Auror
In the Harry Potter book series, Aurors are an elite unit of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement of the British Ministry of Magic, who track down and capture Dark Wizards, especially members of Lord Voldemort's band of Death Eaters.
Training
It is extremely difficult to fulfill the requirements of Auror training, let alone pass the training with high marks. Applicants are required to train extensively in advanced magical fighting, and must have excellent academic credentials before they are accepted on a rigorous training program (which normally lasts three years). The job is seen as glamorous 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 becomes increasingly interested in becoming an Auror as the novels progress.
According to Professor Minerva McGonagall, to be accepted for Auror training, one has to have a minimum of five N.E.W.T.s (and no grade lower than "Exceeds Expectations") in tough subjects such as Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Charms and Herbology. Then, prospective Aurors are required to undergo a stringent series of character and aptitude tests to show they react well under pressure and have very high skills in practical defence. Two of the disciplines included are "Concealment and Disguise" and "Stealth and Tracking". Annoyed by Headmistress Dolores Umbridge's insistence that Harry will never become an Auror, McGonagall declares that she will give him whatever assistance and tutoring he requires in order to become one.
The War Against Voldemort
In the war during Voldemort's first rise to power, Aurors were authorized to use The Unforgivable Curses on suspected Death Eaters and criminals. This means that they were given the licence to kill, coerce and torture. In the Second War, it is unclear whether or not they have been issued the same powers, but it is probable that they have been. Aurors have also been used to infiltrate terrorist/Dark Wizard organizations.
When they capture Dark wizards, the criminals are usually sent to Azkaban - however, a duel with a Dark wizard can often become a fight to the death.
On rare occasions, they are used to guard high profile personalities or people who are in great danger but are protected by the Ministry. The Ministry had enlisted them to protect Harry Potter and Hogwarts by the time of The Half Blood Prince. Prior to this, in The Order of the Phoenix, the Order had Auror members who were part of the Advance Guard which protected Harry.
In the Second War, an ex-Auror, Rufus Scrimgeour, previously Head of the Auror Department, was elected to the post of Minister for Magic, as the Wizarding world placed more trust in him as a war leader than his predecessor, Cornelius Fudge. However, the most famous Auror in recent times is Alastor Moody, who came out of his retirement to join the Order of the Phoenix.
Name origins
The name "Auror" probably derives from Aurora, the Latin name for the dawn; that is, an end to darkness.
Known Aurors
Aurors seen in the series include:
- Dawlish, who attempted to assist Umbridge in sacking Hagrid in The Order of the Phoenix.
- Alice Longbottom (incapacitated)
- Frank Longbottom (incapacitated}
- Alastor Moody (now retired)
- Proudfoot
- Gawain Robards (head of the office after the promotion of Rufus Scrimgeor)
- Savage
- Rufus Scrimgeour (head of the office through Order of the Phoenix prior to being appointed Minister of Magic in Half-Blood Prince)
- Kingsley Shacklebolt
- Nymphadora Tonks
- Williamson
References
Rowling, J. K. (2005). Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Bloomsbury. ISBN 0747581088.