======Auror Department======
=====Introduction=====
The **Auror Department**, also known as the **Auror Office**, is an elite unit of highly trained, specialist [[wizard]]s and [[witch]]es operating within the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] at the British [[Ministry of Magic]]. Their primary responsibility is the investigation of crimes related to the [[Dark Arts]] and the apprehension of [[Dark wizard]]s. Due to the high level of skill, bravery, and character required, becoming an [[Auror]] is exceptionally difficult, and they are often regarded as the magical equivalent of elite detectives and law enforcement officers in the [[Muggle]] world.
=====Function and History=====
The core function of the [[Auror Department]] is to serve as the primary defence against the most dangerous threats to the wizarding community. [[Auror]]s are trained to be expert duelists and investigators, possessing a deep knowledge of defensive and offensive [[magic]].
During the First Wizarding War, under the leadership of [[Barty Crouch Sr.]], [[Auror]]s were granted special permissions to use the [[Unforgivable Curses]] in order to effectively combat [[Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eater]]s. This period saw many famous [[Auror]]s, such as [[Alastor Moody]], rise to prominence, though the department also suffered heavy casualties. Following [[Voldemort]]'s first defeat, [[Auror]]s were responsible for tracking down and imprisoning his remaining followers, such as in the case of [[Igor Karkaroff]].
At the beginning of the Second Wizarding War, the department's effectiveness was severely hampered by [[Minister for Magic]] [[Cornelius Fudge]]'s refusal to accept [[Voldemort]]'s return. However, several [[Auror]]s, including [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] and [[Nymphadora Tonks]], worked undercover as members of the reformed [[Order of the Phoenix]]. After the [[Ministry of Magic]] fell to [[Voldemort]]'s control, the [[Auror Department]] was corrupted, with its members either controlled, replaced, or forced into hiding. Following [[Voldemort]]'s final defeat, [[Minister for Magic]] [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] led a massive reform of the department, with [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ron Weasley]] joining its ranks.
=====Recruitment and Training=====
The selection process for becoming an [[Auror]] is notoriously stringent and consists of several stages.
  * **Academic Requirements:** A candidate must achieve a minimum of five N.E.W.T.s, with top grades of either 'Outstanding' or 'Exceeds Expectations'. Key subjects recommended by [[Professor McGonagall]] include:
    * [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]]
    * [[Potions]]
    * [[Transfiguration]]
    * [[Charms]]
    * [[Herbology]]
  * **Aptitude Tests:** After meeting the academic standards, candidates must pass a series of rigorous character and aptitude tests at the [[Auror Office]]. These tests are designed to assess practical skills in areas such as practical defence, stealth, and concealment.
  * **Formal Training:** Successful candidates then undergo a further three years of intensive [[Auror]] training to hone their skills in advanced magical combat and investigative techniques before they can fully qualify.
=====Headquarters: The Auror Office=====
The [[Auror Department]] is headquartered in the [[Auror Office]], located on Level Two of the [[Ministry of Magic]]. It is a noisy, bustling, open-plan office consisting of a series of cubicles. The space is described as shabby and hectic, with each [[Auror]]'s cubicle often reflecting their personality.
  * [[Nymphadora Tonks]]'s cubicle wall featured a picture of the band [[The Weird Sisters]] and a clipping from the //[[Daily Prophet]]// about [[Harry Potter]]'s interview in //[[The Quibbler]]//.
  * [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]'s cubicle had a poster of [[Sirius Black]] and a photograph of the [[Muggle]] [[Prime Minister]] he was assigned to protect.
  * A prominent feature of the office is a map of the world dotted with red pins, presumably tracking the activities and locations of [[Dark wizard]]s.
=====Known Personnel=====
**Heads of Department:**
  * [[Rufus Scrimgeour]] (before 1996)
  * [[Gawain Robards]] (1996 - unknown)
  * [[Harry Potter]] (became Head in 2007) (J.K. Rowling interview)
**Known Aurors:**
  * [[Alice Longbottom]]
  * [[Frank Longbottom]]
  * [[John Dawlish]]
  * [[Alastor Moody]] (Mad-Eye)
  * [[Harry Potter]] (joined in 1998) (J.K. Rowling interview)
  * [[Proudfoot]]
  * [[Gawain Robards]]
  * [[Savage]]
  * [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]
  * [[Rufus Scrimgeour]]
  * [[Nymphadora Tonks]]
  * [[Ron Weasley]] (joined in 1998, left two years later) (J.K. Rowling interview)
  * [[Williamson]]
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * According to J.K. Rowling, after the Second Wizarding War, [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ron Weasley]] were recruited by [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] to help reform the [[Auror Department]]. [[Harry Potter]] went on to become the youngest Head of the Department in its history at age 26. (J.K. Rowling interview)
  * The [[Auror Department]] was officially formed in Britain between 1718 and 1726 by [[Minister for Magic]] [[Eldritch Diggory]]. (Pottermore)
  * The American equivalent of an [[Auror]] works for the [[Magical Congress of the United States of America]] ([[MACUSA]]). [[Porpentina Goldstein]] was an [[Auror]] for [[MACUSA]] before being demoted. (Fantastic Beasts film series)