It was the first day of summer holiday and all was quiet at Malfoy manor. Draco awoke with a start. "Oh it was just a dream, but it was so real." He knew his father was locked up in Azkaban, but for a minute, he could have sworn that he had escaped. After all, the dementors were obviously not working for the Ministry any more.

Draco sat up and pulled on a T-shirt. His blonde hair needed a trim, but his mother was much better at those kinds of spells than him and anyway, he wasn't at school any more, so he wasn't allowed to do magic. Draco decided to go down to breakfast and ask his mom for a haircut.

Upon entering the large and immaculate kitchen, he saw his mum crying at the table. "What's the matter, Mum?"

Narcissa hurriedly wiped her tears and put on a smile. "Well, I just had a bit of a shock, that's all, Darling. Nothing to worry about."

"I had a dream that seemed really real last night. It was about Dad."

Draco noticed the sharp intake of his mother's breath, but she responded calmly, "A dream about your Dad, huh? What happened in your dream?"

"He escaped Azakaban and came back home. Then Fudge showed up and Dad dueled with him. They both died," Draco said. "But it was just a dream, right?"

Narcissa wouldn't look her son in the eye. "Mum, it was just a dream, wasn't it?" He repeated.

"No, Draco. It actually happened. Your father showed up last night and was ready to kill both of us for being a disappointment to him. I don't remember what happened next because he hit me and I fell unconscious, but when I awoke, he and the Minister were both dead."

"Wow, Mum. Are you OK?"

"I'll live. I just worry about you. I know that you hero worshipped your father."

"Actually Mum, I was terrified of him. I hated that evil git! I am glad he's dead! Now maybe I won't be expected to follow in his footsteps. We should get some ice on that." Draco just noticed the huge welt on his mother's temple.

As Draco brought an ice pack to his mother she took hold of his hand. "There's something else I need to tell you. I received this from Professor Dumbledore this morning." She held out a piece of parchment for Draco to read.

Dear Narcissa,

It has come to my attention that certain events have taken place at Malfoy Manor that makes me question your safety. I feel it would be best if you and Draco returned to the school today so we could discuss in person certain safety measures that I feel are needed. Please respond by owl no later than noon today and I will plan on seeing you both for dinner at the castle.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore