While most ofHarry Potter’sWizarding World are free to go about their business without much concern, others are tirelessly working behind the scenes to keep innocents safe from the Dark Arts, and those who choose to wield them. After all, someone has to keep evil at bay.

Aurorsare responsible for chasing down Death Eaters and the like; however, they will get involved in anything that threatens magical society’s safety (and secrecy). Meanwhile, American Aurors seem to have even more responsibilities on their plates. Only the best of the best are chosen to be magical crime fighters, as this esteemed and dangerous position is not the run-of-the-mill career path.

Harry Potter John Dawlish Auror

10John Dawlish

Status:Presumed Alive

John Dawlish does not have a vital role in theHarry Potterfranchise; however, he seems to participate in many major events (and is always at the wrong place at the wrong time). Despite his constant misfortune, Dawlish is an efficient Auror, considering he has earned the trust of the Ministers of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, and Rufus Scrimgeour, who each bestow him with significant responsibilities.

That being said, Dawlish is basically the butt-monkey of theHarry Potteradults and is often thwarted by his opponents,whether it be the great Dumbledoreor the little old witch, Augusta Longbottom. His dedication to rule-following eliminated independent thought, as he seems to not always agree with the Ministry of Magic’s regime, but goes along with it anyway (including Pius Thicknesse’s villainous reign).

Harry Potter Ways Neville Longbottom Could Be The Perfect Chosen One Voldemort vs the Longbottoms

9The Longbottoms

Status:Institutionalized at St Mungo’s Hospital

Although the Longbottoms' careers were over by the time Neville (and Harry) turned one, their names will go down in history. These lovebirds did not shy away from the First Wizarding War and were active members of the original Order of the Phoenix, both believed to be on par with the great Alastor Moody.

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Harry Potter Percival Graves aka Grindelwald Fantastic Beasts Auror

Alice and Frank’s track record of capturing Voldemort’s followers skyrocketed, so the Death Eaters began targeting them. The Lestranges and Bartemius Crouch Jr. eventually got their hands on the Longbottoms and appliedthe full force of the agonizing Cruciatus Curse,driving both past the brink of insanity.

8Percival Graves

Status:Unconfirmed

This dashing, talented Auror is introduced in theFantastic Beastsfranchise. By all appearances, Graves is an upstanding American citizen with deep MACUSA ties, as the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and the Director of Magical Security. His professional and ambitious nature earned Graves favor with President Picquery, raising his status and influence even further.

As it turns out, Graves is much more powerful than he lets on — or rather, Grindelwald is. By using a super-strong Transfigurationspell, this formidable Dark Wizardassumed Graves' identity in an attempt to expose the Magical Community and cause chaos for the Wizarding World. It is still unclear what happened to the real Graves — if he survived, died, or ever existed in the first place.

Kingsley Shacklebolt stands against a brown background in a purple robe and hat

7Kingsley Shacklebolt

Status:Retired Minster of Magic

Although it is not directly stated that Kingsley Shacklebolt contributed to the First Wizarding War, he was one of the original Order members. Unlike Dawlish, Kingsley was not afraid to defy an unreasonable Minister of Magic and becomes a double agent for the Order of the Phoenix when Voldemort reemerges, risking everything to provide them with vital information.

This suave Auror is tasked with tracking down rogue Death Eaters in the Second Wizarding War and secretly steers officials off of Sirius Black’s trail. Kingsley is a common fixture at Grimmauld Place, and takes out several deadly foes during the Battle of the Department of Mysteriesand the Battle of Hogwarts.He is a constant source of support throughout such troubling times, which eventually earns him the Minister of Magic title.

Harry Potter Rufus Scrimgeour Auror

6Rufus Scrimgeour

Status:Deceased (The Deathly Hallows)

Rufus Scrimgeour’s years of devout service landed him the title of Head of the Auror Office before he proceeded to take over from the disgraced Cornelius Fudge as Minister of Magic during the Second Wizarding War. Although is an improvement, Scrimgeourstill underestimates Voldemort’s reach,allowing the Ministry to become overrun by Death Eaters before ultimately losing control.

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Scrimgeour evidently takes his crime-fighting stance seriously and is always on the lookout for treachery; however, this distrust is arguably his downfall. Forming an alliance with Dumbledore rather than antagonizing the great leader would have worked in Scrimgeour’s favor, but alas, he paid for his choices with his life.

5Nymphadora Tonks

Status:Deceased (Battle of Hogwarts)

One of the most charming and colorful Aurors around is the delightful Tonks, who is also a Metamorphmagus (meaning that she can alter her appearance at will). She is fun, fresh, and slightly younger than therest of the Order of the Phoenix members;however, she’s just as skilled in combat, having been trained by Alastor Moody. She has ties to the Black family, but has thankfully inherited none of their melancholy.

Harry Potter Nymphadora Tonks Auror

Tonks' biggest brawls were at the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, the Battle of the Astronomy Tower, the Battle of the Seven Potters, and the Battle of Hogwarts. Sadly, she and her husband Lupin are both slaughtered by Tonks' own aunt, Bellatrix Lestrange.

4Theseus Scamander

Newt Scamander’s older brother began his Auror career amid the Global Wizarding War, and was hand-selected from numerous applicants to track down Grindelwald. Theseus is arguably one of the most well-traveled Aurors of his time, having dealt with the Ministries of Magic in Britain, France, and Germany during his manhunt.

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Harry Potter Newt and Theseus Scamander Fantastic Beasts Auror

Theseus is a persistent thorn in Grindelwald’s side, fighting the potent Dark Wizard at every turn and evenchallenging the tyrant to a duel,despite the stark imbalance of power. He is an inspiring leader, unrelenting hero, and skilled spellcaster; everything one should look for in a successful Auror.

3Alastor Moody

Status:Deceased (Battle of the Seven Potters)

Fans only really get to meet Mad-Eye Moody inDeathly Hallows;however, Barty Crouch Jr. performs a convincing impression of Alastor’s personality alongside his Polyjuice transformation. Moody is arguably the best Auror in the franchise, having dedicated every aspect of his life to thwarting evil, although his paranoid tendencies can get out of hand.

Mad-Eye Moody in the Harry Potter films

His distinctive glass eye gives Moody a significant advantage, granting him the ability to see through walls, invisibility cloaks, and the back of his own head. Furthermore, Mad-Eye always has a selection of nifty tools and Dark Detectors to root out deceit or incapacitate an enemy, while his brilliant mind is constantly strategizing. His Order of the Phoenix days were sadly cut short by a wayward killing curse during Harry’s escape from Private DriveinDeathly Hallows.

2Tina Goldstein

Status:Retired Head Auror

Tina gives viewers one of the first tastes of theAmerican magic scene inFantastic Beasts,and although she is an accredited member of the Magical Congress of the United States of America, her alternative ways of thinking often land her in trouble with authorities. Unfortunately, she is dismissed from her Auror position for attacking a No-Maj, even though Tina does so to protect Credence from further abuse.

Tina’s impeccable skills are finally acknowledged when she gets reinstated as an Auror after Grindelwald’s defeat. In less than ten years, she rises through the ranks to become the Head Auror, solidifying her status for good. Those unfortunate enough to underestimate Tina grow to regret their decision.

Harry Potter Tina Goldstein Fantastic Beasts Auror

1The Potters

Harry’s Status:Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (and Former Head Auror)

Skill at defeating Dark Wizards is certainly a trait that runs through the Potter bloodline, as very few can contend against this trio of Aurors. As with the Longbottoms, Lily and Jamesdefied Voldemort three timesas avid members of the Order of the Phoenix, and might have survived the Dark Lord’s hunt if it weren’t for Pettigrew’s treachery.

Harry Potter Lily and James with Ginny Potter Auror

The Potter’s sacrifice pays off in the end. They are survived by their son, who inherits their bravery and tenacity and grows to become a Defense Against the Dark Arts aficionado. Following Voldemort’s ultimate defeat, Harry gets accepted as an Auror before even finishing his final year at Hogwarts, having proven himself more than efficient on the battlefield.