Edward Remus Lupin
Introduction
Edward “Teddy” Remus Lupin is a half-blood wizard and a Metamorphmagus, the only child of Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks. His birth occurred during the final months of the Second Wizarding War, and his parents were tragically killed during the Battle of Hogwarts shortly thereafter, leaving him an orphan. As the godson of Harry Potter, Teddy was raised by his maternal grandmother, Andromeda Tonks, and maintained a very close relationship with the Potter family and the Weasley family. He represents a new generation of the wizarding world, a symbol of hope and the future born from the sacrifice and loss of the war.
Biography
Birth and Infancy
Teddy's existence was first announced in the autumn of 1997, when his father, Remus Lupin, sought out Harry Potter at 12 Grimmauld Place to share the news of Nymphadora Tonks's pregnancy. Lupin was initially overwhelmed with fear that he might have passed on his lycanthropy to his unborn child, and he attempted to abandon his family to join Harry on his quest. Harry, disgusted by this cowardice, furiously admonished Lupin, comparing his actions to those of a Death Eater and urging him to return to his wife. Lupin took Harry's words to heart and reconciled with Tonks. Teddy was born in the spring of 1998, and a joyful Lupin arrived at Shell Cottage to announce the birth to his friends and to ask Harry to be the baby's godfather, an honor Harry accepted. Lupin confirmed that Teddy had not inherited his werewolf condition but had inherited his mother's ability as a Metamorphmagus, as his hair had already changed from black to ginger within an hour of his birth. Just a few weeks later, both of Teddy's parents fought and died in the Battle of Hogwarts, leaving him in the care of his grandmother, Andromeda Tonks.
Childhood and Hogwarts Years
Raised by his grandmother, Teddy grew up surrounded by the love of his godfather, Harry, and the extended Weasley family. Harry ensured that Teddy knew about his parents' heroism. According to Harry, Teddy came to dinner at the Potter house about four times a week, and he became an integral part of their family. Teddy began his education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the early 2010s. He was sorted into Hufflepuff House, just like his mother (Pottermore). He proved to be a responsible and popular student, eventually being appointed Head Boy in his seventh year (J.K. Rowling interview).
Later Life
By 1 September 2017, nineteen-year-old Teddy was a regular presence at King's Cross Station to see the Potter and Weasley children off to Hogwarts. He was seen with shocking-blue hair, sharing a tender moment with Victoire Weasley, whom he was dating. Their relationship was a source of light-hearted gossip for the younger generation, and Harry internally expressed his hope that they would one day marry, which would make Teddy an official member of the Potter family and Weasley family.
Physical Appearance and Personality
As a Metamorphmagus, Teddy can alter his physical appearance at will. This was evident from the moment of his birth, when his hair color began to change. As a young man, he is known to favor bright, “shocking” hair colors, such as turquoise and blue. It is explicitly stated that he did not inherit his father's lycanthropy. Although his personality is not explored in depth, his frequent presence at the Potter home suggests he is loving, loyal, and well-adjusted despite his tragic beginnings. His appointment as Head Boy indicates that he possessed leadership qualities, a strong sense of responsibility, and was well-regarded by both students and staff at Hogwarts.
Magical Abilities and Skills
- Metamorphmagus: Teddy's most prominent magical ability is being a Metamorphmagus, a rare, innate talent for Transfiguration that allows him to change his physical appearance at will. He inherited this from his mother, Nymphadora Tonks.
- Hogwarts Education: As a graduate of Hogwarts and a former Head Boy of Hufflepuff House, Teddy is presumed to be a highly competent and skilled wizard (Pottermore).
Possessions
No specific magical objects or possessions are known to be owned by Teddy in the original novels.
Relationships
- Family: Teddy was the beloved son of Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks. After their deaths, he was raised by his maternal grandmother, Andromeda Tonks, and grew up without his maternal grandfather, Ted Tonks, who was murdered by Snatchers.
- Godfather and Surrogate Family: Harry Potter is Teddy's godfather and served as a key father figure in his life. Teddy was also considered part of the Weasley family and was exceptionally close to the Potter children, James Sirius Potter, Albus Potter, and Lily Luna Potter.
- Romantic Life: In his late teens, Teddy was in a romantic relationship with Victoire Weasley, the eldest daughter of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour. Their public displays of affection were a source of amusement for their younger relatives.
Etymology
- Edward: A traditional English name. It is likely a tribute to his maternal grandfather, Ted Tonks, whose full name was Edward.
- Remus: His middle name is a direct tribute to his father, Remus Lupin. The name “Remus” itself is taken from one of the legendary founders of Rome, who was said to have been suckled by a she-wolf.
- Lupin: His surname comes from the Latin lupinus, meaning “of or pertaining to a wolf,” a clear reference to his father's lycanthropy.
Behind the Scenes
- J.K. Rowling has confirmed that Teddy was sorted into Hufflepuff House at Hogwarts and later became Head Boy (Pottermore, J.K. Rowling interview).
- In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, a scene featuring Teddy in the epilogue was filmed with actor Luke Newberry, but it was cut from the final version of the film (film).
- Rowling stated that Harry, as godfather, wanted to ensure that Teddy was brought up knowing about his brave parents, telling him stories about them as he grew.