but had never bothered to go see him. This boy was another good reason for keeping away. How could they let Dudley mix with a child quite like that? They couldn't.

However, one day changed everything. Their life wouldn't be normal again. Ever.

When Mr and Mrs Dursley awoke on a dull, grey Tuesday, there was nothing to sugegst that anything at all mad had happened that night. Except that the lights in the street were dim, even though it was still dark. Mr Dursley hummed as he picked out his most boring tie for work and Mrs Dursley gossiped away as she wrestled a screaming Dudley into his high chair. At half-past 7, Mr Dursley picked up his breifcase, pecked Mrs Dursley on the cheek and even tried to kiss Dudley on the cheek but, sadly, missed and nearly dumped his head in a bowl of fresh baby food. He smiled at them all before going to the door. He unlocked the door and stuck his foot out to walk outside when something, underneath his foot, gave a scream. Mr Dursley screamed too.

On the floor, by their front door was a baby. He was bundled in blankets and was now bawling with tears. Stunned, Mr Dursley bent down to pick the baby up, as if he was in a trance. Mrs Dursley gasped as Mr Dursley returned with the bundle of blankets.

"My, oh, my! What is that! Is it, oh no. Is it a baby?" She exclaimed with horror. He nodded. But something caught her eye. Beside the baby, was a letter. Stiffly, Mr Dursley picked it up and read it out loud to the scared Mrs Dursley and a now-quiet Dudley.

Dear The Dursleys,

We are sorry to must give you another bundle for you to carry. We all understand that is hard for you and we would rather raise ourselves, if it wasn't againest out law. The baby you have now found is Harry Potter, the son of Petunia Dursleys sister, Lily Potter and her brother-in-law, James Potter. Lily and James have recently beeen murdered by a dark wizard. We are 99% certain that Petunia knows of her sisters differences and that this death makes sense to you. One my old students, Tom Riddle, has killed them and it is, sadly, impossible to bring them to life. Tom Riddle is known as another name to us wizards and witches. Voldermort. Voldermort was at his highest until Harry, somehow, stopped him . This shows that Harry is going to be a truly advanced wizard however until that time, must remain in the hands of his only family. You.

You must protect Harry, keep him until further letters arrive. But, remember, that Harry is going to be needed kept hidden. It is againest the law, human law and wizardry law for a wizard or witch to be not known to the public. I'm sorry, Vernon, Petunia and Dudley but you are the only family Harry has left. He needs you but you need him too. Within years to come, Voldermort will strike again and go first to you. At this time, it is only I and Harry who can help you. Be wise, Vernon and Petunia. You don't neccesarily have a choice.

Yours Sincerly,

Professer Albus Dumbledore

Professer Minerva McGonagall

Mr Dursley stared at Mrs Dursley's pale face and swallowed.