In the opening chapter, we are introduced to the Dursley family, who epitomize a typical, unremarkable suburban life in Surrey. Vernon Dursley, the father, is described as a large, beefy man with a mustache, while Petunia Dursley, his wife, is thin and blonde. They have a son named Dudley, who is spoiled and overweight. The Dursleys pride themselves on being 'normal,' and they go to great lengths to avoid anything unusual or out of the ordinary.

The narrative begins on a seemingly ordinary day, but it quickly becomes clear that strange occurrences are unsettling the Dursleys’ routine. Vernon notices odd things on his way to work, such as people wearing strange clothes and a cat reading a map. He dismisses these oddities, attributing them to his imagination. However, as the day progresses, he becomes increasingly anxious, especially upon seeing owls flying during the day, which he finds particularly unsettling.

As the story unfolds, we learn about the mysterious circumstances surrounding the Dursleys' new life after the arrival of a certain baby. Later that night, Albus Dumbledore, the wise and powerful headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Professor McGonagall, a stern but caring witch, appear on Privet Drive. They discuss the defeat of the dark wizard Voldemort and the astonishing survival of a baby named Harry Potter, the child of Lily and James Potter, who were murdered by Voldemort. Dumbledore explains that Harry has survived an attack that should have killed him, leaving him with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.

Hagrid, a half-giant and the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, arrives on a motorcycle with baby Harry in his arms. They decide to leave Harry on the doorstep of the Dursley home, as they believe it’s the safest place for him, despite the Dursleys’ lack of knowledge about their nephew’s true identity. A letter accompanies Harry, explaining his situation and the significance of his past. Dumbledore expresses hope that Harry will be cared for, despite the Dursleys' known disdain for anything unusual. The chapter ends with Harry sleeping peacefully on the doorstep, unaware of the extraordinary life that awaits him, setting the stage for his journey into the wizarding world and the adventures to come.