Harry Potter is one of the most famous and beloved characters in literature and film, but how much do you know about his family tree? One of the most intriguing questions that fans have is: is Harry Potter related to Sirius Black?
Sirius Black is Harry Potter’s godfather, but he is also his distant cousin. In this article, we will explore the complex and fascinating relationship between Harry and Sirius, and how they became more than just relatives.
Contents
Who is Sirius Black?
Sirius Black is the last heir of the House of Black, a once notable pure-blood wizarding family. His parents, Orion and Walburga Black, were both Blacks by birth and second cousins. They were staunch supporters of Lord Voldemort and his ideology of blood purity, and they disowned any family member who did not share their views.
Sirius was one of those family members. He rebelled against his parents from a young age, and ran away from home when he was sixteen. He was taken in by his best friend James Potter, Harry’s father, and became a member of the Order of the Phoenix, a secret organization that fought against Voldemort.
Sirius was also an Animagus, which means he could transform himself into a black, shaggy dog named Padfoot at will. He was part of a group of friends who called themselves the Marauders, along with James Potter (Prongs), Remus Lupin (Moony), and Peter Pettigrew (Wormtail). They were known for their mischief and pranks at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Sirius Black is related to Harry Potter through his mother’s side. Harry’s mother, Lily Evans, was a Muggle-born witch, which means she had no magical ancestry. However, her sister Petunia married Vernon Dursley, who was a descendant of Euphemia Rowle, a pure-blood witch who married into the Dursley family.
Euphemia Rowle was also a distant cousin of Sirius Black, through his great-grandmother Elladora Black. Elladora was the sister of Phineas Nigellus Black, who was the grandfather of Euphemia Rowle. This means that Sirius and Harry are third cousins once removed.
However, their blood relation is not the only thing that connects them. Sirius was also Harry’s godfather, a role he took very seriously. He was chosen by James and Lily Potter to be their son’s guardian in case something happened to them.
What was Sirius Black’s role in Harry Potter’s life?
Sirius Black played a vital role in Harry Potter’s life, both as a godfather and as a friend. He first met Harry when he was a baby, and he gave him a toy broomstick as a gift. He also tried to protect him from Voldemort, who had marked Harry as his enemy after hearing a prophecy that said he would be the one to defeat him.
Unfortunately, Sirius was framed by Peter Pettigrew for betraying James and Lily Potter to Voldemort, and for killing twelve Muggles with a single curse. He was sent to Azkaban, the most notorious wizarding prison, without a trial. He spent twelve years there, until he escaped in Harry’s third year at Hogwarts.
He then tried to clear his name and prove his innocence, while also reconnecting with Harry. He became a source of guidance and support for Harry, who had grown up without any parental figures. He also showed him affection and care, treating him like his own son.
Sirius also helped Harry fight against Voldemort and his followers, the Death Eaters. He joined the Order of the Phoenix again, and participated in several missions and battles. He also offered Harry a place to stay with him at his ancestral home, Number Twelve Grimmauld Place.
However, Sirius’s life was cut short when he was killed by his cousin Bellatrix Lestrange during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries in Harry’s fifth year. His death devastated Harry, who felt like he had lost the last person who cared for him. However, Sirius’s spirit continued to watch over Harry, and he appeared to him through various means, such as the Resurrection Stone and the Mirror of Erised.
Conclusion
Sirius Black was more than just a relative to Harry Potter. He was his godfather, his mentor, his friend, and his family. He was one of the few people who understood Harry, and who loved him unconditionally. He was also one of the bravest and most loyal wizards in history, who sacrificed his life for the greater good.
Is Harry Potter related to Sirius Black? Yes, he is. But he is also much more than that. He is his legacy.
