Muggle Society and the Wizarding World

"I don't like being disturbed."

Scrimgeour said impatiently, "Or being watched."

He added, pointing his wand at the window. The curtains drew shut.

"Right, I'm a very busy man, so let's get straight to the point. First, we need to discuss your security."

The Prime Minister tried to sit as straight as possible and replied, "I'm quite satisfied with the current security arrangements, thank you very much—"

"But we aren't," Scrimgeour interrupted. "If the Prime Minister falls under the Cruciatus Curse, the Muggles will suffer. That new secretary in your outer office—"

"I absolutely will not dismiss Kingsley Shacklebolt, if that's your suggestion!"

The Prime Minister said agitatedly, "He's extremely efficient. He does twice as much work as anyone else—"

"That's because he's a wizard,"

Scrimgeour said without the slightest trace of a smile. "A highly trained Auror, specifically assigned to protect you."

"Hey, wait a minute!" the Prime Minister shouted. "You can't just plant your people in my office. I decide who works for me—"

"I believe you're quite satisfied with Shacklebolt?" Scrimgeour said coldly.

"Yes—I mean, I was—"

"Then there's no problem, is there?" Scrimgeour asked.

"I... yes, as long as Shacklebolt's work remains so... um... so outstanding," the Prime Minister said weakly, but Scrimgeour seemed not to have heard him at all.

"And as for Herbert Chorley—your Junior Minister," he continued, "the one who imitates ducks and has the public in stitches."

"What's wrong with him?"

"This is clearly the reaction to being hit by a poorly cast Cruciatus Curse."

Scrimgeour said, "His mind has been muddled, but we cannot rule out the possibility that he is dangerous."

"He only quacked like a duck a few times!"

The Prime Minister protested feebly. "A little more rest... a little less alcohol... surely he'll..."

"Even as we speak, a