Ex-Azzie

From Absit Omen Lexicon
Ex-Azzie is a common colloquial term convicts released from Azkaban use to identify themselves. While the term can be used by any former convict, most ex-Azzies reserve the term for those placed in Azkaban specifically for crimes related to the Death Eaters, Lord Voldemort or the any of the battles. If a former Azkaban prisoner, convicted on charges of simple homicide against a family member, were to call himself an ex-Azzie to a former DE, there'd likely be trouble.

Legal Restrictions

After release, most ex-Azzies are on supervisory care through the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Due to the Ministry's embarrassments of the past when dealing with suspected and falsely suspected DE, the Ministry is even more restricting of ex-Azzies this time around. The length of time an ex-Azzie is under supervision (or "on leash" as they call it) varies and is one of the terms established during their release.

Supervison

  • All ex-Azzies under supervision must report to their Ministry Supervisor for weekly check ins. They answer a series of questions, undergo a brief, magical exam for any traces of illegal substances or other illegal activity either on their person or in their body.
  • All ex-Azzies under supervision must report to regularly scheduled behavioral health appointments for behavioral therapy. The Ministry Supervisor determines the necessary schedule.

Bridge Houses

  • All ex-Azzies under supervision are required, initially, to reside in Ministry approved residences called Bridge Houses. They are similar to half-way houses. This allows heightened Ministry supervision as the ex-Azzie transitions from Azkaban to freedom. The assigned Ministry Supervisor decides when the individual is able to live independently. Time spent "in transition" varies. The minimum is a year, some may remain in transition up to ten years, depending on how much of a "risk" they seem to pose.
  • There are four Bridge Houses in London all in carefully chosen areas - their locations are not, generally, disclosed to the public. Residents are required to keep its location quiet as well, but rumors leak. Almost everybody "believes" they know where at least one or two Bridge Houses are and it isn't uncommon for houses with a suspicious number of strange residents to be called, either seriously or in-jest, Bridge Houses.
  • Bridge Houses are never in areas that have high muggle populations or are near schools, playgrounds or other areas with large numbers of students.

Both ex-Azzies living in Bridge Houses and those who've transitioned to independent residences are subject to regular and surprise home visits. The Ministry needs to give no warning nor do they need probable cause. Inspections happen almost daily in Bridge Houses. The frequency varies for independently living ex-Azzies.


Wand Restrictions

Ex-Azzies under supervision are forbidden from owning, buying or carrying a wand. Violations of this rule may result in the following;

  • Possessing a wand, first offense - restrictions of freedoms/house arrest for 2 months
  • Possessing a wand, second offense or buying a wand first offense - readmitted to a Bridge House for 2 - 4 months
  • Possessing a wand, third offense or more; buying a wand, second offense or more; using a wand (non-violently), first offense - reincarceration in Azkaban for 4 months
  • Using a wand (non-violently) second offense; use of a wand violently first offense - reincarceration in Azkaban indefinitely.

Other Restrictions

  • Ex-Azzies living independently may not reside within 1/4 mile of an exclusively muggle neighborhood, schools, playgrounds or other vulnerable locations.
  • Ex-Azzies under supervision must remain, at all times, more than 100 yards away from the above locations
  • Ex-Azzies under supervision are forbidden from working within the Ministry, St. Mungos, Hogwarts or any other workplace that that would compromise Ministry safety, or puts them in close proximity to the young, the elderly or disabled.
  • Though their voting rights are reinstated upon release, ex-Azzies under supervision are forbidden from running for any leadership position in any political group or organization.
  • Violations of any sort are recorded in the ex-Azzie's criminal file. Repeated violations may result in being returned to the Bridge House or reincarceration at Azkaban. The severity of the violation is taken into account at the Ministry hearing when determining the best punishment.
  • At the end of the ex-Azzie's supervisory period, a hearing is held before the Wizengemot. Notes from the criminal's file are presented as well as any violations during the supervisory period. The Wizengemot may then determine if the individual has been rehabilitated enough for any of the above restrictions to be lifted or if the supervisory period should be extended.
  • Any ex-Azzie, under supervision or not, who is arrested for a crime, is immediately reincarcerated to Azkaban. He or she is held in Azkaban until his hearing. If convicted, all sentences are heightened.

The Wandless Status

  • Though they are not required to wear any sort of identification after their release, there are some obvious telltale signs that the average witch or wizard would know to look for. Large numbers of small tattoos that are quite light and faded are often associated with time in Azkaban. As is a hypersensitivity to light. The lack of a wand, though, is the biggest indicator. If one were to come across a grown witch or wizard who was wandless, the first assumption would be ex-Azzie.
  • Especially now that more and more former DE are being released, children are being taught to look for these signs. (Think special service announcement - "Listen to Ralph! If a wandless wizard offers you ice cream, just say no!")
  • The wandless status is, therefore, not only a denial of what identifies them as a wizard but also brands them an ex-Azzie. It is not uncommon now for suspicious looking witches and wizards to be asked to show their wand when applying for a job or trying to rent a residence.
  • The perception of those who are wandless varies among dark witches and wizards. Some see it, simply, as a sign of weakness. Those with wands are better than those without wands. However, there's also a growing trend to recognize the ex-Azzie's wandless status as a martyr-like sacrifice. It's a sign of weakness, but it's a weakness forced upon them by the Ministry and makes them stand out for the criticism of the Wizarding World. Among ex-Azzies, the perception is simple. Those that fought for their cause and didn't run were the ones that were arrested and lost their wands. Of course, the ex-Azzie who has a new (illegal) wand is held in high regards by most.
  • Ex-Azzies find ways to compensate for their lack of a wand. Many are studying wandless magic, though the process is slow and the results are quite limited. Potions, other weapons and various dark objects are all in especially high demand.


Reintegration

  • Reintegration into society is hard
  • All ex-Azzies have to contend with the stigma in society. The winners write the history books and that's definitely a feel among ex-Azzies. They are having to learn to return to a society that sings the praises of those that defeated the Dark Lord's followers.
  • Because it has become common place for employers to ask to see an applicants wand, finding work or a place to rent has become very difficult. Unemployment is rampant among ex-Azzies. As is homelessness. It's a vicious cycle; many ex-Azzies end up reoffending out of necessity or frustration.
  • The length of an individual's stay in Azkaban greatly influences their transition into society. While the dementors no longer guard the island prison, it still is no paradise. The lack of sunlight, the isolation and boredom wreck havoc on the body and mind. Many of the obvious health effects of their isolation are addressed during their time in Bridge Houses, but many of the mental effects persist for years.


List of Ex-Azzies

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