Rufus Scrimgeour

**Rufus Scrimgeour** is the former Chief Auror and Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts.

## Biography

### Early Life

Rufus Scrimgeour was born in 1921 or earlier, and graduated from Hogwarts in 1938 at the latest. At Hogwarts he was sorted into Slytherin, but never became Prince of Slytherin despite his great intelligence, being rejected by the Throne out of hand for his complete lack of ambition.

At some point during his time at Hogwarts he was infatuated with Augusta Crouch, and they may have been romantically involved at some point before she chose Archimedes Longbottom over him in 1947.

After graduation Scrimgeour joined the Auror Academy, where he studied under Caractacus Flint.

### Book 2 - The Secret Enemy

Scrimgeour attends Harry and Jim Potter's twelfth birthday party, where he is introduced by Harry to Caractacus Flint's great-grandson Marcus. His brief conversation with Marcus, where he tells him about his great-grandfather and encourages him to keep his grade up, later fuels Marcus's first corporeal Patronus. When Peter Pettigrew unleashes one of the Toymaker's cursed trains Scrimgeour springs into action, quickly identifying that they are made of orichalcum. When his Protego is shattered Scrimgeour is sent off balance, leading him to stumble into the path of a train that's trying to attack Harry. The train slices deep into Scrimgeour right leg, but it is prevented from killing him by Marcus and Harry, and after subduing the train Harry sends Scrimgeour and Hermione Granger to St. Mungo's. Scrimgeour spent the next three days the St. Mungo's ICU, and despite the best efforts of the Healers his leg could not be full healed, forcing him to walk with a cane.

After questioning Severus Snape about the doxy attack on Harry, Lily Potter requests the Auror report from Scrimgeour. Scrimgeour later assigns Alastor Moody and Nymphadora Tonks to watch Harry during his visit to St. Mungo's with the Longbottoms.

## Magical Abilities & Skills

As chief auror Rufus knows and displays multiple times obscure and powerfull spells, he is also very skilled in the mind arts having reached the 7th level in both Occlumency and Legilimency.

## Behind the Scenes

* According to The Sinister Man, the role of Rufus Scrimgeour is portrayed by Richard Wilson wearing Bill Nighy's wig from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
* Scrimgeour is incapable of casting a Patronus as his natural Legilimency made him a hopeless cynic before his teens

## References

Book 2 - HP&TSE - Ch. 42 - The Birthday Party (Pt 1),

"[Caractacus Flint] had been Scrimgeour's mentor in his first days out of the academy before dying heroically in Spain in 1938 fighting against fascist wizards loyal to Grindelwald. ".
Book 3 - HP&DEM - Ch. 111 - Dreamscapes, Memories and Nightmares (Finale),

Harry discusses Scrimgeour with the Hydra Throne.
Book 3 - HP&DEM - Ch. 114 - The Blackest Day (Pt 3),

Augusta Longbottom meets with Rufus Scrimgeour in the Leaky Cauldron.
Book 2 - HP&TSE - Ch. 42 - The Birthday Party (Pt 1),

Scrimgeour attends the Potter Birthday Gala.
Book 2 - HP&TSE - Ch. 37 - Mysteries and Revelations,

Marcus casts his first corporeal Patronus.
Book 2 - HP&TSE - Ch. 43 - The Birthday Party (Pt 2),

The Toymaker's trains attack the Birthday Gala.
Book 2 - HP&TSE - Ch. 57 - The Boggart (Pt 2),

Lily requests the Auror report.
Book 2 - HP&TSE - Ch. 67 - A Very Potter Holiday,

Harry and the Longbottoms visit St. Mungo's.