Harry Potter and What Should Have Been

What Should Have Been: Philosopher's Stone

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. J.K Rowling owns the world of Harry Potter.

Story Summary: James, Lily, and Harry celebrate his eleventh birthday.

A/N: I would like to thank J P McMurphy and Polegara for taking the time to beta my work for me.

Chapter Four: Harry's eleventh Birthday.

Harry's eleventh birthday was approaching, and James and Lily were deciding as to how they should celebrate it. One morning, as James, was reading the daily paper, one particular article caught his attention. His eyes lit up and he smiled; he knew that he had found the perfect thing to do for Harry's birthday.

New Zoo Opens in London

After months of careful planning, and construction, the much awaited zoo has finally been opened in London

What makes this zoo different from any other? This facility has been designed to suit the environment of the animals, and it has been built with the latest technology for helping animals cope to a new environment.

I have paid a visit to the zoo, before it was opened, and from what I could see, the design was impressive. So if you are planning to take your family to the zoo, then I strongly recommend that you visit London's new baby, Animal's World

After completely reading the article, James, voiced his plan to his wife.

“Lily, I think that I have the perfect idea for Harry's birthday.”

“If it's something like last year, then the answer is no. I won't have any of your pranks.”

“I promise, on Marauder honour, that you and Harry will certainly enjoy this idea. Here, take a look at this newspaper article, and tell me that this isn't the perfect idea for Harry's birthday.” With that, James handed the newspaper over to Lily.

As she took the paper, Lily, said, “This had better be a good idea, James, because if it's not I swear that I'll charm your underwear to constantly give you wedgies.” James gulped before, Lily, winked and began to read the article.

When finished reading, Lily happily said, “You know, I think that Harry will enjoy visiting the zoo; he's always liked animals.”

“So, does this mean that we're taking Harry to the zoo?”

“Yes, it does, but if you let it slip that we're planning this, then I will carry out my earlier threat,” Lily playfully joked. “I want this to be a surprise for Harry.”

“Don't worry Lils; I promise that I won't let it slip. I think I'm going to find Harry and see if he'd like to go flying.” James then kissed his wife and headed off to see where his son was.

James and Lily weren't the only people planning a trip to the new zoo in London. One family in particular was also planning a trip. This was headed by a man who went by the name of Vernon Dursley. He was sitting in his office at a place called Grunnings. It was a company that made drills.

Vernon Dursley had just finished reading about the new zoo in the local newspaper, when he had a wonderful thought. Since Vernon was a man who didn't waste time, he quickly dialled his home phone number so that he could talk to his wife, Petunia, about his brilliant idea.

“Hello, Petunia Dursley speaking.”

“Petunia, Dear, it's Vernon. I was just calling to see if you still haven't got anything planned for Dudder's birthday.”

Petunia replied, “No Vernon, I am afraid that I still haven't got any ideas as to what we should do for Dudley's birthday.”

“Since you haven't got anything planned yet, Pet, why don't we take our Dudders to that new zoo that just opened in London.”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea; I am sure that Dudley would like to go to the zoo. He can, of course, invite a friend of his to come along as well.”

“I was just thinking the exact same thing, Pet. Would you like me to book the tickets in advance?”

“Yes please, the sooner the better.”

“In that case, I'll book the tickets now. I'll see you shortly.”

“See you soon, Vernon.” No sooner had Vernon hung up the phone than he was dialling the phone number to the zoo so that he could purchase four tickets.

****

On the morning of Harry's eleventh birthday, Harry woke up feeling all excited. While Harry didn't have a clue as to what James and Lily had planned for his birthday, one thing was certain: grandad Dumbledore's visit. Since Harry was anxious to see what he would receive for his birthday, he quickly got dressed and headed down to have breakfast.

As Harry made his way downstairs, he could smell the food that Lily was busily cooking in the kitchen. Just as he entered the kitchen, Harry heard his parents greet him with, “Happy birthday, Harry.”

Harry replied, “Thanks, Mum and Dad. What did you get me for my birthday?”

At this, both James and Lily laughed. James said, “You always ask what we are going to give you for your birthday, even before we have had breakfast!”

“Harry, before you get the opportunity to open any presents, I think that you should eat, don't you?”

“Yes, Mum, you're right as always,” Harry flattered.

“That's what I like to hear, Harry. Now, everyone to the table and breakfast shall be served.” James, Lily, and Harry headed to the dining room so that they could have breakfast on this wonderful and exciting day.

After breakfast, James and Lily thought that it was time to inform Harry of the plans they had for his birthday.

“Harry, as part of your birthday present, your father and I have decided to take you to that new zoo in London. I know that you are fond of animals and…” Before Lily could finish her sentence, Harry hugged his mum.

James smugly said, “Lily, I told you that going to that zoo would be the perfect gift for Harry.”

“Yes, you were right. Now, if we still want to go to the zoo then we had better be going or we'll be late.”

“In that case, if we're all ready, let's go. Harry, hold tightly onto my hand. I'll Side-Along Apparate you to the zoo.” Harry grasped his dad's hand so that they could Apparate. As soon as James felt his son's tight grip, he said, “Ok Harry, on three. One, two, three.”

The moment that James said three, James and Harry disappeared from sight. Seeing that her husband and son had Apparated away Lily grabbed her handbag, and she Apparated to the zoo.

James, Lily, and Harry appeared in front of the new zoo. From where they were standing, the Potter family could see that the zoo was indeed new, and to their utter surprise, it was big.

James exclaimed, “Blimey, it's huge, and I am glad that I came up with the idea to come here for Harry's birthday. So, shall we?” James led his family toward the entrance so that they could purchase their tickets. Once the tickets were paid for, James, Lily, and Harry set out to enjoy the day. ( This paragraph is a comma fiesta!)

As the day went by, the Potter family took in the sights, and smells, of the animals. Each species corralled in specific enclosures. For each different kind of animal that the zoo had, the zoo had designed a specific environment for them. The enclosures' were meant to accommodate what could be found in the wild. Well, at least that's what Harry read from a sign above each area.

By lunch time, James, Lily, and Harry had visited several animals. Some of the animals that they saw were lions, tigers, and big cats of all kind. They also saw monkeys, giraffes, crocodiles, and, of course, the elephants.

For lunch, it was decided that they would eat in the zoo restaurant. While they were looking over the menus, out of the corner of her eye, Lily caught a glimpse of a lady who seemed to be very familiar. For an instant, she thought that the lady she had seen resembled her sister. However, before she could convince herself that the lady she had just seen was her sister, the waitress approached the table to take their orders. Once James, Lily, and Harry had placed their orders, the conversation drifted. Harry looked at the guidebook, while Lily thought about the possibility of seeing her sister.

Noticing that something was bothering his wife, James asked in concern, “Lily, is something troubling you?”

“I'm fine, but now that you mention it, just a moment ago I could have sworn that I saw Petunia. While I am not one hundred percent certain that the lady was my sister, the lady did resemble her.”

“If you're not sure that the lady is your sister, then I wouldn't worry about it, Lily; she isn't worth the time of day. Besides, today is Harry's day, so don't let that appearance get you down.”

“I won't, James, you can rest assured that it won't.”

“That's good to hear.” James put an arm around his wife as he looked up. “Oh, look, here comes our lunch.” No sooner were those words said than the waitress brought the Potter family their meals.

After having a wonderful, and delicious, lunch, the Potters resumed their tour of the zoo. The last main area that they had yet to visit was the reptile house. It was at the reptile enclosure that really made the day for Harry; he was going to have some fun.

Upon entering the reptile enclosure, James, Lily, and Harry could see that there were heaps of people looking at the animals. Seeing large number of people that had gathered already, it was decided that they would take their time in seeing each reptile.

As they slowly made their way down the walkway, James, Lily, and Harry could see that there were many glass panels lining the walkway. Behind the glass, there was the large collection of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles that the zoo displayed. Everything was going well in the reptile area until Harry heard a boy complaining about this and that. At the sound of the complaining, Harry headed in the direction of the boy so that he could see what was up. Just as he neared the whining boy, Harry heard the boy demand:

“Dad, make this snake move!”

A huge man who was the father of the boy stepped up to the glass and said in a gruff voice, “Move.”

No sooner were those words said than the man tapped his hand on the glass. In imitation of his father, the boy slammed his hand on the glass as well. Seeing that the banging was doing nothing to make the snake move, the boy said, “This is boring; the snake won't even move.”

“Come on, Dudley. Let's move on and see the other reptiles that they have on display.”

As the family moved away, Harry approached the glass panel so that he could see for himself what creature the boy and his father tried to make move. Reaching the display, Harry could see that it was a boa constricta. The moment that Harry was standing in front of the snake he said:

“Sorry about those two. They don't seem to understand that the only thing that you do is just lay in your enclosure day after day without having to do much.” While Harry said those words, the snake instantly looked towards Harry. When he saw the snake look at him, Harry's jaw dropped in amazement. Harry quickly, and eagerly, continued.

“How can you understand me?” Harry inquired.

“I understand your speech, human child, because you are a Parselmouth.”

“Parselmouth?”

“You speak Parseltongue: the language used to commune with snakes. Not many possess this rare gift, but, as for those other humans, I don't let them bother me: I always ignore them.”

“Do you like living here in the zoo?”

“It is alright here, but I would rather be in Brazil where my brothers and sisters live.”

“How did you end up here?”

“I was slithering my way home from having a wonderful feast when I sensed that danger was nearby. The moment that I realized this, I slid across the ground as fast as I could, but before I could reach my home, I was caught by human men. I would do anything in the world to return once again to my home in Brazil.”

While Harry and the snake were talking to each other, Dudley thought that it might be a good idea to see if he could get the snake to move again. The moment that he turned his head to see what was happening, Dudley was shocked to see that a boy who seemed to be about his own age had made the snake move. Seeing this, he tugged on his father's sleeve.

Dudley exclaimed, “Look Dad! That boy with the black messy hair has made the snake move.”

Vernon turned to face the direction that Dudley was indicating. Wanting to see with his own eyes, Vernon replied, “Come on, Dudley let's go and see this for ourselves.” Dudley raced towards where Harry was standing, with his father in tow.

Harry was happily talking with the snake; this was the first time that he ever had a conversation with a reptile. The snake had just finished explaining his wish when Harry was pushed aside by the boy who had been trying to make the snake move.

No sooner had he been pushed aside than Harry became annoyed. If there was one thing that Harry couldn't stand in the world, it was being pushed aside by rude people. Seeing that this boy was indeed one of those things, and had performed the other, Harry thought that he would teach this boy a few manners. With that, Harry turned his focus toward the glass panel where the snake and the boy were.

Dudley was leaning over the panel and making a fine mess of himself when the glass that was in the panel suddenly vanished. A surprised, and shocked, Dudley fell into the water, while, at the same time, the boa constrictor slithered out from his enclosure.

No sooner was the snake free, than chaos reigned in the reptile house. Women and children screamed, and the crowd rushed toward the exits. During all of this the snake whispered to Harry:

“Thank you, my friend, for freeing me.”

“It was my pleasure.”

“Goodbye, my friend. Brazil, here I come!” With that, the snake set out to make his way back to Brazil.

While all of the excitement was going on, James and Lily were happily looking at each reptile. However, as soon as they heard word of an escaped snake, James and Lily quickly headed in the direction of where the snake had come from; they both had an eerie feeling that Harry may have been involved in the fiasco.

Their intuitions were soon proved to be right. As they approached Harry, both James and Lily could see that a man had a hold of Harry, while a woman was yelling out in a loud voice about her Dudders.

Quickly taking in the sight that was before their eyes, James yelled out, “If you don't let go of my son this minute, sir, I can guarantee that you shall regret ever laying a hand on my boy.”

At the sound of James' voice, Vernon replied, “Why should I let go of this brat considering what he just did to my child?”

It was Lily who replied to Vernon's question, “Because, Vernon Dursley, I can do far worse things to you compared to what Harry has just done.”

“How is it that you know my name, ma'am, when I don't ever recall knowing yours?”

“The answer to that question, Vernon, is that you married my sister: Petunia Evans.” Lily turned and addressed Petunia. “Hello Petunia, how are you?”

Petunia, who hadn't been paying any attention at all to the conversation, was shocked to hear a very familiar voice. The moment that Petunia recognised the voice of her sister, she turned around and shouted, “LOOK AT WHAT YOUR FREAKISH SON HAS DONE TO MY BABY-BOY!”

Lily replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm and shaking with anger, “It is so nice to see you again, Petunia, BUT THERE IS NO NEED TO SHOUT OR HURL INSULTS AT HARRY!” James placed a hand on Lily's shoulder, so that he could get his wife to calm down.

Once Lily was more composed, James continued, “Petunia, I am sure that there is a perfect explanation as to how to how your precious and spoiled Dudley ended up being inside of the glass panel.”

“How dare you say such things about my Dudley? Look at your own son! He's nothing but a freak and a no-good-doer.”

Lily became defensive, but remained calm. “I'll have you know, Petunia, that Harry is a very well-behaved boy who is very loving and compassionate. Now, if we can all remain calm why don't we give both Harry and Dudley a chance to explain what really happened. In order to do that, I am willing to get Dudley out from behind the glass panel, provided that Vernon releases Harry.”

Petunia glanced at Dudley who was still behind the glass and sitting in the water, and then turned her gaze to her husband and nephew. Realising she didn't have a choice, Petunia said, “Very well, Vernon, shall release your son as soon as Dudley is out of the water, but Dudley must come first, is that clear?”

“If that is what you want, Petunia, then that is how it shall be done.” Lily looked around to see if there were any Muggles present. Seeing that the coast was clear, Lily, with a quick flick of her wand, soon had Dudley out of the water and the enclosure. Vernon let go of Harry, so that he could return to James and Lily.

No sooner was the exchange completed than Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley fled from the reptile house before they could listen to the freakish lies that Harry would tell about their precious Dudley.

As they made the run for it, Harry yelled out, “Hey, don't you want to hear how Dudley ended up in the water!”

“By the looks of things, Harry, I don't think that they're interested, and quite frankly, the only thing that I want to say to them is good riddance. I hope that I never see them again.”

“James, that isn't a nice thing to say about my family, but after today, I have to agree with you. Now, if you don't mind, let's go home. I, for one, would like to leave this place. Besides, someone is due to visit soon.”

Harry shouted, “Grandad Dumbledore is coming, isn't he Mum?”

“Yes, Harry, he's coming, but if you want to greet him on time, we had best be going.”

“In that case, let's head home and get cleaned up a bit.” With that, James, Lily, and Harry headed toward the front gate. Once they had passed through the gate, and made sure that the coast was clear, James, Lily, and Harry Apparated back to Nottingham.

****

Harry was just finishing setting the table when there was a knock on the front door. At the sound of the knock, Harry stopped what he was doing and raced to open the door. However, before he reached the door, Harry heard his mum gently chide, “Don't run inside of the house, Harry.”

“Sorry Mum.” At this, James chuckled while Lily glared at her husband, as she kept an eye on dinner.

Upon reaching the front door, Harry quickly yanked it open so that he could greet his granddad. Yet again,, as promised, Albus had come to Harry's birthday.

“Granddad Dumbledore!” Harry shouted as he hugged his honorary grandfather.

Albus replied, “Happy birthday Harry, and I must congratulate you for reaching the age of eleven.”

“Thank you, Grandad. So what present did you bring me this year?”

“Harry, I believe that the present that I have brought you is will certainly excite you. Right now, I think its time for dinner because I can sense that you mother is dishing it up even as I speak.”

“You are indeed correct, Albus, as always. If you'll take your seats, we can start.”

The four took their customary places at the table.

For dinner, Lily decided that she would cook some of Harry's favourites. Some of the dishes that were prepared were roast chicken and lamb, potatoes in jackets, fresh corn on the cob, honey flavoured carrots, pumpkin, and green beans. For dessert, there was chocolate mud cake, that Harry loved, served with ice cream, custard, or cream. To drink, there was fire whiskey, butter beer, and, for Albus, a bottle of Rosmerta's mead.

Dinner was a lovely affair for everyone, and after James, Lily, and Albus had sung `Happy Birthday' to Harry, it was soon time for presents. Since Harry would be attending Hogwarts come September the first, Lily decided that it would best to purchase his presents from Diagon Alley when they went to purchase his school supplies.

With this decision made, Lily spoke, “Now that the cake has been eaten, I believe that it's time for presents. Harry, for your birthday, your father and I have decided that when we go to pick up your school supplies, you may choose one present for your birthday.”

“That's alright with me, Mum, but what to I get to choose from?”

“You can either have an animal, or a new brand new broomstick. Which ever you choose, your father and I expect you to take care of it.”

“Don't worry, I promise that I will take extra care with whatever I choose. So, what present do you have for me, Grandad?”

“Harry, I believe that my present is something that you have been expecting for sometime.” Albus dug into his robes so that he could find Harry's present. Once he had the envelope in his hand, Albus withdrew his hand and gave it to Harry. As he handed it over to Harry, Albus spoke:

“Here you go, Harry. I expect that this should make your day.”

Once Harry had the envelope in his hand, he carefully opened it up to see what was inside. To his surprise, he saw a piece of parchment inside. Harry eagerly removed the paper and began reading.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Dear Mr Potter,

It is my pleasure to inform you that you have been accepted to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

With this letter, you will find enclosed a list of all the school things that you will be required to bring for your first year at Hogwarts.

School starts on September the First. In order to come to Hogwarts, you will need to catch the Hogwarts Express from platform nine and three quarters. The train leaves at eleven a.m. sharp, so don't be late.

We look forward to seeing you at Hogwarts on the First of September.

Yours truly

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Harry, out of the option of the broomstick or animal I shall be more than delighted to purchase one of them. If I may make a suggestion, Harry, allow me to buy you an owl for your birthday. I shall have a friend meet you on the day that you go shopping and with his help you can select the right animal.

After reading the letter, Harry happily said, “Thank you, Granddad, and I am sure that with the help of your friend, I will be able to purchase the right pet. I think a nice owl would be the perfect gift.”

“An owl would be perfect for you, Harry. Not only are owls friendly, but I have found them to be very useful to deliver mail.”

“Well by the sounds of things, Harry, it looks like we are going to be purchasing a new broom for you. Of course you are going to have the latest and best model. Albus, what is the latest broom that has come out for sale?”

“James, I believe that the Nimbus 2000 is the latest broom model to arrive at Quality Quidditch Supplies.”

“In that case, the broom that we shall buy for your birthday is a Nimbus. How do you like the sound of that, Harry?”

“If a Nimbus broom is what Grandad thinks that we should purchase, then that is the choice I would make.”

“Good, then it's settled. The sooner we get it, the sooner you can ride it.”

“I suppose that you would like to go to Diagon Alley tomorrow so that you can purchase Harry's broom, James?”

“Actually, Lily, why don't we make a full day of it, and while we're at it, we can purchase all of Harry's school things.”

“What time can we go to Diagon Alley?”

Seeing that James and Harry wanted to go to Diagon Alley, Lily shrugged her shoulders and said, “Alright, we can go tomorrow, but the amount of time that you boys spend in the Quidditch store is the exact same amount of time that Harry and I get to spend in Flourish and Blott's.”

“That sounds alright to me, Mum; I love both books and flying.”

“While I'm not so fond of the bookstore, I think that's only fair,” James agreed.

“Good, now that that's settled, I shall have Hagrid meet you in Diagon Alley around ten tomorrow morning. Does that time suit you?”

“Ten is fine, Albus, and if I know these two,” Lily pointed at James and Harry, “they'll either want to sleep in or go flying before we go shopping.”

“In that case, ten it is, and now, if you don't mind, I had best take my leave because I still have a number of things that I need to attend to.”

“That's alright, Albus, and thanks for coming.”

“It's always a pleasure.” With that James, Lily, and Harry said their goodbyes to Albus so that he could return to Hogwarts.

Once Albus had departed, Lily spoke, “Since we are going to Diagon Alley tomorrow, I think that it's high time for someone to be heading up to bed. Wouldn't you agree, Harry?”

“Yes, Mum.” Harry hugged and kissed his parents, and he quickly headed upstairs to bed.

Once Harry was gone, James, wrapped his arms around Lily and said, “You know what, Lily? I think we've done an excellent job raising Harry, considering everything.”

“I know, but I wish that we could have given Harry a brother or sister to play with. It's just that…”

“Hush, love, while there's nothing that we can do now, let's just be thankful for what we have. Now, let's head upstairs because tomorrow is going to be another long day.” With that, James led his wife up to there bedroom so that they could have a good night's sleep.

A/N: The time has come to ask you all a question. How shall I handle Ron in this story? Should I treat Ron normally or should I anti-Ron? If you can shine some light on the matter, then I would greatly appreciate your views, and opinions, about the character of Ron in relation to this story.

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