Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Chapter 3 Summary

Summer and Discomfort

• Harry receives longest punishment for the incident with the Brazilian boa constrictor.
• By summer, Dudley had broken various toys and knocked down Mrs. Figg.
• Harry is isolated, spending as much time as possible away from Dudley's gang.
• Dudley is set to attend Uncle Vernon's private school, Smeltings; Harry is to attend Stonewall High, a local public school.

Smelting's Uniform

• Aunt Petunia takes Dudley to London for his Smelting's uniform, leaving Harry at Mrs. Figg's.
• Dudley parades in his new school uniform, causing Uncle Vernon to express pride.
• Aunt Petunia plans to dye some of Dudley's old clothes grey for Harry's Stonewall High uniform.

The First Letter

• Harry receives a letter addressed to him in the cupboard under the stairs.
• The envelope is unique: yellow parchment, emerald green ink, and a wax seal.
• Uncle Vernon confiscates the letter and becomes visibly upset.

Escalating Letters

• More letters arrive, addressed to Harry's new room, indicating the sender knows his location changes.
• Uncle Vernon attempts to block the mail slot and entrances to prevent further letters.

The Dursleys' Escape Attempts

• Uncle Vernon drives the family to various locations, trying to evade the letters.
• They end up at a remote, stormy shack on a rock, thinking they are safe from letters.

The Storm and Awaiting Midnight

• As Harry's 11th birthday approaches, a storm rages around the shack.
• Harry is unable to sleep, pondering the mysterious letter sender.
• At midnight, a loud knock indicates someone is outside, marking the end of the chapter.