"11:45. Fifteen minutes until twelve."
Harry looked up at the clock hanging on the wall and silently counted in his heart.
His heartbeats seemed to follow the ticking of the second hand.
Ever since waking up that morning, he had practically been counting every second.
For Harry, today was the true beginning of the summer holiday.
He had made plans with Senior Matthew.
At noon today, Senior Matthew would come to pick him up.
Senior Matthew was going to help him deal with the "curse" Voldemort had left within him.
Once the curse was dealt with, he would not have to come back here again. He would spend the summer holiday at the Weasleys' and Sirius's place.
And the Quidditch World Cup he had been looking forward to so eagerly was still waiting ahead.
If Professor Dumbledore had not told him that the magic his mother had left on him needed to be maintained by returning here,
he would not have wanted to stay here for even a moment.
Harry swiftly put the freshly washed dishes into the cupboard, eager to return to his room.
Vernon Dursley had gone back to his room to rest after lunch, while Petunia Dursley had gone shopping with friends, leaving all the housework to Harry.
Dudley Dursley naturally did not have to do anything. He was sprawled on the sofa playing video games.
Hearing the cupboard door open and close, Dudley Dursley shouted, "Finished already? Did you even wash them properly?"
"I did. At least they're cleaner than your face." Harry snapped back, then ignored Dudley's helpless rage and ran upstairs without looking back.
Ever since his godfather Sirius had come to "communicate" with the Dursleys, Harry's treatment here had improved somewhat.
At least he no longer had to live in the cupboard under