The Gold Robes

by TMONACELLI

Set in the Northern Forests of Wisconsin, a group of muggles are enjoying their afternoon when the International Statute of Secrecy is tipped off. The wizards who investigate believe they have modified everyone's memories, but they are incorrect.

1. Chapter 1

Chapter 1 : A Note on the International Statute of Secrecy

Established in 1689 by the International Confederation of Wizards, the International Statute of Secrecy (officially named the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy) was created with the intent of protecting wizards from the mass hysteria and violent repercussions of the larger muggle society. It should be noted though that this law was also created with the intent of keeping muggles safe from Wizarding society. For centuries there had been attacks, killings, even massacres from both sides. The I.S.S. was a fiercely legislated effort that sought to separate these worlds totally and permanently.

Although the act took the better part of two centuries to come into its own (and even now, some parts of the world have a more lenient attitude towards an open magic culture), by the 21st century, the law reigns over the globe. It's nearly impossible for a wizard or witch to enact their magic near a muggle without the I.S.S. tracers detecting them. What's more, over the three hundred years of I.S.S. enforcement, the Federation Investigators (commonly referred to as Gold Robes) have brought their response time down to near instantaneous rates. Stationed strategically around the globe, it is said that there is always a Gold Robe within an apparition away.

The I.S.S. has continued to be overseen by the International Confederation of Wizards. They and the Federation Investigative Branch are considered to have general immunity to individual magical governments. Any civil or criminal grievances against these bodies or allegations of wrongdoing must be brought up to the Supreme Mugwump at the International Wizengamot (a second arm of the International Confederation of Wizards). To date, there have been twenty three such cases brought up to the court, all have been dismissed with evidence stored and sealed.

While there have been numerous efforts to modify or even repeal the I.S.S., no magical government has been able to form the legislative majority needed to make any serious changes to it.