Metamorphmagus

A **Metamorphmagus** (pl. **Metamorphmagi**) was a witch or wizard with the rare magical ability to change their physical appearance through sheer will alone, without the need of Polyjuice Potion, or a spell like most of the wizarding population.

## Difference from Animagi

Unlike Animagi, Metamorphmagi could take a wide variety of forms, changing gender and age, potentially looking like anyone at all, or even just changing a part of their appearance, such as the colour of their hair or shape of their noses. Animagi could also transform at will, but only into one animal form which is determined by their inner traits.

Also, a Metamorphmagus is born, not made; it is not a magical skill that can be learned. There also seems to be a degree of heritability, as both Nymphadora Tonks and her son, Teddy Lupin, were Metamorphmagi, although both of Tonks' parents, Andromeda and Ted, were not. The ability presented very early in life, as Teddy Lupin's hair changed colour when he was a newborn infant, as did his mother's.

That was also the case with Reign Black and her children. Only Ambrose, Eridani, Archer, and Hunter were Metamorphmagi. However, two of her children, Altair and Cressida were not. Both of her parents, Decius and Medea were also not Metamophmagi, and neither were any of her siblings.

## Metamorphic usage

It is unknown whether Metamorphmagi received any training in developing their innate skill, or if they learnt through trial and error. Given their rarity, it was unlikely that much training was available. However, Nymphadora Tonks and Reign Black showed that they only needed to concentrate a little to change their appearance, so it may be simply a matter of the Metamorphmagi wanting to change.

Reign was according to Nymphadora, "the best Metamorphmagus to live", as she had mastered her abilities. Reign was able to fully change into animals, this was something other Metamorphmagi couldn’t. Although Nymphadora could change certain features to look like animals, she couldn't fully turn into an animal. Reign was also able to control her abilities even when her emotions changed, something that many Metamorphmagi couldn’t master. This came in handy as her appearance wasn't affected by her emotions.

Whilst it was debated whether Animagi transformations and Disapparition required a wand, it seemed that Metamorphmagi did not need theirs to utilise their abilities. Nymphadora Tonks claimed that other wizards needed a wand or potions to transform, meaning Metamorphmagi such as herself were not restricted as such.

It is unknown if Metamorphmagi had to register with the Ministry of Magic like Animagi had to, as Metamorphmagi did not choose to become what they were, while Animagi did. Although unlike Animagi, Metamorphmagi did not possess any distinct markings that come with their transformation, so it would be far more difficult to keep track of them for any signs of ability abuse.

Like many other types of magic, a Metamorphmagus' abilities were affected by their emotional state. The person's appearance at any moment would often reflect the emotion the person is feeling at the time. Strong emotions, such as shock or sadness, could affect their abilities to the point of having trouble using them at all. For example, Nymphadora Tonks had difficulty using her abilities when she was depressed over her feelings for Remus Lupin. Few, if any others at all were able to control this, although Reign Black was the only known Metamorphmagus to be able to do that.

Metamorphic abilities could be very helpful when it came to disguises. For example, Nymphadora Tonks was able to put her abilities to use in performing espionage for the Order of the Phoenix. She also got full marks in Concealment and Disguise of her Auror training, implying that this ability could be used for official examinations and competitions.

Albus Dumbledore wrote an article examining whether it was possible for Metamorphmagi to use their transformational abilities to disappear without a trace in a 1926 issue of Transfiguration Today.

Metamorphmagi could use their abilities to make themselves look exactly like another person. During her school years at Hogwarts School, Tonks often got detentions for turning into teachers. This also included ghosts.

## Etymology

In Greek, "meta" means "change", "morph" means "shape", and "magus" (in Latin) means "magic or wizard". Hence, a wizard that can change shape, and the term "Metamorphosis" is the term to describe an animal changing into another animal such as how a caterpillar changes into a  butterfly.