Ted Tonks

Ted Tonks was a kind and good-humoured Muggle-born wizard, the husband of the pure-blood witch Andromeda Tonks (née Black) and the father of Nymphadora Tonks. A supporter of the Order of the Phoenix, his status as a Muggle-born made him a target following Voldemort's takeover of the Ministry of Magic. Refusing to submit to the new discriminatory regime, he went on the run during the Second Wizarding War and was ultimately murdered by Snatchers. His grandson, Teddy Lupin, was named in his honour.

Ted Tonks was born to Muggle parents. At some point, he attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he presumably met his future wife, Andromeda Black. Their marriage was a defiant act of love, as Andromeda was a member of the staunchly pure-blood supremacist House of Black. For marrying a Muggle-born, Andromeda was disowned by her family and blasted off the Black family tree tapestry. Together, they had one child, a daughter named Nymphadora. During the Second Wizarding War, the Tonks's home was used as a safe house for the Order of the Phoenix. Following the Battle of the Seven Potters, a wounded Harry Potter and Rubeus Hagrid crash-landed in their garden. Ted and Andromeda immediately provided aid, with Ted tending to Harry's injuries with Dittany and helping to move the stunned Hagrid indoors. When the Ministry of Magic fell to Voldemort's control, the new regime established the Muggle-Born Registration Commission and began persecuting Muggle-born witches and wizards. Refusing to register, Ted was forced to flee, leaving his wife and daughter behind. While on the run, he met up with other fugitives, including fellow outcast Dirk Cresswell, the Hogwarts student Dean Thomas, and the goblins Gornuk and Griphook. In March of 1998, the clandestine radio programme Potterwatch reported that Ted Tonks had been caught and murdered by a group of Snatchers led by Fenrir Greyback. He was killed alongside Dirk Cresswell and the goblin Gornuk.

Ted Tonks was described as a fair-haired, big-bellied man. He was exceptionally kind-hearted, brave, and welcoming. His immediate, unquestioning hospitality towards Harry Potter and Hagrid after their dangerous journey demonstrated his good nature and allegiance to the anti-Voldemort cause. He was also principled and courageous, choosing the life of a fugitive rather than complying with the Death Eater-controlled Ministry of Magic's unjust laws against Muggle-borns.

While little is seen of his spell-casting, Ted was a fully qualified wizard. He demonstrated a working knowledge of magical healing remedies, using Dittany to treat wounds sustained by Harry Potter. His ability to survive as a fugitive for several months suggests he was resourceful and competent in defensive and concealment magic.

• House: He owned a home with his wife, Andromeda. It was described as being spotlessly clean and was used as a safe house by the Order of the Phoenix.
• Wand: Ted owned a wand, but its length, wood, and core material are unknown.

• Andromeda Tonks: Ted's wife. Their loving marriage was strong enough for Andromeda to abandon her prejudiced family and pure-blood heritage. When Ted went on the run, he expressed deep concern for her well-being.
• Nymphadora Tonks: Ted's daughter. Although their interactions are not detailed in the books, their family was portrayed as being close and loving. He was posthumously the grandfather of her son.
• Teddy Lupin: Ted's grandson. Born shortly after his grandfather's murder, Teddy Lupin was named in his honour. Ted never had the chance to meet him.
• Harry Potter: Ted was a firm ally of Harry's, offering him shelter and aid. He treated Harry with warmth and kindness during their brief meeting.
• Dirk Cresswell and Dean Thomas: Fellow fugitives whom Ted travelled with after fleeing the Ministry's persecution. They formed a small band of outcasts, sharing information and resources.

• Ted: A common diminutive for “Edward” or “Theodore.” The Old English name “Edward” means “rich guard” or “prosperous guardian,” which reflects his role in providing a safe house and protecting Harry. “Theodore” is from Greek and means “gift of God,” which could reflect his kind and gentle nature.
• Tonks: An English surname of uncertain origin. Its rather common and unassuming sound provides a stark contrast to the aristocratic and sinister-sounding surname of his wife's family, “Black”.

• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, Ted Tonks was portrayed by English actor Nick Moran.
• The scene where Harry and Hagrid arrive at the Tonks's home is depicted in the film. However, the scene where Harry, Ron, and Hermione overhear Ted's conversation with other fugitives is omitted. His death is instead revealed to Harry via a copy of the Daily Prophet. (film)