Auror

In the Harry Potter series of novels, Aurors
are employees of the Ministry of Magic who track down and
capture Dark Wizards, especially members of Lord
Voldemort's band of Death Eaters.

They are required to train extensively in advanced magical
fighting, and must have good academic credentials before they are
accepted on a training programme (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.

Image:Aurormaybe.jpeg

The Aurors are elite Dark Wizard
catchers

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 rights, but it is probable that they have
been.

Auror training takes three years, and two of the disciplines
included are "Concealment and Disguise" and "Stealth and Tracking".
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 School
of Witchcraft and Wizardry 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.

The name "Auror" probably derives from Aurora, the Latin
name for the dawn; that is, an end to darkness.

Aurors seen in the series include:

• Rufus Scrimgeour (Head of the office prior
  to being appointed Minister of Magic)^[HP6]


• Alastor Moody (now retired)


• Kingsley Shacklebolt


• Nymphadora Tonks


• Dawlish