Since he was forced to spend a part of every summer vacation with his aunt and uncle, Harry had never had a good summer yet, so even he didn't understand why it was bothering him that this one was turning out so crummy. But it definitely was. He'd heard Dudley inviting Draco home with him at the closing reception of Muggle Appreciation Day, but he hadn't honestly believed it could ever come off. He'd been lulled into a false sense of security when neither Aunt Petunia nor Dudley mentioned it in front of him again, but just yesterday morning, after Uncle Vernon left for work, his aunt had taken him aside and told him it was a done deal. That hadn't made Harry very happy, but he'd figured he could just stay holed up in his room as usual and it wouldn't really disrupt his routine, such as it was.

So when Uncle Vernon had summarily dumped a few of his things in the cupboard under the stairs and told him he'd be staying there for the next week, Harry's mood got a lot darker. It'd been bad enough staying there when he was 4 feet tall, but now that he was a lot closer to 6 feet, the logistics of the thing were practically impossible. The only way he could stretch out was to open the door a bit and hang one foot out, but that wasn't exactly comfortable after a few hours either. That wasn't the only reason he found it hard to sleep. The thought of Malfoy spending a whole week in his room, with his trunk and his broomstick and even Hedwig (once she returned from her latest excursion), made Harry feel sick. Not only could Malfoy look into all his secret hiding places, but he could hex or curse any of Harry's possessions.

What's more, Aunt Petunia had specifically promised him that he wouldn't have to move from his room. Uncle Vernon had come up with the plan on his own, and of course she didn't dare oppose him. Harry had no idea why those two were embroiled in a power struggle lately, but even Dudley had noticed by now. In fact, it wouldn't surprise him if Malfoy was picking up on it as well.

So it was a relief to give up the pretense of sleep when Aunt Petunia came banging on his door at 7:00, yelling for him to get up and make Dudley's birthday breakfast. It all reminded him eerily of that day 6 years ago when he'd gotten to go with Dudley to the zoo. That was the last of Dudley's birthdays that he'd awakened in this closet, and he had certainly never expected to do so again. Oh well, he supposed things had come full circle. Next year he'd been an adult and hopefully a Hogwarts graduate. He wouldn't ever have to experience another of Dudley's birthdays again!

Making the mountain of food that Dudley expected for his birthday feast took up most of Harry's next hour. He was only vaguely aware of Draco's comings-and-goings from the room. What he was aware of was the owl that suddenly flew against the kitchen window, almost breaking it. Harry quickly opened the window. The owl dropped an envelope right in front of him on the stove, splattering bacon grease everywhere, and took off again through the window.

After trying ineffectually to wipe the grease off his glasses, Harry opened the envelope. He was getting a very bad feeling about this.

Dear Mr. Potter,

We have received intelligence that an advanced transfiguration spell (Class 49A, wooden box into mixed-media toy) was used at fourteen minutes past eight this morning at your place of residence.

As you know, underage wizards are not permitted to perform spells outside school. Since you will reach the age of majority within one month's time, this letter serves as a warning only. If you do no further magic prior to your 17th birthday, this incident will not be reported as part of your permanent record. However, if we become aware of any further use of magic at your residence, you will be immediately expelled from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and your wand will be destroyed.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

Malfalda Hopkirk

Improper Use of Magic Office

Ministry of Magic

There could be only one explanation for this. Harry put down the letter, adjusted his glasses, and yelled at the top of his lungs, "Malfoy!"