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A Letter to Tonks

Dear Tonks, 

I am just another Potterhead who had come across the wizarding world at the age of 11. Reading Harry Potter has been one of my best childhood memories. I grew up on these books. When Harry was in the fifth year and the cloud over his head had darkened more than ever, you entered like a cool, fresh breeze rushing into a congested chamber. You were the youngest member of the Order at the time. Your character was charming, young, wholesome with a pinch of clumsiness and a pleasant escape from everyone’s harsh realities. However, I believe you were so much more than a relief.

You, Tonks, were the definition of self-love. Being a metamorphmagus, you had the power to change your looks to the most flawless of features. And yet, all you ever played with was the colour of your hair. I vividly remember your hair going from bubblegum pink to a solid purple. As a 13-year-old, I found you so bold and unapologetic for being yourself. You were not insecure about the way you looked. Instead, you’d go flaunting it. 

As the story progressed, I saw you go through perilous times and stand bravely. Sirius’s death followed by your survivor’s guilt deteriorated your mental health. Add to it the pressure of the Dark Lord’s return and loads of responsibility on your shoulder to protect your people. Usually, your plotline gets very little attention in the books and is omitted from the movies. But given our current scenarios, it is the most relevant issue faced by all of us. This past year has wounded us at large, created an air of fear and uncertainty, taken away our loved ones forever. It is painful enough to keep surviving and seeing death all around. Being of an age where you can do very little to contribute or help on a large scale (unlike the frontline workers), it is bound to create guilt and helplessness in your mind. We were never prepared to take on a pandemic, yet here we are. The Dark Lord has returned. And while the Aurors are out their fighting the battle, we are trying our best not to succumb to the dark arts. 

Simultaneously, we are also fighting a battle within ourselves. Mental health is not a joke, especially in such grave times. I remember how weak you had become as if a Dementor sucked the soul out of you. Your hair was no more vibrant. You felt like you did not deserve to live. However, you kept going! I saw you rise like a phoenix from its ashes. Only, witnessing you gave me hope. It told everyone out there that depression can be battled with. Even though it leaves us empty, you can always add the colours back into your life. Especially you, Tonks. 

Lastly, you are the most underrated character throughout the series. You are rarely in the spotlight. There is always a greater plot than yours. And yet, you influence the minds of young, impressionable readers with your small gestures. You are loved by everyone, even the lone wolf Lupin. You have a strong mentor who you look up to. But the biggest takeaway for me was, you fought till your last breath for a cause and to create a better future for your child. It is something I will always commend. 

So, thank you Tonks, for making me believe in myself and bringing hope that times will get better. 

Yours lovingly

Antara.

P.S. I know you detest being called Nymphadora so I made a conscious effort not to.


This letter was one of the top ten entries in the P.S. I Love Literature Letter Writing Competition of The Novel Room, our Book Discussion Club. Students wrote letters to characters, writers, poets, books as part of a creative review and response activity, and these were read out in the session on April 29, 2021.


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