Greetings! I find myself at a slight loss for words in composing this post, as I assume most of you are well-acquainted with the role and responsibilities of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Nevertheless, allow me to share a bit of my personal journey.
My fascination with this line of work began early, thanks to my parents, who were dedicated members of the Aurors office. Their experiences gave me invaluable insights into the demands and expectations of this profession. For a bit of background, I was sorted into Ravenclaw and had the honour of being appointed Head Girl for the year 2027. I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition through the Hannah Fischer Award and the Patronus Award. During my sixth year, I embarked on a work study program within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Subsequently, I commenced my career as a member of the Patrol division, later ascending to the role of Quartermaster. Most recently, I have been honoured with the position of Head Auror, a post I’ve held since this year.
During my tenure as Quartermaster, I also actively participated in two dueling clubs, achieving the coveted top national ranking on two occasions.
Now, let me shed some light on the realities of this profession, regardless of your rank. It’s essentially a team endeavour, where harmonious relationships with your colleagues are indispensable. You’ll often find yourself spending more time with your fellow Aurors than with your own family, and the hours can be quite strenuous. Learning to compartmentalize your work and personal life becomes crucial. I’d also like to dispel any notions of glamour – while we do confront dark wizards, the majority of our time is consumed by paperwork, investigations, and interactions with individuals whose lives have been shattered, either as victims or perpetrators. It’s a far cry from a thrilling adventure.
That said, it is undoubtedly a rewarding calling. However, it comes with a sense of bittersweet triumph. In nearly ninety-nine percent of our cases, the damage has already been done, and justice often seems elusive. The question of what justice truly means and whether it can be served plagues many of us. At times, it appears as though we merely transfer criminals to the Wizengamot for judgment, with little prospect of rehabilitation or restorative justice. This is a facet of the job that you must come to terms with. Developing the ability to leave your work at the office is an absolute necessity if you wish to maintain your sanity. As a result, many of the Aurors I know have mastered the art of emotional detachment to stay objective – a skill I happened to excel at, and it suited me well.
If you’re contemplating a career in this profession, you’ll need to excel in your NEWTS. This applies regardless of the specific branch you choose. Fortunately, the Department houses a multitude of offices, offering opportunities for all kinds of magical talents to shine and contribute. Proficiency with a wand is essential, particularly for roles in Patrol, Hit Wixen (especially Hit Wixen), and Aurors. Yet, there’s a place for diverse skills to excel and make valuable contributions.
Best regards,
Bonnie Nishi, O.M.2
Head Auror, Department of Magical Law Enforcement
