“Absolutely,” Arthur confirmed. “The lack of unity means their enforcement is weaker. In other European countries, the situation varies wildly. The Ministries don’t always see eye to eye, and their relationships are often strained. While some view the Silver Wand as a criminal syndicate, others see them as useful partners.”
Arthur took a long sip of his tea before adding, “That’s why the British Ministry tends to keep its distance from continental politics. It’s lonely at times, but it saves us from unnecessary entanglements.”
“What’s Minister Bagnold’s take on all this?” Alex asked. “Fenrir’s connection to the Silver Wand seems pretty obvious. If they’ve worked with him, it’s only a matter of time before they extend their operations into Britain.”
Arthur nodded gravely. “The Minister’s stance is clear—she won’t let them take root here. Since you uncovered Fenrir’s stronghold, she’s ordered several raids by the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, often in coordination with Aurors. They’ve seized a number of smuggled magical animals already.”
Alex’s respect for the Minister grew. “Good. Organizations like this disrupt the local magical ecosystem and economy. If they gain a foothold, removing them later becomes almost impossible.”
Arthur smiled slightly. “You’d get along well with Minister Bagnold. She’s as resolute as you are about nipping problems in the bud.”
“By the way, Mr. Weasley,” Alex began, leaning forward. “Since you’re the head of the Office for the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts, I have a question about the law.”
Arthur’s eyes lit up with interest. “Oh? It’s rare for anyone to ask about Muggle-related laws. What’s on your mind?”
“I want to know about the misuse of Muggle items,” Alex said carefully. “If I enchant Muggle items and sell them as magical commodities, would I be breaking the law?”
Arthur set down his cup and adjusted his posture. “That’s an excellent question, Alex. Let me explain. The law was created to prevent enchanted Muggle items from falling into the wrong hands—specifically, other Muggles. A bewitched teapot or flying car in the hands of a Muggle could violate the International Statute of Secrecy.”
“So, it’s about preventing exposure?”
“Exactly,” Arthur said, gesturing animatedly. “The key is ensuring these enchanted items stay within the wizarding community. If you sell them through magical channels to magical buyers, there’s no violation of the law. But if one of your enchanted items accidentally ends up with a Muggle—especially if it causes harm—you’d be held responsible.”
Alex frowned thoughtfully. “What if I use Muggle items as the base for magical innovations, specifically for wizards? Would the law apply differently?”
As Alex sipped his tea, he mulled over his plans to start a business. He had considered using Muggle-made items as the base for magical products, knowing their craftsmanship was reliable and their production scalable. This approach would save time and cut costs. But after hearing Arthur’s explanation of the law, his optimism waned. “You’re asking about this law?” Arthur chuckled, clearly well-versed in the topic. He began explaining without hesitation.
“The Ministry’s Office for the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts focuses on preventing enchanted Muggle items from ending up back in Muggle hands. The goal is to protect the International Statute of Secrecy.” Arthur continued, “There’s also a rule against adding magical functions to Muggle items if you ‘intend’ to use those functions. For example, if you enchant a teacup to speak, that’s a clear violation because your intent is to make it talk.”
“So, technically,” Arthur concluded, sipping his tea with a wry smile, “any spell cast on a Muggle item is considered illegal, regardless of its purpose.”
Alex blinked, stunned. “That strict? Does that mean enchanting any Muggle item breaks the law?”
Arthur chuckled at Alex’s stiff expression. “Why? Planning to tinker with Muggle items?”
Alex rubbed his temple, a hint of frustration in his voice. “I’ve been considering starting an alchemy business in the next year or two. It seemed practical to modify Muggle-made goods into magical items, but it doesn’t sound feasible now.”
Arthur’s grin widened. “Don’t give up so easily. There’s always a workaround.”
Alex raised an eyebrow. “A workaround? What do you mean?”
Arthur leaned back, his smile growing mischievous. “The law says it’s illegal to enchant Muggle items if there’s ‘intent to use.’ But if you can prove you don’t intend to use it for its added function, it’s technically not illegal.”
“For instance,” Arthur explained, “if I enchant a Muggle car to fly but claim I have no intention of using it as a flying car, it wouldn’t violate the law.”
Alex stared, incredulous. “That sounds like a word game. Would that really hold up?”
Arthur shrugged, clearly unbothered. “Whether it’s a word game or not, the law leaves room for interpretation. And if that doesn’t work, the law can always be amended. After all,” he added with a sly smile, “most of the rules about Muggle items were written by me.”
Alex choked on his tea, spraying what little remained in his mouth. Arthur narrowly dodged the spray, laughing at Alex’s reaction. “You wrote the law on Muggle artifacts?” Alex coughed, wide-eyed.
“Not all of it,” Arthur clarified, his tone casual. “The law’s been around for ages. But many of the clauses were outdated, so I revised them and added a few supplementary rules. It’s part of the job, really.”
Alex stared, dumbfounded. “You can just amend laws whenever you feel like it?”
Arthur sighed. “Our department isn’t exactly the Ministry’s top priority. It’s just me and Perkins. If we don’t handle these things, no one will.”
Alex couldn’t decide whether to be impressed or horrified. ‘How does one man have so much unchecked power over an entire category of law?’ Gathering his thoughts, Alex ventured a suggestion. “Could you, hypothetically, amend the law to legalize the commercial use of magical items made from Muggle goods? Within reason, of course.”
Arthur laughed heartily. “Are you serious? I thought you were joking.” When Alex didn’t laugh, Arthur leaned forward with a grin. “Of course, it’s doable. In fact, there are already precedents. Plenty of wizards have sold modified Muggle items before, including enchanted Muggle artifacts.”
Arthur gestured animatedly as he explained, “Most wizards don’t understand Muggle technology, so they probably wouldn’t notice the difference. For example, the magic cameras widely sold in wizarding shops were developed by alchemists in Cairo. Many think they’re just enchanted Muggle cameras.” Arthur’s tone grew more serious. “The real issue is keeping these items out of Muggle hands. If a Muggle gets their hands on a magical object—especially one with dangerous properties—that’s where the trouble begins. So, as long as your products don’t fall into the wrong hands, you’re in the clear.”
Alex nodded thoughtfully. “I understand now. As long as the items are safe and strictly for wizarding use, there’s no reason they can’t be allowed.”
Arthur smiled warmly. “Good. I think you’re onto something, Alex. This could be a great opportunity for you—and for the wizarding community.”