The Tangled Branches: Delving into the Black and Weasley Family Connection
The question of which Black married a Weasley has a definitive answer: Cedrella Black married Septimus Weasley. This union, however, wasn’t a celebrated occasion within the Black family, leading to some dramatic consequences. Let’s explore this connection and the intricate web of relationships surrounding these two iconic wizarding families.
Cedrella Black and Septimus Weasley: A Disapproved Union
The Pure-Blood Obsession of the Blacks
The Black family is renowned (or perhaps notorious) for its staunch adherence to pure-blood supremacy. This obsession with maintaining a “pure” lineage often led to rigid social rules and severe consequences for those who deviated from their ideals. Intermarriage with Muggles or “blood traitors” (wizards who associated with Muggles) was strictly forbidden and met with harsh punishment, typically disownment from the family.
Cedrella’s Choice and Its Repercussions
Cedrella Black, daughter of Arcturus Black II and Lysandra Black, dared to defy this deeply ingrained prejudice. She fell in love with and married Septimus Weasley, a wizard who, while pure-blood himself, held views deemed “Muggle-loving” by the Black family. This act of defiance was considered a grave betrayal of their pure-blood principles.
Disownment and Erasure
The Black family’s response was swift and unforgiving. Cedrella was immediately disowned and removed from the Black family tree tapestry, a symbol of their lineage and a testament to their pure-blood status. This act effectively erased her from the family’s history, at least within their own strict records.
The Weasley’s Connection to the “Most Ancient and Noble House of Black”
Despite Cedrella’s disownment, her marriage established a blood connection between the Weasley family and the “Most Ancient and Noble House of Black.” Although the Weasleys aren’t considered members of the Black family in the way that, say, Sirius Black was, they carry Black blood through Cedrella.
Arthur Weasley: A Direct Descendant
Arthur Weasley, a prominent figure in the Harry Potter series and father of Ron, is the son of Cedrella Black and Septimus Weasley. This makes him a direct descendant of the Black family, specifically a grandson of Phineas Nigellus Black, a former Headmaster of Hogwarts.
A Different Perspective on Blood Purity
The Weasley family, in stark contrast to the Blacks, generally held more progressive views on blood purity. They readily associated with Muggles and Muggle-borns, a characteristic that further distanced them from the traditional values of the Black family. This difference in ideology contributed to the Black family’s disapproval of Cedrella’s marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How is Molly Weasley related to the Black family?
Molly Weasley, née Prewett, is not directly related to the Black family by blood. Her connection to the Black family is through her marriage to Arthur Weasley, who is a descendant of Cedrella Black.
2. Why was Cedrella Black considered a “blood traitor”?
Cedrella wasn’t a “blood traitor” herself, but her husband, Septimus Weasley, was considered to have Muggle-loving views. This was enough for the Black family to deem her a traitor for marrying him and threatening the purity of their bloodline.
3. Are all Weasleys descendants of the Black family?
Yes, all descendants of Arthur Weasley carry Black blood through his mother, Cedrella Black. However, the Weasley family extends beyond Arthur’s direct descendants, so not all individuals with the Weasley surname are necessarily related to the Black family.
4. How does the Black family tree work?
The Black family tree tapestry is a magical record of the Black family’s lineage. It resides in the ancestral home of the Blacks at 12 Grimmauld Place. Family members who are disowned for betraying the family’s values, such as marrying Muggles or associating with “blood traitors,” are blasted off the tapestry.
5. Who else was removed from the Black family tree?
Besides Cedrella, other members like Andromeda Black (mother of Nymphadora Tonks) were also removed for marrying Ted Tonks, a Muggle-born wizard. Sirius Black was blasted off by his own mother for his nonconformist views.
6. What were the Black family’s views on Muggles?
The Black family, for the most part, held prejudiced views against Muggles. They believed in the superiority of pure-blood wizards and considered interactions with Muggles to be beneath them and detrimental to the purity of their bloodline.
7. Did Sirius Black ever reconcile with his family?
No, Sirius Black never reconciled with his family. He vehemently rejected their pure-blood ideology and severed all ties with them, eventually being disowned by his mother and blasted off the family tree.
8. Was Arthur Weasley ashamed of his Black ancestry?
There is no indication that Arthur Weasley was ashamed of his Black ancestry. He focused on his own values of tolerance and acceptance, which were in direct opposition to the Black family’s prejudices.
9. How are Bellatrix Lestrange and Arthur Weasley related?
Bellatrix Lestrange and Arthur Weasley are cousins, sharing a common ancestor in the Black family. Cedrella Black (Arthur’s mother) and Bellatrix’s parents were siblings, making their children first cousins.
10. Did any other Blacks marry outside of pure-blood families?
Yes, Andromeda Black married Ted Tonks, a Muggle-born wizard. This act, like Cedrella’s marriage, resulted in her disownment from the Black family.
11. How did the marriage of Harry and Ginny affect the Black-Weasley connection?
Harry Potter, although not related by blood, became part of the Weasley family through his marriage to Ginny Weasley. This further solidified the connection between the Weasleys and any potential descendants, adding another layer to the legacy of the Black blood within the Weasley line.
12. What are some examples of the Weasley family’s tolerance towards Muggles?
Arthur Weasley’s fascination with Muggles and their inventions is a prime example. He worked in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office at the Ministry of Magic and had a genuine interest in understanding Muggle culture, even if he sometimes misunderstood it. The Weasley family also readily welcomed Muggle-born witches and wizards like Hermione Granger into their home.
13. How are Draco Malfoy and Arthur Weasley related?
Draco Malfoy and Arthur Weasley are distantly related through the Black family. Narcissa Malfoy (Draco’s mother) is a sister of Andromeda Tonks and Bellatrix Lestrange, who are cousins of Arthur Weasley. This makes Draco and Arthur second cousins, once removed.
14. Were the Weasleys considered a powerful wizarding family?
While not as wealthy or influential as some other wizarding families, the Weasleys possessed significant magical talent and strength of character. Molly Weasley’s defeat of Bellatrix Lestrange during the Battle of Hogwarts is a testament to their power and dedication to protecting their loved ones.
15. Where can I learn more about family dynamics in the Harry Potter series?
Further understanding the dynamics within the Harry Potter world, including the familial relationships and ideological influences, can be enhanced by exploring related topics. Considering how gaming and interactive media can aid in learning, the Games Learning Society offers valuable insights into educational gaming and its impacts. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more about the intersection of learning and play.
In conclusion, the marriage of Cedrella Black and Septimus Weasley was a pivotal event that connected two seemingly disparate families. While it led to Cedrella’s disownment from the Black family, it also established a blood connection that continues to this day through the Weasley lineage, a lineage that ultimately favored compassion and acceptance over pure-blood supremacy.