Name: Dudley Dursley
Species: Pure-blood Human
Occupation: Hamon User, Alchemist, Magician (Pseudo)
Strength: 13
Agility: 10
Constitution: 20
Magic: 0.9
Magic Resistance: 2
Magic Spells: Lumos
Magical Artifacts: An Unbent Spoon, Philosopher's Stone (Perfect), Magic Crystal, Undetectable Extension Charm Satchel.
Skills: Various, with Firearms (LV2).
Specializations: Meditation (Unique), Potions (LV3), Hamon (LV2), Fantastic Animal Language (LV2), Alchemy (LV2), Assassination (LV1), Fantastic Animal Taming (LV1), Magical Artifact Modification (LV1).
After a year, Dudley's stats have grown, especially his Constitution, which has increased by five points. Even he wasn't sure how it happened, but he guessed his rigorous training played a part. His Magic Resistance also went from one to two, which was remarkable given that it was a natural increase without the aid of meditation. The rapid growth was likely due to him being just twelve years old and still developing. In a few years, the rate of growth would surely slow down.
His Hamon skill had leveled up to LV2, making his use of it more proficient and potent. His Fantastic Animal Language also went up to LV2 after spending time in the Forbidden Forest, chatting with the creatures there. The results spoke for themselves.
Three days later, Dudley, along with Harry and Hermione, rode the Knight Bus to Hogsmeade. The bus is a witch and wizard mode of transport, famous for its lightning speed. It claims a fare of just 11 Sickles will take you anywhere on land, but in reality, it only travels within Europe.
When they got off, Harry and Hermione were quite pale, a clear sign that the trip was less than pleasant. It's why Professor McGonagall had opted to walk on a previous occasion rather than ride the bus. Dudley, however, was unfazed. His incredible constitution meant he wasn't affected at all. As the Dursleys and Grangers weren't wizarding families, they didn't have a Floo Network, so a trip on the Knight Bus was the best option, short of Apparition or a Portkey.
They arrived in a village with quaint, ancient-looking houses and streets lined with bustling shops. It was just as lively as Diagon Alley, filled with witches and wizards. Hogsmeade is the only all-wizarding village in England and was the headquarters of the Goblin Rebellion of 1612.
"This is Hogsmeade? It's beautiful," Hermione said, feeling much better after drinking the anti-nausea potion Dudley had made her. She was immediately captivated by the scenery, with its enchanting houses and trees strung with magical candles. It was called a village, but it was really more like a small town.
"In Hogwarts, A History, it says we're only supposed to come here in our third year with a parent's signed permission," Hermione said excitedly. "I can't believe we're here in our first year."
While the book was technically correct, Hogsmeade wasn't some secret military base. It wasn't forbidden for students to visit. Many who grew up in the wizarding world had been here countless times before they even started Hogwarts. So really, a student could come here anytime.
"We have plenty of time," Dudley said, checking the watch on his wrist. "Let's look around."
"Dudley, a watch?" Hermione noticed the detail right away. She knew that electronic devices didn't work near Hogwarts because of the magic in the air. Her own alarm clock had stopped working. So why was Dudley's watch working?
"Shh," Dudley said, holding a finger to his lips. "I'll explain later." Alchemy combined with Magical Artifact Modification truly is a wonderful combination.
There were a few must-see places in Hogsmeade. Honeydukes was the best candy shop in England. You could smell the sweetness from a mile away. Dumbledore was said to be a regular there, and Harry bought a bunch of treats. They skipped Zonko's Joke Shop, as Dudley wasn't interested in those sorts of things. They did, however, stop at Dervish and Banges, which was essentially a magical equipment store. It mostly sold small things like Sneakoscopes and Rememberalls, but it gave Dudley some ideas.
After a quick bite at Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, the trio headed to the Three Broomsticks, where Dudley and Carroll were scheduled to meet. It was the most popular pub among Hogwarts students, as opposed to the Hog's Head down the street, which was more for adults.
When they entered, Carroll was already there.
"Mr. Carroll."
"Mr. Dursley."
They greeted each other with the same formal politeness, even though they had become acquainted with one another. It was Carroll's custom, and Dudley respected that.
After some small talk, Carroll began. "I heard you made quite a splash at the end-of-year feast, Mr. Dursley. A shame I wasn't there to witness it."
As a seventh-year student, Carroll had already graduated and was no longer at Hogwarts for the feast.
He seemed even more intrigued by Dudley than before. "If only I had graduated a few years later, I'm sure I would have joined the disciplinary group you created."
"I've always said the atmosphere at Hogwarts, and especially in Slytherin, has gotten worse over the years." Carroll had complained about this multiple times when he was a student, but it was just talk, as it didn't really affect him.
"You're not doing badly yourself," Dudley replied. "I hear you'll be joining the Department of International Magical Cooperation, the British branch of the International Confederation of Wizards, very soon."
There was no rule in the wizarding world that an official couldn't be a businessman. His position as a Ministry official and his ownership of a publishing company weren't contradictory. He wasn't just a regular employee, either; he was in a management position. Why would he become an official? To take advantage of his position, of course. Many pure-blood nobles did this, as they controlled 90% of the wizarding world's wealth, acting as both referee and player.
"Your information is impeccable, Mr. Dursley," Carroll said. He wasn't surprised that Dudley knew about his movements; after all, this was Potter's brother.
"You're not so bad yourself, Mr. Carroll."
Another round of pleasantries was exchanged. Just then, a waiter approached their table.
"Sorry to interrupt, but what would you gentlemen like?"