26 DAYS TO GO.....HARRY & DUMBLEDORE

Chapter starts with Harry waiting for Dumbledore. He had received a letter that the Headmaster would be arriving at the Dursley's to pick him up. As usual he hadn't even started packing in case the thing would be a dream or it turned out to be a pitfall. When Dumbledore shows up, however, Harry is more than surprised and rushes downstairs to greet him. As expected Dumbledore's arrival is less-than-welcome to the Dursley's, however, and when Dumbledore walks into the living room to talk to Harry the situation is tense with Uncle Vernon's ill will.
Dumbledore continues his amusing way by doing some spellwork as usual moving couches and giving them Oak matured meads. He explains about Sirius's will about how he left him everything in his will, including Kreacher. Harry loathes Kreacher, and sends him to Hogwarts to work in the kitchens. Before leaving, Dumbledore shows his contempt with the Dursley's for never showing Harry any kindness, and asks that Harry be allowed to come back one more time before he comes of age next year. When they get outside, they set out together into the warm summer's night.

"The magic I evoked fifteen years ago means that Harry has powerful protection
while he can still call this house 'home.' However miserable he has been
here, however unwelcome, however badly treated, you have at least, grudgingly,
allowed him houseroom. This magic will cease to operate the moment
that Harry turns seventeen; in other words, at the moment he becomes a man.
I ask only this: that you allow Harry to return, once more, to this house, before
his seventeenth birthday, which will ensure that the protection continues until
that time."

Tags: COUNTDOWN, DUMBLEDORE, dudley