Magical Hogwarts

m i n i s t r y   o f   m a g i c   g u i d e

written by Laura, Lianne, and Olivia

There are several Ministry of Magic membergroups played and available of Magical Hogwarts: British Ministry, French Ministry, Russian Ministry, Swedish Ministry, American Ministry and other Ministry of Magic. The latter is inclusive of all Ministries not having their own membergroup, which offers you a large variety of locations to pick from, as almost all countries have their own Ministry.

The Ministry of Magic is inclusive of the governmental authority, the legislative, and the judicial, forming the highest authority in each country, its primary function being to create and maintain law and order. The head of the organisation is the Minister for Magic.

Most Ministries are based in the capital city of their respective countries, with the notable exceptions of Italy (which is in Neroli) and the United States of America (in New York City). Below is some basic information on each of the played Ministries.

BRITISH MINISTRY OF MAGIC - Whitehall, London, England

In the heart of London, the entire British Ministry is underground and has ten separate levels. The visitor's entrance looks like an ordinary telephone booth, however you have to dial 62442 (or M-A-G-I-C), then the telephone booth drops down like a lift, transporting the visitor to the Atrium on level eight.

Apparation is the preferred method of travel to work, followed by Floo. During the Second Wizarding War, employees had to use magicked public toilets to enter and only the most senior Ministers had their homes connected to the Floo network.

Inside the underground building, windows are charmed by Magical Maintenance to show various weather patterns, though when they're pitching for a pay raise, it's generally stormy. Letters and other paperwork gets delivered between departments via small paper aeroplanes of different colours, charmed to reach their destination.

MINISTÈRE DE LA MAGIE / FRENCH MINISTRY- Place de Furstemberg, Paris, France

The French Ministry is also underground. The visitor’s entrance is accessed by standing in the Place de Furstemberg (a small, picturesque square) next to the Wallace fountain, and uttering Dissendium. The roots of the four surrounding Paulownia trees will rise up from the earth and form a birdcage elevator that descends into the Atrium. 

The French Ministry Atrium resembles a very large glasshouse in an Art Nouveau style; full of light, the main domed roof is enchanted and depicts magical beasts in constellation form. Subsequent levels are reminiscent of various palaces and chateaux across France, having been designed and altered in different eras and by witches and wizards who have imparted their own cultural style upon their offices. The cafeteria is a weather-proof reimagining of a French garden, complete with birds, butterflies, and so on. Food served in the cafeteria is of restaurant quality and almost no employees bring lunch from home.

The French Ministry of Magic employ the use of Matagots for tasks such as inter-departmental correspondence and security of some departments. Upon exiting the wizarding world, Matagots will turn into ordinary black cats. They have been issued warnings for attacking the birds in the cafeteria.

МИНИСТЕРСТВО МАГИИ / RUSSIAN MINISTRY - Novoslobodskaya Metro Station, Moscow, Russia

Located in the Muscovite underground, and is known to muggles as the rumoured Metro-2 line. Visitor access to the Russian Ministry is via the regular muggle underground; there is a secret platform at Novoslobodskaya Metro Station, which takes you to the Atrium of the Russian Ministry.

The Atrium resembles a large indoor train station, and aesthetically looks very similar to the Muggle Novoslobodskaya Station - the main difference being the stained glass depicts magical flora and fauna, and is enchanted to move. Office windows are also stained glass. Departments are accessed by magical escalators, the longest of which takes 30 minutes to descend - Magical Maintenance are often fixing these.

MAGIMINISTERIET / SWEDISH MINISTRY - Lilla Värtan, Stockholm, Sweden

The Swedish Ministry is located underwater within Lilla Värtan, the strait that surrounds the small island of Helgeandsholmen (which is home to the Muggle parliament). Visitor access to the Swedish Ministry is via a defunct drawbridge tower, which is the only above-ground component of the structure. Lilla Värtan is approximately 180 feet deep; the Muggle bridge that passes above it has a 41-foot navigation clearance for ships.

Unlike most Ministries which are built vertically, the architecture of the Swedish Ministry is lateral and sprawling. This serves multiple purposes, chief among these being a less likely physical obstruction for Muggle ships to encounter and - thus - less likely to be detected by Muggles (though the standard Muggle-repelling Charms are also present). The overall decor of the Ministry is aquatic-themed: the subjects of most artwork here are the native magical creatures. Multiple domed hubs (which are enchanted to look like large boulders from the outside) are connected by tubular ‘jetstreams’ as well as lifts in the form of large, magically-reinforced bubble-like structures. Each department has its own domed hub, as well as several other structures, including the Atrium, a courtyard, and the cafeteria.

The Atrium is austere but elegant, with stone walls and tall, narrow windows, all magically reinforced and hidden. Some of the windows show the water surrounding the building; others are enchanted to display the weather above. The courtyard is a glass dome that offers a stunning 360-degree view of the underwater surroundings; unsurprisingly, it is a popular lunch and break locale for Ministry Officials and visitors alike. Aquatic flora and fauna passing by provide a pleasant distraction from an otherwise chaotic workday.

MAGICAL CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Woolworth Building, New York City, New York

Commonly referred to as MACUSA, The Magical Congress of the United States of America is located in the Woolworth Building in New York City. The building is used by both No-Maj and wizards alike, though the unimpressive rotating glass door to the side of the main entrance is only accessible by those who possess magic and acts as the visitor’s entrance.

At first glance, the interior is identical to the No-Maj portions of the building: the lobby is ornate, covered in veined marble, with a high vaulted ceiling, mosaics, a stained glass ceiling light, and bronze fittings. The defining magical feature, however, is the giant clock that measures the magical exposure threat level.

Due to the large size and population of the USA, each state has a local office located in the state capital, over which a Governor presides. Local law enforcement, Aurors, Accidental Magic Reversal Squads, etc., all operate in each state, but the senior ranking Officials all preside in the New York office.

t h e   m i n i s t r y   o f   m a g i c
wishes you a pleasant day

The following Departments are for the BRITISH MINISTRY, however, one can assume each Ministry (or Congress) follows the same pattern*. Please note that in France and Canada the Departments are called “Bureaus".

If you are planning to play a character in any Ministry position, please be mindful of any requirements or recommendations listed for those roles and take note of the Ministry Orientation process listed under Level One. If it interests you, we also encourage you to reach out to drivers with played characters in your character's chosen field (you may wish to consult the Ministry of Magic group shipper) for potential plots or threads.

*Excluding Offices set up during the Second Wizarding War, which are exclusive to the British Ministry (and now widely defunct).

Level One

Minister for Magic and Support Staff

Level Two

Department of Magical Law Enforcement

Level Three

Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes

Level Four

Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures

Level Five

Department of International Magical Cooperation

Level One

Department of Magical Transportation

Level Seven

Department of Magical Games and Sports

Level Eight

The Atrium

Level Nine

Department of Mysteries

Level Ten

Courtrooms and Dungeons

l e v e l   o n eMinister for Magic and Support Staff

The first floor is home to Ministry infrastructure and management personnel. It has grand architecture, high ceilings, and rich purple carpet; each office has an elegant mahogany door, though the more populous offices (for entry-level support staff, Public Information, HNhR, and Magical Maintenance) are divided into less elegant cubicles. There is a persistent aroma of sandalwood.

Minister for Magic’s Cabinet
The Cabinet’s core functions are to support the collective Ministry, ensure the development and implementation of effective policies, coordinate the Ministry’s response to crises, and promote efficiency and reform across the Ministry through innovation and transparency. They also oversee Wizengamot decisions and Ministry internal policy. The cabinet is overseen by the current Minister for Magic.

Minister for Magic’s Private Office - The office of the British Minister for Magic, who oversees cabinet and major Wizengamot decisions, maintains a working relationship with the Muggle Prime Minister, and heads the British Minister as a whole. The Minister is elected by popular vote and can serve for up to seven years before another election must take place; however, there is no limit on how long a Minister may hold the position.

Orbal Office - Where all the Heads of Departments sit on board meetings, chaired by the Minister.

Support Staff Offices - Including those for the Advisor to the Minister for Magic, the Senior and Junior Assistants to the Minister for Magic, and the Senior and Junior Undersecretaries.

Public Information Services - Deals with media relations, including releases to publications such as The Daily Prophet and the Wizarding Wireless Network, as well as public safety announcements directed to the magical British population at large.

Human and Non-Human Resources
Responsible for mediating employee relations, payroll, and recruitment. Representatives from this office are found in every department, and are trained to deal with the specific challenges that arise in each.

Training - Human and Non-Human Resources is responsible for organising orientation and induction into the Ministry. In early July of every year, this office puts together an orientation program for fresh Hogwarts graduates starting at the Ministry: they arrange paperwork, a tour of the Ministry (excluding the Department of Mysteries), and training seminars on Magical Ethics and workplace paradigms. Within each department, representatives are also tasked with coordinating “buddy” or “mentor” programs, pairing new hires with seasoned employees - as a result, they experience a mild drop in popularity every June.

Wizarding Examinations Authority
A team of part-time Ministry employees tasked with administering and adjudicating practical and written exams at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; the WEA only operates for a few months annually, from late May to mid-July. A number of these officials are retired Ministry workers; the rest are on temporary assignments from their respective departments.

Magical Maintenance
Maintenance workers are responsible for upkeep and service within the Ministry. They maintain the underground atmosphere and set the weather visible through the Charmed windows -- the entire office is welcome to submit requests (and some will take bribes from other Ministry workers). Because this power gives them a fair bit of leverage over the rest of the Ministry, they avoid overusing it: requests for inclement or unpleasant weather are put to a vote. This department also keeps the Ministry clean; handles malfunctions, spills, and repairs; and manages purchase and storage of parchment, quills, ink, and other office supplies. A N.E.W.T. in Charms is desired.

Owlery - This sub-department handles the Ministry Owlery. After owls were banned from the Ministry of Magic in 1984, this office was added to convert outside mail to the paper aeroplane memos preferred by Ministry officials. They also handle memos directed to Magical Maintenance itself, including maintenance requests and complaints, and package delivery (it was determined shortly after the introduction of the paper aeroplanes that packages, unlike letters, shouldn’t be enchanted to fly around the Ministry).

l e v e l   t w oDepartment of Magical Law Enforcement

The Department of Magical Law Enforcement (DMLE) is the largest department in the Ministry. It encompasses all aspects of Wizarding Law (excluding International Laws).

Auror Office
The Auror Office is best described as the Intelligence and Investigative centre of the Department Of Magical Law Enforcement, and Aurors are assigned to one of two sub-offices (detailed below). Investigative and Intelligence Officers rarely work together, and there can often be disagreements over jurisdiction when there are overlapping activities.

Investigative Office - The most numerous of the Auror ranks, and what most people imagine when describing Aurors, Investigative Officers operate as detectives, tracking criminals, undertaking crime scene investigation, etc. They work in the field when more dangerous criminals are at large and are considered the elite of wizarding law enforcement. Their jurisdiction includes criminals from petty crime up to murder (including serial killers).

Intelligence Office - The wizarding equivalent of the combined Security Service and Foreign Intelligence Service, they operate as a “counterintelligence" office and are given one of the highest security clearances in the Ministry. They work on serious organised crime, terrorism, and so on. Mass-murder is often dealt with by the Intelligence Office under “terrorism".

Training - Auror training is highly specialised and is a 3 year programme. Following the Second Wizarding War there were relaxed entry requirements to bolster Auror numbers, however as of June 2000 the standard testing has resumed. Prospective Aurors must have at least five N.E.W.T.s of no less than ‘Exceeds Expectations’. Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Charms, and Potions are highly recommended. Wizards with a Criminal Record cannot apply to the Auror Programme.

» Year One: Background Checks, Character and Aptitude Tests, Introduction to Wizarding Law, Magical Jurisprudence, Crime Scene Etiquette and Processing, An Introduction to Criminology » Year Two: Concealment and Disguise, Stealth and Tracking, Combative Training, Defensive Duelling » Year Three: begins with specialising in either Investigation or Intelligence to then proceed with on-the-job training, mentor shadowing, and final examinations

Magical Law Enforcement Patrol
The MLEP operates as the wizarding police force. They are tasked with general law enforcement, including performing arrests of suspected criminals, and providing security at busy magical areas (such as Diagon or Knockturn Alley in London) or for major events (such as Quidditch matches). A minimum of four N.E.W.T.s are required, with Defence Against the Dark Arts and Charms considered essential. Before MLEP Officers are allowed to go on patrol they undergo Basic Training which includes Combative Training, Defensive Duelling, Diplomacy and Negotiation, and a Fitness Test.

Hit Wizard Headquarters - Hit Wizards are members of the MLEP that deal with high-risk situations, including apprehension and arrest of dangerous criminals and riot control. In addition to the Basic Training provided to MLEP Officers, Hit Wizards are also trained in Stealth and Tracking.

Ministry of Magic Witch Watchers - This office works in collaboration with volunteers from most wizarding communities throughout Britain and Ireland; volunteers act in a “neighbourhood watch" capacity and alert Witch Watchers to suspicious activity.

Intoxicating Substances
Responsible for: the control and classification of various magical potions, ointments, elixirs, hallucinogens, alcohols, and fauna (e.g. mushrooms). Officers are tasked with regulation of potion labs and apothecaries, as well as handling cases of underage or illegal possession of any of the above. N.E.W.T.s in Herbology and Potions are highly desired.

Improper Use of Magic
Encompasses a number of offices whose responsibility is to identify, inform, and resolve the use of improper -- that is, unauthorised, harmful, or unsafe -- magic.

Office for the Removal of Curses, Jinxes, and Hexes - This office handles magical items that have been maliciously tampered with. Per a sign on the door: petitioners seeking assistance for life-threatening curses, jinxes or hexes upon their person should proceed to St Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. A N.E.W.T. in Defence Against the Dark Arts is essential.

Committee on Experimental Charms - This committee is responsible for devising countercharms to reverse the effects of experimental or unauthorised magic. It is an establishment that predates the Ministry of Magic itself - a prestige that almost makes up for the oftentimes dangerous or embarrassing nature of the charms they work with. A N.E.W.T. in Charms is essential, with Defence Against the Dark Arts also recommended.

Misuse Of Muggle Artefacts Office - Misuse of Muggle Artefacts is classified as bewitching or enchanting any muggle items that could make their ways back into non-magical hands, thus exposing the wizarding world to prying eyes. Employees of this office reverse the effects of spells and curses, and occasionally work with Obliviators and Muggle Liaisons to cover up any major incidents. A N.E.W.T. in Muggle Studies is encouraged.

Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects (1996 - 2000) - This department was founded with the advent of unscrupulous sales of supposed “protective items" that had no tangible protective properties; tasked with rooting out counterfeiters and con artists, this office was closed in July of 2000 with Ministry cutbacks after the Second Wizarding War, and most of its employees were rehired in other offices. N.E.W.T.s in Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms, or Transfiguration desired.

Underage Magic Detection Division - This office deals with what is commonly known as “The Trace", a method of identifying magic performed (intentionally or unintentionally) by persons under the age of 17. The Trace is so sophisticated that it can alert employees when a Muggle has witnessed magic, however it ceases to be effective past the age of 17 and so is not useful in magic-Muggle disputes concerning adults.

Muggleborn Registration Commission (August 1997 - May 1998) - A now defunct office that was set up during the Second Wizarding War.

Wizengamot Offices
The home of the Wizengamot, a combination of court and parliament, and all associated offices. The Wizengamot successfully petitioned in 1862 to move from Level Ten to Level Two because of the presence of Dementors and the adverse effects they were having on employee morale. Despite the removal of Dementors from Ministry employment, the Wizengamot have yet to relocate back to Level Ten.    

Chief Warlock’s Office - The office for the current Chief Warlock of the British Wizengamot, and his/her support staff (when the Chief Warlock is not also the Minister).

The Wizengamot - All Wizengamot members who do not have an office elsewhere in the Ministry have rooms here. The Wizengamot is a council of around fifty “Ministry elders" who judge and vote on matters pertaining to Wizarding Law, including legislation and criminal trials. More trivial matters are tried by subcommittees within the Wizengamot. The Wizengamot consists of Heads of Departments and some more prestigious Offices within the Ministry, in addition to a small selection of elected members from outside the Ministry.

Prosecution Services - Offices for all Ministry-employed prosecution counsel. Those without a law degree hoping to work in this office undergo 1 month of orientation to cover the basics of Wizarding Law before being employed by the Ministry; they may progress to Junior Associate, then Senior Associate. Those in law school may choose to intern in this office for their second and third years, but will not progress through any sort of ranking. Only those who have completed law school and hold law degrees may become Prosecutors.

Defence Services - Offices for all Ministry-employed defence counsel. Those without a law degree hoping to work in this office undergo 1 month of orientation to cover the basics of Wizarding Law before being employed by the Ministry; they may progress to Junior Associate, then Senior Associate. Those in law school may choose to intern in this office for their second and third years, but will not progress through any sort of ranking. Only those who have completed law school and hold law degrees may become Defenders.

Administration Services - Cubicles for all remaining Wizengamot support staff, including court scribes, transcript services, and paralegals. Good clerical skills and attention to detail required. Secondary languages are considered excellent points of difference for prospective transcribers/court scribes.

» Animagus Registry - Responsible for keeping record of all (legal) Animagi in the British Isles; a position rotated between entry-level Administration due to low need. When a new Animagus needs to be recorded there is a general flurry as the Administration Assistants try to find the Register amongst the many other documents in the Administration office.

      
Internal Corruption Unit
The ICU was established in 1999 by Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt. It’s primary function is to root out corruption of all kinds within the Ministry. In its early days, the ICU was tasked with finding and eradicating Dark Wizards acting as spies in the Ministry but in recent years they are working to banish all levels of governmental and workplace corruption, including illegal gambling, fraud, embezzlement, and unethical conduct.

NB: Ministry Officials know of the existence of the ICU and will know who the current Head of the Internal Corruption Unit is, but will not know who works for the Department as Informers. In addition, ICU employees don’t follow a traditional hiring process; they are recruited by current Informers. Informers may be present in ANY Ministry Department. If you’re interested in playing a character in the ICU please contact admin to discuss how they could have joined the office.

l e v e l   t h r e eDepartment of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes

Officials in the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes (DMAC) are equivalent to Muggle first responders, such as Fire and Emergency, and also encompasses supplementary “cleanup" offices such as Muggle Relations.

Accidental Magic Reversal Squad
The AMRS are usually the first on scene and work to correct magic gone awry or haywire for any reason. Notably, they deal with cases of out-of-control underage magic or magical attacks on both Muggle and magical populations. They often work closely with St. Mungo’s first responders and Mediwizards. A Minimum of four N.E.W.T.s are needed, with Charms and Transfiguration required, in addition to a valid Apparating Licence.

Obliviator Headquarters - Obliviation, or magical modification or removal of memories, is used to protect the International Statute of Secrecy in cases where Muggles have witnessed magical activity. Obliviation is a strictly controlled spell; Obliviators must undergo rigorous psychological examinations before being granted a Licence to Modify. In addition to the N.E.W.T. requirements for AMRS members, Obliviators must have proficiency in Memory Charms and complete a Memory Magics Ethics Course.

Invisibility Task Force
This team is responsible for keeping the magical world in its entirety out of sight of Muggles. They work closely with numerous other departments - among them, the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and the Departments of Magical Transportation and Magical Games and Sports - as well as with Muggle Relations and with magical construction companies; even though there are a number of wizards and witches employed in this division, they are all nonetheless kept busy with the constant goings-on of the magical world. To work for the Invisibility Task Force, one must have N.E.W.T.s in Transfiguration, Charms, and Care of Magical Creatures.
   
Muggle Relations - Muggle Relations work closely with several other departments and their work is -- despite popular opinion -- very important to the functioning of the wizarding world and maintaining the Statute of Secrecy. They can work with the Muggle Prime Minister and his/her authorities under direction from the Minister for Magic. A N.E.W.T in Muggle Studies is strongly encouraged, but in-department training includes the courses: Muggle Fashion (How To Blend In), An Overview of Muggle Law Enforcement and First Response Services.

Muggle Liaison Office - Muggle Liaisons are responsible for direct communication with Muggles, including: gaining witness statements on behalf of the DMLE/AMRS, liaising with Muggle parents of Muggleborns, escorting Muggleborns and their families to magical locales such as Diagon Alley or Platform 9 ¾, and assisting with currency conversion etc. They can also be called upon to assist in large-scale events such as the Quidditch World Cup.

Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee - The MWEC is responsible for developing believable excuses when magic has impacted Muggles on a large scale beyond the ability of Obliviators to contain. When the matter is less serious, the Committee has a “Wheel of Excuses" they spin, which seems to heavily favour “gas explosion". The wheel has not been updated since the late 1970s. An additional course one must undergo before joining the Committee covers A Condensed Muggle History of Britain, with further optional courses.

l e v e l   f o u rDepartment for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures

The DRCMC handles relations with magical non-humans and ghosts, from the most intelligent to the literally brainless. Officials in this department are kept busy with a wide range of tasks, from pest extermination to hostage negotiation. The department splits its jurisdictions between beings, beasts, and spirits - divisions that were highly contested until 1811 and remains a source of contention today. Many of the below offices are small enough that members of DRCMC are cross-trained in more than one role within a Division.

Beings Division
By Ministry classifications, beings are self-governing non-humans or humans who have been infected with a life-changing affliction, such as lycanthropy. This office handles relationships between the British Ministry and British populations of vampires, hags, giants, and goblins.

Goblin Liaison Office - Though goblins have played a key role in the magical economy for centuries, wizard-goblin relationships have always been strained. For this reason, goblin liaisons must have fluency in Gobbledegook and strong negotiation skills, in addition to an extensive knowledge of Goblin history. Unofficially, it helps to be good at poker.

Office for House-Elf Relocation - A small office with minimal work due to the low rate of unemployment for elves, they have branched out into offering supplementary Elf Welfare services, including information on Elf and Safety and Elven Rights for families who have a house-elf. Employees must now complete a course on Elven Rights and Elf Welfare, as petitioned by Hermione Granger.

Werewolf Support Services (reopened January 2000) - has undergone major reformations under Minister Shacklebolt, and now assists werewolves with access to wolfsbane potion and helps those suffering from lycanthropy into employment.

» Werewolf Registry - All werewolves requesting assistance from the Ministry must register with the Werewolf Registry. Access to view the register is now classified under Regulation No. 89452345/2002, granting werewolves equal labour rights to part-giants, part-vily and part-goblins. » Werewolf Capture Unit (moved from Beast Division as of January 2000) - A controversial Unit which Werewolf Rights Activists have petitioned against its existence, but has been deemed necessary in light of pro-wolf advocates who have resorted to extreme measures (such as intentional infection). The Unit has been downsized and restructured as part of improvements to Werewolf Support Services. Good negotiation skills are requested, along with completion of Defensive Duelling, a course in Werewolf Rights and Ethical Capture, and a N.E.W.T. in Defence Against the Dark Arts.

Beasts Division
The British Ministry defines “beasts" as any magical creatures that are neither dead nor beings. However, despite this classification, officers of the beasts division often work with creatures that are just as intelligent as those classified as beings, so employees are trained exhaustively in their respective fields. The first three offices listed are highly specialised and their employees usually join due to a passion for wizard-creature relations; the rest of the Division are informally (and politically incorrectly) referred to as “the exterminators". All Offices in this Department require a Care of Magical Creatures N.E.W.T.

Centaur Liaison Office - Though centaurs fall under the Ministry definition of “being", they are classified as beasts by their own request in protest of sharing status with Dark creatures such as vampires and hags. Though there are employees nominally assigned to this role, no centaur yet has called on them to act; as such, “reassignment to the centaur office” is a Department euphemism for being let go.

Office for Mermish Relations - Like centaurs, merpeople requested classification as “beasts" under the Ministry of Magic. Employees of this office must be fluent in Mermish to qualify; they handle relations and negotiations with merpeople, selkies, and merrows in lakes and seafronts all over Magical Britain. Some employees choose to specialise in the Mermish Dialects Selkie and/or Merrow.

Dragon Research and Restraint Bureau - Working with the two officially sanctioned British Dragon Reservations (in Snowdonia and the Hebrides), the Dragon Research and Restraint Bureau observes dragons in their natural habitats, and protects those habitats from unsuspecting Muggles. Over the years, the Bureau has expanded their duties to auditing the reservations, and clamping down on illegal importing, ownership, breeding, and trade of dragons in Great Britain and Ireland. For more information on Dragonologists and Dragon Reserves, please see the Dragonologist section in the Adult Character Guide.

Pest Advisory Board - handles relocation and extermination of household pests, including boggarts, bowtruckles, doxies, flobberworms, gnomes, murtlaps, pixies, and streelers. Contains the Ghoul Task Force.

Creature Control - handles relocation and rehabilitation of more hazardous animals, including acromantulas, erumpents, hippogriffs, manticores, sphinxes, and thestrals. Contains the Troll Patrol. In addition to the COMC N.E.W.T., a Defence Against the Dark Arts qualification is also highly recommended.

» Committee for the Control of Experimental Breeding - A subdivision of Creature Control that deals with dangerous creatures created by unscrupulous wizards. » Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures - A committee charged with executing or terminating dangerous creatures who are found to be too dangerous for rehabilitation.

Spirit Division
Handles relations between ghosts, or “has-beens",  and wizards. Employees of this division are mainly responsible for negotiating real estate conflicts or restraining orders between the living and the dead, though they occasionally stray into organising seances and carrying out requests for ghosts (such as accruing supplies for ghostly events.) A N.E.W.T. in History of Magic is preferred, patience is a must.
   

Portrait Office - Handles rehoming of magical portraits. Instated in 1824 after a Muggle woman happened upon a lonely and abandoned portrait, took him home, and started charging pennies to speak to the “magic mirror", which was so delighted with the company that it forgot the Statute of Secrecy. This office also maintains and attends to all portraits within the Ministry of Magic itself, providing repairs, minor restorations, and polite conversation.

Poltergeist Liaison Office - Responsible for ridding households or businesses of poltergeists, this office has the highest turnover rate in the Ministry of Magic. Often considered a punishment to be reassigned here.

Creature Classification and Registration
This small office classifies new Magizoology discoveries according to the M.O.M. Classification system - from XXXXX (highly dangerous or untamable) to X (boring). They are also responsible for handling wizard ownership of any creatures, and ensure that commercial creature breeders and private owners alike are able to provide adequately for the creatures in their care.

Office of Misinformation
A committee of DRCMC employees from the various divisions that works alongside the Muggle Relations office to cover up especially catastrophic breaches of the Statute of Secrecy by magical creatures. While many creatures - such as centaurs, merpeople, and unicorns - are intelligent or cautious enough to stay out of the way of Muggles, numerous others lack such discretion. This office predates the establishment of the Ministry of Magic, from the days before dragon reserves or protected land for most magical creatures, and tends to have a somewhat superior attitude about it; there is mild contention between the Offices of Misinformation and Muggle Relations.

l e v e l   f i v eDepartment of International Magical Cooperation

The Department of International Magical Cooperation is responsible for furthering Magical British interests on a global scale; it handles Ministry involvement in the International Confederation of Wizards, as well as regulating and managing trade with other magical nations. Most employees of this department have fluency in at least one other language, and all unofficially have access to the Supreme Mugwump's private lavatory, which is far nicer than any others in the Ministry.

Foreign Affairs
The Foreign Affairs division handles international legislation and ensures that all Ministry departments are acting in ordinance with ICW mandates.

Administration - Responsible for management and recordkeeping within the department. Most administrative workers join with the hopes of working their way through the DIMC toward a preferred position; as a result this office is notorious for both extremely high work ethic and extremely low morale.

Supreme Mugwump’s Office - The Supreme Mugwump captains the International Confederation of Wizards; when the current elected official is not a British Citizen, this office is unused.

International Confederation of Wizards (British Seats) - Delegates and other members of the ICW have offices in the British Ministry but travel frequently as needed; the ICW is responsible for unifying and protecting wizarding communities worldwide, overseeing the magical schools, and keeping a watchful eye on magical governments.

Ambassadors’ Offices
Offices of representatives from other magical governments. These offices are organised by continent, then country alphabetically. They vary widely in size; the Madagascan office is roughly twice as large as any of the rest. Ambassadors are usually recruited from elsewhere in the DIMC, and must showcase fluency in the native language(s) and extensive knowledge of the customs of their chosen country. The Junior Ambassador position is considered a fast-track to taking the Ambassador role when it comes available, but generally consists of being an unofficial “personal assistant”, with some Ambassadors treating their Juniors kinder than others.

International Magical Law Office
International wizarding law represents the body of rules that is legally binding on Ministries of Magic in their interactions with other Ministries of Magic, individuals, organisations, and other magical creatures. It covers a variety of activities, such as diplomatic relations, conduct of war, trade, witches and wizards rights and sharing of magical resources. Excluding secretaries and other support staff, those in the International Magical Law Office must have first progressed through training in Magical Law -- either in the Wizengamot Office or in a private practice -- before completing a further one-year course in International Law. Officials in the International Magical Law Office usually choose to specify in a particular aspect of law. Competency in a secondary language is generally non-negotiable.

Magical Trading Office
Manages and oversees commerce within Magical Britain and with other magical nations. Often this office works closely with Gringotts Wizarding Bank, so employees with fluency in Gobbledegook are sure to move quickly through the ranks. A N.E.W.T. in Arithmancy is required; some suggest Divination is also handy, though poor interpretation of tea leaves was responsible for starting numerous ill-advised tariff wars in the mid-19th century.

Import Office  - Processes and regulates imports to Magical Britain.

Export Office - Processes and regulates exports from Magical Britain.

l e v e l   s i xDepartment of Magical Transportation

The Department of Magical Transportation’s unofficial slogan is “the Backbone of Britain". They monitor and maintain all methods of magical transportation, both private and public. They frequently work with the Department of Magical Games and Sports and the Department of International Magical Cooperation, leading them to believe they are essential, possibly the most important department. The DMGaS and DIMC affectionately refer to DMT officials as “broomheads" - good for direction and not much else.
   
Floo Office
Responsible for: Floo Network Connections and Disconnections, Network Repairs, Transposed Fireplaces (incorrect addresses), and Floo Powder price regulation.

Portkey Office
Responsible for: Portkey Inventory Management (finding items that can be used as portkeys and maintaining them), Portkey Scheduling (ensuring Portkeys from different locations do not arrive at the same time and place), and identification and safe disposal of unauthorised Portkeys.

Apparition Office
Includes the Apparition Test Centre, which has a mediwizard adjudicator present for all testing periods. Apparition Licences must be renewed every twenty years.

Broom Regulation Office
Responsible for: Broom Safety, Air Traffic Laws (e.g. minimum flight height restrictions to avoid being seen by Muggles on cross-country flights). An O.W.L. in Flying is preferential but not required.

Locomotive Office
Magical trains; oversees authorisation and inspection of magicked trains and stations, including timetables and routes.

Automotive Office
Magical cars and buses; oversees authorisation and inspection of magicked automobiles such as the Knight Bus and Ministry of Magic cars.

l e v e l   s e v e nDepartment of Magical Games and Sports

The Department of Magical Games and Sports covers all aspects pertaining to any wizarding sports or games, including that of Quidditch. The walls are plastered in various posters and memorabilia; though this is a comparatively small office of the Ministry, it makes up for its size with enthusiasm. Few of the Offices in this department require any formal qualifications, aside from knowledge of the relevant rules for each sport and/or game, and many retired professional sportswitches and -wizards are hired into this Department.

Sports Division
The Sports division handles major league sports; its main duties are to manage tournaments and championship games. They also ensure that sporting events remain hidden from non-magical eyes as well as nonlethal for participants and spectators.

Quidditch - Home to the British and Irish League Headquarters, this office is responsible for scheduling matches, referees, and ticketing. On rare occasions, employees of this office are also responsible for ratifying new rules to the game, when it is deemed a necessary safety measure.

Broom Racing - Organises all British-based races, both short and long distance.

Quodpot - A small sport in Britain, but with rising popularity.

Championship Duelling - Britain boasts a professional league of competitive duelling clubs, ranging from amateur to elite; this office is tasked with regulation and oversight of duelling competitions and tournaments.

Games Division
The Games division, which is significantly smaller than the already small Sports Division, oversees competitive magical games. Though events planned for these games tend to be much smaller and pose less of a risk to the International Statute of Secrecy, they are still planned intensely and seriously.

Wizard’s Chess - Similar to Muggle chess, wizard’s chess is notable for violence on a very small scale; chess tournaments are only marginally more interesting to watch than their non-magical counterparts.

Official Gobstones Headquarters - Gobstones, though far less popular than either wizard’s chess or Quidditch, has an intensely loyal following. The Gobstones Headquarters, due to low funding, relies heavily on a number of enthusiastic volunteers to staff, finance, and manage tournaments.

Ludicrous Patents Office
Though this department isn’t related to sports or games, it was shuttled to the seventh level when the noise, smoke, and smells drove everybody on Level One to distraction. This office handles patenting of all magical inventions - a majority of which are indeed ludicrous.

l e v e l   e i g h tThe Atrium

   
Arrivals Hall
Down the left-hand side of the hall are several gilded fireplaces connected to the Floo Network for arrivals, and on the opposite side for departures. At the far end of the hall is an Apparition Zone. The Visitors Entrance (telephone booth) descends into the middle of the Hall.

Reception - Manned by Welcome Witches (and Wizards), the Ministry of Magic reception is the first point of contact for all visitors to the Ministry, or for employees who require escorting to Levels they do not have clearance for. Formal qualifications required: ability to smile.

Security Desk - Upon entry to the Ministry of Magic, visitors are searched with a Secrecy Sensor and required to submit their wands for registration. N.E.W.T.s in Defence Against the Dark Arts and Charms are required.

Amenities
Though there are bathrooms and coffee machines on every level, the eighth level houses an expansive cafeteria. This area acts as a kind of lobby for Ministry employees; oftentimes workers from all departments can be found chatting and spending their breaks here.

Ministry Munchies - Located in the lobby, this is a newsstand where Ministry employees and visitors can purchase papers and magazines, coffee or tea, and a small selection of snacks and danishes.

Ministry Cafeteria - The Ministry cafeteria is also located on this floor, though one must be an employee or be accompanied by one in order to access the cafeteria. The kitchen prepares a range of sandwiches and hot meals, with a daily special. There are also a number of magical vending machines, and rows of self-service magical coffee machines. Employees who bring lunch from home can also use the cafeteria.

l e v e l   n i n eDepartment of Mysteries

The Department of Mysteries is, indeed, a mystery to most. It is the Ministry’s research facility and clearance is highly classified - to the point where interoffice memos are not permitted. Employees in the Department of Mysteries are commonly referred to as Unspeakables, as they cannot discuss their work. Working in the Department of Mysteries is considered dangerous and is not suitable for those who want recognition for their work.

NB: All prospective applicants must have at least one year of experience in either the Ministry or a relevant field of study (though more is preferred) and must undergo thorough background checks - above and beyond having proven intelligence. Several prominent researchers have in the past been invited to work in the DoM and declined the offer as they want their research to be published (for monetary gain, recognition, and/or the benefit of the wizarding world).

Time Room
Time-based research, including experiments on (and manufacture and maintenance of) timeturners, hourglasses, etc. Following the Battle of the Department of Mysteries in 1996, Unspeakables in the Time Room have been focused on replenishing stock of timeturners.

Love Chamber
Research on love and emotion, including love potions. This room is locked and magically warded against intruders to the best of the Ministry's abilities.

Death Chamber
Where researchers study the afterlife, the effects of reanimation, ghost formation, poltergeist manifestation, and so on.

Brain Room
Study of intelligence and logic, memory, and magically-created sentience.

Space Chamber
Research on instantaneous travel, undetectable expansion, and space exploration.

Magic Room
Studies conjurations, spell limitations, the laws of elemental transfiguration, and so on.

Hall of Prophecy
Research on divination of all kinds. This room once contained every known prophecy made, but a majority of them were lost in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries; now its collection is limited to prophecies made since 1996 and a few odd survivors. Though the area was thoroughly cleaned after the battle, employees are still finding bits of shattered glass.

l e v e l   t e nCourtrooms and Dungeons

Level Ten is home to the Courtrooms, used by the Wizengamot, and the (now disused) Dungeons.

Courtrooms One through Ten
Court proceedings are conducted in one of ten courtrooms at the Ministry of Magic, which are generally on the same level as the Department of Mysteries. These courtrooms vary in size, depending on whether or not the full Wizengamot is required to preside over the case. At the British Ministry, The largest courtroom is widely known to be Courtroom Ten and is a circular room with dark stone walls, along which high rows of benches are positioned for Wizengamot member seating. The accused sits in a chair in the centre with enchanted chains and manacles.

Dungeons
Though they're no longer in use, these dungeons once served as holding cells for prisoners awaiting conviction or transfer to Azkaban.