It's very interesting that Tonks is so often characterised one-dimensionally in the fandom as always happy, cheerful, goofy, or, hell, even childish, given the way she's portrayed in, like, every book she's in.
That idea just doesn't hold up to scrutiny, and I'm pulling out my soap box and going on a rant.
Tonks absolutely brings the jokes in The Advanced Guard chapter. She's not afraid to make fun of herself ('did you hear me break that plate') or ask really stupid questions ('I suppose it varies, just like with wizards?'), or make fun of Mad-Eye ('you do know that's disgusting don't you?').
But, beyond 'The Woes Of Mrs Weasley' ('my head of house said I lacked the necessary qualities [...]like the ability to behave myself'), she doesn't crack jokes at the quite same rate ever again.
She's still funny, the narrative hasn't actually forgotte, it's brought up all the time ('at least Tonks is a laugh'). But it's not the key thing that she is in every single instance.
There's so much more to her.
By Christmas in Ootp, we see she's got a bit of a bite: casually threatening Stan Shunpike with violence ('say his name again and I will curse you into oblivion' muttered Tonks, menacingly') and being serious and abrupt getting the kids to school ('And [Tonks] shoved Harry forward toward the steps').
She's "bossy", in charge, and in control there and in the Advanced Guard ('“We’re not going through clouds!” shouted Tonks angrily.'). From the very beginning.
There's a vindictive, vengeful streak that rears it's head in DH ('I just wish I got her, I owe Bellatrix') whilst being very casual about violence ('we definitely injured Rodolphus').
And that stems from her almost irrational guilt complex that, whilst not the most pressing issue, is part of her struggle throughout HBP ('She thinks it was her fault [Sirius] died').
She's a solider and a fighter. The only other member of the Order who matches Tonks being in every key fight, is Remus. She's the protege of the most successful auror in the country, is known to be smart ('And she’s more intelligent,'), and commits treason the first time the opportunity comes up.
I'm not sure I'd really classify Tonks as always cheerful or always goofy in just The Advanced Guard when she is definitely 'on' and, we can assume, lightening the mood ('stop being so cheerful Mad-Eye, or he'll think we're not taking this seriously') never mind all. of. the. time.
It's a one-dimensional pigeon hole that you don't usually see other funny characters (like Remus or Sirius) getting stuck in at quite the same rate that Tonks seems to.
There's so much left unsaid about Tonks, the contradictions she's made of, the journey she goes on far in the background that has nothing to do with the kids, that it makes me want to hold her between my teeth and shake her like a chew toy.
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