Upon reaching the library, Harry Potter felt a surge of excitement tinged with a hint of nervousness. This was his first venture out alone since the upheaval at the Dursley home. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight of the large, imposing building, its rows of windows like eyes watching over the town.
"Remember, Master Harry, maintain a semblance of normalcy. We wouldn't want to raise any eyebrows," Nigel's voice echoed in his mind, laced with its usual blend of sarcasm and caution.
Harry nodded to himself and pushed the door open, stepping into the quiet, book-lined sanctuary. The scent of old paper and ink filled his senses, a welcome change from the sterile environment of the Dursley household.
As he approached the main desk, a stern-looking librarian looked up from her paperwork, her glasses perched precariously on the tip of her nose. "Can I help you?" she asked, her tone polite but guarded.
Harry swallowed hard. "Um, yes, I'd like to sign up for a library card, please."
The librarian eyed him curiously. "Do you have a parent or guardian with you? We need their signature for new members under sixteen."
Harry hesitated, his mind racing for a suitable response. "It's just me and my Aunt Petunia. She's... not feeling well today," he explained, hoping the excuse would suffice.
The librarian softened slightly at his words. "I see. Well, we can still sign you up. Just fill out these forms, and I'll issue you a temporary card. You can bring your aunt's signature next time."
Grateful, Harry quickly filled out the forms, his handwriting a little shaky from nervousness. The librarian handed him a card with his name on it, and he felt a small surge of pride. This card was more than just a piece of plastic; it represented a step towards independence, towards a world of knowledge he was eager to explore.
"Now, Master Harry, let's see what this repository of knowledge has to offer. Remember, focus on crafting and practical skills, but keep an eye out for anything remotely magical," Nigel advised, his tone both encouraging and mischievous.
Harry ventured deeper into the library, his eyes wide with curiosity. The shelves were filled with an array of books, each spine holding untold secrets and stories. He started scanning books on crafting - woodworking, metalwork, even basic electrical engineering. Each book he scanned was carefully chosen, its contents immediately stored in the Technology System's vast digital library.
As he moved through the aisles, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. He was surrounded by centuries of human thought and creativity, a far cry from the narrow world he had known at the Dursleys'. Every book he scanned added points to his Technology System, each one a small victory in his quest for knowledge.
"Ah, Master Harry, you're quite the literary collector, aren't you? But let's not forget our bonus objective. A little magical theory would be the icing on the proverbial cake," Nigel chimed in, his voice a blend of encouragement and wit.
Harry moved towards the section housing historical and theoretical books, his heart pounding with excitement. He scanned titles on ancient civilizations, folklore, and mythology, hoping to find references to magic or the supernatural. His efforts were rewarded when he stumbled upon a book on alchemy and another on the history of witch trials.
"These should be interesting," Harry murmured, scanning them eagerly. Each page added to his growing repository of knowledge, a treasure trove he could access anytime.
As he continued his scanning spree, Harry became increasingly aware of the passing time. He glanced at the clock on the wall, realizing he needed to hurry. Aunt Petunia would be expecting him back soon.
"Master Harry, time is of the essence. Let's wrap up this literary marathon and head back. We wouldn't want to arouse any suspicions," Nigel cautioned, his tone a mix of urgency and humor.
As Harry finished scanning the last of the books, Nigel tallied up his points. "Master Harry, a splendid effort indeed! You've scanned a total of 50 books, earning you 100 bonus points, plus an additional 25 points for the books themselves. And let's not forget the two extra books on magical theory and history. That brings us to a grand total of 165 points. Quite a lucrative trip to the library, wouldn't you say?"
Harry, feeling a mix of triumph and relief, nodded silently, his mind already racing with possibilities these points could unlock in the Technology System. Just as he was about to leave, the stern librarian called out to him. "Young man, before you go, could you please take this form? It needs to be signed by your guardian for the membership to be fully activated."
Harry accepted the form, a slight frown creasing his forehead. Convincing Aunt Petunia to sign it would be a challenge, but one he was determined to meet. "Thank you," he said politely, tucking the form into his bag.
As he made his way back to Privet Drive, Nigel's voice buzzed in his mind, already formulating a plan. "Master Harry, to persuade Aunt Petunia to sign that form, we'll need to employ a bit of subtle manipulation. Remember, she's in a vulnerable state, and we must tread carefully."
Harry's steps slowed as he considered Nigel's words. "What do you suggest, Nigel?"
Nigel's tone took on a conspiratorial edge. "We must appeal to her sense of pride and perhaps her newfound... appreciation of your efforts. Suggest that having a library membership would allow you to bring home more books on cooking and housekeeping, skills that you've demonstrated can benefit her directly."
Harry nodded, mulling over Nigel's advice. It was a cunning plan, playing to Aunt Petunia's desire for order and cleanliness while also catering to her newfound dependency on him. "That could work," Harry murmured. "She might see it as a way to keep me occupied and useful."
As he approached the house, Harry rehearsed his pitch, choosing his words with care. He found Aunt Petunia in the living room, her demeanor more subdued than usual. Taking a deep breath, he approached her with the form in hand. "Aunt Petunia, I was wondering if you could sign this for me. It's a form for the library. I thought I could borrow books on cooking and keeping the house... well, it might help me be more useful around here."
Aunt Petunia regarded him with a mixture of surprise and suspicion. "Why do you need to go to the library for that? Can't you learn from what's already here?"
Harry, anticipating this response, replied smoothly. "I've already read through most of the books we have, and I thought learning more advanced techniques could... well, make things nicer for you."
Petunia's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And where did you get this form? Did you sneak off to the library behind my back? Are you lying to me, boy?"
Harry, feeling a spike of panic, quickly crafted a response, inspired by Nigel's cunning. "No, Aunt Petunia. I got it at the market. They were distributing them there."
Nigel, in Harry's mind, couldn't help but express his approval with a touch of his characteristic dry humor. "Bravo, Master Harry. A quick thinker, indeed. Almost as good at spinning tales as you are at making breakfast."
Petunia seemed to ponder this for a moment, her gaze still fixed on Harry with a mixture of doubt and curiosity. Finally, she sighed and took the form. "Fine, I'll sign it. But no dilly-dallying at the library. You have chores to do."
As Harry watched her sign the form, a sense of relief washed over him. He thanked her and hurried back to his room, his mind racing with the possibilities now open to him.
"Master Harry," Nigel interjected, "while today's venture was a success, remember the importance of caution. Our actions in the Muggle world must always be measured and discreet."
Harry nodded, acknowledging Nigel's advice. He knew that despite his small victories, he still needed to navigate his life with the Dursleys carefully.
The next few days saw Harry applying his new skills and knowledge around the house, earning him a few rare nods of approval from Aunt Petunia. He continued to practice his magical abilities in secret, with Nigel providing guidance and occasional witty commentary.
One evening, as Harry sat pondering his next move, Nigel's voice broke the silence. "Master Harry, it might be time to consider your next step in the magical world. Perhaps a visit to Diagon Alley?"
Harry's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Yes, Nigel. But how? Aunt Petunia would never allow it."
Nigel's tone took on a conspiratorial edge. "We must be strategic, Master Harry. Perhaps a well-crafted story about needing new books from a special bookstore might do the trick."
Harry shook his head, dismissing Nigel's suggestion with a hint of newfound confidence. "That wouldn't work, Nigel. Aunt Petunia knows about my... magical side. Mentioning a special bookstore would only raise her suspicions."
Nigel, in his mind, chuckled softly, a sound that held both respect and amusement. "Well, Master Harry, it appears you've become quite the strategist. I must admit, even I can't always be right."
Harry paced his small room, considering their limited options. "We need a reason for me to visit Diagon Alley that Aunt Petunia would believe... and approve of."
Nigel hummed thoughtfully. "Perhaps we could employ a bit of muggle logic to our advantage. Suggest a visit to a regular bookstore in London. Once you're there, a detour to Diagon Alley might go unnoticed."
Harry nodded, the idea taking shape in his mind. "That could work. I'll tell her I need more advanced books, ones that the local library doesn't have. London's the best place for that."
Harry, his mind buzzing with the beginnings of a plan, turned to Nigel for further counsel. "But I need to frame that question at the perfect moment. Any suggestions?" he asked, aware that the success of his plan hinged on the timing and presentation of his request.
Nigel, ever the strategist, responded with his usual blend of wit and insight. "Ah, Master Harry, timing is indeed everything. Let's consider a day when Aunt Petunia is likely to be in her best spirits. Perhaps aligning with her favorite television show or a special moment she cherishes. And to sweeten the pot, a day where you've outdone yourself in terms of household tasks."
Harry listened intently, nodding along. Nigel continued, "Now, if my calculations based on her habits are correct, her menstrual cycle should be ending around next Thursday. Hormonally, she's more likely to be in a better mood then. Combine this with her favorite show, 'Gardening with Grace', airing that evening, and you have a prime opportunity."
Excited by the plan taking shape, Harry added, "And on that day, I'll start with a perfect breakfast. The kind that would impress even the most critical chef. Follow it up with a spotlessly clean house, maybe even throw in a massage and prepare a relaxing bath with her favorite scents."
Nigel's voice held a note of approval. "Exemplary planning, Master Harry. It seems you've taken to this role with a natural flair. A day filled with such attentiveness will surely put her in a receptive frame of mind."
As Harry pondered the details, Nigel chimed in again. "And when the moment feels right, after her show perhaps, casually bring up the need for more advanced books. Emphasize that a trip to London would provide educational resources that are simply not available locally."
Harry, feeling a surge of confidence, began to map out each detail of the day. "I'll make sure everything is perfect. Breakfast will be her favorite — poached eggs on toast with a side of fresh fruit. The house will be immaculate, and for the bath, I'll use lavender and chamomile. She won't be able to say no."
Nigel's response was tinged with amusement. "Master Harry, with such meticulous planning, you might just be the most cunning wizard-in-training I've ever had the pleasure of assisting. Just remember, subtlety is key. We don't want to make her suspicious of our true intentions."