The hourglasses contained peculiar magical gems instead of ordinary sand. Each gem in the sphere at the bottom of the hourglass represented one point that house currently possessed.
Gryffindor's hourglass sparkled with brilliant rubies, Ravenclaw's shimmered with deep sapphires, Slytherin's gleamed with emerald gems, and Hufflepuff's glowed with golden yellow stones.
"To verify it, you can simply award us points directly," Hermione suggested with practical logic.
"As Hogwarts' Deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall's appointment of you should be completely effective as well."
Dudley's expression shifted with understanding as he spoke clearly: "Five points to Gryffindor."
As his words concluded, they watched five brilliant red gems fly gracefully from the upper chamber of the hourglass and fall into the sphere below with soft chiming sounds.
"It actually works!" Harry and Ron exclaimed in amazement.
Hermione also displayed a delighted expression of triumph.
"I now suspect this isn't Professor McGonagall's punishment for you at all, but rather some kind of test," Harry couldn't help observing.
Dudley pressed his lips together thoughtfully.
Actually, he felt like he was being cleverly manipulated. Who pays their own effort to teach others without proper compensation?
"Does that mean we can later..." Ron showed a hint of a mischievous smile.
Since Dudley could award them points, wouldn't the House Cup be within easy reach?
"Don't think too ambitiously. If I award Gryffindor too many points, Professor McGonagall would probably come find me within minutes," Dudley warned practically.
"You go back first. I need to speak with Professor McGonagall."
After considering his next move, Dudley made his decision.
"Alright, we'll wait for you in the common room," Harry said.
After the three friends said their goodbyes, they departed for Gryffindor Tower.
Dudley walked alone toward Professor McGonagall's office with purposeful steps.
On the way, he retrieved a box of exotic candied fruits from the Mirror of Erised's dimensional storage.
This was a rare opportunity. He was going to attempt bribing Professor McGonagall.
Arriving at Professor McGonagall's door, he knocked gently on the wooden frame.
"Come in," Professor McGonagall's authoritative voice called out.
Dudley pushed the door open and entered her well-organised office.
Professor McGonagall was reviewing some important documents behind her imposing desk. When she looked up and saw Dudley entering, she set aside what she was holding.
"Dudley, is there something you need?" Professor McGonagall asked with professional courtesy.
"Professor, you asked me to temporarily replace Professor Lockhart in teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts. I have no objections to that arrangement, but what about the upper-year students? They won't respect or listen to me," Dudley explained his concern.
"Oh, isn't that a very simple matter for someone like you?" Professor McGonagall adjusted her glasses and replied with obvious amusement.
"Ah? Simple?" Dudley didn't immediately understand her meaning.
"Just beat them up. Isn't that what you're apparently best at?" Professor McGonagall gazed at Dudley with pointed sarcasm.
"..." Dudley fell silent, recognising the criticism.
Only then did he realise Professor McGonagall was being deliberately sarcastic about his tendency toward physical solutions.
Seeing the uncomfortable expression on Dudley's face, Professor McGonagall couldn't help but allow her lips to curve into a slight smile.
"Alright, Professor Snape will temporarily substitute for the upper-year classes, but he doesn't have unlimited time available, so years one and two will still be your responsibility."
"I observed earlier, and you taught quite effectively."
Professor McGonagall spoke with genuine seriousness.
Obviously, she had already considered all the logistics and communicated with Professor Snape about the arrangement.
"Thank you, Professor," Dudley said gratefully, then placed the ornate box of candied fruits on Professor McGonagall's desk.
"What is this?" Professor McGonagall frowned with curiosity.
"A box of rare candied fruits, to apologise for the trouble I caused you earlier," Dudley smiled with apparent honesty.
"Are you attempting to bribe me?" Professor McGonagall asked with meaningful directness.
"If that's how you interpret it, that's not entirely impossible," Dudley didn't deny the accusation.
After all, he had originally come specifically to bribe her.
Professor McGonagall rarely showed a hint of genuine amusement and said, "Very well, I'll accept your gesture, but don't expect me to overlook things next time you make a mistake."
"There won't be a next time," Dudley quickly promised.
"Don't speak too confidently, Mr. Dursley. I have considerable faith in your remarkable ability to cause unexpected trouble," Professor McGonagall replied with dry humour.
"Fine, your detention is temporarily cancelled. I investigated further afterward, and this matter really can't be blamed entirely on you."
"Also, during your substitute teaching period, you have the authority to award and deduct house points, but please remember to not abuse this privilege."
Professor McGonagall instructed with clear expectations.
After accepting that box of candied fruits, she felt her professional relationship with Dudley had grown somewhat warmer.
"No problem at all, Professor McGonagall," Dudley quickly agreed with obvious relief.
"Go on then," Professor McGonagall waved her hand dismissively and lowered her head to continue her administrative work.
Dudley quickly nodded respectfully, turned, and left Professor McGonagall's office.
Walking in the corridor outside, Dudley was in an exceptionally good mood.
"Bribing a wizard of Professor McGonagall's calibre has greatly accelerated the digestion of my potion. Excellent results. I should bribe more influential people in the future."
Feeling the accelerated digestion of the Briber potion within his body, Dudley began planning his next bribery targets.
"Perhaps I could try bribing Professor Dumbledore next," Dudley thought to himself with growing ambition.
Dumbledore was a wizard standing at the absolute pinnacle of the magical world. If he could successfully bribe him, his beyonder characteristic digestion would dramatically accelerate.
However, Dudley had always been extremely cautious regarding Professor Dumbledore.
Others might not notice anything suspicious when faced with bribery attempts, but Dumbledore was far too perceptive. Dudley didn't dare easily attempt anything with such a brilliant and experienced wizard.
"I'll consider it when there's a proper opportunity later."
Two days later, in the afternoon, the sun was shining brilliantly through the castle windows.
"There are no classes scheduled this afternoon. Hagrid invited us to visit his hut," Harry announced to Dudley and the others.
"You go ahead without me," Dudley shook his head politely.
"What's wrong?" Harry looked at Dudley with obvious confusion.
Previously they had always gone together, and since returning to school this term, they hadn't had time to visit Hagrid yet.
"You don't have classes, but I do," Dudley explained.
"There's a Defence Against the Dark Arts class this afternoon for second-year Slytherin and Hufflepuff students."
"Almost forgot about that!" Harry and Ron were filled with excitement upon hearing this news.
"Damn, I suddenly want to attend that class," Ron said with obvious enthusiasm.
"Me too! I really want to know what Malfoy's expression will be like when he sees you enter the classroom as the professor," Harry added eagerly.
"Right, right, right, Dudley, remember to deduct points from Slytherin. Deduct them ruthlessly. However, Professor Snape used to deduct our points unfairly; you should return the favour exactly the same way," Ron said with vindictive glee.
"Don't say that. Are you trying to get Dudley in serious trouble?" Hermione quickly warned with obvious concern.
Dudley smiled with confidence and said, "Deducting a few small points shouldn't be a significant problem."
"Alright, I need to prepare for class. I hope you have a wonderful time at Hagrid's this afternoon. Also, please give my regards to Hagrid. I'll visit him properly on the weekend."
After Dudley finished speaking, he stood up and walked purposefully toward the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, anticipating what would surely be an interesting lesson.