Gabriel Truman had nothing to do. He had accepted Albert Anderson's proposal, and his expulsion from Hogwarts—an outcome he could not accept—left him reeling.
After sealing the letter, Truman watched the owl take flight before turning to Albert. "Is this really all right?"
"I believe Hogwarts will be just as shocked as you. They won't expel a student without investigating first," Albert reassured him. His composed demeanor had a calming effect on the freckled teenager.
"Can I see that letter?" Albert asked.
"Oh, here. What a disaster." Truman sighed.
"I was warned by the Ministry of Magic once before—for using magic at home during the summer after my first year."
He handed the parchment to Albert and added, "Hogwarts students aren't allowed to use magic outside of school."
"But why wasn't Albert warned when he used magic?" Nia, Albert's sister, asked in confusion.
"Probably because he hadn't started school yet," Truman guessed.
"It must be a loophole," Albert murmured as he scanned the letter:
Dear Mr. Truman,
We have received intelligence that at 10:40 a.m., you performed a Levitation Charm in a Muggle-inhabited area, in the presence of a Muggle.
This act constitutes a serious breach of the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery (1875) and has resulted in your expulsion from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
A representative from the Ministry of Magic will soon visit your residence to confiscate and destroy your wand.
As you have previously been warned for violating Section 13 of the International Statute of Secrecy, you are hereby summoned to a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry of Magic on August 17 at 10 a.m.
Yours sincerely,
Mafalda Hopkirk
Improper Use of Magic Office
Ministry of Magic
Albert frowned, knowing exactly who the so-called "Muggle" was. He took a steadying breath and cleared his thoughts before speaking.
"I suggest you demand compensation for emotional distress from the Ministry once this is resolved," he advised. Coming from a family of lawyers, Albert knew how to exploit legal loopholes.
Truman gawked. He hadn't even processed his expulsion, and Albert was already planning a legal case?
"I bet the Ministry used the Trace, but since they can't detect who actually cast the spell, they assumed it was you. I only arrived a few days ago, and you just happened to be nearby. Their assumption is a serious error, and this letter clearly startled you—so they owe you damages."
"Yes! They should compensate you," Nia agreed at once.
"My family specializes in law, so trust me." Albert pressed on. "Someone will come soon—at the very least, they'll send a letter. First, we clear your name. Then, we demand compensation. Ask for 100 Galleons."
"Isn't that too much?" Truman stammered.
"Not at all," Albert countered smoothly.
"Start high. If they refuse, negotiate down to 50 Galleons. Anything less, and they'll treat you like a gullible child."
"If they refuse outright, I'll write to The Daily Prophet and leak the story anonymously," Albert continued. "They'd rather pay you than become a laughingstock. But if that happens, I get half the money—writing fees."
Truman could only stare at Albert in astonishment.
At Hogwarts, inside the Headmaster's Office, Albus Dumbledore had just received an urgent message from the Ministry of Magic—Gabriel Truman had been expelled for casting a Levitation Charm in front of Muggles.
This was troubling. Truman had a prior record—he had been warned before for using magic in front of his family.
Just as Dumbledore prepared to visit the Ministry, an owl arrived, carrying a letter.
The letter protested Truman's innocence, explaining that the real spell-caster had been a first-year practicing in a park—and the "Muggle" in question was his sister.
Dumbledore immediately noticed the attached signature—Albert Anderson.
A sharp memory served Dumbledore well. Albert Anderson was indeed a Muggle-born first-year.
With a sigh of relief, Dumbledore realized this was a misunderstanding. He disliked seeing students expelled.
Without delay, he went to the Ministry and met with an official from the Improper Use of Magic Office.
"This hardly warrants a hearing,"
Dumbledore pointed out. "If this was merely an accident, the Ministry will make itself a laughingstock."
Both Dumbledore and the Ministry were aware of the Trace's flaws.
Albert's deduction proved correct. The Ministry had dispatched an official, and Dumbledore himself arrived at the park, observing the two boys conversing.
"It appears to be a misunderstanding," Dumbledore remarked.
Albert looked up and grinned. "You must be Professor Dumbledore," he said, extending a hand. "You look just like your Chocolate Frog card."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Indeed, Mr. Anderson. We received your letter. May I see your wand?"
"Of course." Albert readily handed it over.
Dumbledore performed Prior Incantato, revealing the last few spells cast. He raised an eyebrow—Albert had already mastered five spells in a few days.
"Truman was just correcting my technique," Albert explained. "I had only just learned the Levitation Charm."
The Ministry official turned to Truman.
"Where's your wand?"
"At home. If you need to check, we can go get it," Truman said confidently.
"This was a misunderstanding, Nutley," Dumbledore said cheerfully.
"Yes, I believe so," Nutley admitted. "I'll draft a new report immediately."