Harry Potter Wiki
Register
Harry Potter Wiki
No edit summary
mNo edit summary
Tags: Visual edit apiedit
(23 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 5: Line 5:
 
|name=Auror Office
 
|name=Auror Office
 
|leader=*[[Rufus Scrimgeour]] (?-[[1996]])
 
|leader=*[[Rufus Scrimgeour]] (?-[[1996]])
*[[Gawain Robards]] (1996-before [[2007]])
+
*[[Gawain Robards]] (1996-pre [[2007]])
 
*[[Harry Potter]] ([[2007]]-?)
 
*[[Harry Potter]] ([[2007]]-?)
|headquarters=Level 2, [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]], [[London]]
+
|headquarters=Level 2, [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]], [[Whitehall]], [[London]], [[England]]
 
|intentions=To protect the wizarding world from the [[Dark Arts]] and those who practice them
 
|intentions=To protect the wizarding world from the [[Dark Arts]] and those who practice them
 
|affiliation=*[[British Ministry of Magic]]
 
|affiliation=*[[British Ministry of Magic]]
*[[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]]
+
**[[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]]
  +
**[[Investigation Department]]
 
|enemies=*[[Dark Wizard|Dark wizards and witches]]
 
|enemies=*[[Dark Wizard|Dark wizards and witches]]
 
*[[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]
 
*[[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]
*[[Death Eaters]]
+
**[[Death Eaters]]
 
|first=''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''
 
|first=''[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]''
 
|latest=''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''
 
|latest=''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''
  +
|founder = [[Eldritch Diggory]]<ref name="pottermore"/>|founded = Between [[1733]] – [[1747]]<ref name="pottermore"/>}}
}}
 
 
{{Template:Dialogue|Dean Thomas|Auror?|Ron Weasley|Dark wizard catcher.|[[Ron Weasley]] on what an Auror is|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)}}
 
{{Template:Dialogue|Dean Thomas|Auror?|Ron Weasley|Dark wizard catcher.|[[Ron Weasley]] on what an Auror is|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)}}
   
An '''Auror''' is a member of an elite unit of highly-trained, specialist officers within the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] of the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] trained to investigate crimes related to the Dark Arts, and apprehend or detain [[Dark Wizard|Dark wizards and witches]]. This makes them, essentially, the wizarding world equivalent of police officers and military (as they dual serve in both roles).
+
An '''Auror''' is a member of an elite unit of highly-trained, specialist officers within the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] of the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]]. They are trained to investigate crimes related to the Dark Arts, and apprehend or detain [[Dark Wizard|Dark wizards and witches]]. This makes them, essentially, the wizarding world equivalent of police officers and military (as they dual serve in both roles).
   
 
Auror training is very difficult and intensive, so there are few qualified applicants. According to Minerva McGonagall, no Auror had been taken on for three years prior to [[1995]], though [[Nymphadora Tonks]] stated that she qualified the year before, meaning she was probably one of the last candidates taken on. The head of the [[Auror Office]] as of [[2007]] was [[Harry Potter]].
 
Auror training is very difficult and intensive, so there are few qualified applicants. According to Minerva McGonagall, no Auror had been taken on for three years prior to [[1995]], though [[Nymphadora Tonks]] stated that she qualified the year before, meaning she was probably one of the last candidates taken on. The head of the [[Auror Office]] as of [[2007]] was [[Harry Potter]].
Line 25: Line 26:
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===First Wizarding War===
 
===First Wizarding War===
  +
{{Quote|Half the cells in [[Azkaban]] are filled thanks to him.|[[Charlie Weasley]] regarding Moody's track record during the First Wizarding War|Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)}}
   
  +
[[File:Frank&alice.gif|thumb|left|230px|Former Aurors [[Alice Longbottom]], [[Frank Longbottom]], and [[Alastor Moody]]]]In the late 1970s and early 1980s, in the [[First Wizarding War|war]] during [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s [[First Wizarding War|first rise to power]], Aurors were authorised to use the [[Unforgivable Curses]] on suspected [[Death Eaters]] and criminals. This means that they were given the licence to [[Killing Curse|kill]], [[Imperius Curse|coerce]], and [[Cruciatus Curse|torture]]. It is unknown if, following the return of Lord Voldemort, this power was re-issued in the [[Second Wizarding War|second war]].
[[File:Frank&alice.gif|thumb|left|230px|Former Aurors [[Alice Longbottom]], [[Frank Longbottom]], and [[Alastor Moody]]]]
 
   
  +
It was also stated the former Auror Alastor Moody (one of the most famous Aurors of modern time) put away a vast number of criminals during this time period and that half the cells in [[Azkaban]] were full thanks to him.
In the [[First Wizarding War|war]] during [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s [[First Wizarding War|first rise to power]], Aurors were authorised to use the [[Unforgivable Curses]] on suspected [[Death Eaters]] and criminals. This means that they were given the licence to [[Killing Curse|kill]], [[Imperius Curse|coerce]], and [[Cruciatus Curse|torture]]. It is unknown if, following the return of Lord Voldemort, this power was re-issued in the [[Second Wizarding War|second war]].
 
  +
  +
=== Between the wars ===
  +
It can be assumed that after the [[First Wizarding War]] the Auror office went back to usual procedures and practices, as the methods used in war time are most likely different then when in times of peace.
  +
  +
Also during this period Alastor Moody took [[Nymphadora Tonks]] as his protégée. Undergoing three years of Auror training under the tutelage of Alastor Moody, Tonks's natural metamorphic abilities allowed her to easily pass the Concealment and Disguise portion of the training, without doing any work for it at all. However, her clumsiness gave her trouble with the Stealth and Tracking portion of the course, which she almost failed. Tonks qualified fully as an Auror in 1994. At some point Moody retired from active service, though by this time he was considered the greatest Auror of all time.
  +
  +
Stated by Professor [[Minerva McGonagall]], no Auror had been taken on for three years prior to [[1995]], though [[Nymphadora Tonks]] stated that she qualified the year before.
   
 
===Second Wizarding War===
 
===Second Wizarding War===
  +
{{Dialogue a-b-a|Tonks|I'm stationed in Hogsmeade now, to give the school extra protection,|Harry|Is it just you who's stationed up here, or — ?|No, [[Proudfoot]], [[Savage]], and [[Dawlish]] are here too.|Tonks and Harry discuss the additional security stationed at Hogwarts|Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince}}
   
After the return of Voldemort, Rufus Scrimgeour, hitherto the head of the Auror Office, became [[Minister for Magic]], as the [[wizarding world]] placed more trust in him as a war leader than his heavily disgraced predecessor, [[Cornelius Fudge]].
+
After the return of Voldemort had been made public, Rufus Scrimgeour, hitherto the head of the Auror Office, became [[Minister for Magic]], as the [[wizarding world]] placed more trust in him as a war leader than his heavily disgraced predecessor, [[Cornelius Fudge]].
   
[[File:800px-Battle_Dept_Mysteries.jpg|thumb|240px|Aurors guarding Hogwarts in 1996]]
+
[[File:Aurors GreatHall.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Aurors guarding Hogwarts in 1996]]
   
 
However, the most famous Auror in recent times is [[Alastor Moody]], who came out of his retirement to teach [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]], and was a long time member of the [[Order of the Phoenix]], but ultimately died in battle. Most of the other Aurors have followed Voldemort's regime when he took over the Ministry, due to them being blindly loyal to the Ministry, and Voldemort acting discreetly to prevent potential mutiny. Other Aurors, such as [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] and [[Nymphadora Tonks]], continued to fight against the Death Eaters, which led to Tonks' death, but after the war ended, Shacklebolt became the new Minister for Magic.
 
However, the most famous Auror in recent times is [[Alastor Moody]], who came out of his retirement to teach [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]], and was a long time member of the [[Order of the Phoenix]], but ultimately died in battle. Most of the other Aurors have followed Voldemort's regime when he took over the Ministry, due to them being blindly loyal to the Ministry, and Voldemort acting discreetly to prevent potential mutiny. Other Aurors, such as [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] and [[Nymphadora Tonks]], continued to fight against the Death Eaters, which led to Tonks' death, but after the war ended, Shacklebolt became the new Minister for Magic.
Line 40: Line 50:
 
===After the Battle of Hogwarts===
 
===After the Battle of Hogwarts===
   
In [[1998]], after the destruction of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and the end of the [[Second Wizarding War]], [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] became [[Minister for Magic]] and led a massive reform of the Ministry.<ref>[http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2007/7/30/j-k-rowling-web-chat-transcript "J.K. Rowling Web Chat Transcript"] on [http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/ The Leaky Cauldron]</ref> [[Harry Potter ]] and [[Ron Weasley ]] revolutionized the Auror department, the office was reshuffled and corruption was weeded out. Harry Potter became the youngest Auror in history, taken on at the age of seventeen and later in [[2007]] became the youngest head of the department at age twenty-six.
+
In [[1998]], after the destruction of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and the end of the [[Second Wizarding War]], [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] became [[Minister for Magic]] and led a massive reform of the Ministry.<ref>[http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2007/7/30/j-k-rowling-web-chat-transcript "J.K. Rowling Web Chat Transcript"] on [http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/ The Leaky Cauldron]</ref> Harry Potter and Ron Weasley revolutionized the Auror department. The office was reshuffled and corruption was weeded out. Harry Potter became the youngest Auror in history, taken on at the age of seventeen and later in [[2007]] became the youngest head of the department at age twenty-six.
   
 
==Location==
 
==Location==
Line 46: Line 56:
 
==Becoming an Auror==
 
==Becoming an Auror==
   
{{Quote|You'd need top grades for that,... They ask for a minimum of five [[N.E.W.T.|N.E.W.T.s]], and nothing under '[[Exceeds Expectations]]' grade, I see. Then you would be required to undergo a stringent series of character and aptitude tests at the Auror office. It's a difficult career path,... they only take the best|Minerva McGonagall|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
+
{{Quote|You'd need top grades for that... They ask for a minimum of five [[N.E.W.T.|N.E.W.T.s]], and nothing under '[[Exceeds Expectations]]' grade, I see. Then you would be required to undergo a stringent series of character and aptitude tests at the Auror office. It's a difficult career path... they only take the best|Minerva McGonagall|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
   
 
===Requirements===
 
===Requirements===
   
[[File:Alastor_Moody_Profile.JPG|thumb|left|130px|[[Alastor Moody]], one of the most famous Aurors of modern time]]
+
[[File:Alastor_Moody_Profile.JPG|thumb|left|225x225px|[[Alastor Moody]], one of the most famous Aurors of modern time]]
   
 
It is very difficult to fulfil the requirements to get into Auror training. Applicants must first have excellent academic credentials before they are accepted into a rigorous training program. To be accepted, one has to have a minimum of five [[Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test|N.E.W.T.s]] in challenging subjects, highly recommended are; [[Potions (class)|Potions]], [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]], [[Transfiguration (class)|Transfiguration]], [[Herbology]], and [[Charms (class)|Charms]], with top grades of either 'Outstanding' or '[[Exceeds Expectations]]' in the students chosen subjects.
 
It is very difficult to fulfil the requirements to get into Auror training. Applicants must first have excellent academic credentials before they are accepted into a rigorous training program. To be accepted, one has to have a minimum of five [[Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test|N.E.W.T.s]] in challenging subjects, highly recommended are; [[Potions (class)|Potions]], [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]], [[Transfiguration (class)|Transfiguration]], [[Herbology]], and [[Charms (class)|Charms]], with top grades of either 'Outstanding' or '[[Exceeds Expectations]]' in the students chosen subjects.
Line 56: Line 66:
 
[[Dolores Umbridge]] stated in 1996 that the Ministry also looks into the criminal records of the applicants, and those without a clean one will not make it through the cut. It is not known if Herbology is required, though it is possible as Harry continued to take it to the N.E.W.T.-level. It Is also possible that any other subject could be substituted as the five as long as the grade meets the requirements.
 
[[Dolores Umbridge]] stated in 1996 that the Ministry also looks into the criminal records of the applicants, and those without a clean one will not make it through the cut. It is not known if Herbology is required, though it is possible as Harry continued to take it to the N.E.W.T.-level. It Is also possible that any other subject could be substituted as the five as long as the grade meets the requirements.
   
[[File:Kingsleydh.jpg|thumb|140px|Former Auror and current [[Minister for Magic]] [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]]]
+
[[File:Kingsley Shacklebolt Profile.JPG|thumb|216x216px|Former Auror and current [[Minister for Magic]] [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]]]
   
 
The requirements for applicants into becoming Aurors were temporarily relaxed following the end of the [[Second Wizarding War]]. With many Aurors destroyed by Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters, and the need to restrengthen the Auror Department to combat the remaining Death Eaters, the new [[Minister for Magic]] and former Auror [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] permitted any participant in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] to begin Auror training if they were interested, on the grounds that having fought and survived in such a battle and not changing sides against such odds more than satisfied the character and skill requirements. At least some of these recruits, including [[Harry Potter]], [[Neville Longbottom]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]], did not achieve any [[Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test|N.E.W.T.s]] (they had not attended their final year at Hogwarts).
 
The requirements for applicants into becoming Aurors were temporarily relaxed following the end of the [[Second Wizarding War]]. With many Aurors destroyed by Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters, and the need to restrengthen the Auror Department to combat the remaining Death Eaters, the new [[Minister for Magic]] and former Auror [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] permitted any participant in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] to begin Auror training if they were interested, on the grounds that having fought and survived in such a battle and not changing sides against such odds more than satisfied the character and skill requirements. At least some of these recruits, including [[Harry Potter]], [[Neville Longbottom]] and [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]], did not achieve any [[Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test|N.E.W.T.s]] (they had not attended their final year at Hogwarts).
Line 63: Line 73:
 
{{Main|Auror training}}
 
{{Main|Auror training}}
   
It is incredibily difficult to fullfill Auror training, if accepted into Auror training, prospective Aurors are required to undergo a stringent series of character and aptitude tests to show they react well under pressure. Applicants are then required to train extensively in advanced [[duel|magical combat]] and other elements of practical defence, as well as, presumably, methods of criminal investigation.
+
It is incredibily difficult to fullfill Auror training; if accepted into Auror training, prospective Aurors are required to undergo a stringent series of character and aptitude tests to show they react well under pressure. Applicants are then required to train extensively in advanced [[duel|magical combat]] and other elements of practical defence, as well as, presumably, methods of criminal investigation.
   
 
Two of the disciplines included are "Concealment and Disguise" and "Stealth and Tracking", while poisons and antidotes essential studies. As mentioned by Tonks in [[1995]], she stated to Harry that she passed without any difficulties on the transformation test, but nearly failed the stealth tests. Training lasts for three years.
 
Two of the disciplines included are "Concealment and Disguise" and "Stealth and Tracking", while poisons and antidotes essential studies. As mentioned by Tonks in [[1995]], she stated to Harry that she passed without any difficulties on the transformation test, but nearly failed the stealth tests. Training lasts for three years.
Line 69: Line 79:
 
==The job==
 
==The job==
   
An Auror's job is to hunt down and capture Dark Wizards, once a criminal is capturesd they are generally handed over to the authorities. It is not uncommon for criminals to resist arrest; some choose to fight to the death rather than let themselves be captured, such as Death Eater [[Evan Rosier]]. The Ministry also enlistes them to guard high profile targets such as, Harry Potter during the [[1996]]-[[1997]] school term and the British [[Prime Minister]] had an Auror bodyguard, posing as his secretary, to protect him against the possibility that Lord Voldemort might take control of him to gain access to various [[Muggle]] resources at the highest level.
+
An Auror's job is to hunt down and capture [[Dark Wizards]], once a criminal is captured they are generally handed over to the authorities. It is not uncommon for criminals to resist arrest; some choose to fight to the death rather than let themselves be captured, such as Death Eater [[Evan Rosier]]. The Ministry also enlists them to guard high profile targets such as, Harry Potter during the [[1996]]-[[1997]] school term and the British [[Prime Minister]] had an Auror bodyguard, posing as his secretary, to protect him against the possibility that Lord Voldemort might take control of him to gain access to various [[Muggle]] resources at the highest level.
   
 
===Reputation===
 
===Reputation===
 
{{Template:Dialogue a-b-a|Ron|Well, it'd be cool to be an Auror,|Harry|Yeah, it would,|But they're, like, the elite,... You've got to be ''really'' good.|[[Harry Potter]] and [[Ron Weasley]] discussing future careers|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
 
{{Template:Dialogue a-b-a|Ron|Well, it'd be cool to be an Auror,|Harry|Yeah, it would,|But they're, like, the elite,... You've got to be ''really'' good.|[[Harry Potter]] and [[Ron Weasley]] discussing future careers|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix}}
  +
 
The job is seen as glamourous by some, as there is a great deal of danger involved and it is extremely difficult to join the ranks of the Aurors. [[Harry Potter]] became increasingly interested in becoming an Auror as his schooling came to an end, since he has had to fight against [[Dark Wizards]] his whole life.
 
The job is seen as glamourous by some, as there is a great deal of danger involved and it is extremely difficult to join the ranks of the Aurors. [[Harry Potter]] became increasingly interested in becoming an Auror as his schooling came to an end, since he has had to fight against [[Dark Wizards]] his whole life.
   
Line 80: Line 91:
   
 
===Heads of the Auror Office===
 
===Heads of the Auror Office===
<gallery orientation="portrait" widths="85" spacing="medium">
+
<gallery orientation="portrait" widths="85" spacing="medium" captionalign="center">
  +
F 56015.jpg|[[Rufus Scrimgeour]] †
 
PromoHP7 Harry Potter.jpg|[[Harry Potter]]
 
PromoHP7 Harry Potter.jpg|[[Harry Potter]]
F 56015.jpg|[[Rufus Scrimgeour]] †
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  +
{| class="wikitable" border="1" width="100%"
*[[Harry Potter]] (auror from 1998 to 2007, Head of the Office since 2007.<ref>[http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/wotm.cfm JKR's Wizard of the Month]</ref>)
 
  +
|-
*[[Gawain Robards]] (formerly)<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' ch.16</ref>
 
  +
! scope="col" |Person
*[[Rufus Scrimgeour]] (retired, became Minister for Magic in 1996) †
 
  +
! scope="col" |Notes
  +
|-
  +
|[[Gawain Robards]]
  +
<ref>''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' ch.16</ref>
  +
|Formerly the head untill Scrimgeour took over in 1996.
  +
|-
  +
|[[Rufus Scrimgeour]]
  +
|Retired, became Minister for Magic in 1996, murdered by [[Lord Voldemort ]]on [[1 August]], [[1997]]
  +
|-
  +
|[[Harry Potter]]
  +
|Auror from 1998 to 2007, promoted to the Head of the Office in 2007, at the young age of 26.<ref>[http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/wotm.cfm JKR's Wizard of the Month]</ref>
  +
|}
   
 
===Aurors===
 
===Aurors===
Line 92: Line 115:
 
Dawlishprofile.jpg|[[John Dawlish]]
 
Dawlishprofile.jpg|[[John Dawlish]]
 
Hesphaestus Gore.png|[[Hesphaestus Gore]]
 
Hesphaestus Gore.png|[[Hesphaestus Gore]]
Alice1.jpg|[[Alice Longbottom]] {{c|mentally incapacitated}}
+
Alice1.jpg|[[Alice Longbottom]]
Frank1.jpg|[[Frank Longbottom]] {{c|mentally incapacitated}}
+
Frank1.jpg|[[Frank Longbottom]]
Ron-Weasley-harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows.jpg|[[Ron Weasley]] {{c|retired}}
+
Ron-Weasley-harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows.jpg|[[Ron Weasley]]
Neville-promo-pics-neville-longbottom-28261912-390-520.jpg|[[Neville Longbottom]] {{c|resigned}}
+
Neville-promo-pics-neville-longbottom-28261912-390-520.jpg|[[Neville Longbottom]]
 
100px-Alastor Moody Profile.jpg|[[Alastor Moody]] †
 
100px-Alastor Moody Profile.jpg|[[Alastor Moody]] †
 
Kingsley7.jpg|[[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]
 
Kingsley7.jpg|[[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]
 
Nymphadora Tonks Deathly Hallows promotional image.jpg|[[Nymphadora Tonks]] †
 
Nymphadora Tonks Deathly Hallows promotional image.jpg|[[Nymphadora Tonks]] †
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  +
{| class="wikitable" border="1" width="100%"
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="article-table article-table-selected" style="width: 500px;"
 
|-
 
! scope="col"|Name
 
! scope="col"|Notes
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|
 
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
! scope="col" |Person
|
 
  +
! scope="col" |Notes
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|[[Venusia Crickerly]]
|
 
  +
|Became Minister for Magic in [[1902]]
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|[[John Dawlish]]
|
 
  +
|Auror between the wars and during the Second Wizarding War.
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|[[Hesphaestus Gore]]
|
 
  +
|Became Minister for Magic in [[1752]]
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|[[Alice Longbottom]]
|
 
  +
| colspan="1" rowspan="2" |Mentally incapacitated by a group of [[Death Eaters]] via the [[Cruciatus Curse]] in the final days of the First Wizarding War in [[1981]]
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|[[Frank Longbottom]]
|
 
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|[[Ronald Weasley]]
|
 
  +
|Retired, works at [[Weasley's Wizard Wheezes|Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.]]
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|[[Neville Longbottom]]
|
 
  +
|Resigned, position to become professor of [[Herbology]] at Hogwarts.
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|[[Alastor Moody]]
|
 
  +
|Retired murdered by [[Lord Voldemort]] in the [[Battle of the Seven Potters]] on [[27 July]], [[1997]]
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|[[Proudfoot]]
|
 
  +
| colspan="1" rowspan="2" |Auror that was stationed in Hogsmeade along with others during the [[1996-1997 school year]] at Hogwarts.
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|[[Savage]]
|
 
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|[[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]
|
 
  +
|Became Minister for Magic in [[1998]], presceeding the Battle of Hogwarts.
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|[[Nymphadora Tonks]]
|
 
  +
|Murdered by [[Bellatrix Lestrange]] during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] on 2 May, [[1998]].
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|[[Williamson]]
|
 
  +
|First Auror to see Lord Voldemort just before he fled the Ministry of Magic in 1996 after the Battle of the Department of Mysteries.
|
 
 
|}
 
|}
* [[Venusia Crickerly]] (became Minister for Magic in [[1902]])
 
* [[John Dawlish]]
 
* [[Hesphaestus Gore]] (became Minister for Magic in [[1752]])
 
*[[Hawkes Hawlish]]
 
*[[Alice Longbottom]] (mentally incapacitated by the [[Cruciatus Curse]] in [[1981]])
 
*[[Frank Longbottom]] (mentally incapacitated by the [[Cruciatus Curse]] in 1981)
 
*[[Ronald Weasley]] (retired, works at [[Weasley's Wizard Wheezes]])
 
*[[Neville Longbottom]] (resigned, position to become professor of [[Herbology]] at Hogwarts)
 
*[[Alastor Moody]] (retired murdered by [[Lord Voldemort]] in the [[Battle of the Seven Potters]], [[1997]]) †
 
*[[Proudfoot]]
 
*[[Savage]]
 
*[[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] (became Minister for Magic in [[1998]])
 
*[[Nymphadora Tonks]] (murdered by [[Bellatrix Lestrange]] during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], [[1998]]) †
 
*[[Williamson]]
 
   
 
==Etymology==
 
==Etymology==

Revision as of 06:47, 17 May 2015

Dean Thomas: "Auror?"
Ron Weasley: "Dark wizard catcher."
Ron Weasley on what an Auror is[src]

An Auror is a member of an elite unit of highly-trained, specialist officers within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement of the Ministry of Magic. They are trained to investigate crimes related to the Dark Arts, and apprehend or detain Dark wizards and witches. This makes them, essentially, the wizarding world equivalent of police officers and military (as they dual serve in both roles).

Auror training is very difficult and intensive, so there are few qualified applicants. According to Minerva McGonagall, no Auror had been taken on for three years prior to 1995, though Nymphadora Tonks stated that she qualified the year before, meaning she was probably one of the last candidates taken on. The head of the Auror Office as of 2007 was Harry Potter.

History

First Wizarding War

"Half the cells in Azkaban are filled thanks to him."
Charlie Weasley regarding Moody's track record during the First Wizarding War[src]
File:Frank&alice.gif

Former Aurors Alice Longbottom, Frank Longbottom, and Alastor Moody

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, in the war during Lord Voldemort's first rise to power, Aurors were authorised to use the Unforgivable Curses on suspected Death Eaters and criminals. This means that they were given the licence to kill, coerce, and torture. It is unknown if, following the return of Lord Voldemort, this power was re-issued in the second war.

It was also stated the former Auror Alastor Moody (one of the most famous Aurors of modern time) put away a vast number of criminals during this time period and that half the cells in Azkaban were full thanks to him.

Between the wars

It can be assumed that after the First Wizarding War the Auror office went back to usual procedures and practices, as the methods used in war time are most likely different then when in times of peace.

Also during this period Alastor Moody took Nymphadora Tonks as his protégée. Undergoing three years of Auror training under the tutelage of Alastor Moody, Tonks's natural metamorphic abilities allowed her to easily pass the Concealment and Disguise portion of the training, without doing any work for it at all. However, her clumsiness gave her trouble with the Stealth and Tracking portion of the course, which she almost failed. Tonks qualified fully as an Auror in 1994. At some point Moody retired from active service, though by this time he was considered the greatest Auror of all time.

Stated by Professor Minerva McGonagall, no Auror had been taken on for three years prior to 1995, though Nymphadora Tonks stated that she qualified the year before.

Second Wizarding War

Tonks: "I'm stationed in Hogsmeade now, to give the school extra protection,"
Harry: "Is it just you who's stationed up here, or — ?"
Tonks: "No, Proudfoot, Savage, and Dawlish are here too."
— Tonks and Harry discuss the additional security stationed at Hogwarts[src]

After the return of Voldemort had been made public, Rufus Scrimgeour, hitherto the head of the Auror Office, became Minister for Magic, as the wizarding world placed more trust in him as a war leader than his heavily disgraced predecessor, Cornelius Fudge.

Aurors GreatHall

Aurors guarding Hogwarts in 1996

However, the most famous Auror in recent times is Alastor Moody, who came out of his retirement to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts, and was a long time member of the Order of the Phoenix, but ultimately died in battle. Most of the other Aurors have followed Voldemort's regime when he took over the Ministry, due to them being blindly loyal to the Ministry, and Voldemort acting discreetly to prevent potential mutiny. Other Aurors, such as Kingsley Shacklebolt and Nymphadora Tonks, continued to fight against the Death Eaters, which led to Tonks' death, but after the war ended, Shacklebolt became the new Minister for Magic.

After the Battle of Hogwarts

In 1998, after the destruction of Lord Voldemort and the end of the Second Wizarding War, Kingsley Shacklebolt became Minister for Magic and led a massive reform of the Ministry.[2] Harry Potter and Ron Weasley revolutionized the Auror department. The office was reshuffled and corruption was weeded out. Harry Potter became the youngest Auror in history, taken on at the age of seventeen and later in 2007 became the youngest head of the department at age twenty-six.

Location

Auror headquarters are located on Level Two of the Ministry of Magic. It consists of a series of open cubicles, each Auror being given a place to work. Pictures of known Dark wizards, maps, clippings from the Daily Prophet, and various other things line the cubicles.  

Becoming an Auror

"You'd need top grades for that... They ask for a minimum of five N.E.W.T.s, and nothing under 'Exceeds Expectations' grade, I see. Then you would be required to undergo a stringent series of character and aptitude tests at the Auror office. It's a difficult career path... they only take the best"
— Minerva McGonagall[src]

Requirements

Alastor Moody Profile

Alastor Moody, one of the most famous Aurors of modern time

It is very difficult to fulfil the requirements to get into Auror training. Applicants must first have excellent academic credentials before they are accepted into a rigorous training program. To be accepted, one has to have a minimum of five N.E.W.T.s in challenging subjects, highly recommended are; Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Herbology, and Charms, with top grades of either 'Outstanding' or 'Exceeds Expectations' in the students chosen subjects.

Dolores Umbridge stated in 1996 that the Ministry also looks into the criminal records of the applicants, and those without a clean one will not make it through the cut. It is not known if Herbology is required, though it is possible as Harry continued to take it to the N.E.W.T.-level. It Is also possible that any other subject could be substituted as the five as long as the grade meets the requirements.

Kingsley Shacklebolt Profile

Former Auror and current Minister for Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt

The requirements for applicants into becoming Aurors were temporarily relaxed following the end of the Second Wizarding War. With many Aurors destroyed by Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters, and the need to restrengthen the Auror Department to combat the remaining Death Eaters, the new Minister for Magic and former Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt permitted any participant in the Battle of Hogwarts to begin Auror training if they were interested, on the grounds that having fought and survived in such a battle and not changing sides against such odds more than satisfied the character and skill requirements. At least some of these recruits, including Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom and Ron Weasley, did not achieve any N.E.W.T.s (they had not attended their final year at Hogwarts).

Training

Main article: Auror training

It is incredibily difficult to fullfill Auror training; if accepted into Auror training, prospective Aurors are required to undergo a stringent series of character and aptitude tests to show they react well under pressure. Applicants are then required to train extensively in advanced magical combat and other elements of practical defence, as well as, presumably, methods of criminal investigation.

Two of the disciplines included are "Concealment and Disguise" and "Stealth and Tracking", while poisons and antidotes essential studies. As mentioned by Tonks in 1995, she stated to Harry that she passed without any difficulties on the transformation test, but nearly failed the stealth tests. Training lasts for three years.

The job

An Auror's job is to hunt down and capture Dark Wizards, once a criminal is captured they are generally handed over to the authorities. It is not uncommon for criminals to resist arrest; some choose to fight to the death rather than let themselves be captured, such as Death Eater Evan Rosier. The Ministry also enlists them to guard high profile targets such as, Harry Potter during the 1996-1997 school term and the British Prime Minister had an Auror bodyguard, posing as his secretary, to protect him against the possibility that Lord Voldemort might take control of him to gain access to various Muggle resources at the highest level.

Reputation

Ron: "Well, it'd be cool to be an Auror,"
Harry: "Yeah, it would,"
Ron: "But they're, like, the elite,... You've got to be really good."
Harry Potter and Ron Weasley discussing future careers[src]

The job is seen as glamourous by some, as there is a great deal of danger involved and it is extremely difficult to join the ranks of the Aurors. Harry Potter became increasingly interested in becoming an Auror as his schooling came to an end, since he has had to fight against Dark Wizards his whole life.

Though Auror training is very taxing, and means an additional three years of studying even after graduation from school, they seem to be very well respected in the wizarding community, and the higher members are potential candidates for Minister for Magic. For example, Rufus Scrimgeour was a leader for the Auror Office, but replaced Fudge after the call of his resignation.

Known Aurors

Heads of the Auror Office

Person Notes
Gawain Robards

[3]

Formerly the head untill Scrimgeour took over in 1996.
Rufus Scrimgeour Retired, became Minister for Magic in 1996, murdered by Lord Voldemort on 1 August, 1997
Harry Potter Auror from 1998 to 2007, promoted to the Head of the Office in 2007, at the young age of 26.[4]

Aurors

Person Notes
Venusia Crickerly Became Minister for Magic in 1902
John Dawlish Auror between the wars and during the Second Wizarding War.
Hesphaestus Gore Became Minister for Magic in 1752
Alice Longbottom Mentally incapacitated by a group of Death Eaters via the Cruciatus Curse in the final days of the First Wizarding War in 1981
Frank Longbottom
Ronald Weasley Retired, works at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.
Neville Longbottom Resigned, position to become professor of Herbology at Hogwarts.
Alastor Moody Retired murdered by Lord Voldemort in the Battle of the Seven Potters on 27 July, 1997
Proudfoot Auror that was stationed in Hogsmeade along with others during the 1996-1997 school year at Hogwarts.
Savage
Kingsley Shacklebolt Became Minister for Magic in 1998, presceeding the Battle of Hogwarts.
Nymphadora Tonks Murdered by Bellatrix Lestrange during the Battle of Hogwarts on 2 May, 1998.
Williamson First Auror to see Lord Voldemort just before he fled the Ministry of Magic in 1996 after the Battle of the Department of Mysteries.

Etymology

"Auror" may be derived from "aurora", meaning "the dawn", from the Latin word "aurum", meaning "gold", or from the Hebrew word "Arur" (ארור), meaning someone who is cursed.

Most likely, however, it is derived from the Latin word for ear, 'auris' and the related adjective, 'aural'. Since aurors are detectives (among other policing and justicial roles), they are those who listen for and receive information.

Behind the scenes

  • Aurors can easily be comparable to elite Muggle national law enforcement officials, intelligence operatives, or military units such as the MI5, MI6, SAS and etc. Some require excellent academic credentials (but not all), have an exhausting selection process to weed out the weak, undergo extensive advance training (sometimes up to a year or two to be operationally ready in the field), and are employed for the most dangerous missions/criminals.
  • Harry Potter is the youngest Auror in history as being 17 when taking the job, and also the youngest Head Auror at 26. As he was a normal Auror for nine years and then Head Auror (2007) for ten years, but it is unknown when he will retire.
  • Harry's goal to be an Auror is only briefly mentioned by Minerva McGonagall in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, despite the Careers Advice scene being omitted from the previous film.
  • In the films, Aurors tend to wear brown trench coats, possibly as a uniform. Kingsley Shacklebolt is the only Auror seen on-duty without one.

See also

Appearances

Notes and references

  1. 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named pottermore
  2. "J.K. Rowling Web Chat Transcript" on The Leaky Cauldron
  3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ch.16
  4. JKR's Wizard of the Month
Department of Magical Law Enforcement
Level 2, British Ministry of Magic
Department of Magical Law Enforcement logo
Auror Office · Department of Intoxicating Substances · Improper Use of Magic Office · Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office · Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects · Office for the Removal of Curses, Jinxes, and Hexes · Magical Law Enforcement Patrol · Hit Wizards · Ministry of Magic Witch Watchers · Department of Magical Equipment Control · Administrative Registration Department · Wizengamot Administration Services · Department of Security · Animagus Registry · SOS Task Force Office