"A purification spell that can directly neutralise such powerful dark magic," Snape concluded after finishing his assessment, glancing sideways at Dudley with obvious suspicion.
"That was the effect of my magical item," Dudley said directly without hesitation.
"Is that so?" Snape replied with scepticism. "Then could that dark magic also be the effect of some magical item?"
"After all, from your description, I can't think of anything that could petrify you and Harry through a mere mirror."
Professor McGonagall frowned and immediately spoke with defensive sharpness: "Snape, what do you mean by that?"
"Are you saying this was staged by Dudley?"
Snape sneered coldly, "I'm simply describing this possibility."
"Perhaps our Dragon Knight felt that Hogwarts today was too safe and wanted some excitement."
"Or perhaps he felt his current authority wasn't sufficient and wanted to gain more privileges."
"In any case, I don't think we can rule out this possibility unless I'm allowed to examine all the magical items Dudley mentioned. Oh right, and that mirror as well."
"Professor Snape, what evidence do you have to accuse us?" Harry said with rising anger.
This was simply absurd. They had been attacked, yet someone suspected they had staged it themselves.
"I can let Professor Dumbledore examine those magical items, but not you, Professor Snape," Dudley said with cold determination.
"I don't trust you!"
Snape glared at Dudley but didn't continue the confrontation.
"Very well, there's no need to argue about this. I know about Dudley's magical items," Dumbledore said after glancing meaningfully at Dudley.
"About that yellow light you mentioned, are there any other details?" Dumbledore asked with focused attention.
"None. The image was extremely blurry. We only saw a fleeting glimmer, then we were immediately petrified," Dudley explained.
"Yellow glimmer... if I had been there, I definitely could have identified what it was immediately. What a pity," Lockhart said with considerable theatrical regret.
"Then does Professor Lockhart have any suggestions?" Harry couldn't help asking hopefully.
"Well... without having seen the scene personally, I don't have any specific suggestions right now. Next time, if something like this happens again, you must remember to come find me," Lockhart said with his practised smile.
"Yellow glimmer..." Dumbledore mused thoughtfully.
"Dudley, Harry, you two come here."
Ignoring Lockhart's words, Dumbledore looked toward Dudley and Harry with serious intent.
The two walked forward and stood before the headmaster.
Dumbledore examined them carefully, his penetrating blue eyes behind the half-moon spectacles seeming as if they could see right through them.
After several tense moments, Dumbledore withdrew his gaze.
"Indeed, it's exceptionally powerful dark magic," Dumbledore confirmed gravely.
"Dudley, can you sense it every time danger appears?" he asked.
Dudley thought for a moment and said, "I can sense it somewhat, but if the distance is relatively far, I might not be so timely, or if I'm not in the castle, I might not detect it."
"If I asked you to search for dangers hidden in the school, could you do it?" Dumbledore asked with meaningful intensity.
"Me?" Dudley frowned with surprise.
"There are so many excellent professors here. I think I..."
"I can give you the authority to interrogate others. If you discover problems, you can interrogate anyone, including professors," Dumbledore said with decisive authority.
Dudley's pupils contracted slightly with shock.
This Dumbledore had indeed realised something significant.
Dudley had originally just wanted to assist others in investigating this matter. He didn't want to get deeply involved.
But Dumbledore had given him a reason that was almost impossible to refuse.
Interrogation.
His Interrogator beyonder characteristic hadn't finished digesting yet. This might be an opportunity to help him advance quickly and reach Sequence 6 Judge.
At that stage, the Arbiter sequence's core ability, "Decree", could be unlocked, and his strength would certainly see a huge improvement.
"Professor Dumbledore, this isn't appropriate..." Snape quickly protested.
Dumbledore raised his hand to stop Snape's objection.
"What do you say, Dudley? Can I trust you?" Dumbledore asked with pointed meaning.
"Very well," Dudley finally agreed after weighing the pros and cons.
The danger lurking in the castle was indeed frightening, but Dudley wasn't without countermeasures.
At least the Solar Ring in his possession could restrain his opponent, and in the castle, all of Dudley's abilities were enhanced, so the danger was relatively manageable.
"Professor Dumbledore," Professor McGonagall frowned with obvious concern.
Even she felt that Dumbledore was giving Dudley far too much authority.
"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures," Professor Dumbledore said with finality.
"Don't worry. Dudley, if you have any problems, you can come ask me anytime. I'll definitely be able to help you," Lockhart said with his characteristic smile.
When Dumbledore had looked at him just now, it had given Lockhart quite a fright. He was afraid Dumbledore would ask him to handle this matter, and then he would really have to consider fleeing as soon as possible.
"Very well, all of you go back. Remind all students to be careful of yellow lights recently," Dumbledore finally instructed.
Seeing that Dudley wasn't being investigated but had instead gained greater authority, Snape's expression was extremely ugly as he turned and left directly.
He had only one thought in his mind: that Dumbledore had become completely senile.
Harry and Ron both breathed sighs of relief and followed Professor McGonagall outside.
Dudley remained behind.
"Professor Dumbledore, have you encountered some trouble?" Dudley enquired with genuine concern.
"I have encountered some trouble," Dumbledore didn't evade the question.
"Perhaps I could help you," Dudley offered sincerely.
Dumbledore's gaze wavered slightly, but he quickly shook his head with resolve.
"This matter, I need to handle myself. I won't trouble you."
"Very well, Professor Dumbledore," Dudley accepted gracefully.
"I'll do my utmost to protect Hogwarts, but I'd like to know... if I discover problems and need help, how should I contact you?"
"At Hogwarts, those who need help can always find it," Dumbledore said cryptically.
Hearing this, Dudley was initially somewhat confused but soon understood what Dumbledore meant.
Dudley glanced at Fawkes sleeping peacefully nearby.
"Good night, Professor Dumbledore."
"Good night, Dudley."
Dudley turned and left Dumbledore's office.
"What trouble has he encountered that would make him put so much energy into matters outside the school and even refuse my help?" Dudley frowned as he walked through the corridors.
"Does he not want me to know, or is there some other reason?"
Dudley shook his head. Since Dumbledore wouldn't say, he wouldn't press. School matters were most important right now. They related directly to his acting and advancement.