Like most British government institutions, the headquarters of the British Ministry of Magic sat in the heart of London—though its actual location was underground! Thanks to a powerful protective enchantment, however, wizards didn't have to worry about anyone from the Muggle world discovering them. Even if Muggles dug a subway tunnel close to the Ministry, the Muggle-Repelling Charm would make them dutifully revise their plans and reroute the line!
Although it was underground, the Ministry of Magic didn't feel cramped. It had plenty of enchanted windows that displayed all kinds of weather. The employees in the Magical Maintenance Department were responsible for choosing what appeared outside. From clear skies to hurricanes, they had every kind of weather imaginable! And it looked so real that if you dared to open a window during a rainstorm, the cold wind and rain would splash you right in the face!
They said that once, an employee in the Magical Maintenance Department had gone mad with greed and demanded a raise. To protest, he'd changed the weather to a hurricane without permission! Caught completely off guard, the Ministry had suffered considerable chaos and damage. The culprit never got his raise, but he'd never have to worry about paying for food again!
Did that idiot think he could just trample all over the Ministry's authority? Couldn't he have chosen a somewhat gentler way to protest? Besides, his behavior had been undisciplined and insubordinate. He'd demanded a raise but refused to follow the proper procedures, acting on a whim instead. If the Ministry had given him a raise, what would they do when employees in other departments wanted one? Would they all start causing a fuss, too? If things went on like that, the Ministry might as well shut down. Everyone could spend their days arguing about