The Practical Wizard's Guide to Building a Magical Community

Building the Arcane Council Hall, Its Departments, and the Court of Magical Justice

By Harry Potter

No magical community can function without structure. Whether it's a small village or a sprawling magical city, there needs to be a place where decisions are made, laws are upheld, and disputes are resolved. That's why every settlement must establish a government building—a central hub for leadership, administration, and justice.

For our purposes, we'll call this institution The Arcane Council Hall—the magical community's equivalent of the Ministry of Magic, but built specifically for the needs of a growing settlement. It houses not only the Council of Elders or Magical Governors but also various departments responsible for maintaining order and ensuring daily life runs smoothly. Additionally, it contains the Court of Magical Justice, where laws are enforced, and magical disputes are resolved fairly.

Step 1: Designing the Arcane Council Hall

The Arcane Council Hall should be more than just a government office—it must be a place of power, protection, and wisdom.

Key Features of the Arcane Council Hall

✔ The Grand Assembly Chamber – A vast meeting hall where major decisions are made and community-wide issues are discussed.
✔ Department Offices – Sections of the building dedicated to the various branches of governance.
✔ The Court of Magical Justice – A secure and enchanted court where magical law is upheld.
✔ The Hall of Records – A library and archive for laws, treaties, and historical documents.
✔ The Scrying Observatory – A tower equipped with magical tools for monitoring external threats or diplomatic affairs.
✔ The Warding Chamber – A room where protective spells and enchantments over the settlement are maintained and strengthened.

To enhance security, the building should be enchanted with protective spells, including Repello Inimicum (to deter hostile forces), Veritas Ward (to prevent deception in legal matters), and Anti-Apparition Fields (to control who can enter and leave).

Step 2: Establishing Essential Government Departments

The Arcane Council Hall will house various magical departments, each responsible for a specific aspect of community management.

1. Department of Magical Security & Wards

Purpose: Maintains the settlement's protection, enforces magical law, and prevents magical threats.
✔ Ward Keepers Division – Oversees protective spells around the settlement.
✔ Magical Law Enforcement – Investigates crimes, patrols the village, and enforces justice.
✔ Dark Magic Investigations – Prevents illegal use of Dark Arts and cursed artifacts.
✔ Emergency Response Unit – Handles magical disasters, fires, and creature-related incidents.

2. Department of Magical Trade & Commerce

Purpose: Regulates businesses, trade, and magical markets within the community.
✔ Market Oversight Office – Ensures fair trade and enforces safety standards for magical goods.
✔ Artifact & Potion Regulations – Prevents the sale of dangerous or untested magical items.
✔ Guild Relations Division – Works with wandmakers, enchanters, and potion-brewers to strengthen trade.
✔ Import & Export Office – Manages magical imports and exports with outside wizarding communities.