Everyone inside the house was terrified by the shadow of such a giant; it was impossible to see his face or his clothes.
Vernon, who had run moments before, quickly came down from the second floor wielding a long rifle. Everyone in the house now understood what that suspicious package the man had brought was.
- Who's there? I'm armed! - Vernon shouted in alarm as he pointed the gun at the enormous figure outside the door, amidst the storm.
The giant, who had been standing still, simply squeezed himself into the shack, bending so that his head just brushed the ceiling. He bent down, picked up the door, and effortlessly reattached it to the frame. The noise of the storm outside diminished a bit. He turned and resumed staring at everyone.
- Couldn't you make us a cup of tea? It wasn't an easy trip... - The giant said as he headed to the sofa where Dudley was paralyzed with fear. - You know, the last time I saw you, you were just a baby. Of course, you're a bit plumper now, but nothing a bit of training won't fix! - The man continued, sitting in front of Dudley, who quickly squealed and ran to hide behind his mother, who was terrified right behind Vernon.
- I demand you leave immediately, you have invaded my house, I should have you arrested! - Vernon exclaimed, pointing the rifle threateningly at the intruder. However, to everyone's surprise, the intruder simply bent the tip of the rifle slightly upwards with his enormous hands, causing the bullet to explode in the barrel when Vernon pulled the trigger.
- Anyway, I believe this is for you, dear Harry. - The man said, trying to hand the letter to Dudley while also indicating a crumpled gift box he had taken from his large coat.
- S-Sorry, but I'm not Harry. - Dudley said, completely terrified, with no courage to come out from behind his mother.
- What do you mean you're not him, and where is the boy? - The giant asked, having a bad feeling.
- The boy ran away, and I tell you again, leave my house and never bother my family again! - Vernon replied angrily, realizing the gun was now useless. He aimed to stand defensively in front of his wife and son.
- He ran away... what do you mean he ran away? He was under your care, how did you let him escape!? - The intruder exclaimed, now standing up abruptly and taking a step towards the family.
- It doesn't matter, he's old enough to take care of himself and he decided to leave... whatever you plan to do with the boy, just get out of my house! - Vernon responded, a bit fearful of the giant's angry tone and the oppressive image of his enormous size, even though Vernon was quite tall and robust himself.
- It's better that nothing bad happened to him, or else I will come back here and make you pay! - The intruder replied, noticing that he was scaring the family. Realizing he would have to look for other ways to find the boy, he knocked down the door again with brutality and left the shack.
- Do you think he'll come back? - Petunia asked reluctantly as her husband now lifted the door and aimed to make a makeshift fix to keep it in place.
- I hope not. Early tomorrow, we'll go back to our house and the boy's decisions will no longer be our responsibility. - Vernon replied while dragging a table and a sofa to keep the door sealed.
And so, the days and nights of the Dursleys went on. After all this, they returned home and did everything to avoid talking about Harry and thinking about the letters, something that actually worked as the letters finally stopped arriving.
Meanwhile, the giant intruder was now on an extremely difficult hunt. He never thought it could be so complicated to find a little boy with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. The weeks passed quickly for him, and he had already notified his superior about Potter's disappearance, from whom he received a direct notification of his presence at the Leaky Cauldron or somewhere near that area.
The giant was a bit discouraged. He had hoped to find the boy with his uncles, where he could give him a decent cake and dinner. They would have celebrated his eleventh birthday, and after that, they would have bought all his school supplies in Diagon Alley, followed by him going to Hogwarts to learn various spells, thus becoming a great wizard of the light.
However, life is a bit unfair to let everything go as planned. The giant still hadn't found the boy, and there were only two days left until the start of the school year at Hogwarts, something that discouraged him greatly. But he put all his hope in the place his superior had indicated, leading him to the present moment:
Sitting on a wooden bench in the central square near the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. The giant could see various children playing with their friends, parents buying ice creams, a boy on the other side of the square who looked extremely similar to James Potter, some dogs playing with other animals, and birds flying gently in the sky...
It took a few seconds for Hagrid's mind to work properly, and like a small spark in his brain, he quickly stared at the boy across the street. Deciding to get closer, he simply hid behind a tree, though it was futile as he was three times wider than the trunk.
Setting those thoughts aside, he was completely surprised by the appearance of the boy. He wasn't sure if what he saw was real, but in front of him was someone extremely similar to someone very dear to the giant. The boy was properly tall with an athletic body, wearing a style of black suit with silver details, a black katana on his waist, and finally, the scar that created hopes in the entire magical world, the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead, only visible because his hair was pulled back, slightly arranged and spiked.
Hagrid didn't know what was happening, but without a doubt, that man was Harry Potter, and if not, he would be an extremely close copy of James Potter. For this reason, the giant decided to remain neutral in his own way and continued "hiding" behind the tree.
Harry, who had just left the barbershop, could feel someone following him and, not wanting to cause trouble, simply headed towards the Leaky Cauldron, where he could finally have lunch and rest
He knew that in a few days his classes would start at Godric's Hollow, and he still had to buy all the necessary materials.
Lost in his thoughts, Harry walked unconsciously to the Leaky Cauldron and only realized where he was when he bumped into Martha, who showed a look of complete surprise and admiration.
- Wow, that outfit really suits you. - Martha said, eyeing Harry without any shyness, causing him to blush slightly as he laughed in response.
- T-Thank you! - Harry replied, slightly blushing as he quickly entered the Leaky Cauldron, an act repeated by Martha and the supposed follower of Harry who was meters behind. This follower was none other than an exceptionally large man, compared to normal. However, this man wore a dark black cloak that hid him from everyone. It was logical that he would draw attention from the people in the area, but Harry didn't care, as he had seen quite strange things and wouldn't be surprised by someone being very large.
- Harry, now that I notice... Where did you get that scar?" Martha asked as she sat in front of Harry after serving him a drink, her expression notably serious. This act garnered attention in the bar, where people were always ready for gossip, thus starting the murmurs.
- My uncles said it was from a car accident where my parents died years ago. - Harry replied, touching the scar with his index finger. - But I don't know... it seems a bit far-fetched, because even though I was very young, I still remember the screams and a green flash in the room... well, who knows. - He concluded, sipping the drink he was served.
- If it's not too much trouble, could I know who your parents were? - Martha asked, receiving some attention from other customers who were even more interested in the matter.
- Even I don't know. Whenever I try to remember... I end up with a sudden excruciating pain in my scar. That's why I avoid thinking about what happened eleven years ago. - Harry replied, leaving everyone lost in their own thoughts, as that date marked a change in an era.
- Eleven years ago... Weren't you supposed to remember something at least? - Martha said with some suspicion.
- How? If eleven years ago I was just a baby? - Harry responded seriously while grimacing in pain and repeatedly massaging the scar. However, he didn't even notice that he had drawn various looks of astonishment, both from the customers and Martha herself. - Anyway, any more questions? ... I still have to organize my school supplies list, and this scar is starting to bother me again. - Harry said as he stood up and slowly headed towards the stairs.
- Wait... I just have one more question! - Martha said abruptly while running towards him, an act that grabbed everyone's attention in the establishment, and was met with a slight raise of an eyebrow from the boy, who didn't understand her excitement.
- You can ask, I don't bite. - Harry said with an ironic smile on his face as he saw her slightly hesitant about asking.
- What is your full name? - Martha asked, drawing everyone's attention, making Harry a bit uncomfortable, something he didn't quite understand, as he slightly tilted his head... but, thinking about it, he really had only told her his name was Harry.
- Just that? - Harry said ironically, but noticing her seriousness, he decided to respond courteously. - Nice to meet you, I'm Harry Potter. - Harry responded while gently taking her right hand and placing a kiss on its back, then promptly heading upstairs to his room. He hardly noticed the astonishment and surprise he left everyone in the bar with.
Everyone in the establishment was petrified by such a statement, with no reaction whatsoever. Logically, it could be absurd for someone to claim to be such a person, but doubt hammered in everyone's mind, given his appearance, his scar, and the sincerity in his voice as if it were something natural to say during an introduction before leaving without giving it any importance. That's what made everyone's mind theorize a million miles per hour.
Martha had a reasonably shocked expression, and the giant, who had been disguised until then, was also surprised, as were all the customers who knew the famous name and surname.
- W-What? - Martha finally came out of her reverie and tried to ask, but Harry was no longer there, and one of the bar's policies was that no one bothered a guest once they entered their room.
- Martha, answer me, is it really him? - The giant asked as he removed his cloak, leaving him in his basic clothes.
- Hagrid? - The woman asked, still trying to understand belatedly. - Ah, I need a drink or something strong. - Martha said as she quickly went to the bar, looking for something strong to calm herself upon realizing she had been hosting Harry Potter, and only now found out.
Things continued in silence for several minutes, during which Martha insisted on having her drink and trying to find something logical for the boy who had saved them all eleven years ago, to have such an almost adult appearance.
Hagrid was no different, unsure if he should send a letter to his superior, as all this could be a lie or a prank, remembering that the surname Potter was quite common in Muggle families from certain countries. The customers tried to believe the statement due to the sincerity and simplicity the boy had shown in recent weeks, but it was difficult—a boy of eleven with the appearance of seventeen to twenty claiming to have the name/surname of the Hero who saved them all from the dark era.
- We need to talk to him, Martha, I've been looking for him for weeks. His uncles said he ran away and could fend for himself. By Merlin, how am I going to explain this to Dumbledore? - Hagrid said, drinking a bit of whiskey to calm his nerves.
- Let's organize our thoughts to confirm that he's the right person. I don't want to contradict Harry, but this is hard to accept. - Martha said quickly while adjusting her chair.
- Tell me any information you have, I can't waste any more time. - Hagrid said.
- I don't know much, only that he ran away from home a few weeks ago due to a fight with his uncles and after that, he said he found this place after wandering for a while. But he has no knowledge of magic or anything like that, and now he says his name is Harry Potter, looking like he's twenty years old and with that scar... Something is very wrong here. - Martha responded while again drawing the attention of everyone in the establishment.
- Maybe it's not so strange, I mean... His uncles told me a few days ago that Harry had run away, understanding that he has no knowledge of anything about the wizarding world, especially since that family is one of the worst... but it's his appearance that makes me doubt. - Hagrid said while starting to write a letter and attaching it to the quill of a gray owl from the establishment.
- What are you doing? - Martha asked, slightly curious.
- Asking Dumbledore to send a new acceptance letter to Hogwarts. If he really is the 'Potter' we know, he will definitely receive a letter addressed to him at this establishment, as he was considered missing until now. - Hagrid said while releasing the owl.
- How long for a response? - Martha asked.
- Given how I mentioned the matter is of utmost importance, we will surely get a response in about one or two hours. - Hagrid replied while being served a large mug of butterbeer and a few shots of firewhisky.
[ ... ]
As hours passed, Hagrid grew bored of waiting for a response. So he decided to go up to Harry's room to talk to the boy, and Martha, unable to contain her curiosity, followed him.
When they reached the boy's room, Hagrid knocked lightly, but no one answered. Repeating the act with a bit more force, the giant knocked on the door, and as it was unlocked, it "slowly" opened when the latch broke.
- Well, it's not breaking in if the door itself gives permission. - Hagrid said as he entered the room, an act that was lightly reprimanded by Martha.
- We shouldn't be intruding like this, sorry Harry. - Martha tried to apologize while closing the door, but the room was empty and the window slightly ajar.
- Did he run away again? - Martha asked ironically. But as she reached the window, she could see Harry training a mixture of hand-to-hand combat and katana skills.
The boy wore only black pants and athletic shoes, and it was incredible how precise his strikes were on the large wooden pillar and how little he sweated despite the continuous strikes.
Both remained focused on Harry's training and, given the immense focus and concentration he exhibited, they opted not to interrupt and wait for the letter right there.
This didn't take long, as they watched the boy's physical training. Despite Martha being older than him, she couldn't deny that the boy had a splendidly well-developed body, something a bit hard to find, as many men let their bodies go, thinking their inner magic was enough, ending up either too weak or too fat.
It was noticeable that Harry was great with the katana, using it perfectly as an extension of his arm, and when executing several consecutive strikes, he would switch hands and use completely different techniques, making his strikes unpredictable and deadly.
They didn't know how much time had passed or why Harry was training deadly and defensive techniques with the katana, but with so many crazy things happening, this was certainly the least of it.
- Look, I don't mind you watching me, but for an hour and a half, that's too much... Even for perverts, don't you think? - Harry said, bringing them out of their reveries and leaving them surprised to see him squatting very close to each of them. - Heheh, I'm kidding, just excuse me, someone's knocking at the door. - Harry said as he jumped back through the window once they stepped aside, heading towards the door.
The two, who were previously slightly surprised, quickly went towards Harry, who was talking to the maid:
- This letter arrived addressed to Mr. Harry James Potter... Located in Room No. 07 - Leaky Cauldron / Charing Cross Road – London. - The maid said while holding the letter and reading the information aloud in astonishment due to the name and surname.
- James? - Harry asked himself while opening the letter. He didn't notice the surprised expressions of the maid, Hagrid, and Martha.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
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Dear Harry James Potter, we are pleased to inform you that your enrollment at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was completed eleven years ago. Through this letter, we congratulate you on finally being able to start your school year.
The 1st School Year will begin on September 1st at 8:00 PM.
Address: Board the Hogwarts Express located at Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station in London.
We await an owl confirming your illustrious presence.
Sincerely, Minerva McGonagall, Professor of Transfiguration, Head of Gryffindor House, and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Harry read, but soon an extra note appeared inside the envelope, stating:
- Don't forget to inform your guardian that you must have the following materials to attend classes. They are:
-- Uniform --
- A minimum of three sets of plain work robes or seven customizable ones. (Black or brown)
- A pointed hat or top hat for daily class wear. (Black or brown)
- A pair of protective gloves. (Dragon hide or similar)
- A winter cloak (Black with silver fastenings)
Note: First-year students' clothes should have small name tags.
-- Books --
- Standard Book of Spells. (Miranda Goshwak)
- A History of Magic. (Batilda Bagshot)
- Magical Theory. (Adalberto Waffling)
- A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration. (Emerico Switch)
- One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi. (Fílida Spore)
- Magical Drafts and Potions. (Arsênio Jigger)
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. (Newton Scamander)
- The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection. (Quintino Trimble)
-- Other equipment --
- Wand
- Cauldron (Pewter, size 2)
- Set of glass or crystal phials
- Telescope
- Brass scales
Note: Students may bring an owl, cat, dog, or a rat, but also allowed are derived animals that fit the rare familiar class.
At the end of the school year, upon completion, you will receive a new list of extra subjects and greater availabilities for the following year of studies.
The things mentioned in the letter exploded like fireworks in Harry's mind; he didn't understand who had created this, but they certainly had unparalleled creativity.
- That's a lot of creativity for one mind. Could it be LSD? - Harry said ironically to the enormous man and Martha. However, he found the mood strange due to the serious expressions they both maintained.
Harry even thought of asking why they were reacting this way, but the giant quickly said, his eyes seeming to shine with joy.
- Galloping gargoyles. It's really you! - Hagrid said, bear-hugging Harry. Harry found this odd at first but didn't mind soon reciprocating, as he had never experienced such contact and it was a new sensation for him.
- Hm... Martha? - Harry asked, not understanding what was happening, giving light pats on the giant man's back.
- Hagrid, it's best to explain everything. - Martha said, catching the giant's attention, who at no point seemed to abandon his euphoria.
[ ... ]
The next few minutes were spent with Hagrid explaining to Harry everything he needed to know about Hogwarts, magic, the Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley, and how his parents were unfortunately killed by a dark wizard and that Hagrid had delivered him to his uncles.
- And that's everything. I'm sorry for what your uncles did; I didn't know you went through that and that they hid everything about your parents and your heritage. - Hagrid said finally, seeing the astonished expression on the boy's face.
- As much as this sounds crazy, it's already a great explanation for all the strange things happening around me, right? - Harry asked, still trying to formulate everything in his head.
- It's called accidental magic, due to you having no control over it. It reacts to your uncontrolled emotions, like anger, happiness, fear. They can make things disappear, float, and related things, nothing too dangerous due to having no knowledge of magic. - Hagrid responded, affirming what Potter minimally identified with.
- So... my parents were wizards, that's amazing! - Harry said with a broad smile.
- Not just any wizards, but some of the best. Your mother was brilliant and an expert in magic, while your father was one of the best in the most famous sport among wizards. You look just like him except for the eyes, you have your mother's eyes. - Hagrid responded.
- What were their names? - Harry asked, leaving Hagrid incredulous that the boy's uncles hadn't even told him his parents' names.
- Lily Evans and James Potter. - Hagrid replied, leaving Harry happy to learn new things about his parents.
- So, you mean wizards and witches exist, my parents were killed by Voldemort, and I'm being requested to study at Hogwarts? - Harry said directly, causing both adults to shiver.
- In summary, yes, and stop saying that name! - Hagrid responded, trembling slightly upon hearing the name.
- I'm not scared of the name, after all, it's just a title of someone dead... - Harry said, under the doubtful and fearful gaze of both adults. - Come on... what kind of mother has a child, lifts him in her arms, and says: You will be Lord Voldemort... no one does that. This guy must have some hidden name.
- But anyway, what irritates me is that my uncles hid who my parents were from me. - Harry said, gaining the understanding of the two in the room. - Anyway, I know how to take care of myself, and I won't be dependent on those idiots. - Harry concluded with a sigh.
- You are still young, dear Harry. Regardless of what you think, the Ministry of Magic won't allow you to stay away from your guardians. - Hagrid said, making Harry uncomfortable.
- I don't care what this ministry says, I've never depended on anyone and learned to support myself at seven years old. They are mistaken if they think someone who barely knows me can force me to live with those bastards. - Harry responded, slightly annoyed.
- Exactly, if they try to force Harry to live with those wretches, I will provide him a room here where he can live among wizards and witches. - Martha said, making Harry slightly happy.
- Thank you, but... what now? I have an enrollment in a school in Godric's Hollow, intending to go there to learn about my parents, since that's where my aunt said they died... how do we proceed from here? - Harry asked Hagrid, who gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder.
- Cancel it, tomorrow we'll buy your clothes, materials, and all necessary gear for Hogwarts. We have a busy day ahead since the school year starts tomorrow night, and we're short on time for delays. - Hagrid said while picking up a letter and starting to write all the news to Dumbledore.
- So this necklace doesn't represent just an old football team?" Harry asked ironically to Martha while showing the necklace with a crest composed of four symbols and an 'H' in the center. The symbol was identical to the seal on the letter he received, noticing her smile and begin to explain many things about Hogwarts and how her daughter Hannah would also start the school year the next day.
This curiosity excited both adults about their hero, hardly noticing his true intention of obtaining all the information he could to circumvent this supposed ministry Hagrid mentioned.
Because no matter who it was, Harry would never allow anyone to force him to live with someone against his will.
And with that, I end the fifth chapter of Changed Prophecy.
I hope you are enjoying it, and don't forget to comment.
Harry's entry into the magical world is happening smoothly. Anyway, I hope the work is pleasing to you. I look forward to seeing you all in the comments section below.
You are awesome! Until next time, folks. XD
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Rubeus Hagrid:
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Martha Abbot:
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