Name: Dudley Dursley
Race: Pure Human
Profession: Ripple User, Alchemist, Magician (Fake)
Stats:
Strength: 13
Agility: 10
Constitution: 20
Magic Power: 0.9
Magic Resistance: 2
Magic: Lumos
Mystic Codes: Unbent Spoon, Philosopher's Stone (Perfect), Magic Crystal, Extension Charm Waist Pouch
Skills: Various, Firearms (LV2)
Special Abilities: Meditation (Unique), Potions (LV3), Ripple (Hamon) (LV2), Magical Creature Speech (LV2), Alchemy (LV2), Assassination Arts (LV1), Magical Creature Training (LV1), Magical Equipment Modification (LV1)
After a year, all of Dudley's five stats had increased, especially Constitution, which rose by a full five points. Though Dudley himself didn't know how it increased—probably related to his training? His Magic Resistance had also grown from the original 1 point to 2 points—and this was the unenhanced original version, without meditation strengthening.
The reason for such rapid growth was mainly because Dudley was only 12 years old, still in his growing phase. In a few more years, the rate would definitely slow down.
In terms of special abilities, mainly Ripple (Hamon) had broken through to LV2, making his use of Ripple (Hamon) more proficient with greater output. Magical Creature Speech had grown to LV2—Dudley would chat with magical creatures whenever he had nothing to do in the Forbidden Forest, with very obvious results.
Three days later, Dudley brought Harry and Hermione on the Knight Bus and successfully arrived at Hogsmeade.
The Knight Bus was the wizards' transportation, extremely fast—100 miles per jump. It claimed that for just eleven Sickles you could reach anywhere you wanted (land only), but actually could only shuttle within Europe.
After getting off, both Harry and Hermione looked terribly pale—clearly, this hadn't been a pleasant journey. This was why Professor McGonagall would rather walk than ride it back then. Only Dudley looked completely calm—his constitution was so terrifyingly strong that he wasn't affected at all.
The main issue was that neither the Dursley nor Granger families were wizards, so their fireplaces weren't connected to the Floo Network and couldn't use Floo Powder. Without using Apparition or Portkeys, taking the Knight Bus was the best choice.
What met their eyes were quaint, old-fashioned houses with shops lining both sides of the road. Looking around, they could see quite a few wizards—the liveliness was no less than Diagon Alley.
Hogsmeade Village—England's largest all-wizard settlement, and the only village with all wizards and no Muggles. It was also the headquarters of the 1612 Goblin Rebellion.
"So this is Hogsmeade—it's really beautiful."
After drinking Dudley's specially made motion sickness potion, Hermione's condition improved greatly, and she was immediately attracted by the surrounding environment. The uniquely characteristic little houses with magically enchanted candles hanging from tree branches were indeed beautiful. And though called a village, it was no different from an ordinary small town.
"Hogwarts: A History says that only the third-years with parental permission can come here. I didn't expect we could come here in just the first year."
Hermione began introducing things happily again—of course, from that book that seemed to record everything, Hogwarts: A History.
Theoretically, indeed, only third-year students could visit Hogsmeade. Actually, Hogsmeade wasn't some secret base and didn't prohibit young wizards from entering. Young wizards who grew up in the wizarding world might have come here multiple times as children, so as long as you wanted to come, you could anytime.
"It's still early." Dudley raised his hand to check the watch on his wrist: "We can look around first."
"Dudley, a watch?" Hermione immediately noticed this detail and asked.
Hogsmeade was very close to Hogwarts—theoretically, electronic devices shouldn't work here either. Hermione already knew at Hogwarts that watches couldn't function—even her alarm clock wouldn't work properly.
Why could Dudley's watch work unaffected?
"Shh." Dudley waved his index finger near Hermione's lips: "I'll explain it to you slowly when we have time."
Alchemy combined with Magical Equipment Modification really is a nice combination.
Speaking of Hogsmeade, there were several places that were must-visit landmarks. Honeydukes Sweetshop—this was the best candy shop in all of England. Just passing by, you could smell that sweet aroma. Rumor had it that Dumbledore was a regular customer. Harry bought lots of candy here.
Zonko's Joke Shop—this sold many prank items. Since Dudley wasn't interested in these things, he didn't go.
Dervish and Banges—barely qualifying as the wizarding world's magical equipment store, though it only sold small items like Sneakoscopes and Remembralls. Still, it gave Dudley some inspiration.
After eating something at Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, the three came to the Three Broomsticks, the place Dudley and Carrow had agreed to meet.
Almost all Hogwarts students would set their meeting place here. Though Hogsmeade had two pubs total—the other being the Hog's Head at the corner of the main road—that pub was more popular with adults.
When the three entered, Carrow was already inside.
"Mr. Carrow."
"Mr. Dursley."
Though the two had developed some friendship, they still maintained very polite, formal greetings when meeting. This was Carrow's habit, and Dudley respected his preferences.
After some pleasantries, Carrow spoke again.
"I heard Mr. Dursley made quite a splash at the banquet—such a pity I couldn't witness your magnificence."
As a seventh-year, Carrow had already graduated and wasn't at Hogwarts, so he hadn't attended the final year-end feast.
Carrow said with slight excitement—he seemed even more interested in Dudley than before: "If only I had graduated a few years later, I'm sure I would have become a member of the Disciplinary Squad you established."
"These years, Slytherin—no, the atmosphere of all four Houses at Hogwarts has indeed gotten worse and worse."
Carrow had mentioned this problem more than once during his studies, but only in passing, since it essentially didn't concern him much.
"You're doing well now too. I heard you're about to take a position at the Department of International Magical Cooperation—International Confederation of Wizards British Branch."
The wizarding world had no regulations about officials not being able to do business. Being a Ministry official and being the owner of Witch & Poison Publishing didn't conflict. Moreover, he hadn't been an employee in the past—he was definitely management, meaning an official position.
Why become a Ministry official? Of course, to leverage connections for business advantage. Many pureblood nobles did this—they controlled 90% of the wizarding world's wealth, serving as both judges and players.
"Mr. Dursley, your information is quite well-informed."
Though he said this, Carrow wasn't surprised at all that Dudley knew his movements—he thought it perfectly normal, considering this was Potter's brother.
"You're not bad either, Mr. Carrow."
Another round of business mutual praise.
"Sorry to interrupt—what would you like to order?"