Gabriel Truman had no better solution, so he could only accept Albert's proposal. Being expelled from Hogwarts was something he absolutely could not accept.
After writing the letter, Truman watched the owl fly away. He turned to Albert and asked, "Do you think this will really be enough?"
"The school must've been shocked too. I don't think they'd expel a student so casually—they'll at least investigate first," Albert said calmly. Truman, who had been agitated moments ago, finally began to calm down, influenced by Albert's composure.
"Can I borrow the letter for a moment?" Albert asked.
"Sure. What an absolute disaster," Truman muttered wryly. "I was already warned by the Ministry once—during the summer of my first year—for using magic in front of my family."
He handed over the parchment and added, "Hogwarts students aren't allowed to use magic outside school grounds."
"But then why wasn't Albert warned when he used magic?" Nia asked, confused.
"It's probably because he hasn't officially started school yet," Truman answered, though he didn't sound entirely certain.
"Sounds like a loophole," Albert said, and began to read:
Dear Mr. Truman,
We have received intelligence that at 10:40 AM today, you performed a Levitation Charm in a Muggle residential area, in front of a Muggle.
This act severely violates the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery. Given your previous formal warning for violating Article 13 of the International Confederation of Wizards' Statute of Secrecy, you are required to appear at the Ministry of Magic for a hearing at 10 o'clock on the morning of August 17th.
Should the charge be upheld, you will be expelled from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and your wand will be destroyed by the Ministry.
Yours sincerely,
Mafalda Hopkirk, Ministry of Magic, Improper Use of Magic Office
Albert exhaled softly and handed the letter back. "Once this is settled, you should apply for emotional compensation from the Ministry," he said casually.
Truman blinked. "Compensation? From the Ministry of Magic?"
"I'm serious," Albert continued. "The Ministry definitely has a way to detect magic around underage wizards, but they can't always identify exactly who cast it. My sister and I only came here a few days ago. Because you happened to be nearby, they assumed it was you and immediately accused you. That's a serious mistake on their part. And this letter—you were terrified just now, weren't you? Emotional distress is valid grounds for compensation."
"Yes! Emotional distress compensation is totally reasonable," Nia agreed earnestly.
"My family are all lawyers," Albert added. "So here's the plan: first, clear your name. Then send an official complaint to the Ministry. Ask for 100 Galleons."
"Isn't that a bit much?" Truman asked, shocked.
"That's just to start the negotiation," Albert said bluntly. "At least 50 Galleons is fair. Any less and they'll think children are easy to fool. Adults are like that."
"And if they refuse," Albert continued casually, "I can write an anonymous letter to the Daily Prophet and expose the incident. Trust me, they'd rather pay 50 Galleons than become a joke across the wizarding world. But in that case, you'll have to split the money with me—as a fee for the letter."
Truman stared at him, speechless. This kid is unbelievable.
🧙♂️ Meanwhile, at Hogwarts…
In the Headmaster's office, Albus Dumbledore had just received a notice from the Ministry of Magic. Gabriel Truman was summoned for a disciplinary hearing for allegedly performing the Levitation Charm in front of a Muggle. If found guilty, he would be expelled.
It was troubling news. Truman already had a record—he'd been warned once before for using magic during his first summer holiday.
Just as Dumbledore was preparing to visit the Ministry to investigate, another letter arrived—this one surprising him greatly.
It explained that Truman was innocent. He had only encountered a soon-to-be first-year student practicing magic in a park, and the "Muggle witness" was that student's younger sister. Another letter, written by Albert Anderson himself, was attached. In it, Albert expressed regret and offered to testify on Truman's behalf.
Dumbledore remembered the name—Albert Anderson, a Muggle-born first-year.
He sighed in relief. This explanation aligned perfectly with what he expected. He had never been fond of expelling students.
Dumbledore immediately headed to the Ministry to speak with the Improper Use of Magic Office. If this was truly just a misunderstanding, a hearing would make the Ministry look ridiculous.
Both the Ministry and Dumbledore knew very well—there were loopholes in the Trace.
Sure enough, Ministry officials soon arrived at the park—with Dumbledore himself.
From a distance, the Headmaster watched the two boys talking. He smiled.
"It seems this was a misunderstanding," Dumbledore said gently to the Ministry official beside him.
"I believe so too," said the witch, Nataly.
Albert noticed them approaching and stepped forward politely. "You must be Headmaster Dumbledore," he said, offering his hand. "You look exactly like your Chocolate Frog card."
"Mr. Anderson, I presume," Dumbledore replied, amused. "We received your letter. May I borrow your wand for a moment?"
"Of course, sir," Albert said, handing it over without hesitation.
Dumbledore cast Prior Incantato, revealing the recent spells Albert had used.
He raised his eyebrows slightly—this child had already mastered five spells in just a few days.
"Truman only corrected my hand movement for the Levitation Charm. I managed it right after," Albert explained.
"And your wand?" the Ministry official asked Truman.
"I didn't bring it. It's at home. You can check it if you want."
"It appears this truly was a misunderstanding," Dumbledore said.
"Yes," Nataly agreed. "I'll have to write a new report."