Every job comes with an internship phase.
Don't assume that just because you've cleared that threshold, the kind only one in a hundred might manage, you'll automatically become a proud and righteous Auror.
In reality, after graduating from Hogwarts, you must first pass a clean criminal background check. Only then do you enter three full years of rigorous training.
What truly discourages people is this: even if you grit your teeth and finish those three years, that still doesn't mean you're qualified to become an Auror.
After enduring training that eliminates at least half of the candidates, you must also undergo several strict character and aptitude assessments.
These include tests in stealth, tracking, disguise, and more. And in every single one, you must earn at least an Acceptable....
Only wizards who pass all of this can truly be said to have stepped onto the path of an Auror.
During this training period, Auror candidates are assigned to Hit Wizard squads within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
In other words, you remain in that squad until you pass the required examinations.
In fact, there are many wizards who fail to pass the tests for years, some even spending their entire lives stuck in those squads.
The work of these Hit Wizards is usually to act as deputies to Aurors. It allows them to familiarize themselves with Auror duties in advance, and at the same time helps ease the chronic shortage of Aurors.
All things considered, under such conditions, it's no wonder Aurors are regarded as the elite of the wizarding world and the front line against dark wizards.
Yet despite the harsh requirements and the constant danger that comes with the job, plenty of wizards still choose to walk that path.
It isn't necessarily about justice.
Status. Wealth. Power.
Dangerous as it may be, becoming an Auror seems to put all those coveted things within reach.
Because of that, the moment Umbridge finished speaking, a visible heat flared in the eyes of certain students below.
If not for Umbridge's dreadful reputation, some of them might have jumped to their feet the next second, bombarding her with questions.
After all, becoming an Auror trainee ahead of schedule might not be the same as rising straight to the top, but it was certainly a chance to overtake others on a bend.
...
A long silence fell, followed by a surge of restless commotion.
Seeing the disturbance her words had stirred up, Umbridge nodded in satisfaction. She showed no displeasure at the students' lack of decorum.
In fact, the tight smile that never quite reached her eyes seemed almost more genuine than before.
What surprised everyone most was this:
Even after hearing such explosive news, Dumbledore, seated in the place of honor, showed almost no change in expression. Compared to Professor McGonagall beside him, who looked anxious and deeply concerned, he appeared exceptionally calm.
As though all of this had already been within his expectations.
Yet judging by the other professors' reactions, Umbridge clearly hadn't informed them in advance.
The students below, of course, had heard every word. But they paid little attention to the professors on stage. Instead, they leaned toward one another, whispering heatedly.
"Found it! This one!"
"Ministry of Magic Special Recruitment Order, representing the Minister for Magic, Senior Undersecretary Umbridge..."
"It really says here you can join the Ministry immediately to undergo Auror training. If you pass the exams after three years, you'll become an Auror."
"Then... what about Hogwarts?"
"You obviously wouldn't be able to keep studying here."
Those nearby conversations naturally reached Draco and the others. Sure enough, they found the relevant parchment among the stack, proving that Umbridge's earlier announcement had not been empty words.
At that, the three girls all turned to look at Draco, whose expression had grown serious.
"Would anyone actually agree to this?"
"It's several years ahead of schedule, and the bar's been lowered. Only an idiot would refuse."
"But why would they do this?"
Draco did not disappoint.
"On the surface, it's to inject fresh blood into the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. In reality, our Minister of Magic wants to expand his own influence."
"..."
"..."
"To be more precise, he has no choice."
"No choice?"
After glancing at a few of the visibly excited students, Draco shifted his gaze toward the enormous Hogwarts crest mounted on the back wall of the Great Hall.
As the three girls expected, he answered their confusion with another question.
"Do you know why Hogwarts holds such a special position in the wizarding world?"
"Because... of Dumbledore?"
"Because of this magical castle?"
"The four Houses?"
Pansy and the others each offered different answers, all of them pointing to Hogwarts' unique qualities and advantages.
But Draco did not respond directly. Or rather, none of those were the answer he had in mind.
When their growing curiosity began to show in their increasingly impatient looks, Draco finally spoke, unhurried.
"Talent."
Disliking deep thought did not make Pansy foolish, especially with Hermione and Astoria standing beside her.
Linking today's event with that single word, the three girls quickly understood what Draco truly meant.
Where does talent come from?
Every year, Hogwarts sends a steady stream of fresh blood into the British wizarding world.
Whether you are Dumbledore or the Dark Lord himself, if you have ambition, you cannot ignore Hogwarts.
Even Voldemort gathered and won over many students during his time at school. That was what gave him the foundation and confidence to stand against the entire wizarding world.
And now the Ministry. No, Cornelius Fudge.
He was playing the same game.
As for whether those who joined would truly become Aurors, or instead be shaped into Cornelius Fudge's personal guard?
Only the Minister of Magic himself would know the answer.
...