Introduction
When Petunia opened the door on the 1st of November, she screamed in shock. On her porch laid a basket stuffed with a red blanket and a small child with a bleeding cut on its forehead. She picked it up, scared that the child would die because of the cold autumn morning. They were as cold as ice and paler than any baby she has ever seen. When she took it out of the wicker basket a letter fell out of their fingers because the baby tried to get closer to her heat.
On it was her name and address in strangely familiar writing, however, she couldn't put her finger on it. She ignored it for now and put the little kid on a couch and wrapped it in a fluffy blanket. They continued their sleep, but when she controlled their pulse, everything seemed ok – except for his chilly cheeks. Yes, she thought it was a boy, judging by his short dark hair and a shirt with a car on it.
After putting the baby into a much more comfortable sleeping position, she sat on an armchair and opened the plain-looking letter. Every word stabbed her heart and hurt her soul – maybe she hated Lily for more than ten years, however, she never wished her to be dead. Also, she cried for her nephew, who lost his parents and came into a family that couldn't love him enough.
Petunia knew she would always see her sister in him, even now she could see he took after her more than he took after his father. And Vernon… if he saw an ounce of magic in his house, he would most likely try to beat it out of him. He would be hated and maybe even abused – she knew who she wedded (and she adored Vernon's love for normal and bland). Lily's son wouldn't be normal, he would be a wizard.
So, after feeding her son and calling her friend to look after him, she tried to wake up her nephew, Harry Potter. He was cranky – not even Dudly was that bad after a nap and he was considered ‚the worst in the mornings‘ by everyone in her group of friends with children. He didn't cry but he made funny angry faces at her when she tried to feed him. „Me,“ he did grabby hands in the direction of his breakfast.
„Do you want to feed yourself?“ she raised her eyebrow.
„Yep,“ he gestured wildly and his scowl turned even deeper. „Only mommy can,“ he pouted and took the plastic spoon in his uncoordinated hand (Petunia had to stop another wave of tears). Although he was younger than his cousin, he could eat without too much mess and he even asked if she had a potty. Thankfully she did, even though Dudly still used his nappies. Harry inherited his mother's smartness, as was obvious.
After the morning ritual, she strapped him into the child carrier in her car and said bye-bye to her chubby son and her friend that hold him in her pale arms. „When are you going to arrive back?“ Maria asked but looked only at the dark-haired child with a surprisingly sharp gaze.
„In an hour or two – again I thank you for - “
„No problem dear. He needs you right now more than Dudly.“ The taller woman hugged her loosely with one hand and even though she could hear Duddly starting to tear up, she sat into the driver seat and drove away. She was kind of glad that Vernon had a work trip that week because he would probably make a lot more ruckus than needed.
In London she arrived in the first orphanage she could find on the map and took Harry out of his seat. He wasn't happy about being carried in her arms but he kept silent when she asked him to be nice. ‚Such a sweet boy…‘ Petunia thought with a small smile and knocked on the main door. She needn't wait for too long before a matron opened the door. She smiled at her with a fake smile.
„Hello, can I help you with something?“
„Hi, this is my nephew – his parents… you know… and I can't take care of him, unfortunately. Can I register him here?“
***
Harry James Potter became the youngest sibling to Maria Bundy, who was two years older than him, and Fridrich Bundy, a boy three years his senior. Both children were blond with blue eyes, just like their mother Samatha Bundy-Tylor. Her husband was a tall broad man with brown hair and eyes – Gregor Bundy looked surprisingly a lot like his adopted son.
The perpetually fussy boy was renamed to Henry James Bundy – his new mother purposefully named all her children like some of the more known rulers in the history. Harry was kept as a nickname by his parents – they left only his second name ‚untouched‘, even though neither of their children had one.
For two years after that, Henry was the youngest in the Bundy family – then he wasn't and another blond became the part of his family. Little Elizabeth, and year and a half after that Ludvik was born. The dark-haired boy thought that meant Fridrich and Maria would stop annoying him because he wouldn't be the youngest kid. But no, his siblings were cruel creatures and always enjoyed rallying the choleric sibling. Before school, it was only name-calling here and amateur fight there, however, in primary school they found better ways to bully Henry. Only, they became less sneaky about it, because in school nobody paid as much notice.
So, Samantha noticed and yelled at them, forbid any after-school activities for a week and made them apologise. Did it work? No, but they never again hurt him enough to make bruises. Wet Willys, nuggies and stealing things were a lot funnier to them anyway. And Henry wasn't an angel – not by any means, although his pranks were unnoticeable (at first). Sometimes he put the itchy powder into their clothes, sour powder into their lunch sandwiches, pins on their chairs, super-glued their things to floor or furniture… and if he got physical, he would only whack their heads or throw something at them.
Elizabeth became part of the blond part of sibling war and Ludvik tried to join Henry – but after cruel tongue lashing, he became a neutral party.
Even though his temper never failed to combust like a lit gasoline canister, he wasn't a physical type of person – he hated sports (unlike his older siblings that were part of any sports team in the school). He was very smart, most called him a genius, because of how quickly he could pick anything up – from math to languages. And in no way would you miss that part of him, as he wasn't humble about it.
His grades were spotless but he always turned up his nose on history and geography. Loudly. On the other hand, he loved biology, physics, chemistry and math – not only had he won many science competitions, but he also went to camps so he could be surrounded by smart people and not his siblings (who were in his opinion only slightly smarter than monkeys).
***
The day he turned eleven years old his father had a vacation – usually he worked so his big family could live comfortably (and his income as a lawyer help with that marginally). However, he never left for work when one of his children celebrated a birthday, so when someone ringed the doorbell, he was the one who opened the door.
Minerva McGonagall always asked Albus to let her see Harry Potter if he's doing ok (she never trusted those horrible muggles). He always smiled and told her that Harry is well cared for by his family and left it there – so she was really surprised when in the pile of letters she found an unusual name, familiar but also not. Henry James Bundy-Potter. Obviously, he was adopted and magic changed his name and only left Potter because he was the heir…
„Albus! What were you thinking, when you never checked on him, you stupid old man!“ Her Gaelic accent shined through her screaming. However, Dumbledore only smiled and offered her a lemon drop.
„The wards I set up fell after the New Year in '82, Minerva. I knew where he was – with a loving family like I always told you,“ he answered calmly, eyes shimmering madly. After she threw a few hexes on him, she planned a visit.
„Good morning, Mr Bundy – I came to offer your son Henry a place in our school,“ she said the beginning of her practised speech.
„Since when do schools send people?“ he asked with a curiously lifted eyebrow, but let her come in. „Henry! Come to the living room!“ he yelled and McGonagall jumped in surprise. Because of that, the tall men grinned at her. „Come with me, he should be there in five minutes.“
„Should I make tea?“ this time a female voice yelled. It reminded the old professor of the Weasley household – how many siblings does Harry have, if any?
„Mrs?“
„Yes please,“ she nodded and sat on a comfortable beige sofa with her back to the windows.
„So, which university are you trying to get him in?“ Gregor fell on the opposite couch without much elegance.
„University, Mr Bundy? He must be really smart.“
„He's a genius and I'm not bragging. So if not uni, what school are you trying to pitch?“
„Hogwarts, it's a boarding school.“
„I never heard of it.“
„Most people don't, because it's a school of witchcraft and wizardry.“ No emotion showed on his face before he blinked rapidly. „Well, it would explain some things… it always made him angry not to know why he could break the basic physics laws.“
‚Well, at least someone is calm and logical after that particular bomb.‘ Then Mrs Bundy came with a tray filled with cups and a teapot.
„Do you want sugar or cream?“ The pretty blond woman smiled at her.
„Neither, but thank you, Mrs Bundy.“
„Oh! I forgot to- sorry professor – my name is Gregor Bundy, nice to meet you.“ He extended a hand and she shook it without hesitation.
„Minerva McGonagall, nice to meet you too. And you too, Mrs Bundy.“
„Samatha is ok, professor.“
After that, a young man with a blond mop of hair, followed by a girl around the same age, came into the living room with icing on his cheek. „Hengry is dragging himself down the stairs,“ he said before they sat next to the fireplace on a fluffy rug in front of it.
„SHUT UP YOU FUCKING LIAR!“ Came an unexpected answer. The tendency to scream ‚Potter!‘ back was strong but she kept cool and waited for the parents. But they said nothing, only rolled their eyes. „I was awake, just needed to finish a chapter.“
„In your porn magazine?“ came a quick retaliation from his brother – before anyone could do anything, one of the cups went flying with murderous intent. Minerva quickly pulled out her wand and transfigured it into a soft pillow that hit the blond straight into the face.
„Cool. So, what do you want?“ He sat next to her, his front rotated to her and one leg on the couch. When Minerva saw his face, she wanted to cry – he looked so much like Lily (and completely different from the books, that described him as a carbon copy of his father only with his mother's eyes). He had her round face, freckles most noticeable across the nose and funnily enough the sticky-outy ears that the red-head always tried to hide behind her hair. The only things he inherited from his father was his dark brown hair, bad eye-sight and the mostly brown eyes. And his height, because Lily was one of the shortest firsties in her year.
The only thing the stories got right was his barely visible scar, hidden behind wispy bangs – it has been a long time since she knew someone with a bowl-cut, but he suited it for some reason.
„I came as a representative for Hogwarts, school of witchcraft and wizardry,“ she said, ignoring his rude behaviour that was obviously more than normal, judging by his parents' reaction. When he only squinted, she gave him the letter that he ripped open and quickly skimmed with hazel eyes.
His father broke the silence: „Read it aloud, buddy.“
„Sure dad. So: 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 Bundy-Potter - That's my bio parents name, right?“
„Yes, Mr Bundy. Magic accepted your adoption but because you are the future Lord Potter, it's only appropriate to have the name Potter.“
„Sure… 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. Are you McGonagall?“
„Yes.“
„UNIFORM:First-year students will require: three sets of plain work robes (black), one plain pointed hat (black) for day wear, one pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar), 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. So that spell you did was a transfiguration, right?“
„Yes, I will be your Transfiguration professor as long as you take my subject.“
„And the potions are like chemistry? Is history mandatory? Are there any other books for beginners?“
„Yes, yes and yes. You need to attend all classes until the fifth year, after which you choose subjects you want to specialize in. In the fifth year, you take a test named O.W.L., Ordinary Wizarding Level, which helps you to know in which subject you are really good and N.E.W.T, Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test, helps you to get a job. Do you need further explanation?“
„No, I get it. So I can quit history in fifteen… sweet. 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-“
„Stop screaming!“ his sister hissed at him.
„It's in capslock, idiot,“ he grinned widely and did some muggle rude gesture that his mother reprimanded.
„Parents are reminded that first-years are not allowed their own broomsticks! Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus, Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions. Do you fly on them, like witches in movies?“
„Yes, the myth needed to come from somewhere.“
„Do you use it like cars or motorcycles?“
„More like bikes.“
„Okay. So, where can I find the school supplies?“
„In Diagon Alley, that is the main magic alley in London.“
„And how about money? Do you use normal pounds, or dollars, or –“
„We use Galleons, Sickles and Knuts,“ she pulled out few shiny metals from her robes. „The golden ones are called Galleons, silver ones are Sickles and bronze Knuts. There is 17 Sickles in a Galleon, 29 Knuts in a Sickle and consequently 493 Knuts in Galleon.“
„How much is one Galleon in pounds?“
„4.93 pounds. £ 0.29 is one Sickle and £0.01 is one Knut. But no need to worry about money, your biological parents left you with enough money to pay for your tuition.“
„No, we will pay for everything,“ said Mr Bundy calmly, but at the same time bossily. „His inheritance can be his pocket money, but we will take care of our child.“
„I have no problem with that, Mr Bundy. So, when do you want to go to-“
„MOM, FRIDRICH SPIT INTO THE CAKE!“ After that, there was a lot of angry screaming, and Minerva just thought that she was glad Henry was the only wizard in his family – because second Weasly-like family in her school could take the old caste down.
***
They went to Diagon Alley the same day she met them. After they exchanged muggle money for a small mountain of golden coins (and surprised Minerva with how nice they treated Goblins), the shopping began.
First, they bought a good trunk with separate compartments for books, potions, clothes and miscellaneous. Then they speed-runed the clothes buying and took a surprisingly long time in the apothecary, where the boy grilled the shop assistant for information about books and ingredients. Then they bought scales, cauldron and such, he made no fuss over that – but the parchment and quills…
„I'm not from the fucking medieval times, McGonagall. I'm a person of the modern age and I'm going to use a normal fucking pen! And parchment is stupid, a normal paper is so much cheaper and convenient!“
„I don't make the rules, Mr Bundy. Just… take a bit of parchment for the homework and maybe write everything else on muggle paper.“ He looked at her with sharp critical eyes, before he relaxed a little.
„If anybody tells me to use a quill, I will gauge their eyes with it.“ Minerva only rolled her eyes, but Henry was serious. The only thing about this that made him kind of happy was how bendable was her will. Like she didn't want to anger him, which was bullshit – everybody wanted to make the teen bomb to go boom, in his experience.
Then he tried to wander into a dark alley.
„Mr Bundy, don't go in there – Knockturn Alley is a dangerous place for a child.“ He looked at her and tried to walk past her. „Did you hear what I said?!“
„Yes, I heard that that cool looking alley is interesting.“
„No, I said dangerous.“
„I still hear interesting!“ He sang with a wide grin and tried to get around her, but his father finally saved the poor teacher and stopped him by the back of his t-shirt.
„C'mon buddy, don't give your professor a heart attack – or get into problems before the school even starts.“
„… does that mean we will go next time?“ His grin grew in size and Minerva could see the devious spark that he inherited from his biological father – James always grinned before and after a good prank.
„Hey, is this bookshop?“ his father pointed the boys' attention in a different direction – and in that direction, he ran. And left there too much money – Minerva expected the child of two Gryffindors to be a Ravenclaw because nobody loves books as much as Ravens.