DOBBY’S WARNING
As you know, underage wizards are not permitted to per-
form spells outside school, and further spellwork on your
part may lead to expulsion from said school (Decree for the
Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, 1875, Para-
graph C).
We would also ask you to remember that any magical
activity that risks notice by members of the non-magical
community (Muggles) is a serious offense under section 13
of the International Confederation of Warlocks’ Statute of
Secrecy.
Enjoy your holidays!
Yours sincerely,
Mafalda Hopkirk
improper use of magic office
Ministry of Magic
Harry looked up from the letter and gulped.
“You didn’t tell us you weren’t allowed to use magic outside
school,” said Uncle Vernon, a mad gleam dancing in his eyes. “For-
got to mention it. . . . Slipped your mind, I daresay. . . .”
He was bearing down on Harry like a great bulldog, all his teeth
bared. “Well, I’ve got news for you, boy. . . . I’m locking you
up. . . . You’re never going back to that school . . . never . . . and if
you try and magic yourself out — they’ll expel you!”
And laughing like a maniac, he dragged Harry back upstairs.
Uncle Vernon was as bad as his word. The following morning,
21