Sirius Black is one of the most intriguing and mysterious characters in the Harry Potter series. He is Harry Potter’s godfather, but is he also related to him by blood? And what is his role in the wizarding world? In this article, we will explore the family tree, history and personality of Sirius Black, and reveal the truth behind his relationship with Harry Potter.
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Who is Sirius Black?
Sirius Black was born on November 3, 1959, to Orion and Walburga Black, members of the ancient and noble House of Black. The Blacks were a pure-blood family that valued their blood status above all else, and supported the Dark Lord Voldemort and his followers, the Death Eaters. Sirius, however, rebelled against his family’s beliefs and traditions, and was sorted into Gryffindor house at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, instead of Slytherin like the rest of his relatives.
At Hogwarts, Sirius became best friends with James Potter, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew. They formed a group called the Marauders, and were known for their mischief-making and pranks. Sirius also became an Animagus, a wizard who can transform into an animal at will. His Animagus form was a large black dog, which earned him the nickname Padfoot. He used this ability to help Lupin, who was a werewolf, during his monthly transformations.
Sirius was also the godfather of James and Lily Potter’s son, Harry. He loved Harry as his own son, and vowed to protect him from Voldemort. However, things took a tragic turn when Voldemort attacked the Potters on October 31, 1981. Sirius had suggested that they use Pettigrew as their Secret-Keeper, the person who would hide their location with a powerful charm called the Fidelius Charm. However, Pettigrew betrayed them to Voldemort, and then framed Sirius for his own murder and the murder of twelve Muggles.
Sirius was arrested by the Ministry of Magic and sent to Azkaban prison without a trial. He spent twelve years in Azkaban, where he was tormented by Dementors, creatures that feed on human happiness. He managed to escape in 1993, after seeing a picture of Pettigrew in his Animagus form of a rat in a newspaper. He tracked down Pettigrew to Hogwarts, where he met Harry for the first time since he was a baby.
Is Sirius Black Related to Harry Potter?
The answer is yes and no. Sirius Black is not related to Harry Potter by blood, but he is related to him by marriage. Sirius is the first cousin of Harry’s mother, Lily Potter (née Evans). This is because Sirius’s mother, Walburga Black, was the sister of Lily’s mother, Dorea Black (née Evans). This makes Sirius and Lily first cousins once removed.
However, Sirius is also related to Harry by marriage through his father’s side. Sirius’s father, Orion Black, was the second cousin of Harry’s father, James Potter. This is because Orion’s grandfather, Arcturus Black II, was the brother of James’s great-grandmother, Lycoris Black (née Potter). This makes Sirius and James third cousins once removed.
Therefore, Sirius is both Harry’s third cousin twice removed and his first cousin once removed by marriage. However, these relationships are not very close or significant in terms of genetics or inheritance. What matters more is that Sirius is Harry’s godfather, and that he loves him as his own son.
What is Sirius Black’s Role in the Wizarding World?
Sirius Black is one of the most loyal and brave members of the Order of the Phoenix, a secret organization that fights against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. He joined the Order when he was still a teenager, along with James, Lily, Lupin and Pettigrew. He fought in the First Wizarding War against Voldemort until he was imprisoned in Azkaban.
After escaping from Azkaban in 1993, he rejoined the Order and became one of its most valuable members. He provided them with a safe headquarters at his family home at 12 Grimmauld Place in London. He also acted as a mentor and father figure to Harry Potter, who had lost his parents at a young age. He gave him advice, support and encouragement throughout his years at Hogwarts.
Sirius also played a crucial role in the Second Wizarding War against Voldemort. He participated in several missions and battles with the Order, such as rescuing Harry from Privet Drive in 1995, guarding the Department of Mysteries in 1996, and fighting at the Battle of Hogwarts in 1998. He also helped Harry discover the truth about his connection to Voldemort and the prophecy that foretold their fate.
Unfortunately, Sirius Black met his end at the hands of his cousin, Bellatrix Lestrange, during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries in 1996. He was hit by a curse that sent him falling through a mysterious veil in the Death Chamber, which killed him instantly. His death was a devastating loss for Harry and the Order, and he was mourned by many who knew and loved him.
Conclusion
Sirius Black is one of the most complex and fascinating characters in the Harry Potter series. He is Harry Potter’s godfather, but he is also related to him by blood and by marriage. He is a loyal and brave member of the Order of the Phoenix, but he is also a fugitive and an outcast. He is a loving and caring person, but he is also haunted by his past and his mistakes. He is a hero, but he is also a tragic figure.
Sirius Black is a character that inspires admiration, sympathy and respect. He is a character that we can learn from, and that we can remember with fondness. He is a character that lives on in our hearts and minds, even after his death. He is Sirius Black, the godfather, the Marauder, the Animagus, the prisoner, the rebel, the friend. He is Sirius Black, and he is related to Harry Potter.