======Augustus Rookwood======
=====Introduction=====
Augustus Rookwood was a [[Death Eater]] who served [[Lord Voldemort]] during both the [[First Wizarding War]] and [[Second Wizarding War]]. He worked as a spy within the [[Ministry of Magic]], operating as an [[Unspeakable]] in the [[Department of Mysteries]]. This position allowed him to pass vital information to [[Voldemort]]. Rookwood was involved in several key conflicts, including the [[Battle of the Department of Mysteries]] and the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], during which he was responsible for the death of [[Fred Weasley]].
=====Biography=====
====First Wizarding War====
During the [[First Wizarding War]], Rookwood secured a position as an [[Unspeakable]], an employee within the highly secretive [[Department of Mysteries]]. Using this post as cover, he acted as a spy for [[Lord Voldemort]], feeding him information from inside the [[Ministry of Magic]]. He was known to have connections with other [[Death Eaters]], such as [[Ludo Bagman]]'s father.
Following [[Voldemort]]'s first downfall, Rookwood was betrayed by [[Igor Karkaroff]]. During his own trial before the [[Wizengamot]], [[Karkaroff]] named Rookwood as a [[Death Eater]] in exchange for his own freedom. [[Harry Potter]] witnessed a memory of this trial in [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s [[Pensieve]]. Rookwood, described as a pockmarked man, appeared bored by the proceedings until [[Karkaroff]] identified him. Based on this testimony, Rookwood was convicted and sentenced to life in [[Azkaban]].
====Second Wizarding War====
In January of 1996, Rookwood was one of ten high-security [[Death Eaters]] who escaped from [[Azkaban]] in a mass breakout. He rejoined [[Lord Voldemort]] and later participated in the [[Battle of the Department of Mysteries]] in June of that year. His inside knowledge proved crucial; he informed [[Lucius Malfoy]] that the protective enchantments surrounding the [[prophecy]] meant that only [[Harry Potter]] could retrieve it from the shelf. During the ensuing duel, Rookwood was stunned by [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] and was one of the many [[Death Eaters]] captured by the [[Order of the Phoenix]] and returned to [[Azkaban]].
Rookwood escaped [[Azkaban]] for a second time following the fall of the [[Ministry of Magic]] in 1997. He took part in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] on 2 May 1998. During the fighting, he was engaged in a duel near [[Percy Weasley]] and [[Fred Weasley]]. Rookwood caused a powerful explosion that killed Fred. Enraged, Percy gave chase to Rookwood. Later in the battle, Rookwood was seen being stunned by [[Aberforth Dumbledore]]. His ultimate fate following [[Voldemort]]'s defeat is not explicitly stated in the books, though he was likely either killed in the battle or recaptured and sent back to [[Azkaban]].
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
Augustus Rookwood is described as a man with a pockmarked face and greasy hair. During his trial, he appeared unimpressed and bored, suggesting a degree of arrogance and confidence in his position. As a loyal [[Death Eater]], he was ruthless and committed to [[Voldemort]]'s cause, demonstrating his dangerous nature in battle and his deceitfulness through his work as a spy.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
  * **[[Dark Arts]]:** As a [[Death Eater]], Rookwood was proficient in the [[Dark Arts]] and was a capable duelist.
  * **Duelling:** He participated in two major wizarding battles. He was skilled enough to cast a curse that resulted in a fatal explosion, killing [[Fred Weasley]]. However, he was defeated in duels by powerful wizards like [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] and [[Aberforth Dumbledore]].
  * **Spycraft:** His most significant skill was his ability to act as a spy. His role as an [[Unspeakable]] implies a high level of intelligence and magical competence, as the [[Department of Mysteries]] was known to recruit only highly qualified wizards.
=====Possessions=====
  * **[[Wand]]:** Rookwood owned a [[wand]], but its core, wood, and length are unknown. It would have been confiscated upon his first imprisonment and he would have acquired a new one after his escape.
=====Relationships=====
  * **[[Lord Voldemort]]:** Rookwood was a loyal and valuable servant to [[Lord Voldemort]], providing him with crucial intelligence from within the [[Ministry of Magic]].
  * **[[Igor Karkaroff]]:** A fellow [[Death Eater]] who betrayed Rookwood to the [[Wizengamot]] to secure his own release from [[Azkaban]].
  * **[[Lucius Malfoy]]:** Rookwood fought alongside [[Lucius Malfoy]] at the [[Battle of the Department of Mysteries]], where he provided key tactical information regarding the [[prophecy]].
  * **[[Fred Weasley]]:** Rookwood murdered Fred during the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], making him a direct enemy of the [[Weasley family]].
  * **[[Percy Weasley]]:** After witnessing Rookwood kill his brother, Percy flew into a rage and pursued him through the battle.
=====Etymology=====
  * **Augustus:** A Latin name meaning "great," "magnificent," or "venerable." It was a title adopted by Roman emperors, implying power and importance.
  * **Rookwood:** The name contains "rook," a type of black crow often associated with cunning, darkness, and ill omens, befitting a spy and [[Death Eater]]. A rook is also a strategic piece in chess, which could allude to his role in [[Voldemort]]'s larger plans.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptation of //[[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire]]//, Augustus Rookwood was portrayed by actor Richard Trinder during the [[Pensieve]] scene. He was played by an uncredited actor in //[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]//.
  * The video game //[[Hogwarts Legacy]]// features a primary antagonist named Victor Rookwood. While they share a surname, any direct familial connection is unconfirmed by J.K. Rowling. (video game)