After Dudley and Vernon left, first for school, second for work, Harry started to clean the table. Vernon often took sick paper for Harry, at least in the legal amount he could, so he could stay back. Lest he spread his "freakness" and embarrass them, and also to do the chores. As Harry was working on the table, Nigel reminded him, "Look at your Aunt. Due to the fight last night, she is upset. It is a good entrance point. For now, she will not even listen to you, but if you brew her tea, light a scent, and massage her, she will at least listen to you. Then, you can plant seeds of doubt about Vernon into her mind. In exchange, elevate your own worth."
Harry paused, considering Nigel's words. "That sounds... manipulative," he said hesitantly.
"Master Harry, in the grand tapestry of human interaction, every thread is a form of influence," Nigel replied, his tone philosophical. "You're simply choosing a more benign and constructive form. Besides, it's high time your aunt saw you in a different light."
Taking a deep breath, Harry began to brew a pot of tea. He carefully selected Aunt Petunia's favorite blend, hoping the familiar aroma would comfort her. He then found a scented candle in the living room and lit it, its soft fragrance spreading through the kitchen.
As the tea steeped, Harry approached his aunt, who was sitting at the table, her posture stiff, her face drawn. "Aunt Petunia, I've made you some tea," he said gently, setting the cup in front of her.
Petunia looked up, surprised. "Why are you doing this, Harry?" she asked, her voice a mix of suspicion and curiosity.
"Just thought you might like some," Harry replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "And I found this candle. Thought it might... well, lighten the mood."
Petunia's expression softened ever so slightly, a hint of gratitude flickering in her eyes. She took a sip of the tea and sighed. "Thank you, Harry."
Seizing the moment, Harry offered, "I can give you a shoulder massage if you'd like. You seem tense."
Petunia hesitated, then nodded. "Alright, but just for a bit."
As Harry gently massaged her shoulders, Nigel's voice echoed in his mind. "Now, Master Harry, while tending to her, speak in a soft, reassuring tone. Mention how you understand that Uncle Vernon can be... overwhelming at times. But be subtle, don't push too hard."
Harry followed Nigel's advice, making small talk about the household and delicately hinting at Vernon's overbearing nature. He could feel Aunt Petunia relaxing under his touch, the tension easing from her body.
"You're quite good at this, Harry," Petunia murmured, a note of genuine appreciation in her voice.
"Thank you, Aunt Petunia," Harry replied, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I just want to help out, make things easier for you."
As he continued, Nigel chimed in, "Excellent, Master Harry. You're planting the seeds of a more positive relationship. Remember, consistency and patience are key."
Eventually, Petunia pulled away, looking somewhat refreshed. "That was nice, Harry. Thank you," she said, a rare warmth in her voice.
Harry nodded, pleased with the progress. "You're welcome, Aunt Petunia. If you ever need anything, just let me know."
As he finished cleaning up, Nigel praised him. "Well done, Master Harry. You've navigated that interaction with a deft touch. Remember, small steps lead to great distances."
Nigel then said, "It is time to step out. Go and ask your Aunt if you can go for shopping, as you want to cook something special for them tonight." He added with a hint of intrigue, "I will give you your first mission."
As he said that, a screen appeared in front of Harry, reminiscent of the video games Dudley often played. It displayed a quest, neatly formatted and outlined:
Mission: Successfully persuade Aunt Petunia to allow you to go shopping.
Objective: Utilize your newfound understanding of Aunt Petunia's personality and emotions to convince her to grant you permission to leave the house for shopping.
Rewards: Earn 10 points redeemable in the Technology System shop.
Strategy Tips from Nigel: Use polite persuasion, subtle flattery, and appeal to her sense of household pride.
Harry analyzed the mission, taking a moment to gather his thoughts and plan his approach. Nigel's voice chimed in, "Remember, Master Harry, it's all about presentation and timing. Your words should be chosen carefully, like a chess master plotting his next move."
Seeing the new terms on the screen, Harry turned to Nigel with a barrage of questions, his curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar concepts. Nigel, ever the embodiment of patience and wit, explained each aspect with his usual blend of dry humor and intelligence.
"Missions, Master Harry, are tasks or challenges designed to test your abilities and to help you grow. They are generated based on your current situation and needs," Nigel elucidated, his tone reflecting a teacher's patience mixed with a hint of amusement. "Completing these missions will earn you points, a form of currency within the Technology System."
Harry furrowed his brow. "And these points, what do they do?"
Nigel's response was prompt. "Points can be redeemed in the Technology System shop for various items and upgrades. This could include spell blueprints, potion recipes, or even modules to enhance the TS itself. It's a reward system designed to incentivize your growth and achievements."
Harry nodded, absorbing this information. "So, the more I learn and accomplish, the more points I earn to improve the system. And this shop, can I access it anytime?"
"Indeed, Master Harry. The shop is available at your convenience, offering a range of items to aid you in your magical and non-magical endeavors," Nigel replied. "As for other ways to earn points, they can be acquired through knowledge acquisition, such as learning new spells or potions, victories in magical challenges, and even through good deeds. Ethical actions are highly valued by the system."
Armed with this new understanding, he approached Aunt Petunia, who was now sitting quietly, her mood visibly softened by the tea and massage. "Aunt Petunia," Harry began, his voice steady but respectful, "I was thinking of cooking something special for dinner tonight. But I need a few things from the store. Would it be alright if I went out to get them?"
Petunia looked at him, her expression wavering between suspicion and consideration. "Special dinner? What are you planning to cook?"
Harry glanced towards the cupboard, where he had left a cookbook open. "I found a recipe for shepherd's pie in one of your cookbooks. It looked really good, and I thought it might be a nice change."
Petunia's eyes softened slightly at the mention of the recipe. "Shepherd's pie, huh? That's one of Vernon's favorites."
Nigel's voice whispered in Harry's mind, "Remind her gently that a good meal might lighten the mood of the household, especially after a... stressful night."
Taking the cue, Harry added, "I thought it might cheer everyone up, especially after... well, you know, last night."
Petunia hesitated, then sighed. "Alright, Harry. But be quick about it, and don't dilly-dally."
Harry nodded eagerly. "Thank you, Aunt Petunia. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Harry approached the cookbook to jot down the ingredients for the shepherd's pie when Nigel interjected with his usual blend of wit and intelligence. "Master Harry, I believe you're overlooking a rather nifty feature of your Technology System – the Data Storage and Memory Bank. You need not rely on mere pen and paper like a muggle in the dark ages."
Harry paused, a look of realization crossing his face. "Right, I forgot about that. So, I can just... remember this?"
Nigel's voice carried a hint of playful sarcasm. "Indeed, Master Harry. The wonders of modern technology at your disposal, and you opt for the quill and parchment approach. But fear not, I'm here to steer you towards the 21st century."
Harry focused on the recipe, and to his amazement, the details imprinted themselves in his mind, as clear and vivid as if he were viewing them on a screen. "Wow, this is... incredible."
Nigel's response was laced with dry humor. "Ah, the delight of discovery. Yes, every event, every detail, stored with the precision of a well-oiled library. Makes one wonder how you ever managed without it."
Harry tested this newfound ability, recalling a distant memory. It played back in his mind with astonishing clarity, as if he were reliving it. "This is like watching a video. Even things I barely remember are clear now."
"Quite so, Master Harry," Nigel remarked. "The Memory Bank is not just a storehouse; it's a time machine of sorts, allowing you to revisit the past with the clarity of the present. A handy tool, especially for those with a penchant for nostalgia or, in your case, learning from past experiences."
Harry was on a tight schedule, so he ran instead of walking, his mind focused on the new quest Nigel had presented to him. The quest screen appeared before him, its text crisp and clear:
Mission: Book Scanning Sprint
Objective: Scan 100 books about crafting at the bookstore within the allotted time. Don't be late returning home.
Rewards: 40 points for scanning 100 books, plus an additional 3 points for every 10 books scanned thereafter.
Time Limit: Must complete before returning home for chores.
Harry's breath quickened with the prospect of the challenge. "A hundred books, Nigel? That's a lot, especially with the time constraint."
Nigel's voice was both encouraging and laced with his typical dry humor. "Indeed, Master Harry, but I have every confidence in your abilities. Besides, consider it an excellent exercise in time management and speed reading."
Arriving at the supermarket, Harry was relieved to find a bookstore section. He headed straight for the crafting aisle, his mind racing. Pulling out book after book, he scanned them quickly, the Technology System efficiently storing every detail.
Nigel's voice chimed in, "Remember, speed is of the essence, but accuracy is paramount. No skimming, Master Harry. Every page, every word."
Harry worked feverishly, his eyes darting across the pages. "Got it, Nigel. Focusing."
As he progressed, the counter on the quest screen ticked up steadily. 20 books, 40, 60... Harry's pace was unrelenting. He could feel the weight of the time ticking away, pushing him to move faster.
"Master Harry, a reminder: haste is productive only when coupled with efficiency," Nigel advised, his tone a mix of sternness and support. "You're doing splendidly, but do keep an eye on the clock."
Harry nodded to himself, sweat beading on his forehead. He had never imagined a trip to the supermarket could turn into such an intense endeavor.
Finally, as he scanned the 100th book, a notification popped up on the quest screen, accompanied by the satisfying sound of points being added to his account. "Quest Completed: Book Scanning Sprint. 100 books scanned. 40 points earned."
Breathing heavily, Harry glanced at his watch. Time was running out. He had to hurry back.
As he dashed towards the checkout, Nigel's voice was a blend of praise and urgency. "Exemplary work, Master Harry. But now, the second part of your quest: returning home on time. The clock is ticking."
Harry paid for the shepherd's pie ingredients and hurried out of the store, his mind already on the next task at hand. The Technology System's capabilities continued to amaze him, and with Nigel's guidance, he felt like he was unlocking a part of himself he never knew existed.
"Quickly now, Master Harry," Nigel urged. "No time for dawdling. The Dursleys await, and we wouldn't want to add fuel to their already fiery disposition towards you."
Harry increased his pace, his legs pumping as he ran through the streets of Little Whinging, the weight of the groceries in his arms a constant reminder of the urgency of his mission. The quest had been a success, but there was still much to do.