Warning from the International Confederation of Wizards

Minister for Magic Owen Harris and Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge had originally arranged to meet the Muggle prime minister today. It was a tradition: the former minister introduced the current minister to the sitting Muggle prime minister—though Fudge himself had only met the Muggle prime minister once.

At Owen's words, Fudge froze slightly, then a look of understanding appeared on his face.

"You know, the Death Eaters' actions during this period... although we've thwarted almost all of their attacks, and I gave a live speech on Television Station for that reason, the hurricane in the northwest that caused Muggle casualties still prompted the International Confederation of Wizards to issue us a warning, demanding that we observe the International Confederation of Wizards' Statute of Secrecy, that we be mindful not to drive Dark Wizards into the Muggle world as much as possible during combat, and reminding us to pay attention to the risk of exposure. For that reason, I need to give another live speech. Cornelius, please wait for me in my office for a while. I'll be back after the speech. As it happens, my son Allen came to the Ministry of Magic today as well and is currently in the Department of Mysteries. In a bit, the three of us will go together to meet the Muggle prime minister." Although Owen Harris tried to explain things to Fudge, his tone arranged the matter in a way that brooked no refusal.

Their positions had been reversed, and Cornelius Fudge, now a subordinate, neither intended nor was able to refuse. He obeyed Owen's arrangement and walked into the familiar yet unfamiliar minister's office. The desks and chairs in the minister's office, and the decorative carpets, were still arranged as they had been before. Only on the