Dudley, reclining on the sofa, felt his pupils contract slightly at Dumbledore's words.
This Dumbledore is formidable, he thought. To glean so much truth from so few clues was remarkable.
Since the group entered, Dudley had been quietly observing. The kind-faced old man, Hogwarts' headmaster, stood out most. Through his spiritual sense, Dudley detected an immense energy within Dumbledore's soul, far surpassing the others, and a faint threat emanated from him.
This wizard is powerful, Dudley noted. Minister Fudge's deference, often seeking Dumbledore's opinion, underscored his lofty status in the wizarding world.
The headmaster of a magical school wielding such power is extraordinary, Dudley mused. But he believed Dumbledore's deductions would stop there. No matter how skilled, Dumbledore couldn't conjure the concept of extraordinary abilities or connect the clues to a Muggle-born boy.
Dudley had dubbed himself Night Emperor to divert their investigation, giving them a false lead rather than letting them grope blindly.
Dumbledore's suggestion shifted the room's mood.
"You mean…" John's eyes darted to the three present: Harry, Hagrid, and Dudley.
"Oh, John, don't be daft," Fudge scoffed. "Hagrid can barely cast spells, and Harry and that boy haven't even started at Hogwarts. How could they perform such advanced magic?"
"Sorry, Minister," John said, offering an awkward smile, realizing his idea was absurd.
"They haven't even bought wands yet," Hagrid added. "Without wands, they couldn't cast anything."
All eyes turned back to Dumbledore.
"I didn't mean them," Dumbledore clarified. "It's possible a fourth person was present, hidden, using the phantom as a decoy while casting spells from the shadows."
His gaze flicked briefly to Dudley, as if probing for a reaction, but Dudley maintained a blank, frightened expression, betraying nothing.
"That's plausible," Fudge nodded. If one cloaked figure could infiltrate Gringotts, a second wasn't unthinkable.
"But we found no evidence of another person," John said, frustrated.
Dumbledore's theory seemed logical, but without proof, it was just speculation.
"Damn it, that cloaked figure escaped," Fudge fumed. Gringotts' wizards and the Aurors who followed found no trace, leaving Harry's testimony as their only lead.
"About that cloaked figure…" Dumbledore prompted, looking at Fudge.
"We don't know his identity," Fudge admitted, frowning. "Some suspect he's a Death Eater."
"To avenge Voldemort?" Dumbledore asked softly.
A collective shiver ran through the room at the name.
"Actually… I have another theory," Harry said hesitantly. "He might not have been after me—or at least, that wasn't his main goal."
"Oh?" Everyone turned to Harry.
"We were at Vault 713's entrance when he attacked," Harry explained. "He might have wanted what was inside."
He glanced at Dudley, who'd shared this idea on their way up.
"Vault 713?" Fudge asked, looking to Dumbledore.
"Something an old friend entrusted to me," Dumbledore said simply. "I asked Hagrid to retrieve it for Hogwarts today, but this incident intervened."
"I see," Fudge said, dropping the subject.
"I'm sorry, Professor," Hagrid said, anguished. "I overslept this morning. We were meant to visit Diagon Alley earlier. If I'd been on time, Vault 713 would've been empty before that cloaked figure arrived."
"Hagrid, it's not your fault," Dumbledore said calmly. "No one could predict this."
Dudley observed silently, not speaking once. As a Muggle-raised child untouched by magic, he was beneath notice, exactly as he preferred. Invisibility was his best defense.
"One last question, Harry," Dumbledore said. "Do you recall the syllables the Night Emperor spoke?"
This was their final clue. Identifying the language could reveal the Night Emperor's origins. His appearance wasn't just an underground event—his majestic aura had rippled through Diagon Alley and beyond, felt even in Muggle London. A wizard of such power was a monumental concern, potentially more dangerous than the cloaked figure.
"I… I can't remember," Harry said after a moment, shaking his head.
"Very well, rest now," Dumbledore said gently. "We won't trouble you further."
The wizards, sensing the inquiry's end, exchanged theories as they moved toward the door.
"Oh, one more thing," Hagrid said suddenly. "Dudley spotted the cloaked figure before he attacked. He warned Griphook, who went to check the stalactite, and that's when the cloaked figure struck."