Nymphadora Tonks is a fictional character in the Harry Potter book series written by J. K. Rowling. The character first appears in the novel Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003) and the movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) as part of the advanced guard sent to the Dursley' to bring Harry to Grimmauld Place. She is described as having "...a pale heart-shaped face, dark twinkling eyes, and short spiky hair that was a violent shade of violet." She despises her given name and prefers to be called by her surname alone. Tonks explains to Harry that she is an Auror and a member of the Order of the Phoenix. At this point, Rowling introduces a rare magical talent previously unmentioned in the books, being a Metamorphmagus. Tonks explains that: "Metamorphmagi are really rare, they're born, not made." She is a shape-shifter who can change her appearance at will (she seems, however, limited to a human-like form) which she can use not only to disguise herself in the line of duty, but also for experimenting with her appearance, and even for her friends' entertainment. Rowling also adds a comical side to Tonks' character; she is notoriously clumsy and unskilled.