Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone: Chapter 1 Summary.
The Boy Who Lived
The first chapter of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” titled “The Boy Who Lived,” introduces readers to both the ordinary world of the Dursleys and the extraordinary world of magic they unknowingly live in.
The Dursleys
The Dursleys, a very normal family, live at Number Four, Privet Drive. Vernon Dursley is the director of a firm called Grunnings, which makes drills. He lives with his wife, Petunia, and their son, Dudley. The family prides itself on being perfectly normal and is disdainful of anything out of the ordinary.
A Strange Tuesday
On a seemingly normal Tuesday, Vernon Dursley notices several strange occurrences on his way to work. He hears people in cloaks excitedly whispering about someone named Harry Potter, a name that feels similar to that of his nephew.
He encounters a tabby cat reading a map and hears news about a large number of owls during the daytime, which feels highly unusual. Vernon tries to dismiss these odd events, but they leave him feeling unsettled
Harry Potter
That night, Albus Dumbledore, an elderly and bearded man dressed in a long robe, appears on Privet Drive. He uses a device called a Put-Outer to extinguish all the streetlights. Shortly after, he is joined by Professor McGonagall, who transforms from a tabby cat into a severe-looking woman. They discuss the recent, incredible news: the defeat of Voldemort, a dark wizard responsible for countless deaths and terror. Dumbledore informs McGonagall that the Potters have been killed, but their son, Harry Potter, miraculously survived Voldemort’s attack. This event has left Voldemort powerless and has made Harry famous in the wizarding world.
Hagrid’s arrival
As they talk, a giant man named Hagrid arrives on a flying motorcycle, carrying baby Harry in a bundle. Despite his intimidating size, Hagrid is gentle with the infant. Dumbledore explains to McGonagall that Harry is to be left with his only remaining family, the Dursleys, for his protection. McGonagall is worried that the Dursleys will not treat Harry well, but Dumbledore insists it is the safest place for him until he is old enough to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Dumbledore leaves a letter for the Dursleys, explaining everything, and places Harry on their doorstep. With this, the three wizards leave.
The chapter concludes with the Dursleys waking up the next morning to find Harry on their doorstep. They are completely unaware of his importance and the magical world that he is a part of, setting the stage for Harry’s journey from an ordinary boy to a legendary wizard.
