Visitors to Diagon Alley on December 31st, 1894 may have seen a new booth marked 'Changes' where a witch, Mrs. Candace Howard of Wales, sold individual bonbons. The stand was initially shut down for failing to secure a business permit, but an investigation by the Ministry's Improper Use of Magic office has announced that these chocolates also involved experimental charms which were not approved for use full stop, much less for consumption by the general public. Visitors to the stand have reported changes in appearance as well as symptoms like forgetfulness, moodiness, and trouble sleeping.

"Any of the changes made by these candies might have been accomplished with more established magic," a representative said. "At least, that our investigation has uncovered so far. The experimental component was the responsiveness — Mrs. Howard claims the changes affected were based on the request of the stall's visitors."

The Ministry is encouraging anyone who had one of the chocolates, whether visibly affected or not, to report in for an assessment and counter-spell, as applicable. "Even if you feel fine," the Ministry emphasized, "there's simply no guarantee about what may happen next."

Mrs. Howard faces a fine for her misuse of magic but is not currently being detained, as the investigation has uncovered no malicious intent and the effects so far reported have been largely harmless. Indeed, Mrs. Howard was optimistic about opening a proper business line for her chocolates, "once the kinks have been worked out."