When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 26

A Deathly Dream

In the dozen years that Ivan Federov had been the head of the Department of Justice for the ICW, he had never attended a gathering so tense, so animated, nor so pivotal to the future of the wizarding world.

Still, as important as it was, he had his doubts that it would be fruitful.

Memories here were as long as the bills that were drafted, and until Grindelwald moved towards seizing control of one of the major member countries, the collective body would do little to prevent his movements.

They would blow hot air, make promises they had no intention of keeping, and ultimately leave him to operate within the restrictions already in place.

To Ivan, it was not acceptable, but he was acutely aware that there was little to be done.

Until firm action was needed, the ICW would do nothing.

Trailing his gaze around the members in attendance, he could not miss the empty seats. Though few, this was only the beginning of what he believed to be many more absentees in the future.

It was not a coincidence that the 'liberation' of a country at the hands of Grindelwald resulted in the apparent withdrawal of that nation from these chambers.

Austria was the latest to not attend, and the news on that front was unsettling, just as much as the unexpected absence of the German representative.

He was pulled from his musings by the sound of the Chief Mugwump crashing his gavel atop his podium.

"I call to order this gathering of the International Confederation of Warlocks dated March 18th, 1938," he declared, his expression grim. "Before we begin, I have received a letter from Albert Klose, our German representative, that I will read aloud."

Federov frowned as he released a laboured breath.

This would not be good news.

'To my esteemed colleagues,' the Chief Mugwump began. 'It is with a heavy heart that I pass on these words, but I feel that it is no longer possible to delay them. My country is gripped by a contagious madness, and as such, the people, wizards, and muggles alike, have been infected with it. I, in good conscience, cannot be swept up in the furore for what is happening goes against all I stand for.

The muggle leader is a monster, having those he deems in unworthy carted off to camps where they are killed in droves, or put to work for his vision of a greater Germany.

I know that we do not involve ourselves in the affairs of muggles, but I fear that it will soon be too late.

As is customary, the Austrian was informed of our existence when he took up office, and his attention is turning to us to solve his problems. Thus far, our government has resisted, but there is a movement that wishes for us to break the Statute of Secrecy, and it is slowly beginning to gain traction.

I believe that sooner or later, it is inevitable that they will be successful.

Already I have received threats against myself and my wife and have taken the decision to go into hiding for our safety.