The Fifteenth Century

The fifteenth century in the magical world was a period largely defined by the escalating tension and conflict between the wizarding community and non-magical people (Muggles). This era was characterized by intense witch-hunts and persecution, forcing many magical families to live in secrecy or in isolated communities. The primary governing body in Britain was the Wizards' Council, the predecessor to the later Ministry of Magic. Key magical institutions, such as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and cultural pastimes like Quidditch, were already well-established. This century was a crucial precursor to the eventual, formal separation of the magical and Muggle worlds with the signing of the International Statute of Secrecy two centuries later.

• Widespread Witch-Hunts: Persecution of witches and wizards by Muggles was rampant throughout this period. The magical community developed various means of survival, including concealment and defensive magic. The Flame-Freezing Charm, for instance, was used by some to survive being burned at the stake, turning the flames into a harmless, tickling sensation. The consistent danger of this era heavily influenced the political discourse that would eventually lead to total secrecy.
• Alchemy and Longevity: The famed alchemist Nicolas Flamel, who had created the Philosopher's Stone in the previous century, lived throughout the 1400s with his wife, Perenelle Flamel, sustained by the Elixir of Life. His work represented the pinnacle of Alchemy during this age.
• Governance by the Wizards' Council: The Wizards' Council continued to serve as the governing body for the British magical community. While its specific legislative actions during this century are not detailed, it handled magical law and order before its reformation into the more structured Ministry of Magic.

• Nicolas Flamel: The celebrated alchemist and opera-lover who achieved practical immortality through the use of the Philosopher's Stone. He and his wife were prominent, albeit reclusive, figures throughout the century.
• Perenelle Flamel: The wife of Nicolas Flamel, who shared the Elixir of Life with her husband and lived for over six hundred years.
• Wendelin the Weird: A witch from the Middle Ages who became famous for her enjoyment of being caught for witch-burning. She allowed herself to be captured at least forty-seven times in various disguises, using a Flame-Freezing Charm to render the fire harmless.

• Wizard-Muggle Relations: The relationship between wizards and Muggles was at an all-time low. Fear and mistrust dominated interactions, prompting many magical folk to withdraw entirely from the non-magical world. All-wizarding villages like Hogsmeade, founded centuries earlier by Hengist of Woodcroft, served as essential havens.
• Quidditch: The sport of Quidditch was a popular and established pastime. The Golden Snitch, which had been invented by the wizard Bowman Wright in the 1300s to replace the endangered Golden Snidget creature, was the standard fourth ball used in all matches.
• Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: As one of the pre-eminent magical schools in the world, Hogwarts functioned as a bastion of magical learning and a sanctuary for young witches and wizards, protecting them from the hostile Muggle world.