Edward "Teddy" Remus Lupin
Introduction
Edward “Teddy” Remus Lupin is the only son of Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks. He is a Metamorphmagus, a magical ability inherited from his mother. Born during the final year of the Second Wizarding War, Teddy was orphaned as an infant when his parents were killed during the Battle of Hogwarts. His godfather, Harry Potter, ensured he was raised with the love and support of the extended Weasley and Potter families, though his primary guardian was his maternal grandmother, Andromeda Tonks. Teddy represents the new generation born from the conflict, symbolising both the deep losses suffered and the hope for a peaceful future.
Biography
Birth and Infancy
Teddy Lupin was born in late April 1998. His father, Remus Lupin, was initially fraught with anxiety during the pregnancy, fearing his son would inherit his lycanthropy. This fear led to a brief but intense argument with Harry Potter at 12 Grimmauld Place, after which Lupin reconciled with his wife. Upon Teddy's birth, a joyful Lupin rushed to Shell Cottage to announce the news to Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, and asked Harry to be the baby's godfather, an honour Harry accepted. It was immediately clear that Teddy had not inherited his father's condition but had instead inherited his mother's ability to change his appearance at will, as his hair was observed to change from black to a bright turquoise shortly after birth.
Orphanhood and Upbringing
Just a few weeks after his birth, both of Teddy's parents fought and died in the Battle of Hogwarts on 2 May 1998. He was left in the care of his maternal grandmother, Andromeda Tonks, who had also recently lost her husband, Ted Tonks, and her daughter. Despite this tragic start in life, Teddy grew up surrounded by a large and loving surrogate family. As his godfather, Harry Potter was a constant and influential presence in his life. The epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows reveals that Teddy was a regular visitor to the Potter household, coming for dinner “about four times a week.” He grew up alongside the children of Harry and Ginny Weasley, and Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, effectively becoming an honorary member of the Potter-Weasley clan.
Later Life
By 1 September 2017, nineteen-year-old Teddy is seen at King's Cross Station saying goodbye to his girlfriend, Victoire Weasley, as she departs on the Hogwarts Express. He is described as being very close with the Potter children, particularly James Sirius Potter, who observes him and Victoire kissing. (J.K. Rowling has revealed that Teddy was Sorted into Hufflepuff House at Hogwarts, just like his mother, and was made Head Boy in his seventh year. (J.K. Rowling interview))
Physical Appearance and Personality
As a Metamorphmagus, Teddy's appearance is mutable according to his will. As a newborn, his hair was seen to change from black to turquoise. In the epilogue, his hair is described as being a “shocking-blue” colour. While little of his personality is detailed in the novels, his frequent presence at the Potter home suggests he is a sociable and well-loved individual. His relationship with Victoire Weasley and being spotted “snogging” her at the train station implies a confident and romantic nature, reminiscent of his mother's spirited personality. His appointment as Head Boy indicates that he was also a responsible and well-respected student. (J.K. Rowling interview)
Magical Abilities and Skills
- Metamorphmagus: Teddy's most prominent magical trait is his innate ability to alter his physical appearance at will. This is a rare magical gift inherited from his mother, Nymphadora Tonks.
- Lycanthropy Inheritance: It is explicitly stated by his father, Remus Lupin, and confirmed by his abilities as a Metamorphmagus, that Teddy did not inherit the condition of lycanthropy.
Possessions
No specific possessions belonging to Teddy Lupin are mentioned in the novels.
Relationships
- Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks: Teddy is the beloved son of Remus and Tonks. Though he never knew them, their sacrifice was a defining event of his life, and their legacy shaped his upbringing.
- Harry Potter: As Teddy's godfather, Harry took his role very seriously, serving as a key father figure in Teddy's life and ensuring he was integrated into the Potter family. Their close relationship is evident in the epilogue.
- Andromeda Tonks: His maternal grandmother and primary guardian, who raised him after the death of his parents.
- Victoire Weasley: Teddy's girlfriend, the eldest daughter of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour. Their relationship further solidifies the bond between the extended Weasley family and the legacy of the Order of the Phoenix.
- Potter and Weasley Children: He grew up alongside James Sirius Potter, Albus Severus Potter, and Lily Luna Potter, as well as their Weasley cousins, and is treated as one of the family.
Etymology
- “Teddy”: A common diminutive for Edward, directly linking him to his grandfather Ted.
- Remus: His first middle name is taken directly from his father, Remus Lupin. The name Remus originates from the Roman legend of Romulus and Remus, twin brothers who were nursed by a she-wolf.
- Lupin: His surname comes from the Latin lupinus, meaning “of or pertaining to a wolf.”
Behind the Scenes
- J.K. Rowling has stated that she always intended for Teddy to be raised by his grandmother, but that Harry, as godfather, would be a very important part of his life.
- In a 2007 interview, J.K. Rowling confirmed Teddy was sorted into Hufflepuff House and later became Head Boy. (J.K. Rowling interview)
- In the screenplay for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Teddy is mentioned by Harry as being a good role model and a great help to Albus Potter in settling into Hogwarts. He is also described as having come of age. (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)
- The actor Luke Newberry was cast as Teddy for the epilogue scene in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, but his appearance was cut from the final version of the film. (film)