Dumbledore's words were like a sharp sword, shattering Ivan's shallow understanding of the wizarding world and causing him to revisit the conflicts between wizards and Muggles.
However, the more he thought about it, the more confused Ivan became, as he could not think of a solution to the problem.
After all, wizards were not united; they were scattered all over the world, each with their own ideas, unable to make even the most basic decisions.
Even if he could achieve something in the future, it would not help. The trust that he had worked so hard to build might be destroyed by a riot somewhere.
And that's just the trouble with wizards; the Muggle mind is the trickier one.
When an ordinary person suddenly learned of the existence of wizards in the world, they would use all kinds of magical tricks to easily toy with them. What would they think?
Envy, jealousy, fear, hostility?
What will those in power think? Will they see the power of wizards as a threat, fear them, and even think of suppressing wizards as a means of pleasing the voters?
Ivan's brow furrowed at the thought, and he had an answer.
Differences between people of all races, religions, sexes, ethnicities, and states can lead to discrimination, ill will, and even war, not to mention the essential difference between wizards and Muggles…
Being born with magical talent was an advantage, but one that could easily turn into arrogance, leading to a blood dispute.
No, it would be more accurate to say that many witches and wizards have embraced this idea, and even pure-bloods like Weasley, who are close to ordinary people, unconsciously show wizarding superiority when it comes to Muggles.
If there were a hundred times as many wizards, Ivan had little doubt that Muggles worldwide would be ruled, and that equality would be a joke.
Unfortunately, wizards were in the minority, and there were at least ten thousand times more Muggles than wizards.
At the same time, the Muggles, who have the advantage in numbers, will not be able to bear the threat posed to them by wizards in small groups…
This feeling of division might be the root cause of the war!
"That's why the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy is needed…" Ivan muttered.
He had previously believed that the existence of the Statute of Secrecy largely resulted in a lack of communication between the wizarding community and the outside world. Now, however, it seemed that the law did more good than harm.
Because it separated Muggles from the wizarding world and eliminated the possibility of large-scale conflict, it is little wonder that the law was universally approved by the wizarding community, and continues to be today.
"You seem to understand that the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy protects both Muggles and wizards… it is the key to their peace with us!" Dumbledore said solemnly.
Ivan nodded. He had not thought things through enough, oversimplifying and neglecting important things.
This, of course, did not mean that Ivan approved of the continued enforcement of the Statute of Secrecy, as wizards could not hide their presence forever…it would be better to try and ease the tension step-by-step from now on than to be caught out later.
At least for now, wizards are in control!
Ivan's tit-for-tat approach to the subject made it seem to him that future wizards would find it increasingly difficult to hide their presence, as wizards and Muggles did not always cross paths.
In Great Britain, for example, young wizards and witches who had awakened their magical talents received Hogwarts acceptance letters, and their families learned of their existence.
They included Muggles who were kind to wizards and wizards, as well as Muggles who hated magic and wizards, as did the Dursleys.
Regardless of their choice, it is certain that they will actively or passively spread the word about wizards in the Muggle world.
Until now, the wizarding community had not been exposed, due to the Muggle lack of communication skills, as well as the Muggle government's efforts to clean up and cover up the news.
"The Statute of Secrecy has kept this balance for over three hundred years, and I don't think we're going to get another three hundred!" Yvonne said sternly. Unless the wizarding community around the world imposed stricter regulations on wizards and witches at the same time, they would be in trouble for at most fifty years.
Half a century may seem like a long time, but it's obviously not enough time to foster communication between wizards and Muggles … sooner rather than later!
With the Philosopher's Stone in his possession, Ivan's lifespan had been greatly extended, and he could live for hundreds or thousands of years without a problem, so while others could sit back and let their descendants worry about them, he could not!
Even if a war between wizards and Muggles did not break out for two centuries, he would have to face it eventually!
Dumbledore listened to Ivan quietly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, knowing full well that the Statute of Secrecy was a temporary measure, but also understanding what a change would bring…
This would completely break the centuries-old bond between Muggle government and wizards, and move the world towards chaos and the unknown….
The atmosphere in the Headmaster's office was tense, and Dumbledore's eyes under his half-moon spectacles were fixed on Ivan, his gaze assessing.
Ivan showed no signs of backing down. With his vast amount of magic at his disposal, he was a match for the Dark Lord, and although he was no match for Dumbledore, who was holding the Elder Wand, he was clearly injured and would be weakened.
After a long, tense silence, Dumbledore began to speak. "You are right, Hulse. Some changes are needed in the wizarding community…"
Ivan's anxious heart relaxed, but before he could relax, Dumbledore continued.
"But you can't come up with a perfect solution, can you?"
"Increasing wizarding contact with Muggles means increasing the risk of exposure to the wizarding community. Since the International Statute of Secrecy was enacted in the late 17th century, concealment has become common knowledge in the global wizarding community, and there have been many attempts to break this status quo, all of which have failed…"
"You'll only face more resistance than you think!" Dumbledore said meaningfully.