The Letters from No One
Day 2
Ch. 3: The Letters from No One
Ch. 4: The Keeper of the Keys
Welcome back to Day 2 of my Harry Potter Deep Dive. Today we’re stepping into Chapters 3 and 4, the moment when the wizarding world makes itself known to Harry. The letters begin to arrive, the Dursleys unravel, and a giant literally breaks down the door to deliver the truth Harry has been denied for a decade.
Let’s get into it.
Chapter 3: The Letters From No One
1. What are the letters that keep coming for Harry? What steps does Mr. Dursley take to keep Harry from receiving these letters?
The letters are addressed to Harry in such an unnervingly specific way that the Dursleys immediately panic. The first one is addressed to the cupboard under the stairs, and after that, every attempt they make to hide Harry is instantly reflected in the next letter’s address. It’s clear that someone is watching the house.
Mr. Dursley goes to extreme lengths to keep Harry from receiving them:
• He sleeps on the doormat to intercept the mail before Harry can reach it.
• He tears the letters into pieces the moment they appear.
• He nails the mail slot closed.
• When more letters arrive, he boards up the cracks around the doors.
• He even calls the post office and the dairy to complain.
It’s the first time we see Mr. Dursley crack and the letters are only getting started.
2. Where does Mr. Dursley take the family and why?
By this point, Mr. Dursley is unraveling. He packs up the family and drives until he finds a hotel outside the city, clearly trying to outrun the letters. When that doesn’t work, he takes them to a tiny shack out in the middle of the sea.
3. What is Harry counting down to at the end of the chapter?
It’s Monday in the book, and Harry’s eleventh birthday is tomorrow. We still haven’t been told the exact date yet — and for anyone reading along who hasn’t read the whole series, let’s not spoil it in the comments.
Chapter 4: The Keeper of the Keys
1. How are we (re)introduced to Hagrid in this chapter? What are his identifying qualities?
We’re reintroduced to Hagrid in the most Hagrid way possible: he bangs on the door so hard that he knocks it clean off its hinges. He’s described as a giant of a man with a lot of facial hair. He introduces himself as Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, and immediately fills the room with his presence.
2. What does Hagrid reveal to Harry about his identity and his real family?
This chapter is one revelation after another:
• Hagrid knew Harry’s parents and tells him he looks like his dad but has his mother’s eyes. Poor Harry. I can’t imagine never knowing my parents, but to never know what they looked like either. The Dursleys are some horrible people.
• The Dursleys have been keeping a huge secret: Harry and his parents are famous, and Harry is a wizard, just like his mother and father.
• The letters are an invitation to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
• His parents’ names were James and Lily.
• They were murdered by Voldemort — a name no one likes to say out loud.
• We get an exact date for their deaths: October 31st.
It’s a lot for Harry to take in, but it’s the truth he’s been denied for a decade.
3. What happened to Hagrid’s wand?
Hagrid explains that he was expelled from Hogwarts during his third year, and as punishment, his wand was snapped in half. It feels dramatic. Whatever happened must have been serious, but we also know there’s more to the story because Dumbledore allowed him to stay on as staff.
🔮 Tarot Tie‑In: The Tower
For these chapters, the tarot card that fits best is The Tower. Everything the Dursleys built — the lies, the secrecy, the illusion of “normal” — collapses. Hagrid’s arrival is the lightning strike that shatters the false reality Harry has been living in. The truth has to break the door down for Harry to finally step into who he is.
Final Thoughts
These two chapters feel like the moment the story finally begins. Hagrid arrives — literally breaking down the door and everything Harry thought he knew about himself changes. It’s a little emotional when you think about how long he’s been kept in the dark by his aunt and uncle.
Before we move on, I’d love to hear from you:
What stood out to you most in today’s reading? What did these chapters reveal to you about Harry’s sense of self and how did it feel to watch his entire identity begin to change in a single night?
Share your thoughts, theories, or favorite moments in the comments.
And when you’re ready, join me tomorrow for Day 3, where Harry steps into Diagon Alley for the very first time and the wizarding world finally opens its doors.
