In this opening chapter, we are introduced to Harry Potter, a seemingly ordinary boy living in a world far removed from magic. Harry's life is dominated by the Dursleys, his aunt Petunia, uncle Vernon, and their spoiled son Dudley. The Dursleys are depicted as a very normal family who pride themselves on their 'normality' and go to great lengths to avoid anything unusual. They treat Harry with disdain and neglect, forcing him to live in a cupboard under the stairs, while Dudley receives all the attention and indulgence.

The narrative highlights Harry's miserable existence, filled with bullying from Dudley and a lack of affection from the Dursleys. Despite the oppressive atmosphere, there are hints that Harry may not be as ordinary as he seems. Strange occurrences often happen around him, such as when he unintentionally makes his hair grow back overnight after a bad haircut or when he finds himself on the school roof after being chased by Dudley and his gang.

As the story progresses, the reader learns that Harry's life is about to change dramatically. On the eve of his eleventh birthday, peculiar things begin to happen. Animals seem to behave strangely, and there is a sense of anticipation in the air. The Dursleys, anxious about the upcoming day, decide to take Harry away to a remote location to escape the letters that start arriving for him.

On Harry's birthday, while the Dursleys are holed up in a shack on a deserted island, he receives his first-ever birthday present in the form of a letter addressed to him. This letter reveals that he is a wizard and has been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It also sheds light on his true heritage, including the tragic fate of his parents at the hands of the dark wizard Voldemort.

The chapter ends with the arrival of Rubeus Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, who bursts into the shack. He delivers Harry's acceptance letter and begins to explain the truth about Harry's past, marking the beginning of Harry's journey into the magical world. This pivotal moment sets up Harry's transformation from an unwanted child into a boy who is not only special but also destined for greatness in the wizarding world.

Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, J.K. Rowling establishes a stark contrast between Harry's dreary life with the Dursleys and the thrilling possibilities that await him, foreshadowing the adventures to come in the series.