Achilles Tolliver

Achilles Tolliver was an American wizard and one of the original twelve Aurors recruited to serve the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA). As a member of this inaugural group, he helped establish the formidable reputation of the MACUSA Auror Department in the 18th century. All information regarding Achilles Tolliver comes from supplementary materials written by J.K. Rowling.

In 1753, MACUSA President Josiah Jackson, a militant wizard who was elected to office primarily due to his expertise in fighting Dark Wizards, initiated a major recruitment drive for Aurors. Prior to his presidency, MACUSA had struggled to bring criminals to justice and often relied on volunteers. Tolliver was one of the twelve highly skilled witches and wizards selected for this first official, professionally-trained cohort (Pottermore). Along with his eleven colleagues, Tolliver underwent rigorous training and went on to establish a legendary reputation for MACUSA's law enforcement division. The original twelve Aurors were so revered that even centuries later, their descendants were often pointed out with pride within the American wizarding community (Pottermore).

There is no canonical description of Achilles Tolliver's physical appearance or specific personality traits. As one of the first Aurors, it can be inferred that he was brave, determined, and possessed a strong sense of justice.

As an Auror for MACUSA, Achilles Tolliver was undoubtedly a powerful and highly skilled wizard. His selection as one of the original twelve implies exceptional proficiency in areas essential for a dark wizard catcher, including:

• Duelling: He would have been an expert duellist, capable of holding his own against dangerous Dark Wizards.
• Defensive Magic: Mastery of shielding charms and other protective spells would have been a fundamental requirement.
• Offensive Magic: A wide knowledge of offensive spells and jinxes would be necessary for subduing criminals.
• Charms and Transfiguration: Advanced practical skills in these areas are standard for any qualified Auror.

• Josiah Jackson: The MACUSA President who recruited Tolliver to be an Auror.
• Original Twelve Aurors: Tolliver served alongside eleven other witches and wizards who formed the first Auror unit for MACUSA. His colleagues were Charity Wilkinson, Theodard Fontaine, Gondulphus Graves, Robert Grimsditch, Mary Jauncey, Carlos Lopez, Mungo MacDuff, Cormac O'Brien, Abraham Potter, Berthilde Roche, and Wilhelm Fischer (Pottermore).

• The first name Achilles is taken directly from the hero of Greek mythology who fought in the Trojan War. Achilles was famed for his near-invincibility and great prowess as a warrior, qualities befitting a pioneering Auror.
• The surname Tolliver is a variant of the English occupational surname “Tollifer,” which means “iron-cutter.” This suggests strength and the ability to break through or cleave one's way through obstacles, a fitting name for a law enforcement wizard.

Achilles Tolliver was created by J.K. Rowling for her writings on The History of Magic in North America, specifically in the section detailing the foundation of MACUSA and its Aurors, published on Pottermore (now Wizarding World). A statue bearing the name “A. Tolliver” is one of several honouring the original twelve Aurors at the entrance to the Auror office at MACUSA headquarters, as seen in the film *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* (film).