Have you ever pondered the family backgrounds of characters in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World? The circle around Harry Potter and his companions is quite limited compared to the broader wizarding population. Many young witches and wizards spend the majority of their time at school, which raises the question: how do they form friendships or find love without inadvertently mingling with relatives? The simple answer is, they don’t. Much like the British Royal Family, there’s a high likelihood of young wizards marrying distant cousins, particularly if they adhere to the old-fashioned and somewhat exclusive idea of marrying “purebloods.” This intertwining of family ties explains why certain Slytherin families engage in frequent intermarriage, especially among the so-called Sacred Twenty-Eight. In essence, the Harry Potter family tree is quite intricate.
Curious for more details? The Sacred Twenty-Eight refers to the 28 families regarded as the “purest” in terms of bloodlines, meaning they have the least interaction with Muggles. These families consider themselves the most magical, at least from their perspective. To help you navigate this complex web, we’ll break down Harry Potter’s family tree, including notable lineages like the Weasleys and the Malfoys.
Understanding the Harry Potter Family Tree
So, how do these family trees appear? With numerous connections, a glance at key Hogwarts alumni might resemble a sprawling forest more than a simple tree. We’ve delved deep into Harry Potter lore and symbols to clarify things for you. A wealth of information has come directly from Rowling, who has continued to elaborate on character backstories even after the original series concluded.
While some details are well-documented, others remain elusive, particularly for families that have intentionally obscured names from their lineage, such as the Blacks. Here’s an overview of some of the most prominent families you’re likely familiar with.
The Potter and Black Family Connection
Aside from Harry, the rest of the Potter family led relatively uneventful lives. Rowling notes that only two Potters served on the Wizengamot, while most preferred to remain in their hometown (the same one you might recall from Harry’s final years at Hogwarts). Before Harry’s arrival, the family’s most notable achievements included creating popular potions like Skele-Gro and Pepperup Potion. Even the Invisibility Cloak’s acquisition can’t be entirely credited to them.
One of the earliest known Potters was Linfred of Stinchcombe, a quirky 12th-century wizard affectionately known as “The Potterer.” His son Hardwin married Iolanthe Peverell, the granddaughter of Ignotus Peverell, which led to the Invisibility Cloak being passed down through generations until it reached James and eventually Harry.
It’s also worth mentioning that Harry’s marriage to Ginny has established the Potters within the Sacred Twenty-Eight.
Why Did Harry Name His Daughter After Luna?
J.K. Rowling has confirmed that Harry named his daughter Lily Luna after Luna Lovegood, whom he valued as a dear friend. Any speculation about a romantic relationship between them is unfounded — their bond remained strictly platonic. Throughout the series, Harry had two crushes: Cho Chang and Ginny Weasley.
The Weasley Family Tree
Speaking of Ginny, the Weasley family is often looked down upon due to their fascination with Muggles, yet they are part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. Interestingly, the Weasleys also share distant ties to the Black family. Arthur and Molly Weasley, the proud parents of the mischievous Weasley children, have connections to the Blacks. Arthur’s mother, Cedrella, was a Black by birth, making her a distant cousin to Sirius. However, her marriage to Septimus Weasley resulted in her name being expunged from the family tree. Similarly, Molly’s Aunt Lucretia was also a Black before marrying into the Prewitt family, making the family connections even more tangled.
The Malfoy, Black, and LeStrange Family Trees
Things become even more complicated when examining the intertwined family trees of the Malfoy, Black, and LeStrange families. All three families belong to the Sacred Twenty-Eight and are known for their disdain towards Muggles and those who interact with them, often derogatorily calling them “mudbloods.”
Despite their desire to maintain “pure” bloodlines, these families have had their share of rebellious members. For instance, Bellatrix LeStrange (née Black) was both an aunt to Tonks and a distant cousin to Neville Longbottom. Tonks’ mother, Andromeda, was Bellatrix’s sister, while Narcissa Malfoy, Draco’s mother, was the third sister. All three were cousins to Sirius Black, but the family tree displays both Andromeda and Sirius as being erased due to their affiliations with Muggles.
Future Generations
Thanks to “The Cursed Child,” we have a glimpse into the future of these ever-expanding family trees. A particularly intriguing prospect is the potential relationship between Ron and Hermione’s daughter, Rose, and Draco’s son, Scorpius. This pairing has captured the imaginations of fans, leading to numerous fanfics exploring this possibility. So, years later, did you get the ending you hoped for in terms of ‘shipping? Personally, I wished for Harry and Luna to be together, but we can accept the reality presented.
Short Harry Potter Family Tree Quiz
Want to see if you’re a true Harry Potter aficionado? Test your knowledge with these questions:
- Which of the following is NOT a name or nickname for Harry’s godfather? A. Snuffles B. Regulus C. Sirius D. Padfoot
- Ron Weasley’s parents have 12 grandchildren. Which of these is NOT one of them? A. Fred B. Roxanne C. Molly D. Teddy
- Which character is NOT removed from the Black family tree? A. Alphard Black B. Sirius Black III C. Andromeda Tonks D. Nymphadora Tonks
This article was originally published on January 11, 2021.
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Summary
The Harry Potter family tree is a complex tapestry woven with connections to various families within the wizarding world, including the esteemed Weasleys, Malfoys, and Blacks. With deep-rooted traditions and a tendency to intermarry, the relationships among these families showcase the challenges of maintaining “pureblood” lineages. As new generations emerge, the potential for unexpected alliances, such as that between Rose Weasley and Scorpius Malfoy, continues to spark interest among fans.