บท 2: Nigel, the AI
The first light of dawn was barely filtering through the curtains when Harry felt a gentle, yet insistent nudge in his mind. It was Nigel, his ever-present, invisible companion, stirring him from sleep with his usual blend of dry humor and polite urgency.
"Good morning, Harry," Nigel's voice echoed in his mind, the old British gentleman's tone impeccably polite, yet tinged with a hint of sarcasm. "As delightful as it is to watch you embrace the joys of slumber, I must remind you of the less pleasant realities awaiting your attention."
Harry groaned, rubbing his eyes. "What time is it, Nigel?"
"A perfectly reasonable hour for a young man to start his day, especially when certain familial obligations loom overhead," Nigel replied. His tone was light, but Harry could sense the undercurrent of seriousness. The Dursleys were not known for their leniency, especially when it came to Harry's chores.
Harry sat up, stretching his arms. "Alright, what's on the agenda for today?"
"Your charming aunt and uncle expect breakfast prepared promptly. A task I suggest we undertake with haste, lest you find yourself facing their displeasure... and an empty stomach."
Harry sighed and swung his legs off the bed. Nigel was right. The last thing he wanted was to start the day with Uncle Vernon's bellowing or Aunt Petunia's scathing remarks.
As he made his way to the kitchen, Nigel continued, "While you engage in the culinary arts, I've taken the liberty of devising a plan for today. It involves a bit of research in Diagon Alley and a visit to a certain shop that might prove useful for our... future endeavors."
Harry's interest was piqued. "What shop?"
"Ahh, the curiosity of youth. Worry not, all will be revealed in due time. For now, let's focus on not burning the bacon, shall we?"
As Harry busied himself with the morning's cooking, he couldn't help but marvel at the efficiency that Nigel's guidance brought to even the most mundane tasks. The Technology System (TS) that Nigel was a part of seemed almost magical in its own right, despite its technological origins.
"Master Harry, if you place the bacon on the skillet now, it will reach optimal crispness by the time the eggs are done," Nigel advised, his voice calm and measured in Harry's mind. "And do remember to lower the heat slightly. We wouldn't want to give your aunt any more reasons to critique your culinary skills."
Harry adjusted the stove as instructed, feeling a bit like he was part of a well-oiled machine. He had to admit, having Nigel's assistance made these chores less tedious, almost enjoyable in a strange way.
"And while you're at it, a dash of salt on the eggs, just a dash," Nigel continued. "We aim for flavor, not a heart attack."
Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "You know, for an AI, you've got quite the sense of humor, Nigel."
"Ah, humor is a necessary tool in the arsenal of any gentleman, Master Harry, even a digital one," Nigel replied, his tone laced with his characteristic dry wit. "It makes the unbearable, bearable, and the mundane, slightly less so."
The breakfast was soon ready, cooked to perfection under Nigel's meticulous guidance. As Harry served the plates, Nigel remarked, "A job well done, Master Harry."
Harry sat slumped at the table, still feeling the weight of his situation despite the successful completion of his morning tasks. "You told me to go out to the library, but I'm not allowed to leave the house," he said, his voice tinged with frustration.
Nigel's voice returned, tinged with its usual mix of dry wit and sharp intelligence. "That is where your Aunt Petunia comes in, Master Harry. There are ways to navigate around such restrictions, you see."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "How's that? She's not exactly my biggest fan."
"Ah, but therein lies the opportunity," Nigel explained. "You see, your aunt doesn't truly hate you, Harry. Her feelings are more... complex, rooted in a blend of resentment and perhaps a touch of envy. Understanding her perspective might be the key to gaining a bit more freedom."
Harry frowned, struggling to see how this could be true. "Envy? Aunt Petunia?"
"Yes, indeed. Your magical abilities, something she lacks, might stir feelings of envy in her," Nigel said. "Consider using this knowledge to your advantage. Observe her, understand her, and you might find ways to influence her decisions."
"But how do I even start with something like that?" Harry asked, feeling out of his depth.
"Observation, Master Harry, is an art," Nigel began. "Notice her expressions, her tone, the words she chooses. Look for patterns in her behavior, moments when she is more amenable. And remember, your demeanor can greatly affect her responses. Approach her with a blend of respect and confidence."
Harry mulled over Nigel's words. "So, you're suggesting I play nice with her? Be polite, help out more?"
"Exactly," Nigel confirmed. "And when the moment is right, express a genuine interest in something outside the house. The library, for example. Frame it as an educational pursuit, something she might find hard to argue against."
"It sounds like a long shot," Harry said skeptically.
"With a dash of charm and a sprinkle of sincerity, you'd be surprised at what can be achieved," Nigel replied, his tone light yet encouraging. "And remember, I'm here to guide you through it. Together, we'll navigate this social labyrinth."
Harry nodded, feeling a bit more hopeful. Nigel's advice was unconventional, but it offered a glimmer of a plan. And if there was anything Harry had learned since Nigel's arrival, it was that the AI's suggestions, however strange, often led to surprising results.
Nigel then reminded him, "It is time for waking up your family, Master Harry. If they are late for their day, you will be to blame."
Harry sighed, pushing away from the breakfast table. "Right, the last thing I need is Uncle Vernon blaming me for his being late to work."
"As always, a keen observation, Master Harry," Nigel quipped. "Your uncle's punctuality is a matter of great importance, rivaled only by his love for a quiet breakfast. Which, thanks to your exemplary culinary skills, is now assured."
Harry couldn't help but smile at Nigel's remark as he headed upstairs to rouse the Dursleys. He knocked gently on the door of Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia's room. "Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, time to get up."
There was a grumble from within, followed by the sound of shuffling. Harry knew better than to enter without permission and waited patiently outside.
"Remember, Harry, your charm offensive begins now," Nigel advised. "Politeness and a smile, even if it's just a façade, can work wonders."
Harry nodded to himself, plastering a polite smile on his face as Uncle Vernon opened the door, his expression sour as usual.
"Breakfast is ready, Uncle Vernon," Harry said, maintaining his composure.
Vernon grunted a response and shuffled past Harry, his eyes barely registering the boy.
As Harry moved to wake Dudley, Nigel continued, "Now, onto your cousin. A different approach might be required here."
Harry asked, "Different?"
Nigel said, "Of course. Every person is different, and your approach must be tailored accordingly. Your Aunt Petunia's emotions are tinged with resentment, envy, and anger. Dudley, on the other hand, has been shaped by his upbringing. It's not entirely his fault, but that doesn't justify his actions. Given his youth, he's more susceptible to influence. Follow my instructions, and within a month, he might be hanging on your every word."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Really? Dudley, listening to me?"
"With the right strategy, even the most unlikely alliances can be forged," Nigel replied, his voice rich with unspoken amusement. "In Dudley's case, the key lies in finding common ground, something that interests him yet doesn't threaten his sense of superiority."
Harry pondered this as he approached Dudley's room. He knocked and waited for a response. "Time to get up, Dudley," he called out, his tone deliberately neutral.
Dudley's response was a groan, followed by a muffled, "Go away, Harry."
"Breakfast is ready," Harry continued, unfazed. "I made sure to cook extra bacon."
There was a moment of silence, then the sound of movement from inside the room. Dudley soon emerged, his expression less hostile than usual at the prospect of his favorite breakfast.
"As you interact with Dudley, observe his reactions," Nigel advised. "Find what excites him, what he's passionate about. Use that knowledge to build a rapport."
Harry nodded to himself. "So, Dudley, got any plans today?" he asked, attempting to sound casually interested as they walked downstairs.
Dudley shrugged, "Dunno, might hang out with Piers. Why?"
"Just asking," Harry said, keeping his tone light. "Thought you might be interested in that new video game that's coming out soon. Heard it's supposed to be really good."
Dudley's eyes lit up briefly at the mention of the game, but he quickly masked his interest. "Yeah, maybe."
"There you go, Harry," Nigel whispered in his mind. "A small crack in the wall. Keep at it, and you'll find your way through."
As they sat at the table, Harry served and went back to the kitchen for his own breakfast. He wasn't allowed to sit at the table with the rest, but it didn't mean he couldn't work on new tactics Nigel had taught him. He checked with the AI, "Are you saying you can help me with video games, so I'll become an expert in a second? Then, you want me to act like I can't play at all but give Dudley theoretical knowledge to make him better?"
Nigel, sounding slightly offended, responded, "Such a simple game is not worthy of my attention, Master Harry. This is the Technology System, after all. We are capable of far more sophisticated endeavors."
Harry couldn't help but chuckle. "Right, because helping me win at video games is beneath us."
"Precisely, Master Harry," Nigel replied with his usual dry wit. "However, there is merit in using your newfound knowledge as a tool for building rapport with your cousin. It's not about the game itself, but the interaction it facilitates."
Harry mulled this over as he quietly ate his breakfast in the kitchen. "So, I learn about the game, share some tips with Dudley, and we bond over it? Is that the plan?"
"In essence, yes," Nigel confirmed. "It's about finding a common interest, a platform for positive interaction. It's not just about Dudley, it's about changing the dynamics of your relationship with the Dursleys."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "I guess it's worth a try. But I'm not exactly a video game expert."
"You needn't be, Master Harry," Nigel reassured him. "A little research, a few well-placed comments, and you'll have enough to pique Dudley's interest. It's not about being an expert; it's about being a useful and interesting presence in his life."
Harry finished his breakfast and began cleaning up. "Alright, Nigel. I'll give it a shot. What's the worst that could happen?"
"A most prudent approach, Master Harry," Nigel said approvingly. "And now, regarding our Diagon Alley excursion. Once you've navigated the morning's familial challenges, we should plan our visit. There's much to prepare and consider."
"Right, the mysterious shop you mentioned," Harry said, his curiosity reignited. "What are we looking for there?"
"Ah, patience, Master Harry," Nigel chided gently. "All in good time. For now, let's focus on the task at hand. Winning over the Dursleys is no small feat, but I have every confidence in your ability to rise to the challenge."
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