Since the tragic demise of Cedric Diggory, Harry Potter’s life had been clouded by a daze. The young wizard had no perception of time as the days extended interminably. The lack of letters and companionship had thrown Harry into a bottomless vortex of depression. His depression was so clearly evident to Petunia, Vernon, and Dudley Dursley that the three muggles began to avoid him completely. They didn’t ask him to do any chores. Instead, they chose to watch him waste away. However, Petunia only lasted two weeks. She couldn’t bear the guilt from her long forgotten conscience. She knew that if the situation with her sister, Lily had been reversed, Lily wouldn’t have allowed Petunia’s precious Duddykins waste away. Petunia knew that she had to do something to get the boy out of his depression. Fortunately, a solution came in the form of a new neighbor at Number 8 Privet Drive.

It didn’t take Petunia long to befriend the mysterious Madeleine Amesley. Apparently, the woman was some type of freelance writer. Having a neighbor slightly younger than her was definitely an advantage. One day, during their afternoon tea, Petunia made a comment to Madeleine about all of the work that needed to be done to Madeleine’s home. Madeleine replied that she was far too busy with her writing to focus on her house. It was the perfect opening for Petunia. Petunia explained that she had a nephew who kept to himself and that it would be advantageous for both of them if Harry worked for Madeleine. After some consideration, Madeleine agreed and asked Petunia if she would see if Harry would indeed be interested in such an offer.

Later that evening, Petunia discussed her plan with Vernon who was simply relieved that the boy would finally have a reason to leave the house. The two of them continued discussing the boy’s circumstances. Something needed to be done. Having the boy around every summer was starting to wear them down. The two of them were rather tired of having to tip-toe around their own home. The boy had been nothing of a nuisance since he had been a one-year old baby abandoned on their doorstep.

It was at breakfast the next morning that Harry realized that something was definitely up with his relatives. It was the first time in three weeks that he’d even notice them. He had been so overwhelmed by the return of Lord Voldemort that he had chosen to ignore his relatives. If it had been any other summer, Harry would have noticed that this was the first summer that they hadn’t gone out of their way to make him miserable. The reason Harry was suddenly aware of the change was his aunt’s unexplained kindness. She insisted on him taking more food than usual. It was this suggestion that made Harry realize that she hadn’t forced him to make breakfast since he had returned to Hogwarts. Vernon kept looking at him rather gleefully and Harry couldn’t help but feel nervous. Something was definitely off.

“Boy….I mean, Harry, dear,” Petunia started, “your uncle and I noticed that you’ve been rather quiet since you returned from that fre---…uh.. school…..well, we’ve decided that it’s time for you to grow up.”

“You see, boy, it’s about time that you learned the value of hard work.” Vernon continued.

“So, I’ve taken the liberty of arranging a part-time job for you this summer.” Petunia finished before adding, “We have a new neighbor at Number 8 that needs help around her house. Her name is Madeleine and she is expecting you in twenty minutes.”

“What?” Harry asked slowly.

“You heard your aunt! Get upstairs and get changed! You’re going to work!” Vernon bellowed.

Harry didn’t need to think twice. He was suddenly aware of the world again. There was a certain amount of dread that came from wondering what this neighbor would be like. Would she be as demanding as the Dursleys? Would she beat him for not doing the job properly? Would he be forced to work without taking a break? Only time would tell.