======Aurors======
=====Introduction=====
An **Auror** is a highly trained, elite witch or wizard who serves as a member of the [[Auror Office]], a specialist division within the [[Department of Magical Law Enforcement]] at the British [[Ministry of Magic]]. Their primary responsibility is to investigate crimes related to the [[Dark Arts]] and to pursue and apprehend [[Dark Wizard]]s. The role is exceptionally dangerous and demanding, requiring a high level of magical skill, bravery, and dedication. They are often described as the wizarding world's equivalent of elite police officers or dark wizard catchers.
=====Role and Responsibilities=====
Aurors are the main line of defence for the magical community against the most serious threats. Their duties include:
  * **Investigating Dark Magic:** They investigate crimes committed using the [[Dark Arts]], from minor [[jinx]]es to major attacks by dark organizations.
  * **Apprehending Dark Wizards:** Their core function is to track down, duel, and capture or neutralize dangerous witches and wizards, such as [[Death Eater]]s.
  * **Protective Duties:** Aurors are often assigned to protect high-risk individuals (such as [[Harry Potter]] and the Muggle Prime Minister) and locations (such as [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and and Wizardry]]).
  * **Gathering Intelligence:** They are involved in surveillance and intelligence gathering on suspected [[Dark Wizard]]s and their activities.
  * **Working Within the Law:** While they have the authority to use force, including lethal force in extreme circumstances, Aurors operate within the legal framework of the [[Ministry of Magic]]. During the [[First Wizarding War]], they were granted licenses to use the [[Unforgivable Curse]]s against [[Death Eater]]s.
=====Recruitment and Training=====
The path to becoming an Auror is notoriously difficult, with a stringent selection process and rigorous training.
  - **Academic Requirements:** Candidates must achieve a minimum of five [[N.E.W.T.]]s, with top grades of either 'Outstanding' or 'Exceeds Expectations'. [[Professor McGonagall]] advised [[Harry Potter]] that core subjects for Auror entry are [[Potions]], [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]], [[Transfiguration]], [[Charms]], and [[Herbology]].
  - **Aptitude Tests:** After meeting the academic standards, applicants must undergo a series of stringent character and aptitude tests at the [[Auror Office]] to demonstrate they possess the necessary qualities for the job, such as resilience, practical defensive ability, and sound judgment.
  - **Auror Training:** Successful candidates then enter a three-year training program. This intensive course covers advanced magical combat and practical skills necessary for their duties. Known training subjects include:
    * Concealment and Disguise
    * Stealth and Tracking
    * Poisons and Antidotes
[[Nymphadora Tonks]] mentioned that she nearly failed the "Stealth and Tracking" portion of her training but excelled in "Concealment and Disguise" due to her [[Metamorphmagus]] abilities.
=====History=====
Aurors have played a crucial role in modern wizarding history, particularly during the two wars against [[Lord Voldemort]].
**First Wizarding War**
During Voldemort's initial rise to power, the [[Auror Office]], led by figures like [[Alastor Moody]], was at the forefront of the fight. Aurors were given special dispensation by [[Barty Crouch Sr.]] to use the [[Unforgivable Curse]]s against the [[Death Eater]]s to match their ruthlessness. Many Aurors were killed in the line of duty. Notable Aurors from this era, [[Frank Longbottom]] and [[Alice Longbottom]], were captured and tortured into insanity by [[Death Eater]]s, including [[Bellatrix Lestrange]]. Moody himself was responsible for filling half the cells in [[Azkaban]] with captured [[Death Eater]]s.
**Second Wizarding War**
After Voldemort's return, the [[Auror Office]] was initially hampered by the [[Ministry of Magic]]'s official policy of denial. However, several Aurors, including [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] and [[Nymphadora Tonks]], secretly worked with the [[Order of the Phoenix]]. The Head of the Auror Office, [[Rufus Scrimgeour]], was promoted to [[Minister for Magic]], and he tasked Aurors with protecting key targets. When the Ministry fell to Voldemort's control in 1997, the [[Auror Office]] was subverted. Some Aurors like [[John Dawlish]] continued to serve the corrupted Ministry, while others were forced into hiding or imprisoned. Following the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], the new Minister for Magic, [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]], began to reform the Ministry. He invited [[Harry Potter]] to join the Aurors to help round up the remaining [[Death Eater]]s.
=====Known Aurors=====
  * [[Alice Longbottom]]
  * [[Alastor Moody]] (Mad-Eye) - Considered the most famous and effective Auror of his time.
  * [[John Dawlish]]
  * [[Frank Longbottom]]
  * [[Harry Potter]] - Joined after the [[Second Wizarding War]] and later became Head of the Auror Office (J.K. Rowling interview), (Pottermore).
  * [[Proudfoot]]
  * [[Gawain Robards]] - Became Head of the Auror Office after [[Rufus Scrimgeour]].
  * [[Savage]]
  * [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] - Later became [[Minister for Magic]].
  * [[Rufus Scrimgeour]] - Head of the Auror Office before becoming [[Minister for Magic]].
  * [[Nymphadora Tonks]]
  * [[Ron Weasley]] - Joined with Harry but left after two years to co-manage [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]] (J.K. Rowling interview).
  * [[Williamson]]
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * The name "Auror" likely comes from the word //aurora//, the Latin word for dawn, suggesting they bring light to combat darkness. It may also be related to auras, which are often associated with a person's character or magical nature.
  * In a 2007 interview, J.K. Rowling confirmed that Harry and Ron both joined the [[Auror Office]] under [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]]. She stated that Harry eventually became the head of the department.
  * The American equivalent of Aurors, who work for the [[Magical Congress of the United States of America]] ([[MACUSA]]), are featured prominently in the //Fantastic Beasts// film series. Their training and jurisdiction differ from their British counterparts (film).
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix//, a group of Aurors led by [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] arrive in the [[Hall of Prophecy]] to battle the [[Death Eater]]s alongside the [[Order of the Phoenix]] (film).