The real Herry Potter

Harry's eleventh birthday dawned bright and early at Highgarden, the peaceful estate that had become his sanctuary. The sun's rays filtered through the canopy of trees, casting a warm glow over the beautifully tended garden where a party was being set up. The morning air was crisp, and the scent of freshly bloomed flowers filled the air.

For Harry, this was not just another birthday; it was the day he had been anticipating for so long. He knew that something special was about to happen—something that would change his life forever. And that excitement only grew as guests began to arrive.

Luna and Xenophilius Lovegood were the first to arrive, carrying gifts wrapped in colorful paper. Luna, with her dreamy expression, handed Harry a neatly wrapped box. Inside, Harry found a beautiful snowy white owl. The owl blinked at him with large, intelligent eyes, and Harry instantly felt a connection with the creature. He named her Hedwig after a name he had once read in a book, and she perched gracefully on his arm, hooting softly.

"This is so you can send letters while you're away at Hogwarts," Xenophilius said with a smile. "She's very loyal."

Harry thanked them both sincerely, admiring the owl's soft feathers and marveling at the idea of having a way to communicate with the outside world once he went off to school.

Not long after, Sirius Black arrived, looking dapper and more at ease than Harry had ever seen him. He was followed by a slightly older man with greying hair and tired eyes. Harry had never met this man before, but there was something warm and familiar about him.

"This is Remus Lupin," Sirius introduced. "An old friend of your parents. I tracked him down all the way in Germany, where he was living. Thought it was time you two met."

Remus smiled gently at Harry, his eyes filled with a kindness that instantly put Harry at ease. "Happy birthday, Harry. I've heard a lot about you."

Harry smiled back, shaking his hand. "It's nice to meet you."

The party itself was grand, filled with laughter, good food, and conversation. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits. Sirius gifted Harry a rare and expensive book on enchanting, knowing Harry's deep interest in the subject. Harry's eyes widened as he opened the beautifully bound tome, flipping through pages filled with knowledge that he couldn't wait to dive into.

"Thank you so much, Sirius! This is amazing!" Harry exclaimed, hugging the book to his chest.

Sirius grinned. "I thought you'd like it. It's not easy to come by, so take good care of it."

Remus, on the other hand, presented Harry with a photo album, filled with pictures of his parents and other people who had been close to them. As Harry flipped through the pages, he saw images of his parents laughing, smiling, and even dancing. It was as if a piece of his past had been returned to him, and he couldn't help but feel a mixture of joy and sadness.

"I thought you might like to see them," Remus said quietly, standing beside him as Harry looked at the photos.

"Thank you, Remus," Harry whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "This means a lot."

As the party continued, Harry couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the kindness of everyone around him. The Lovegoods, Sirius, Remus—they had all come together to celebrate his special day, and it made him feel more connected to the magical world than ever before.

And then, just as the laughter echoed through the garden, a large barn owl swooped down from the sky, landing gracefully on the table in front of Harry. Tied to its leg was a thick envelope made of parchment, sealed with a wax crest that Harry recognized immediately: the crest of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The garden fell silent as everyone watched Harry untie the envelope and break the seal. His heart pounded in his chest as he unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the words he had longed to see for years.

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 stared at the letter in happiness. It was finally happening—he was going to Hogwarts! A smile spread across his face as he looked up at the others, who were all watching him expectantly.

"I've been accepted," Harry said, his voice filled with awe.

Cheers erupted around the garden as everyone congratulated Harry. Luna clapped her hands excitedly, and Sirius ruffled Harry's hair, grinning from ear to ear.

"Well, of course, you were accepted!" Sirius laughed. "We all knew you would be."

With shaking hands, Harry quickly grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill, penning a short reply to Hogwarts. Dear Professor McGonagall, he wrote, I am thrilled to accept my place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I look forward to starting my studies.

Once the letter was written, he attached it to the barn owl's leg. The owl hooted softly and took off into the sky, disappearing into the distance. Harry watched it go, feeling a sense of finality. His life was about to change in ways he couldn't even begin to imagine.

After the excitement of the letter, the party continued, but Harry couldn't stop thinking about Hogwarts. The anticipation of finally attending the school filled him with a mix of excitement and nervousness. He knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in his life, and he was eager to see where it would lead.

As the day wore on, Harry decided that he wanted to share a bit of the non-magical world with his friends. After all, he had spent so much time in the wizarding world lately that it felt like the perfect balance to explore the world he had grown up in.

"Let's go to the Muggle world," Harry suggested, grinning at Sirius and Remus. "I want to show you what it's like."

Sirius raised an eyebrow but smiled. "Why not? It's your birthday, after all."

So, after the party wound down and the Lovegoods had bid their farewells, Harry, Sirius, and Remus ventured into the nearby town, leaving the magical world behind for a bit. Harry led the way, showing them around as they wandered through the streets, exploring shops and even catching a movie at the local cinema.

For Harry, it was a fun and somewhat surreal experience—seeing these two wizards, who had lived their whole lives in the magical world, experiencing Muggle culture. They marveled at the mundane things Harry had always taken for granted, and Harry couldn't help but laugh at their reactions.

They stopped by a small café for lunch, where they indulged in Muggle food—burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Sirius seemed particularly taken with the milkshakes, while Remus commented on how different everything tasted from the meals they were used to.

"This is surprisingly good," Sirius said, licking a bit of whipped cream from his lips. "We should come here more often."

Harry laughed. "I told you the Muggle world isn't all bad."

As the day came to a close, Harry felt content. His birthday had been everything he could have hoped for and more. He had his acceptance letter to Hogwarts, new friends, and the promise of an exciting future ahead.

When they returned to Highgarden, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the garden. Harry, feeling a bit tired from the day's adventures, thanked Sirius and Remus for everything.

"Thank you both for making this day so special," Harry said sincerely.

Sirius ruffled his hair again. "Anytime, kiddo. And remember, Hogwarts is just the beginning. There's so much more ahead of you."

Remus nodded, smiling softly. "We'll be here whenever you need us, Harry. Don't hesitate to reach out."

With that, Sirius and Remus bid Harry farewell, and he watched as they Disapparated, leaving him alone in the quiet garden. Harry couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed in such a short time. He had gone from being a boy living with the Dursleys to someone with a real home, friends, and a future in the magical world.

The next day, Harry made his way to Diagon Alley to pick up a few remaining items for school. Even though he had most of his supplies already, there were still some small things he needed. The highlight of his trip, however, was visiting Ollivanders to purchase a wand.

As he stepped into the old wand shop, the bell above the door tinkled softly. Mr. Ollivander, with his silver eyes, appeared from the shadows, greeting Harry with a curious smile.

"Ah, Mr. Potter," Ollivander said, his voice soft and mysterious. "I wondered when I'd be seeing you."

Harry nodded, feeling a bit nervous as he looked around at the countless boxes of wands stacked high on the shelves. Ollivander began to measure him, mumbling to himself as he did so, before disappearing into the back of the shop to retrieve a few wands.

After trying several, none of which seemed to suit him, Ollivander's eyes lit up with realization. He retrieved a wand made of elderwood with a core of thestral tail hair. As Mr. Ollivander handed the wand to Harry, there was a strange tension in the air, as if the very room held its breath.

"This wand is… unique," Ollivander murmured, almost reverently. "Elderwood, with a core of thestral tail hair. Very powerful, very rare. I've never made another like it."

Harry took the wand carefully, feeling a surge of warmth run up his arm the moment his fingers wrapped around the wood. A strange but comforting feeling filled him, and as he gave the wand a gentle wave, sparks of silver and green shot from the tip, illuminating the dim shop in a brilliant glow.

"Ah, yes," Ollivander said softly, nodding to himself. "A perfect match."

Harry looked at the wand in awe, feeling the connection between himself and the magical object. He wasn't quite sure what made this wand so special, but he could tell it was indeed powerful.

"How much is it?" Harry asked, not wanting to sound too eager but aware of the importance of having the right wand.

"Ten Galleons," Ollivander replied, his voice almost distant as if he were still lost in thought over the significance of the wand.

Harry paid the amount and carefully tucked the wand away, feeling its comforting presence even through the layers of cloth. He couldn't help but wonder about its origins, but he knew that its true value would reveal itself in time.

After purchasing the last few items he needed for school, Harry returned to his home at Runestone Castle, eager to share everything that had happened with Reeny. As soon as he arrived, he rushed to find the house-elf, who was talking with Rosly in one of the rooms.

"Reeny!" Harry called out excitedly.

Reeny floated into the room through a wall, her large eyes wide with curiosity. "Master Harry is back! How was Master Harry's birthday?"

Harry grinned, sitting down to tell Reeny all about his party, the gifts, and the adventure he had in the Muggle world. He described every detail with enthusiasm, from the snowy white owl named Hedwig to the enchanting book from Sirius and the photo album from Remus. Reeny listened intently, her eyes growing wider with every word.

"And then, during the party," Harry continued, his voice full of excitement, "an owl came with my Hogwarts acceptance letter! I'm really going, Reeny! I'm going to Hogwarts!"

Reeny clapped her small hands together in delight. "Oh, Master Harry, that is wonderful news! Reeny always knew Master Harry would be going to Hogwarts. Reeny is so happy for Master Harry!"

Harry beamed at her, feeling the warmth of her support. He went on to describe his trip to the Muggle world, the movie they saw, and the strange yet delicious Muggle food they tried. Reeny listened with fascination, her head tilting to the side as Harry explained things like cars, cinemas, and milkshakes.

"Muggles have such odd things," Reeny mused, shaking her head in amazement. "But Master Harry seems to have had much fun."

"I did," Harry agreed, smiling. "It was nice to share that part of my life with Sirius and Remus."

After catching Reeny up on all the day's events, Harry finally settled down in his room, feeling content and excited for the future. His new wand rested on his desk, glowing faintly in the dim light of the evening. Hedwig was perched on a stand near the window, already dozing off after the long day.

As he lay in bed that night, Harry couldn't help but think about everything that lay ahead. Hogwarts was just around the corner, and he was eager to see what adventures awaited him there. But no matter what, he knew he had the support of those who cared about him, and that made him feel ready for whatever came next.

In the month leading up to his departure for Hogwarts, Harry was determined to make the most of his time. With his acceptance letter secured, his wand carefully stowed away, and his school supplies nearly complete, he shifted his focus to a passion project that had occupied his thoughts for weeks: upgrading his broomstick.

Harry had always been fascinated by broomsticks, ever since he had first read about them in one of the old wizarding books in the Gosling Family Library. He loved the idea of flying through the air, feeling the wind in his hair, and zipping through the sky with the speed and agility of a bird. The broomstick he currently owned was a fine model, sturdy and reliable, but Harry knew it could be better. He had dreams of making it faster, more agile, and powerful, capable of performing all sorts of aerial maneuvers. And now, with only a month before school started, he had the time and the resources to make those dreams a reality.

The books Sirius had given him for his birthday—a rare and expensive volume on enchanting, as well as a detailed tome on broomstick creation from the Black Family Library—were his guides. Every morning, after his usual workout and sparring session with Sirius, Harry would retreat to his workshop at Highgarden, where he had set up a small workbench and gathered the tools he needed. The workshop was cluttered with wood shavings, magical components, and diagrams of broomstick designs. The space smelled of varnish, wood, and the faint ozone scent of magic.

Sirius and Remus often visited Harry while he worked, offering advice, encouragement, and sometimes just keeping him company as he toiled away. Sirius, in his usual joking manner, often teased Harry about his creations.

"I'm more than ready to be your test pilot, Harry," Sirius would say with a grin, examining the broomstick in progress. "Just make sure it doesn't explode mid-air, alright?"

Harry would laugh and roll his eyes. "Don't worry, Sirius. I'll make sure it's safe… mostly."

Remus, on the other hand, was more measured in his praise, but no less impressed. He watched Harry's progress with a keen eye, occasionally offering tips or suggestions.

"You've got a real talent for this, Harry," Remus remarked one afternoon as he examined one of Harry's more polished prototypes. "Not many wizards your age—or even older—could craft something like this. It's quite remarkable."

Harry beamed under the praise, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. The designs he was creating were sleek and innovative, blending traditional craftsmanship with new enchantments that he had learned from the books. Each broomstick was unique, with carefully etched runes that enhanced speed, stability, and maneuverability. The craftsmanship was detailed, with each curve and line meticulously planned. The brooms had a fierce, almost predatory look to them, which Harry found very appealing.

But as with any creative process, there were setbacks. Some of his more intricately designed broomsticks didn't survive the enchanting process, the magical energy proving too volatile for the delicate wood. After a particularly frustrating day where two of his beautifully crafted brooms splintered and cracked during enchantment, Harry realized he needed to simplify his approach.

"If I keep losing the ones I've worked hardest on, I'll never get anywhere," Harry muttered to himself, studying the broken remains of his latest broomstick.

The next day, he shifted his strategy. Instead of focusing on elaborate designs, Harry began crafting simpler broomsticks—thirty in total. These were plain, with minimal detail, designed purely for the purpose of enchanting practice. The idea was to master the enchanting process first, and once he felt confident, he would return to his more complex creations.

Sirius and Remus helped him in crafting the wood, using their magic to speed up the process. It became a collaborative effort, with Sirius jokingly declaring himself Harry's official assistant and Remus taking on the role of a quiet, steadying influence. Together, they turned raw materials into sleek, simple broomsticks, ready for Harry to imbue with magic.

In between their work sessions, Sirius surprised Harry with an incredible opportunity—tickets to the Quidditch World Cup, which was being held in Spain that year. Harry had always dreamed of seeing professional Quidditch in person, and now, that dream was becoming a reality.

"We're going to Spain!" Sirius announced with a triumphant grin, holding up the tickets.

Harry's eyes widened in disbelief. "Really? We're actually going to the World Cup?"

"Really," Sirius confirmed. "Remus is coming too, and we've even invited the Lovegoods. Although Xenophilius declined, Luna decided to join us."

The trip to Spain was a whirlwind of excitement. Harry, Sirius, Remus, and Luna arrived at the Quidditch World Cup stadium with a mixture of awe and anticipation. The magical atmosphere was electric, with thousands of witches and wizards from all over the world gathered to watch the best Quidditch teams compete. The stadium itself was enormous, towering high into the sky with stands that seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction.

For Harry, it was an experience beyond anything he had ever imagined. The first match they watched was between Japan and Ireland, and Harry was blown away by the sheer speed and agility of the players. The way they zoomed through the air on their broomsticks, dodging Bludgers and chasing the Golden Snitch, left Harry in awe. He couldn't take his eyes off the game, marveling at the skill and precision of the players.

"This is incredible," Harry muttered to himself as he watched Hanzo Shimura, the famous Japanese Seeker, perform a breathtaking dive to catch the Snitch. "I've only ever read about Quidditch, but seeing it in person… it's amazing."

The matches were fast-paced and thrilling, each one filled with spectacular displays of athleticism and magic. Harry found himself cheering loudly, caught up in the excitement of the crowd. Luna, with her usual dreamy demeanor, pointed out all sorts of fascinating details that Harry might have missed, such as the different types of magical creatures used in the pre-match entertainment and the various charms and enchantments that kept the stadium secure.

Throughout the tournament, they lived in a magical tent that was much larger on the inside, complete with comfortable beds, a kitchen, and even a small sitting area. For nearly 18 days, they immersed themselves in the world of Quidditch, watching match after match and soaking in the festive atmosphere.

The final match was between France and Japan, and it was a nail-biter. Both teams were evenly matched, and the game dragged on for hours as the Seekers searched for the elusive Golden Snitch. In the end, Japan emerged victorious, and the stadium erupted in cheers and applause.

As they celebrated Japan's win and packed up their tent, Harry felt a deep sense of inspiration. Watching the professional Quidditch players had reignited his passion for broomstick creation. The speed and agility of the brooms used in the matches were unparalleled, and Harry was determined to create a broomstick that could rival, or even surpass, the ones he had seen.

When they returned to Highgarden, Harry immediately threw himself back into his broomstick project with renewed energy. He spent hours in his workshop, experimenting with different enchantments and tweaking his designs. The simple broomsticks he had crafted were perfect for practice, and as he honed his skills, he grew more confident in his abilities.

Sirius and Remus continued to visit, offering their support and assistance. Sirius, ever the prankster, would often joke about smuggling broomstick parts into Hogwarts for Harry once the term started.

"Don't worry, Harry," Sirius said with a wink. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. You'll have all your tools with you at Hogwarts, no matter what the rules say."

Harry grinned, knowing that Sirius was more than capable of pulling off such a feat. He didn't know exactly how Sirius planned to do it, but he had faith that his godfather would come through.

As the days passed, Harry grew more and more skilled at enchanting. He learned to balance the magical energies, ensuring that the broomsticks could withstand the powerful spells he was casting. The plain broomsticks began to perform better and better, and Harry knew that he was close to achieving his goal.

By the time the month had nearly ended, Harry had a small collection of successfully enchanted broomsticks, each one a testament to his hard work and dedication. He had learned so much in such a short amount of time, and he was eager to continue his work even after he started at Hogwarts.

On the last day before his departure, Harry stood in his workshop, looking over his creations with pride. He had come a long way, and he knew that this was only the beginning.

Hogwarts was just around the corner, and with it, new adventures, challenges, and opportunities. But no matter where his journey took him, Harry knew that he would always carry with him the lessons he had learned and the skills he had developed.

As he packed up his things and prepared for the next chapter of his life, Harry felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. He was ready for whatever the future held, and he couldn't wait to see what awaited him at Hogwarts.