But before the O.W.L. exams could even begin, the school was consumed by another piece of news—
In addition to the standard career guidance for fifth-year students, sixth- and seventh-years would each receive an additional round of career counselling.
This career guidance was particularly special, however, because the common rooms of all four Houses were stuffed with Auror recruitment flyers and fresh copies of the Daily Prophet—so many that every teacher, student, and even every owl at Hogwarts could have received one.
As for brochures advertising other careers—Healers, Curse-Breakers, and the like—along with Slughorn's own career guidance materials, these were all buried beneath the flyers and newspapers. By the time students spent ages digging to the bottom, the content of the Auror flyers and papers had already been automatically imprinted in their minds.
Jane Yu looked at a copy of the Daily Prophet with some surprise, discovering that after Fudge's resignation, the paper had swiftly changed its tune, launching massive propaganda in favour of the new Minister Bones—the phrase "lightning-fast about-face" couldn't have been more apt.
"Reform Winds Sweep the Land, New Minister Brings Great Promise"
[After former Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge resigned in disgrace following the Azkaban destruction incident, new Minister Amelia Bones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a firm stance, implementing sweeping reforms.
In this morning's inaugural address, she vowed to defend citizens' rights and fight resolutely against all dark forces.
"We face our most perilous hour. Yes, the one who calls himself the Dark Lord has returned, and the wizarding world confronts an unprecedented trial. Darkness stirs restlessly, lurking like a serpent beneath our peaceful, prosperous lives, waiting to strike."
"I call upon everyone to join the fight against the forces of darkness. Every citizen of the wizarding world should understand that once darkness returns, over a decade of tranquil life will be destroyed in an instant. Your freedom, wealth, magic, even your lives will be stripped away. You will be forced to separate from your parents, children, and partners."
"But whilst there's still time, everything can still be turned around. Every member of the Ministry of Magic will fight to the death to defend your safety..."
Following a stirring speech, Minister Bones called for more people to join the Auror ranks.
"We need more righteous witches and wizards to join the Auror force. We welcome any passionate young person determined to protect citizens' lives and property."
This is reportedly the first large-scale Auror recruitment drive in British wizarding history, with significantly relaxed entry requirements.
Beyond recruiting Aurors, Minister Bones has introduced a series of emergency measures aimed at protecting public safety.
"The Ministry of Magic declares the British wizarding community to be in a state of emergency. Prohibited spells cast by citizens in self-defence or to escape enemy attacks, or accidental breaches of the Statute of Secrecy, will not be considered violations of law..."
"The 'Family/Personal Defence Guide' has been distributed free to every wizarding household, explaining how to evade danger, counter typical Dark Magic spells, and contact the Ministry of Magic."
All sectors of society sincerely hope the British wizarding world can emerge from the shadows under Minister Bones' leadership...]
Jane Yu picked up another Auror recruitment flyer—a black slip of paper with strikingly bold red text:
"Defend the Wizarding World!""Save the Elderly! Protect the Children!""We Need You! Join the Aurors!"
The reverse side listed employment requirements. The previous demand for five N.E.W.T. certificates with grades of E or above had been crossed out, replaced with achieving O or E grades in O.W.L. exams for Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, and Charms, plus basic requirements like good health and strong psychological resilience.
Rather like widespread military recruitment propaganda, Jane thought to herself.
The newly appointed Minister Bones even visited the school personally, delivering a speech that set the sixth- and seventh-year students' blood boiling.
Countless students suddenly listed "Auror" as their career choice.
After Minister Bones' visit to Hogwarts, Jane and Harry were suddenly summoned to the Headmaster's office.
She wasn't surprised to see flames burning in Harry's eyes—the kind of passion that comes after hearing an inspiring speech.
"Can I... I want to... maybe... become an Auror?"
The moment he saw Minister Bones, Harry couldn't help but stammer:
"Though I'm not sure if my O.W.L. exams will achieve E grades in those four subjects... and I heard Auror training takes three years... By then they might not need me anymore...? But I think I could still try..."
Minister Bones laughed, and Dumbledore smiled as well, looking at him with gratified eyes.
"That's precisely the effect I was hoping to achieve, Albus," Minister Bones' face seemed to radiate light. "I never imagined this school had so many brave, promising students. I was originally more inclined to recruit experienced witches and wizards from society, but these students seem to have superior fighting spirit."
"I've never doubted their determination to protect others," Dumbledore nodded. "Regardless of age, anyone can become an Auror if they have such a heart. You might think them young, but their adaptability and passion are incomparable."
Bones let out a sigh. She dropped her smile, looking at Harry with firm but gentle eyes:
"You're quite right, Harry—standard Auror training requires three years, and this recruitment drive doesn't include fifth-year students."
"But I can sense your courage and ambition. When you graduate, I'll be delighted to see you in the Auror Office, regardless of what situation we face then—war or peace."
Harry smiled bashfully, pressing his lips together.
"And what about you, Yu?" Minister Bones turned her expectant gaze to Jane Yu, her voice carrying a barely perceptible note of interest. "You're also in fifth year—are your career aspirations the same as Harry's?"
All three people present focused their attention on her. Harry's eyes held the same anticipation as Minister Bones'. Dumbledore's expression was complex—he didn't seem entirely pleased with this plan, but he remained silent.
But Jane's thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.
She thought about the extremely small number of Aurors and their extremely low pass rates, and couldn't help worrying about the Ministry of Magic's ability to protect citizens.
When she heard that Auror training required a full three years, her concern deepened further.
This national defence force... just these few Aurors... was rather too weak!
"Does Auror training really require three whole years?" she enquired.
"Normally, yes," Minister Bones paused, then explained. "But special times call for special arrangements—for newly recruited Aurors, we'll compress training time as much as possible."
"These people are usually the elite of the elite," she continued. "We'll give them extensive advanced magical combat and defence training, plus criminal investigation methods. They must pass subjects like 'Concealment and Disguise' and 'Stealth and Tracking'... They're responsible for hunting down Dark wizards, protecting specific individuals or locations, and now, of course, guarding prisons..."
It sounded less like military recruitment and more like recruiting police officers, Jane thought, and couldn't help asking:
"Perhaps this question is rather bold, but why don't we have an army?"
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