Metamorphmagus

"*I'm a Metamorphmagus. It means I can change my appearance at will. I was born one.*"
— Nymphadora Tonks regarding her Metamorphic abilities[src]

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.

## Contents

* 1Difference from Animagi
* 2Metamorphic usage
* 3Known Metamorphmagi
* 4Etymology
* 5Behind the scenes
* 6Appearances
* 7Notes and references

## Difference from Animagi

**Harry Potter**: "*Can you learn how to be a Metamorphmagus?*"
**Nymphadora Tonks**: "*Bet you wouldn't mind hiding that scar sometimes, eh?*"
**Harry Potter**: "*No, I wouldn't mind.*"
**Nymphadora Tonks**: "*Well, you'll have to learn the hard way, I'm afraid. Metamorphmagi are really rare, they're born, not made. Most wizards need to use a wand or potions to change their appearance....*"
— Nymphadora Tonks explaining Metamorphmagi to Harry Potter[src]
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 was born, not made; it was not a magical skill that can be learned. There also seemed 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.

## Metamorphic usage

"*I got top marks in Concealment and Disguise during Auror training without any study at all, it was great.*"
— Tonks regarding her Metamorphmagus abilities[src]

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 showed that she only needed to concentrate a little to change her appearance, so it may be simply a matter of the Metamorphmagi wanting to change. 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 following Sirius Black's death, and when she was depressed over her feelings for Remus Lupin.

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.

## Known Metamorphmagi

"*Opposite Harry, Tonks was entertaining Hermione and Ginny by transforming her nose between mouthfuls. Screwing up her eyes each time with the same pained expression she had worn back in Harry’s bedroom, her nose swelled to a beaklike protuberance like Snape's, shrank to something resembling a button mushroom, and then sprouted a great deal of hair from each nostril. Apparently this was a regular mealtime entertainment, because after a while Hermione and Ginny started requesting their favourite noses.*"
— Metamorphmagus Tonks changing her appearance at will[src]

Nymphadora Tonks †

Edward Lupin

Verucca Buckthorn-Snyde

* Unidentified Metamorphmagus

## 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.

## Behind the scenes

* In Latin, the female form of Magus is Maga. However, female Metamorphmagi are never referred to as "Metamorphmaga" or "Metamorphmagae", which would be the female plural, in canon.
* In *Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery*, Jacob's sibling will jokingly suggest that they may be a Metamorphmagus to distract Nymphadora Tonks when playing Gobstones with her. During the game, however, the character uses Polyjuice Potion and may become an Animagus, indicating that this is not the case. This is an apparent tongue-in-cheek reference to the player being able to adjust their character's appearance at any time.
* Also in *Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery*, in History of Magic class segments, Tonks will sometimes mockingly imitate Professor Binns, even becoming transparent. Its unclear if metamorphmagi can somehow make themselves appear spectral, or if this is just a game mechanic.