NOVEL NEXT Ch4- Stats
He arrived back at the Dursley's just as the clock was threatening to make him late. Stepping through the door, Harry was met with Aunt Petunia's almost-scowl, her expression poised on the edge of annoyance. If he had been delayed even by a minute more, Harry knew he would have been subjected to a tirade. "I'm sorry, Aunt Petunia," he said quickly, moving towards the kitchen. "There was a queue at the checkout." Petunia simply nodded, her face remaining neutral.
Harry couldn't help but let a small smile escape. He had completed the quest successfully, earning those precious points. Now, his next challenge loomed – cooking the perfect shepherd's pie. If he didn't impress his aunt, it might be a long time before he got another chance to leave the house.
As he began preparing the ingredients, Nigel's voice floated into his consciousness. "Well done on your successful book heist, Master Harry. Now, onto the culinary arts. Remember, the way to a Dursley's heart is through their stomach, albeit a route fraught with peril given their... unique palates."
Harry chuckled, appreciating Nigel's dry sense of humor, even as he focused on chopping onions with precision. "I'll do my best, Nigel. Any tips on making this shepherd's pie special?"
"Ah, the secret lies in the seasoning, Master Harry. A dash of this, a pinch of that – the culinary equivalent of a well-cast spell," Nigel advised, his tone a blend of mock solemnity and genuine guidance. "And do keep an eye on the cooking time. We aim for perfection, not charcoal."
Harry carefully mixed the ingredients, following Nigel's instructions to the letter. As the aroma of the cooking pie began to fill the kitchen, he felt a sense of pride. This was more than just a meal; it was a step towards something greater, a small victory in the grand scheme of his life at the Dursleys'.
"Remember, Harry, presentation is key," Nigel reminded him as the pie was nearing completion. "Serve it with a flourish, and perhaps, just perhaps, your aunt might view you in a slightly different light."
As the pie came out of the oven, perfectly golden and bubbling, Harry couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. He plated the dish with care, adding a garnish for good measure.
While Harry was meticulously arranging the shepherd's pie on the table, the doorbell rang. Placing the dish down, he walked over and opened the door, revealing Uncle Vernon and Dudley standing there. Despite Vernon's usual scowl, Harry greeted them with an unwavering smile. As the scent of the pie wafted out, Vernon's expression shifted from irritation to one of gluttonous delight, closely mirrored by Dudley. "Shepherd's Pie, my favorite," Vernon remarked, his voice betraying a hint of surprise and pleasure.
Petunia, joining them at the door to greet her family, looked on inquisitively. Harry, seizing the moment as per Nigel's advice, said with a hint of pride, "Aunt Petunia made it. She's been working hard on it all afternoon."
Petunia, taken aback, glanced at Harry, her eyes widening slightly in shock. Harry offered her a discreet wink, a silent acknowledgment of their shared secret. This was part of Nigel's strategy – attributing the credit to Petunia was not only a diplomatic move but also a subtle way to shift the household dynamics.
Uncle Vernon, seemingly pleased, grunted his approval and made his way to the table, Dudley eagerly trailing behind him. As they settled in, Nigel's voice echoed in Harry's mind, laced with his usual dry humor.
"Master Harry, your diplomatic skills are improving. A small fib, but for a noble cause. Remember, in the grand game of familial politics, perception is often more powerful than reality."
Harry suppressed a smile at Nigel's words, taking a quiet satisfaction in the small victory. He watched as Uncle Vernon and Dudley dug into the pie with gusto, their earlier irritations forgotten in the face of a well-cooked meal.
This was where the plan would truly unfold. Nigel's strategy was multifaceted and cleverly orchestrated. First, Harry had earned points by preparing a special meal for the family, and then, by attributing the success to Aunt Petunia, he had gained further favor. The third phase of the plan, however, was the most cunning – it aimed to create a subtle rift between Petunia and Vernon.
As Vernon took a bite of the shepherd's pie, his face contorted into an expression of disgust. He spat out the food, much to the shock of everyone at the table. "What is this? It's revolting!" he exclaimed, glaring at the dish.
Petunia, utterly bewildered, asked with concern, "What's wrong, Dear? Did I not cook it to your liking?"
Vernon's scowl deepened as he pushed the plate away. "This is terrible, Petunia. How could you serve something like this?"
The confusion on Petunia's face was genuine. She had tasted the pie herself, and even though it pained her to admit it, Harry's culinary skills were nothing short of extraordinary. The dish was delicious, almost overwhelmingly so. Dudley, sitting beside his father, seemed unaffected by Vernon's outburst, wolfing down the pie with enthusiastic fervor.
Nigel's voice, imbued with its characteristic dry wit, chimed in Harry's mind. "Ah, Master Harry, observe the unfolding drama. A culinary critique, subjective to the last bite."
Harry, maintaining a neutral expression, watched as Petunia hesitantly reached for Vernon's plate to taste the dish herself. As she suspected, it was as delightful as her own serving. This left her with only one conclusion – Vernon's reaction was not about the food at all. He was, for some unfathomable reason, intent on insulting her cooking.
Petunia's face hardened as she realized the implications. "Vernon, there's nothing wrong with this pie. You're being utterly unreasonable."
Vernon's response was a grumble, his face still twisted in displeasure. "It's your cooking, Petunia. Not my taste, clearly."
Nigel's voice resonated in Harry's mind again, "Master Harry, the seed of discord has been sown, albeit in a rather unexpected garden. The dynamics of the Dursley household are shifting, ever so subtly."
How something so delicious could be revolting for Vernon while not for Petunia was a matter of simple chemistry. In the magical world, potion-making is an art form, but even in the mundane realm, chemistry holds its own magic. Harry had applied this principle in a rather ingenious way.
"You see, Master Harry, the art of potion-making and the subtleties of chemistry are not so different," Nigel commented in his usual witty tone. "A dash of Pineapple juice in Vernon's orange juice might seem innocuous, but combine that with the addition of blue cheese to the Shepherd's Pie, and voilà! A culinary catastrophe for one, a delightful feast for others."
The trick was in the reaction between the pineapple juice and the blue cheese. Separately, they were harmless, even pleasant. But combined in Vernon's palate, they created an intensely unpleasant flavor. This meant that while Petunia, suspecting Harry might have tampered with the food, tasted nothing amiss from Vernon's plate, Vernon experienced a completely different, revolting taste.
"The subtlety of it, Master Harry," Nigel noted, "is that Petunia's suspicion led her to believe the pie was tampered with. Yet, upon tasting it, she found nothing wrong. The only logical conclusion for her, then, is that Vernon's outburst was a deliberate insult to her cooking."
This simple act of culinary sabotage was more than just a prank; it was a strategic move in the complex chess game of household dynamics. It subtly shifted the balance of power, planting the seeds of doubt and discord in a relationship already strained by years of unspoken tensions and resentments.
"As you can see, Master Harry, even the simplest of actions can have profound effects on the human psyche," Nigel mused, his voice a mixture of amusement and approval. "And in this case, it has served to highlight the sometimes irrational nature of adult behavior, particularly that of your dear Uncle Vernon."
Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment mixed with a twinge of guilt. It was one thing to stand up to the Dursleys' unfair treatment, but another to actively manipulate the dynamics within their home. Yet, Nigel's guidance and the necessity of survival in the Dursley household had driven him to adopt such tactics.
"Remember, Master Harry, in the battle against adversity, sometimes the most effective weapons are those of wit and cunning," Nigel advised, his tone reassuring yet laced with a hint of his characteristic dry sarcasm. "And in your case, a little culinary chemistry has proven most effective."
Seeing Dudley hastily grabbing his father's plate and rushing towards his room, Harry quickly decided to retreat to the relative safety of his cupboard. The tension between Petunia and Vernon was palpable, and he had no desire to be caught in the midst of their impending argument. As he sat on his small bed, the muffled sounds of their heated dispute reached his ears.
Petunia's voice, usually restrained, was now laced with frustration and anger. "And another thing, Vernon! Have you seen the size of your belly lately? It's no wonder you found the pie revolting – you can hardly discern taste over your own gluttony!"
Vernon's retort was a mix of indignation and defensiveness. "My size has nothing to do with it, Petunia! It's your cooking that's the problem, not my belly!"
The argument escalated, with Petunia launching into a tirade about Vernon's various shortcomings. "And while we're on the subject, your so-called manly prowess leaves much to be desired. You puff and pant like an overworked steam engine, and as for your... equipment, it's hardly anything to boast about!"
Harry cringed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and sympathy. He knew these were private matters, ones he shouldn't be privy to. Yet, he couldn't help but listen, the words painting a vivid and uncomfortable picture in his mind.
As the argument continued, Nigel's voice intruded into his thoughts, its usual dry wit undiminished by the awkwardness of the situation. "Ah, Master Harry, the joys of matrimonial discord. A dance as old as time, and yet, each performance is uniquely cringe-worthy."
Harry couldn't help but chuckle at Nigel's comment, despite the seriousness of the situation. "This is pretty bad, Nigel. Should I do something?"
Nigel's response was a blend of pragmatism and sarcasm. "Intervening in marital disputes is a perilous venture, Master Harry, especially when the combatants are as... spirited as the Dursleys. Best to stay out of the firing line, I'd say."
Harry nodded, agreeing with Nigel's assessment. The cupboard, cramped and dark as it was, felt like a sanctuary compared to the storm raging outside.
"As for your uncle's... um, performance issues," Nigel continued, "it seems your culinary experiment has unearthed more than just a distaste for shepherd's pie. The human psyche is a labyrinth, Master Harry, full of unexpected twists and turns."
Harry sighed, feeling a bit guilty for the unintended consequences of his actions. "I didn't mean for it to go this far, Nigel."
"Ah, but such is the nature of actions and reactions, Master Harry," Nigel replied, his tone philosophical yet tinged with amusement. "One never quite knows where a single step might lead, especially in the delicate dance of family dynamics."
As the voices outside grew louder, Harry tried to block them out, focusing instead on Nigel's guidance and the lessons he could learn from this situation.
"Remember, Master Harry, every experience, however unpleasant, is a lesson in the grand curriculum of life," Nigel advised, his voice a steady presence in the chaos. "And you, my young protégé, are proving to be an exceptionally quick learner."
Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Nigel's presence. His guidance, though often delivered with a healthy dose of sarcasm, was invaluable in navigating the complexities of his young life. With a sigh, Harry leaned back against the wall of his cupboard, bracing himself for the challenges yet to come.
As the fight outside began to wane, Harry's attention shifted to the Technology System's capabilities. A translucent blue screen materialized in front of him, shimmering with an almost ethereal quality. He was eager to explore the shop, curious about what his recently earned 50 points could acquire.
"Ah, the virtual marketplace, a cornucopia of digital delights," Nigel's voice echoed in Harry's mind, infused with his characteristic wit. "Let's peruse the offerings, shall we?"
Harry navigated through the menu, impressed by the range of items available. The shop was organized into various categories: Spell Blueprints, Potion Recipes, Magical Cores, and more. Each item was listed with a detailed description and the required points for purchase.
"Consider your choices wisely, Master Harry," Nigel advised, his tone playful yet instructive. "These items are not mere trinkets but tools to aid in your magical education."
Harry's eyes were drawn to the section labeled 'Spell Blueprints.' It contained tutorials for basic spells, each meticulously detailed and illustrated.
Harry then pondered aloud, "You mentioned that wizards use wands, Nigel. So, is there any point in acquiring spells if I don't have one?" He was still navigating the nuances of this new magical world.
Nigel, with his ever-present wit, replied, "Ah, Master Harry, a wand is indeed a wizard's traditional tool, but consider this: knowledge is power, regardless of the medium. Besides, there are other avenues of magic to explore."
Curious, Harry delved into the 'Talents' tab on the Technology System interface. He discovered various magical disciplines, each with different tiers of mastery. Transfiguration, as Nigel explained, was the art of changing the form or appearance of an object or being. It was divided into five tiers: Low, Intermediate, High, Excellent, and Godly. Even the Low Tier was priced steeply at 1,000 points.
As Harry scrolled through the list, his eyes widened at the sight of 'Wandless Magic, Low Tier' priced at a staggering 20,000 points. He felt a mix of excitement and dismay. Wandless magic seemed like an incredible field to explore, yet the cost was far beyond his current means.
Nigel, observing Harry's reactions, chimed in with a blend of encouragement and sarcasm, "Don't be too disheartened, Master Harry. Let's check your current status first. You might be surprised at what you find."
Name: Harry Potter
Age: 10
Wizardry Level: Beginner
Points: 50
Wizardry Skills:
Spellcasting: Basic (No knowledge of simple spells and charms)
Potion Brewing: Novice (Limited understanding of basic potion ingredients)
Transfiguration: Novice (Limited understanding, no practical experience)
Charms: Basic (Unfamiliar with fundamental enchantments)
Care of Magical Creatures: Basic (Limited knowledge, no hands-on experience)
Physical Skills:
Broom Riding: Excellent(Incredible talent, little experience)
Dueling: Basic (Fundamental understanding of duelling concepts)
Wizarding Arts:
Divination: Basic (General talent, no practical experience)
Arithmancy: Novice (Understanding of basic concepts)
Runes: Basic (Limited information)
Magical Attributes:
Magical Resistance: Low (Basic resistance to common spells)
Legilimency/Occlumency: Basic (General awareness, no practical skills)
Parseltongue: Innate (Ability to communicate with snakes)
Mystical Talents:
Seer Abilities: None (No known seer abilities)
Animagus Transformation: None (No ability to transform into an animal)
Muggle Skills:
Muggle Studies: Excellent(Great understanding of the non-magical world)
Stealth and Disguise: Basic (Basic understanding of stealth techniques)
House-Specific Traits:
Gryffindor Courage: High (Innate bravery and determination)
Ravenclaw Wisdom: Moderate (Inclination towards learning and knowledge)
Slytherin Ambition: Low (Minimal ambition for power or status)
Hufflepuff Loyalty: High (Strong sense of loyalty and fairness)
Artifact Expertise:
Wandlore: Basic (Limited knowledge, no practical experience)
Magical Item Identification: Limited (Cannot identify common magical objects)
Alchemical Skills:
Alchemy: None (No knowledge of alchemy)
Dark Arts Defense:
Defense Against the Dark Arts: Basic (Understanding of fundamental defensive spells)
Special Talents:
Wandless Magic: Excellent (Innate talent for performing magic without a wand)