The Aurors and Hit Wizards wore brand-new uniforms, and he had to admit they looked sharp.
Had Barty Crouch even hired someone to redesign the Ministry's uniforms?
"They're Aurors and Hit Wizards!"
Ron stopped in his tracks, staring at them in surprise.
Harry immediately set down his bucket and asked quietly:
"Aurors? What are Aurors? And what are Hit Wizards?"
Malfoy's brows drew together.
"Hit Wizards are the enforcement arm of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. There are loads of them, a bit like police in Muggle society.
"But Aurors-Aurors specialize in hunting down the most vicious Dark Wizards. Almost everyone in Azkaban was put there by an Auror.
"They're very powerful. They're the strongest force the Ministry has."
Harry's eyes began to shine, and his breathing quickened.
Just listen to that! Hunting down Dark Wizards! Arresting them and sending them to Azkaban!
"I want to be an Auror!"
"You?" Malfoy gave him a sidelong look, snorted, and drawled:
"Potter, not that I'm looking down on you, but becoming an Auror isn't easy. You need at least five N.E.W.T.s.
"Besides that, you have to pass a criminal background check and a rigorous series of character and aptitude tests.
"And there are exams in stealth, disguise, and so on..."
"Five?" Harry said confidently. "That's not too hard!"
Malfoy destroyed Harry's confidence with a single sentence.
"Oh, Potter, I forgot to mention. One of them is Potions."
The light slowly faded from Harry's eyes...
Zhang Xiao took no part in his friends' conversation. Instead, he watched the officers intently.
He wanted to see what they intended to do. He was not alone-the entire campsite gradually fell quiet.
Wizards stopped what they were doing and stared in astonishment at the Aurors and Hit Wizards scattered around the campsite.
As far as they