RP: Auror Orientation Date: 25 September 1999 Characters: All Auror Trainees, Xavier Williamson, Kingsley Shacklebolt Location: Ministry of Magic Warnings: None Summary: It's orientation, and the Auror-Trainees are in for a surprise. Status: Complete Open/Closed: Closed to Auror Trainees, etc.
Xavier looked out over the new group of Auror trainees, pleased with the number. It was one of the largest classes in years, due mostly to the fact that there were two Hogwarts' years represented, as well as a few older students who'd apparently decided to try a career change. More than twenty shiny-bright faces stared back at him from the auditorium, and Xavier smiled a bit. This was going to be fun.
His eyes instantly went to Harry Potter, but he didn't linger too long. His attention wandered over to the Malfoy son, and he barely refrained from sneering. Somehow Malfoy had made it through the interview process, and Xavier was professional enough to treat everyone as an individual. But it was very difficult to look at that face and not see an older, colder face sneering back.
He deliberately looked past Malfoy and smiled slightly as he noticed the number of young women present--female Aurors had always been in short supply, but this year's crop was almost half and half. There was a good number of Muggleborns as well, which gave him hope of finally integrating some Muggle police proceedings into the Auror department. It was far past time for changes to be made, and perhaps this years group would kick start it.
Finally he found his gaze drawn back to familiar red hair, and he forced back the old heartache at the thought of his two best friends, men who'd died facing the evil that Xavier had dedicated his life to fighting. He had a feeling that there was more to Ron Weasley than his test scores and essays had shown, but he finally moved his gaze past him to stare intently out at the rest of the group.
"Good afternoon," Xavier said, his voice sounding out over the group with the help of a Sonorus charm. "My name is Xavier Williamson, and my official job is to whip you into shape. Turn you from inexperienced children to competent Aurors." He looked out over the crowd, making eye contact with several trainees, Potter, Weasley and Malfoy in general.
Once he was certain he held everyone's attention, he went though his long-practiced speech about what they could expect from the first year of Auror training. He explained how classes would work, and let them know that the first partner rotation would be posted on October first. They were expected to study after-hours with these partners, and to pair with them during practical sessions. New partner rotations would be assigned every week, in an effort to help them become comfortable with their peers.
He was about to start on his lecture on always being prepared, when he saw the doors at the back of the auditorium open silently. He kept talking, describing the end of year practical exams, and carefully kept the smirk off his face. It seemed the new Aurors were going to get their first practical session in constant vigilance.