Dudley was someone who listened to advice.
Since the system had warned him, he suppressed his curiosity about the unprecedented SSS-level regret event.
Although the other two Deathly Hallows—the Invisibility Cloak and the Elder Wand—were currently in Dumbledore's possession, and obtaining them to unlock the regret event details didn't seem too difficult, Dudley decided not to ask Dumbledore for them just yet.
The Invisibility Cloak was a Potter family heirloom, and Dumbledore would eventually pass it on to Harry. Since Harry's possessions were essentially his, Dudley would get his hands on it sooner or later.
But the Elder Wand was a different story.
At present, Dumbledore, though old, was full of energy and determination. The Elder Wand, which greatly amplified spellcasting power, was still of great use to him, and he might not be willing to part with it.
Dudley had already benefited greatly from Dumbledore's efforts in collecting most of Voldemort's Horcruxes. Asking for such a powerful weapon on top of that might make even the amiable Dumbledore wary of him.
So, for now, he decided to let it go.
The SS-level regret event was already challenging enough for him and Dumbledore, and they had no idea when they'd be able to resolve it.
An SSS-level regret event, explicitly highlighted by the system as extremely difficult, was bound to be a monumental task.
Dudley decided to wait for the right opportunity or until it became absolutely necessary before unlocking it.
With that decision made, Dudley set the matter aside.
He stored the Resurrection Stone and the Slytherin locket Horcrux in his personal storage space, while the sealed diary and the Gaunt ring were secured with small chains and carried on his person.
Aside from the three Horcruxes made from the relics of Hogwarts' founders, Dudley planned to carry the remaining Horcruxes with him to ensure that if Voldemort's main soul died prematurely, it wouldn't resurrect through Harry, putting him in danger.
August 16th
Dumbledore completed the interviews for the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor candidates at Hogwarts.
In the end, he decided that the position for the 1991 academic year would go to the outstanding witch, Eclis Hunt, who had returned from abroad.
Of course, if this exceptional witch could survive a full year under Voldemort's curse, she could continue in the role the following year.
On the same day, during his lesson at the Dursleys', Dumbledore brought Dudley Ravenclaw's diadem, which had been hidden in the Room of Requirement at Hogwarts.
Dudley stored it in his personal storage space right in front of Dumbledore.
With this, all the Horcruxes mentioned in the original story, except for Nagini, were now in Dudley's possession or within his reach.
According to the original timeline, Voldemort wouldn't turn Nagini into a Horcrux for another three years.
This meant that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, all of Voldemort's Horcruxes were now either in Dudley's hands or nearby.
Dudley didn't share this potentially good or bad news with Dumbledore, unsure of its accuracy.
Instead, he kept the old man on edge, ensuring he remained vigilant and didn't let his guard down.
To this end, Dumbledore thoroughly shared all the information he had about Voldemort with Dudley.
Together, they analyzed Voldemort's background, past experiences, insane personality, methods, and life goals, hoping to uncover more weaknesses and the locations of any unknown Horcruxes.
While they didn't uncover any unknown Horcruxes, Dudley did have some ideas about Voldemort's weaknesses—and the common weaknesses of most dark wizards—as well as strategies to counter them.
He happily shared these with Dumbledore, and they began planning how to implement them.
In the following days, Dumbledore focused more on teaching the Dursleys.
It had to be said that the Shield Charm and Disarming Charm were a bit too advanced for the Dursleys, who only had [Weak Wizard Blood].
Meanwhile, Dudley, Harry, and Hagrid had already mastered these spells.
When Dumbledore wasn't around, they took on the role of mentors, patiently helping the Dursleys learn.
Time passed day by day.
August 27th
Hagrid ended his lessons at the Dursleys' early and returned to his hut outside Hogwarts Castle.
Dudley had written to the Gringotts goblins, instructing them to deliver a pair of adult Norwegian Ridgebacks to the edge of the Forbidden Forest as agreed.
Hagrid needed to prepare a large clearing and build a dragon enclosure.
With Hogwarts not yet in session and no students around, the task would be easier to manage.
Dumbledore had already filed the necessary paperwork with the Ministry, vouching for the dragons' safety with his reputation and power.
Under Kingsley's leadership, the Ministry approved Dumbledore's request without hesitation. Hagrid's dream of raising dragons was about to come true.
On the same day, Dudley received a system reward at home.
[Congratulations, Host! You have successfully resolved the C-level regret event: The Half-Giant's Unjust Expulsion!]
**[The Host used sharp insights and incisive language to provoke, guide, and change the twentieth century's greatest wizard—Albus Dumbledore.
He transformed from a compromising and mild-mannered figure into a decisive and authoritative leader, using drastic measures to remove the disobedient Minister of Magic and establish his dominance, silencing most opposition and becoming the true White Lord.
After gaining power, the White Lord, acting on the Host's request and his own guilt and compassion for Hagrid, publicly cleared Hagrid's name, resolving years of injustice.
Furthermore, at the Host's request, he held private lessons to teach Hagrid magic, making up for Hagrid's interrupted education.]**
[This regret event has been perfectly resolved.]
[Rewards issued: C-level fusion opportunity 1.]
[Additional reward: C-level fusion opportunity 1.]
[Current fusion opportunities: C-level 3.]
After receiving the system's notification, Dudley's face lit up with joy.
He could have claimed this reward earlier, but doing so would have meant Hagrid hadn't fully benefited from Dumbledore's teachings, and the regret event wouldn't have been perfectly resolved.
The additional reward wouldn't have been the maximum C-level fusion opportunity.
Today was the perfect time to claim it.
"System, combine the 3 C-level fusion opportunities into 1 B-level fusion opportunity and fuse me with Quirrell's cracked wand!"
Dudley issued the command to the system through his thoughts.
The B-level magical item—Quirrell's cracked wand—instantly transformed into an intangible wave and vanished, merging with Dudley.
[Command executed! Consumed B-level fusion opportunity 1.]
[Current remaining fusion opportunities: None.]