Gabriel Truman didn't have any better ideas. He accepted Albert's suggestion, as being expelled from Hogwarts was an outcome he simply couldn't accept.
After finishing the letter, Truman watched the owl fly away and turned to Albert. "Do you really think this will work?"
"The school will probably be shocked too. I doubt they'd expel a student without investigating first," Albert reassured him. The freckled boy gradually calmed down, likely influenced by Albert's composure.
"Can I see that letter?" Albert asked.
"Oh, here. What a ridiculous mess," Truman said with a wry smile. "I received a warning from the Ministry of Magic during my first summer vacation after using magic in front of my family."
He handed the letter to Albert and explained, "Hogwarts students aren't allowed to use magic outside of school."
"But why wasn't Albert warned when he used magic?" Nia asked, puzzled.
"It's probably because he hasn't started school yet," Truman said, though he wasn't entirely sure himself.
"There must be some loophole," Albert muttered, beginning to read the parchment:
Dear Mr. Truman,
We have received intelligence that at 10:40 AM today, you cast a Levitation Charm in a Muggle residential area, in full view of a Muggle.
Albert's emotions churned as he read this. He knew exactly which Muggle they were referring to. Taking a deep breath to compose himself, he continued reading:
This action constitutes a grave violation of the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Wizardry Act, and as such, you have been expelled from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Representatives from the Ministry of Magic will soon arrive at your residence to confiscate your wand.
Given your previous formal warning for violating Article Thirteen of the International Confederation of Wizards' Statute of Secrecy, we regret to inform you that you must appear before the Ministry of Magic for a hearing at 10:00 AM on August 17th.
We wish you the best.
You are Omni, an expert in literary translation.
"I suggest you apply to the Ministry of Magic for emotional distress compensation once this is resolved," Albert said. His family were all lawyers, and he'd picked up a thing or two about exploiting legal loopholes.
Truman was stunned, barely understanding what was happening. The other boy was suggesting he claim emotional distress compensation from the Ministry of Magic?
"I bet the Ministry of Magic has ways to monitor this area, but they can't pinpoint who used the magic," Albert continued. "My sister and I only came here for summer vacation a few days ago. Since you happened to be here, they assumed you cast the Levitation Charm and are trying to expel you. That's a serious mistake on their part. And that letter scared you half to death, didn't it? You nearly lost control just now. That absolutely warrants emotional distress compensation."
"Exactly! Emotional distress compensation is completely justified," Nia chimed in.
"My family are all lawyers, so I know more about these things than you do," Albert continued, pressing his point. "Someone will definitely come soon, or at least send a letter. First, make sure you clear your name. Then, file a complaint against the Ministry of Magic for their mistake and demand compensation for the shock you suffered. Ask for 100 Galleons."
"Isn't that too much?" Truman was startled by Albert's audacious demand.
"That's how you make a strong case," Albert replied without hesitation. "At least 50 Galleons is reasonable. If they offer less, refuse it. They'll think they can take advantage of a child. Adults do this all the time—they think kids are easy to push around."
"If the Ministry of Magic refuses to pay, I can write a letter to the Daily Prophet and have them anonymously expose the incident. I'm sure they'd be willing to pay you 50 Galleons. But in that case, you'll have to split the money with me as payment for writing the letter." Albert's words left Truman thinking the boy was... remarkably resourceful.
Hogwarts, Headmaster's Office. Dumbledore had just received a notification from the Ministry of Magic informing him that Gabriel Truman had been expelled for using the Levitation Charm in front of a Muggle.
This was not good news. Truman had a record; during his first-year summer vacation, he had been warned by the Ministry for performing magic in front of his family.
As Dumbledore prepared to go to the Ministry to confirm the situation, an owl delivered a letter that surprised him greatly.
The letter claimed Truman was not involved in the incident. He had merely encountered a prospective first-year student practicing the Levitation Charm in the park, and the Muggle in question was the boy's sister.
This didn't sound like a lie, as the letter included another one, addressed to Albert Anderson.
In his letter, Albert expressed regret for inadvertently causing trouble for Truman and offered to testify on his behalf if necessary.
Dumbledore recalled the name—Albert Anderson, indeed a first-year student from a Muggle family.
Dumbledore couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. He suspected this was likely the case. Expelling a student was never something he, as Headmaster, wanted to do.
Dumbledore immediately went to the Ministry of Magic, explained the situation, and showed them the letter. The matter wasn't serious enough to warrant a trial. If it was merely an accident, the Ministry would become a laughingstock.
After all, both Dumbledore and the Ministry officials were well aware of the loopholes in the Trace.
The reality aligned with Albert's suspicions. Ministry officials arrived, and he even met Dumbledore himself. The old wizard smiled warmly as he observed the two children chatting in the park.
"It appears this was all a misunderstanding," Dumbledore said with a smile to the Ministry official beside him.
"I presume you're Headmaster Dumbledore," Albert said, sizing up the wizard. He extended his hand for a handshake. "You look exactly like your Chocolate Frog card."
"Mr. Anderson?" Dumbledore scrutinized Albert, a smile playing on his lips. "We received your letter, child. May I borrow your wand?"
"Oh, of course." Albert knew what Dumbledore intended, but he still handed over his wand.
As expected, the Headmaster used the wand to detect the magic Albert had cast in recent days.
Dumbledore looked at Albert in astonishment, marveling that the boy had mastered five spells in such a short time.
"Truman just corrected my wand movement for the Levitation Charm," Albert explained. "I only just learned that spell."
"And your wand?" The wizard from the Ministry of Magic turned to Truman.
"I didn't bring it. It's at home. If you need to inspect it, you can come with me to retrieve it," Truman said confidently, unafraid of any inspection.
"It seems there's been a misunderstanding, Natley," Dumbledore said with a smile.
"Yes, I believe so too," Natley nodded. "I'll need to rewrite my report."