Q: I know this sounds like a stupid question, but

http://www.macworld.com/article/2056561/how-to-make-a-bootable-mavericks-install -drive.html

Do you have another Mac to work with? What model?

Do you have a Time Machine Backup (of anything)  10.7.4 or later? It has a Recovery_HD on it.

You could take it to the genius Bar and they would start the install for you off their fast WiFi (or possibly Ethernet).

An appointment at the genius Bar is free, in warranty or out. (other Apple Resellers may have different policies.)

You can always order the original Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard DVD that shipped new with this Mac.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

then upgrade to Mavericks.

That "Full Retail" DVD will not BOOT on that MacBook Pro.

Sorry those headers do not line up.

Your Mac shipped with 10.6.6 originally, so that is the lowest version it will Boot and run.

The DVD contains 10.6.3, so it will not boot.

You can call AppleCare, supply your serial number, and ask to order a copy of the original software. Typically it runs under US$30.

Then there's this list of computer that CAN have a firmware update to get Built-in Internet Recovery. It looks like yours MIGHT already do Internet Recovery, IF the firmware Update was applied. If not, maybe the genius can apply it?

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
• iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011)
• iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011)
• MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)
• Mac mini (Mid 2010)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch and 17-inch, Mid 2010)
• iMac (21.5-inch and 27-inch, Mid 2010)
• MacBook Air (11-inch and 13-inch, Late 2010)

Computers that can be upgraded to use OS X Internet Recovery

OS X: About OS X Recovery