The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is full of fascinating characters, magical creatures, and intriguing mysteries. One of the most intriguing aspects of the wizarding world is the genealogy of the families that inhabit it. In particular, the Black family tree, which has many branches and connections to other prominent families, such as the Malfoys, the Weasleys, and the Potters.
One of the questions that many fans have wondered is: Is Narcissa related to Sirius? The answer is yes, they are first cousins. But how did they end up on opposite sides of the war against Voldemort? And what is the origin and meaning of their names? In this article, we will explore the complex and dark history of the Black family tree, and how it shaped the lives and destinies of Narcissa and Sirius.
Contents
The Origins of the Black Family
The Black family is one of the oldest and most respected pure-blood families in the wizarding world. They claim to be descended from a twelfth-century wizard named Ignotus Peverell, who was one of the original owners of the Deathly Hallows. The Black family motto is “Toujours Pur”, which means “Always Pure” in French, reflecting their belief in the superiority of pure-bloods over Muggle-borns and half-bloods.
The Black family has a tradition of naming their children after stars, constellations, or other astronomical phenomena. This is because they consider themselves to be “stars” among wizards, and also because they have a connection to astrology and divination. Some examples of Black family names are Sirius, Regulus, Bellatrix, Andromeda, Orion, Cygnus, and Arcturus.
The Black family also has a habit of disowning or “blasting” any members who do not follow their strict rules or who associate with Muggle-borns or blood traitors. The Black family tapestry, which hangs in 12 Grimmauld Place, shows the names and faces of all the Black family members, with some of them burned off or crossed out. Some of the disowned members include Sirius, Andromeda, Cedrella, Marius, and Phineas Nigellus.
The Relationship between Narcissa and Sirius
Narcissa and Sirius are both descendants of Pollux Black and Irma Crabbe, who had four children: Walburga, Alphard, Cygnus, and Arcturus. Walburga married her second cousin Orion Black, and they had two sons: Sirius and Regulus. Cygnus married his second cousin Druella Rosier, and they had three daughters: Bellatrix, Andromeda, and Narcissa. This makes Narcissa and Sirius first cousins.
However, Narcissa and Sirius had very different personalities and views on the wizarding world. Narcissa was raised to believe in the pure-blood ideology of her family, and she married Lucius Malfoy, a wealthy and influential Death Eater. She was loyal to Voldemort and his cause, but she also cared deeply for her son Draco and her sister Andromeda.
Sirius was rebellious and adventurous from a young age. He hated his family’s prejudice and cruelty, and he ran away from home when he was sixteen. He became friends with James Potter, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew at Hogwarts, and they formed a group called the Marauders. He joined the Order of the Phoenix to fight against Voldemort and his followers. He was loyal to his friends and godson Harry Potter.
Narcissa and Sirius rarely interacted with each other after they grew up. They only met once during Harry’s fifth year at Hogwarts, when they both attended a hearing at the Ministry of Magic. They did not speak to each other or acknowledge their relation. They also met again during the Battle of Hogwarts, when Narcissa lied to Voldemort about Harry’s death in order to find Draco. Sirius died during this battle at the hands of his cousin Bellatrix.
The Meaning of Their Names
Narcissa’s name comes from Narcissus, a figure from Greek mythology who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. He was so obsessed with himself that he ignored the love of others, such as Echo, a nymph who could only repeat what others said. He eventually died by drowning or wasting away by the pool.
Narcissa’s name reflects her vanity and pride as a pure-blood witch. She is also very protective of her own family and does not care much about others. However, unlike Narcissus, Narcissa does have some redeeming qualities. She loves her son Draco more than anything else in the world, and she is willing to betray Voldemort to save him. She also shows some compassion for Harry when she realizes that he is alive.
Sirius’s name comes from Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. It is also known as the Dog Star, because it is part of the constellation Canis Major, which means “the Greater Dog”. Sirius is associated with the ancient Egyptian god Anubis, who had the head of a jackal and was the guardian of the underworld.
Sirius’s name reflects his brilliance and charisma as a wizard. He is also an Animagus, who can transform into a large black dog. Sirius is loyal and courageous, but also impulsive and hot-headed. He has a strong sense of justice, but also a tendency to be reckless and vengeful. He is a protector and a friend, but also a fugitive and an outcast.
Conclusion
Narcissa and Sirius are related by blood, but not by heart. They are both products of their family’s history and values, but they also have their own choices and actions. They are both complex and flawed characters, who have their own strengths and weaknesses. They are both part of the Harry Potter universe, which is full of magic and wonder, but also of darkness and danger.
