[Dear Professor Dumbledore,
Merry Christmas! I hope you liked the hazelnut chocolates I sent you, and I also hope you like the color of the woolen socks. I received the woolen socks you sent me; the cats and dogs embroidered on them are very cute. By the way, have you heard the news that the current Muggle Prime Minister is about to resign? Now I need to discuss a rather explosive matter with you; I hope you can mentally prepare yourself in advance, like finding a chair to sit in, taking a deep breath, etc.]
As Dumbledore read this, he felt an ominous sensation within him. He had a hunch that Tom Yodel had once again stirred up a big commotion. Dumbledore's appearance today was more reminiscent of a successful Santa Claus who had gone on a diet, but his facial expression lacked the characteristic kindness of Santa Claus.
Tom was considerate in making a page break after "etc," preventing Dumbledore from seeing the content of the rest of the letter without turning the page. This considerate gesture only increased Dumbledore's unease.
Following the instructions in the letter, Dumbledore sat down. He took two deep breaths and, in the process, pulled a small pumpkin-shaped glass vial from a drawer.
Fully prepared, Dumbledore continued reading Tom's letter.
[Today I had an encounter with Jim Hacker, the most likely candidate to become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and I informed him about the existence of the magical world. Before you worry, Professor, I will explain all the details.]
Dumbledore: !!!
Upon reading the phrase "I informed him about the existence of the magical world," Dumbledore felt like his scalp was exploding. Tom was right; this news could infuriate him if he wasn't mentally prepared.
In strict terms, Tom's behavior violated the "Law of Secrecy." In principle, Dumbledore should have gone to London immediately, snatched Tom from the Granger household, and taken him to Azkaban for an unforgettable Christmas. However, if Hacker actually becomes the Prime Minister, Tom's actions would be difficult to define as criminal. After all, every Prime Minister is aware of the existence of the magical world.
But Hacker hasn't become Prime Minister yet, has he? What if he shares this information with his wife? What if he writes something inappropriate in his diary? What if he leaves a recording or video to be revealed after his death?
All these things have happened in history. But wizards saw it coming. Wizards had a three-dimensional defense system to ensure that the Prime Minister never revealed the secrets of the magical world.
Tom's behavior was extremely dangerous in Dumbledore's eyes. He decided it was time to give this young wizard a lesson to prevent him from going too far. He could give him some challenging tasks... and if he dared to refuse them, he'd simply slap him in the face with the letter.
Well, although Dumbledore considered Tom's behavior excessive, he had no intention of taking him to the Wizengamot. For wizards, keeping the secret was not such a difficult thing. If necessary, wizards could simply cast a massive Memory Charm, a rain of obliviation, and erase the memories of the entire city.
He continued reading the letter sent by Tom. In the following paragraphs, Tom analyzed Hacker's strengths and his competitors' weaknesses. After reading it, Dumbledore was surprised to realize that Hacker actually had a high probability of becoming the next Prime Minister.
The importance of a Minister and a Prime Minister were completely different. Predicting the next Prime Minister in advance would bring enormous benefits, and all he had to do was guide him a little.
The benefits of cultivating the land multiply by ten, while the profits from selling pearls and jewels are a hundredfold. Helping a Minister become Prime Minister would make the benefits incalculable.
Dumbledore was impressed.
[...
By the way, I think it would be a good idea to invite Hacker to visit Hogwarts during the Christmas holidays.
Get well soon!
Sincerely,
Tom Yodel]
Dumbledore looked at the suggestion at the end of the letter and suddenly felt that this idea wasn't bad at all. Hacker, as the future Muggle Prime Minister, might gain a more specific understanding of the magical world, which would be beneficial for both parties. People who have met wizards won't demonize them.
Dumbledore slouched in his chair, his long fingers crossed as he contemplated.
After a moment, he tapped on the table, summoned Fawkes, and began to write.
...
"Tom, are you back? Are you hungry? Dad and I left you a sandwich; do you want me to heat it up?"
When Tom returned home, Hermione approached with a smile, holding a plate of sandwiches.
In the Granger's house, they had underfloor heating and a lit fireplace, making the entire house as warm as spring despite the December cold wind. Hermione was dressed casually: a dark and pink striped T-shirt, with a leather belt cinching her khaki pants at her waist.
With the heated floor, the ground was warm, so Hermione was barefoot, wearing only the ankle bracelet that Tom had given her.
Even though Hermione dressed like this, Tom could still politely decline her invitation.
"I'm sorry; I've already eaten at someone else's house," Tom was tempted, but he still planned to decline Hermione's offer politely.
"Oh? You've already eaten? Do you want to eat a little more?" Hermione held a tray in one hand and with the other, she grabbed Tom, leading him to the table to sit first.
"Come on, open your mouth," she looked at Tom, who seemed quite reluctant, and changed her expression to a smile, lifting a piece of sandwich with her slender fingers and bringing it to Tom's mouth.
Looking at Hermione with a smile on his face, Tom couldn't refuse, and he allowed Hermione to feed him the sandwich.
"Well, just one piece... wait... no, it's too much-"
Hermione kept feeding him more pieces, puffing up Tom's cheeks.
"Is it good?" she smiled, appearing like a little demon in Tom's eyes.
He made an effort to chew the sandwich, struggling to swallow it. Mrs. Granger's sandwich-making skills were far below Mrs. Weasley's and even Hacker's wife, Annie.
Watching Tom gradually finish the sandwich, Hermione coldly chuckled, "You can't hide from what everyone has to eat, even if you run to the end of the world!".
When Tom finished eating, Hermione raised her hand, the back of it facing her, observing her fingers stained with some sandwich sauce.
"Oh, I've accidentally stained myself again. Tom, can you fetch me a napkin?" she sighed, casting a glance at Tom and speaking softly.
Using a napkin was so unecological! So Tom decided to help Hermione clean her fingers.