"The Shogun wishes to establish deeper ties with the esteemed magical community of your country. We have heard of the legendary Triwizard Tournament currently taking place at your school, and the Shogun is greatly interested in this extraordinary event that occurs once every hundred years. He is looking forward to visiting your school to witness the Tournament..."
"It's an honor for us." Ludo Bagman had a wide smile on his face. The Japanese envoys were extremely generous and lavish; their spending capacity was astounding.
During the past few days he had spent with the ambassador, Bagman had gained many advantages. And that was just dealing with a few envoys; if a whole group were to come...
Bagman saw a prosperous future.
After expressing his respect to Ambassador Tsuchimikado Genghu, Bagman went on to introduce Tom.
"A bearer of the Order of Merlin, First Class! I've heard of you, but I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to meet you in person. Your Patronus is amazing, and your bravery is truly admirable."
It was evident that Tsuchimikado Genghu wanted to establish a closer relationship with Tom, but Tom didn't seem interested, so his words became a bit more subtle: "I didn't know you were so interested in us here. I thought you'd put more effort into improving relations with neighboring countries. Previously, due to the former Shogun, diplomatic relations with several nearby countries had become quite strained. Now that the former Shogun has passed away, and a new Shogun has taken office, isn't it an opportunity to mend those broken relations?"
The former Shogun of Japan had been a prominent figure in the magical world since the Taisho Era, which means he had experienced the turbulent decades of the 20th century. With a figure like that, it was natural for relations between the magical world of Japan and that of other East Asian countries to be quite tense.
That was also the situation Tom had discovered in the Japanese magical world.
The topic Tom brought up was a bit uncomfortable, and Tsuchimikado Genho really didn't want to continue discussing it. He could only give an ambiguous response, saying that all of that was in the past and had no relevance to the current generation.
Anyway, I'm sorry!
Tom laughed sarcastically, not giving any credit to that response.
The current Shogun of Japan had close connections with Voldemort, and just for that reason, Tom wouldn't allow them to come and witness the Triwizard Tournament.
It was a matter of principle, and there was no way he would accept it. Has the Ministry of Magic already consulted with Hogwarts about this matter?
Bagman noticed that the atmosphere suddenly became tense, so he tried to change the tone of the conversation. After chatting with Bagman for a while, Tom realized that the man in front of him was a very powerful individual.
He was the direct descendant of the famous Onmyoji Abe no Seimei.
"Oh," Tom exclaimed in surprise, then had an awkward question, "Why does the descendant of Abe no Seimei carry the surname Tsuchimikado?"
That was a question Tom had always found puzzling. Descendants of Slytherin carried the Gaunt surname, so why did Abe no Seimei's descendants carry the Tsuchimikado surname?
It was evident that Tsuchimikado Genghu had been asked that question on multiple occasions. He began explaining the surname system in Japan to Tom.
Perhaps due to cultural differences, he didn't seem uncomfortable, but Tom had the feeling he was receiving a "History of Mr. Yo" lesson.
As he spoke, there was a sudden rumbling in Tom's pocket, and he knew immediately that it was time for Hermione to take her medicine.
He quickly retrieved the vial of medicine and handed it to Hermione, watching her with a concerned look as she drank the extremely bitter potion that Snape had prepared. After shuddering, Hermione had to take several sips of butterbeer to recover.
"Are you okay? If you need anything..."
"No, thank you." Tom declined Tsuchimikado Genghu's kindness. In his view, even if Japanese wizards had a way to heal Hermione's injuries, it wouldn't compare to the Philosopher's Stone's effect.
"If you're feeling unwell, would you prefer to go back first?"
Tom didn't want to keep chatting with Tsuchimikado and Bagman, and just then Hermione wasn't feeling well, so he helped her return to the castle.
"Wait a little longer; the Philosopher's Stone is almost ready." Seeing Hermione's pale face, Tom felt distressed.
Snape's potion had some significant side effects, and after drinking it, Hermione felt unwell for a while.
On the way back, Tom and Hermione ran into Dumbledore.
That was unusual, as Dumbledore rarely seemed to leave his office, and meeting him outside the castle was an unlikely event.
"It seems Miss Granger is not doing very well. Would you like to accompany me to Hagrid's cabin for a cup of hot tea?"
Tom thought about declining, but Hermione's eyes lit up at the mention of Hagrid's cabin and immediately agreed.
So the three of them appeared in front of Hagrid's cabin.
The curtains of the cabin were still drawn, but as they approached, they could hear Fang barking.
"Hagrid, it's me." After getting no response from knocking on the door, Dumbledore had to say his name.
This time it worked, Hagrid opened the door and invited them inside.
Hagrid was in a sorry state, with tears on his face, swollen eyes, and unkempt beard and hair.
Obviously, he hadn't been doing well lately.
"I think you should finish your vacation," Dumbledore said as he toyed with his wand, conjuring a cake and a tea tray. He placed them on the table and indicated for Tom and Hermione to sit first.
"Hagrid, why don't you return to teaching?" Hermione whispered softly, "Everything has been left behind."
The storm over Hagrid's parentage seemed to have passed without major repercussions.
"In fact, Professor Grubbly-Plank has been covering classes for too long, if she keeps it up, we might have to give her a raise," Dumbledore joked.
Hagrid fell silent for a moment, but finally requested to wait until the next school year to resume his teaching duties.
"Very well," Dumbledore responded with a shrug, respecting Hagrid's choice. For him, the fact that Hagrid was no longer locking himself in that cabin was already a success.
After the Hagrid topic was behind them, Tom also decided to tell Dumbledore in detail about the encounters and events at the "Three Broomsticks" that day.
"Professor, I don't think it's a wise decision to allow so many people into Hogwarts," Tom looked into Dumbledore's eyes seriously.
Dumbledore pondered for a moment before responding quietly, "It seems he is also looking for allies..."
His voice grew lower. After a brief moment, he looked at Hagrid and spoke calmly, "I need your help, would you be willing to complete a task for me?"
"Of course, please tell me," Hagrid was surprised for a moment, then lifted his head and looked at Dumbledore with seriousness.
"I need you to travel to France, to seek out the giants that still exist there."