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[[File:Metamorphmagus.png|thumb|300px|right|A Metamorphmagus]]
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[[File:Metamorphmagus.png|thumb|240x240px|A Metamorphmagus]]
 
{{Quote|Not much hair. It looked black when [[Ted Lupin|he]] was born, but I swear it's turned ginger in the hour since. Probably blonde by the time I get back. [[Andromeda Tonks|Andromeda]] says [[Nymphadora Tonks|Tonks]]'s hair started changing colour the day that she was born.|[[Remus Lupin]] on his infant [[Ted Lupin|son]]'s Metamorphic abilities|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
 
{{Quote|Not much hair. It looked black when [[Ted Lupin|he]] was born, but I swear it's turned ginger in the hour since. Probably blonde by the time I get back. [[Andromeda Tonks|Andromeda]] says [[Nymphadora Tonks|Tonks]]'s hair started changing colour the day that she was born.|[[Remus Lupin]] on his infant [[Ted Lupin|son]]'s Metamorphic abilities|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
   
 
A '''Metamorphmagus''' (pl. '''Metamorphmagi''') is a [[Wizardkind|witch or wizard]] with the ability to change his or her physical appearance at will, rather than requiring [[Polyjuice Potion]] or a [[spell]] like the rest of the wizarding population. They are extremely rare.
 
A '''Metamorphmagus''' (pl. '''Metamorphmagi''') is a [[Wizardkind|witch or wizard]] with the ability to change his or her physical appearance at will, rather than requiring [[Polyjuice Potion]] or a [[spell]] like the rest of the wizarding population. They are extremely rare.
   
==The Comparison Between Animagi and Metamorphagi==
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==Difference between Animagi and Metamorphagi==
{{Quote|Metamorphmagi are born, not made.|Tonks explaining to Harry the differences between a Metamorphmagus and an Animagus|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
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{{Quote|Metamorphmagi are ''born'', not made.|Tonks explaining to Harry about Metamorphmagi|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows}}
   
Unlike [[Animagus|Animagi]], Metamorphmagi can take a wide variety of forms, changing sex and age, potentially looking like anyone at all, or even just changing a part of their appearances, such as the shape of their noses.<ref name="OTP">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref> Animagi also transform at will, but only into one animal form which is determined by their inner traits. It is never revealed if Metamorphmagi can take the full form of an animal, however it is very likely to be true if practiced hard enough and with the right skills.
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Unlike [[Animagus|Animagi]], Metamorphmagi can take a wide variety of forms, changing sex and age, potentially looking like anyone at all, or even just changing a part of their appearances, such as the shape of their noses.<ref name="OTP">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref> Animagi also transform at will, but only into one animal form which is determined by their inner traits. It is never revealed if Metamorphmagi can take the full form of an animal, and Tonks simply describes the ability as being able to change her "appearance".
   
Also, a Metamorphmagus is born, not made; it is not a skill that can be learned.<ref name="OTP"/> There also seems to be a degree of heritability, as both [[Nymphadora Tonks]] and her son, [[Ted Lupin|Teddy Lupin]], were Metamorphmagi, although both of Tonks' parents, [[Andromeda Tonks|Andromeda]] and [[Ted Tonks|Ted]], were not. The ability presents very early in life, as Teddy Lupin's hair changed colour when he was a newborn infant, as did his mother's.<ref name="DH">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref>
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Also, a Metamorphmagus is born, not made; it is not a skill that can be learned.<ref name="OTP" /> There also seems to be a degree of heritability, as both [[Nymphadora Tonks]] and her son, [[Ted Lupin|Teddy Lupin]], were Metamorphmagi, although both of Tonks' parents, [[Andromeda Tonks|Andromeda]] and [[Ted Tonks|Ted]], were not. The ability presents very early in life, as Teddy Lupin's hair changed colour when he was a newborn infant, as did his mother's.<ref name="DH">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref>
   
==Using Metamorphic Abilities==
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==Using Metamorphic abilities==
[[File:Nymphadora_Tonks_Metamorphmagus_1.gif|frame|left|[[Nymphadora Tonks]] changing her facial features.]]
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[[File:Tonks_morph.gif|frame|left|[[Nymphadora Tonks]] changing her facial features at will and with ease]]
It is unknown whether Metamorphmagi receive any training in developing their innate skill, or if they simply learn through trial and error themselves; however, given their rarity, it is somewhat unlikely that much training is available. However, Tonks shown that she simply concentrated slightly to change her appearance, so it may be simply what the Metamorphmagi wanted to change into. While it has been debated whether Animagi transformations and [[Apparition|Disapparition]] require a wand, it seems Metamorphmagi do not need theirs to utilise their abilities, as Tonks claimed that other wizards need a wand or potions to transform, meaning Metamorphmagi such as herself is not restricted as such.
 
   
 
It is unknown whether Metamorphmagi receive any training in developing their innate skill, or if they learn through trial and error; given their rarity, it is unlikely that much training is available. However, Tonks has shown that she only needs to concentrate a little to change her appearance, so it may be simply a matter of the Metamorphmagi wanting to change. While it has been debated whether Animagi transformations and [[Apparition|Disapparition]] require a wand, it seems Metamorphmagi do not need theirs to utilise their abilities, as Tonks has claimed that other wizards need a wand or potions to transform, meaning Metamorphmagi such as herself are not restricted as such.
It is unknown if Metamorphmagi must register with the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] like [[Animagus|Animagi]] must, as Metamorphmagi did not choose to become what they are, while Animagi did.
 
   
 
It is unknown if Metamorphmagi must register with the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] like [[Animagus|Animagi]] must, as Metamorphmagi did not choose to become what they are, while Animagi did. Although unlike Animagi, Metamorphmagi do 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 are affected by his or her emotional state. The person's appearance at any moment will often reflect the emotion the person is feeling at the time. Strong emotions, such as shock or depression, can 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]] <ref name="HBP">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''</ref> and following [[Sirius Black]]'s death.
 
   
 
Like many other types of magic, a Metamorphmagus' abilities are affected by his or her emotional state. The person's appearance at any moment will often reflect the emotion the person is feeling at the time. Strong emotions, such as shock or sadness, can 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, when she was depressed over her feelings for [[Remus Lupin]].<ref name="HBP">''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]''</ref>
Metamorphic abilities can be very helpful when it comes 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]], inferring this ability can be used for official examinations and competitions.<ref name="OTP"/>
 
   
 
Metamorphic abilities can be very helpful when it comes 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 can be used for official examinations and competitions.<ref name="OTP" />
==Etymology==
 
In Greek, "meta" means "change," "morph" means "shape," and "magus" (in latin) means "[[magic]] or [[wizards|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.
 
   
 
==Known Metamorphmagi==
 
==Known Metamorphmagi==
 
* [[Nymphadora Tonks]]
 
* [[Nymphadora Tonks]]
 
* [[Ted Lupin|Teddy Lupin]]
 
* [[Ted Lupin|Teddy Lupin]]
  +
 
== Etymology ==
 
In Greek, "meta" means "change," "morph" means "shape," and "magus" (in latin) means "[[magic]] or [[wizards|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.
   
 
==Appearances==
 
==Appearances==

Revision as of 06:26, 30 December 2015

Metamorphmagus

A Metamorphmagus

"Not much hair. It looked black when he was born, but I swear it's turned ginger in the hour since. Probably blonde by the time I get back. Andromeda says Tonks's hair started changing colour the day that she was born."
Remus Lupin on his infant son's Metamorphic abilities[src]

A Metamorphmagus (pl. Metamorphmagi) is a witch or wizard with the ability to change his or her physical appearance at will, rather than requiring Polyjuice Potion or a spell like the rest of the wizarding population. They are extremely rare.

Difference between Animagi and Metamorphagi

"Metamorphmagi are born, not made."
— Tonks explaining to Harry about Metamorphmagi[src]

Unlike Animagi, Metamorphmagi can take a wide variety of forms, changing sex and age, potentially looking like anyone at all, or even just changing a part of their appearances, such as the shape of their noses.[1] Animagi also transform at will, but only into one animal form which is determined by their inner traits. It is never revealed if Metamorphmagi can take the full form of an animal, and Tonks simply describes the ability as being able to change her "appearance".

Also, a Metamorphmagus is born, not made; it is not a skill that can be learned.[1] 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 presents very early in life, as Teddy Lupin's hair changed colour when he was a newborn infant, as did his mother's.[2]

Using Metamorphic abilities

Tonks morph

Nymphadora Tonks changing her facial features at will and with ease

It is unknown whether Metamorphmagi receive any training in developing their innate skill, or if they learn through trial and error; given their rarity, it is unlikely that much training is available. However, Tonks has shown that she only needs to concentrate a little to change her appearance, so it may be simply a matter of the Metamorphmagi wanting to change. While it has been debated whether Animagi transformations and Disapparition require a wand, it seems Metamorphmagi do not need theirs to utilise their abilities, as Tonks has claimed that other wizards need a wand or potions to transform, meaning Metamorphmagi such as herself are not restricted as such.

It is unknown if Metamorphmagi must register with the Ministry of Magic like Animagi must, as Metamorphmagi did not choose to become what they are, while Animagi did. Although unlike Animagi, Metamorphmagi do 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 are affected by his or her emotional state. The person's appearance at any moment will often reflect the emotion the person is feeling at the time. Strong emotions, such as shock or sadness, can 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, when she was depressed over her feelings for Remus Lupin.[3]

Metamorphic abilities can be very helpful when it comes 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 can be used for official examinations and competitions.[1]

Known Metamorphmagi

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.

Appearances

Notes and references