Although Dudley had previously researched that Hogwarts had anti-Apparition charms protecting it, house-elves were not affected by these spells, which made things rather difficult.
Trying to catch a house-elf that could Apparate at any time was extremely difficult, unless Dudley immediately used very powerful spells to severely injure or even kill it.
But this didn't align with Dudley's intentions. He still wanted to figure out what this house-elf's purpose was and find the person behind it.
These creatures were mere tools following their master's will. Destroying the tool wouldn't solve the problem—the real threat would simply acquire a new instrument.
"Perhaps I could ask Professor McGonagall if she has any solutions," Dudley thought to himself.
Since the start of school, Dudley had already bribed Professor McGonagall quite a few times. This small request should still be manageable.
After the Quidditch match ended, Dudley left with the crowd.
However, he didn't return to Gryffindor Tower with Ron and Hermione to celebrate, but headed straight to Professor McGonagall's office.
Knock knock.
Dudley knocked on Professor McGonagall's office door.
"Come in," Professor McGonagall's voice came through.
Dudley pushed open the door and walked in.
"Oh, Mr. Dursley, do you have some delicious treats to give me again today?" Professor McGonagall asked with a smile.
"No, Professor. I'm here today because there's something I'd like to ask for your help with," Dudley said sincerely.
"Oh? What is it?" Professor McGonagall looked at Dudley with focused attention.
"You also saw today's Quidditch match, Professor. That Bludger had been enchanted by someone, and I suspect it was done by a house-elf," Dudley said directly.
Professor McGonagall's expression became serious.
As a Quidditch fan, she had naturally watched today's match and had also noticed that the Bludger was very likely problematic.
But as Head of Gryffindor House, she couldn't interfere with the match at that time and could only watch as that Bludger kept chasing Harry.
Fortunately, Dudley had cleverly dealt with that Bludger later, allowing Gryffindor to win.
"You did well," Professor McGonagall said approvingly.
Although Professor McGonagall wasn't clear about what had happened in between, when she saw Harry charging toward Dudley and then Dudley directly destroying that Bludger with magic, she understood everything.
"However, regarding the house-elf you mentioned, do you have any evidence?"
"That house-elf has appeared around Harry and me more than once. During the summer holidays, he intercepted letters to Harry and me, then later sealed Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, forcing Harry and Ron to drive to school. Today he controlled a Bludger to frantically chase Harry. I believe we must take some action and not let him act so recklessly," Dudley said seriously.
"Moreover, I saw that house-elf appear among the Slytherin crowd today."
Hearing this, Professor McGonagall frowned even deeper.
"So you think that house-elf might be acting on orders from some wizard in Slytherin?"
"Exactly."
"Professor, I want to know... are there any spells that can prevent house-elves from Apparating?" Dudley asked.
"You want to catch that house-elf?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Yes," Dudley nodded.
"Ordinary spells only work on wizards, like the anti-Apparition charms you mentioned, but these spells are ineffective against house-elves. They have stronger magical constraints; namely, they must respond to their master's demands at all times," Professor McGonagall said with a frown.
"Is there really no way to prevent them from escaping?" Dudley asked with obvious concern.
If that were truly the case, house-elves would be far too invincible.
But since wizards could defeat elves and completely enslave this race, it meant wizards had great advantages when facing elves. Logically, this situation shouldn't occur.
"There are still methods, but they would be very difficult for you," Professor McGonagall said. "How about this? I'll try to pay more attention to you and Harry recently. If I spot that house-elf, I'll act to detain him. How does that sound?"
Dudley showed a bitter smile.
First, Professor McGonagall couldn't constantly watch the two of them. Who knew when that house-elf would appear? These were all unpredictable things.
Second, he didn't want to be watched, especially by a powerful wizard like Professor McGonagall.
"Professor, you can't watch Harry and me at all times. If possible, I hope you could teach us the method," Dudley said.
Professor McGonagall looked troubled and said, "Dudley, it's not that I don't want to teach you the method, but this kind of magic requires advanced magical skills. First, you yourself need to know how to Apparate before you can learn this spell."
"It's called a spatial binding charm—it creates a temporary magical barrier that prevents any form of Apparition, even by house-elves who normally bypass such restrictions. But this spell also has flaws. The binding can only last for a very short period, determined by the caster's ability. It might only be ten-plus seconds, or one or two minutes, and cannot be maintained long-term."
"This requires you to defeat that house-elf in a short time and bind the magic power within him, thus preventing his escape."
Professor McGonagall explained patiently.
Hearing McGonagall's words, Dudley's eyes lit up with interest.
"Professor McGonagall, perhaps you could first teach me the Apparition spell, then teach me that spatial binding charm. What do you think?" Dudley immediately suggested.
Professor McGonagall paused, then couldn't help saying, "Are you serious? Dudley, Apparition is something only fifth-year students can learn. This is very advanced magic. You're currently..."
Before McGonagall could finish, Dudley eagerly interrupted, "Professor, I've already proven myself by taming a Norwegian Ridgeback and surviving confrontations with both Quirrell and Voldemort. Surely that demonstrates the magical ability needed for these spells?"
McGonagall fell into contemplative thought.
"Professor McGonagall, I really need you to teach me these spells," Dudley pleaded earnestly.
At the same time, he took out a piece of toffee he had prepared from the Mirror of Erised and handed it to Professor McGonagall.
Bribery.
Dudley activated his beyonder ability.
Professor McGonagall accepted the candy Dudley handed her, and a smile couldn't help but appear at the corner of her mouth.
"Alright, Dudley. Seeing how sincerely you want to learn, I can teach you Apparition and spatial binding magic," Professor McGonagall said.
Dudley's face immediately showed a happy smile.
At the same time, the Briber potion accelerated its digestion, and Dudley clearly felt his beyonder abilities improve.