The first book begins with the death of Harry's parents; they were murdered by a wizard named Voldemort. Harry learns on his eleventh birthday that he's a wizard and goes to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn how to use and control his magic. Each book represents one year at Hogwarts and follows Harry through his training and his battles with Voldemort.
To get your wand, be sorted into your house at Hogwarts, buy Harry Potter merchandise, play games, send howlers and post cards and download screen savers, go to the official Harry Potter web site!