Defense Against the Dark Arts
Clark Dowling was born to wealthy philanthropists, Samuel and Hannah Dowling. He was raised at Wendell’s Dwelling, a wizarding orphanage. It was founded by his great-grandfather Wendell in Estes Park, Colorado in 1897. It has been family owned and operated ever since. The family mansion was redesigned and expanded to include the orphanage. At home, Clark was a protective “big brother” for the orphans. He dedicated much of his time caring for and playing with the kids.
When the time came for Clark to come to Avistrum, the responsibility he showed was nowhere to be seen. While he was bright and quite gifted, he was known as a trouble-maker and was often found in detention. He did settle down (a little) as he aged. While he never made Prefect due to his misbehavior, his academic achievements, particularly in Defense Class, got him accepted to Aquilla Auror Academy. After graduating from Aquilla, Clark was made a Commander of a SWAT Team.
His team made several high profile arrests until the day they threw down their badges. Seeing corruption in the Auror Department, they decided they would “handle matters their way.” The vigilante group known as The Dark Hunters was born. The DH openly defied government officials, continuing to apprehend criminals, trap dangerous beasts and obtain dangerous, enchanted objects.
These actions grabbed the attention of the then-Headmaster of Avistrum, Iago Valenciar. Despite his status as a vigilante, Valenciar offered Clark the position of Defense Professor position being vacated by Professor Godwin. After only a year on staff, Clark was offered the Headmaster position on the recommendation of the retiring Valenciar. This move shocked Clark as well as the entire wizarding community. Exactly how Valenciar convinced the school’s board of governors to approve the appointment remains a mystery.
Clark faced a mass exodus of the faculty in the face of his promotion. They had doubts following a Headmaster both so young and with his reputation. Only Kraven Bloodthorne, Dowling’s old rival from their school days, remained. Clark had to re-staff the school and was able to do so with the talented hands of his old friends. These individuals, Sachiko Kobiyashi, Polonius Aberfoyle, and Tyler Ward, brought new life to Avistrum Academy. But no addition to the staff was greater in Clark’s heart than that of his wife, Robin Kayenta-Dowling. She left her academic pursuits early to come to Avistrum. She would serve as the Head Nurse until an adequate successor could be chosen.
The school was stronger than it had been in years.
Clark has not stopped his vigilante work. He’s gone so far as to set up the Dark Hunters’ headquarters in a secret location inside of Avistrum Castle. This has lead to many late nights with Robin patching him up in the Hospital Wing of the School. And he is not alone – there are members of the faculty who have joined him as Dark Hunters. Some are publicly known, notably his trusted friend and fierce ally, Sachiko Kobiyashi and newly-elected Senator Polonius Aberfoyle.
Despite the unending support of his friends and family, one of Clark’s weaknesses can be his desire to protect. He will place himself alone in extreme danger so as to not endanger the life of a friend. But after some recent experiences, he is learning to place his trust and faith in those close to him. Realizing that they are capable of taking care of themselves, and when it is needed, to take care of and help him.
