This is the finished product of my Black family tree!! Most of it is canon, with a few reworkings, speculation, or just completely made-up fanon.
Most of the dates are made up, with few exceptions, as well as the names of the kids from marriages of Black daughters. Also there's crossover with @katakosmos & their Rosier family tree with the fanon marriage of Elladora and Felix !!
If you have any questions about this or want to know about my hcs for the family/individual members then lmk !!
Kreiousa Black (b. 15 January 1928 — d. 27 April 1976) was the illegitimate daughter of Pollux Black and his former mistress, a nameless woman who was never publicly acknowledged by the Black family. In order for Pollux’s “dirty little secret” to remain unexploited, the anonymous conquest was paid handsomely in return for her discretion. Shortly afterward, Kreiousa’s mother abandoned her at the doorstep of an orphanage and never came back for the baby.
By the time Kreiousa was six, she had been placed in the care of her father’s childless cousin, Lycoris Black. During her early youth, it was no secret that the girl was the product of one of Pollux’s many affairs, although Master Black refused to recognize Kreiousa as his daughter. But, in spite of his efforts, there was no denying the child’s paternity, especially when one paid close attention to the resemblance she shared with her elder half-sister, Walburga.
For a brief period of time, solely due to Lycoris’s insistence, Kreiousa had been the playmate of her siblings, Walburga and Alphard Black. She was never explicitly identified as their sister, even though the unspoken truth lingered. Unfortunately, any promise of furthering their interactions with each other diminished once Irma forbid Kreiousa’s presence from her household on the grounds that she no longer wanted her children associating themselves with one of Pollux’s “filthy bastards”.
Within the year of 1939, Kreiousa enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where she was sorted into Slytherin House. Throughout her schooling, the young witch kept a safe distance from her half-siblings, especially Walburga, who held resentment towards her. Kreiousa's presence was a constant reminder of their father's indiscretions, and Walburga's disdain often manifested in subtle snubs and pointed remarks. It became apparent that all Kreiousa had been to her sister was a living evocation of the Black family’s shame.
Ironically, Kreiousa would develop a close relationship with her younger brother, Cygnus Black, whom she was not very familiar with as a child. The bond they created between each other would last into adulthood, much to Walburga’s chagrin.
Denebola Black (b. 17 February 1928 — d. 22 October 1984) was the only child and daughter of Regulus Black (i). Although she had no siblings, she formed a close bond with her paternal cousins, Lucretia and Orion Black, during her youth. Denebola was estranged from her father, who preferred to immerse himself in parties and affairs rather than cultivate a relationship with her.
Arcturus and Melania were an odd couple that no one expected.
She was quiet and easily slipped by people, but also great at being diplomatic, and could've made a good lawyer or spy. That of course went hand in hand with Arcturus' aspiration to be a court judge in the ministry.
She had a kind heart, with a peculiar sense of humour, and just an overall warm person to be around. Arcturus was quite possessive of her, and got jealous easily, but he was covert about it. He didn't show her. A bit of a yandere, honestly. Any man he felt a little competition with? Critically injured, or never seen again.
Arcturus treated everyone he came across with respect, even mudbloods, which is why he was never suspected of being insane. He was recognised as one of the normal or civil Blacks.
Melania came from the Macmillan family, who were known for being a long line of Hufflepuffs. They were fairly middle class, but not to the same level as the Blacks.
The Black family didn't approve of Arcturus marrying her, but he stubbornly continued courting her, and they stayed together. It took 5 years for Melania to gain Sirius II approval, but it didn't stop the other family members from looking down at her. Out of all her inlaws, Lycoris was nicest to her, with Regulus I being second place. Being an unseen middle child, Lycoris understood what it's like to be visible when people wanted something from you, and confided in her. Regulus I was the baby of the family, and seen as harmless with the agonising need to prove himself. Melania couldn't help but see him the same way, and Regulus kind of hated her for it.
She didn't like playing favourites, but Lucretia was her favourite. Melania loved having a daughter to dote on and spend time with. She didn't love Orion any less, but found it hard to understand his interests.
Lucretia and Walburga didn't get along as children as they were constantly compared to each other: With Lucretia being the well behaved one, and Walburga being the spoiled brat. Melania would set up play dates for them whenever Violetta was unavailable to look after them, but Walburga hated visiting.
Orion inherited Melania's hardworking nature, and focused on his work, never thinking of dating. When Regulus I died, Arcturus started to worry and tried to match Orion with a suitress. Pollux took advantage of this, and convinced Arcturus to have Orion and Walburga wed. Melania was against it due to Walburga's beliefs on muggle hunting, and what that could mean for Orion's future children, but Arcturus' mind was set.
She was a very kind grandmother, and didn't voice disapproval over Sirius' ending up in Gryffindor. She tried to be a mediator surrounding Sirius' growing rebellion.
She occasionally volunteered to look after Bellatrix, Andromeda and Narcissa since Cygnus and Druella were still in school. Melania worried that Pollux and Irma would poison their minds, and she had been correct to find that it had been the case with Bellatrix.
The Prewetts were lower classed, and everyone was horrified to find out that Lucretia became engaged to one. Melania convinced Arcturus to give his blessing, reasoning that if they could marry for love then their daughter could. She used the fact that Orion was an heir against Arcturus, thus being the only one they should truly worry about. It's thanks to her that Lucretia wasn't burnt off, especially after Molly Prewett married into the Weasley family.
A lot of the family members believe that Melania cursed the bloodline, and that Arcturus was a fool to fall in love with her.
Edit: I assumed Lycoris was a boy's name and always thought he or she was male. I like the idea of Arcturus, Lycoris & Regulus being a trio of brothers. I thought it would be funny if there was a doppelganger trope within the family.
Black cousins at the Ministry Gala 1938, 2nd of August
From left to right:
Top line: Cassiopeia Black, Dorea Black (future Potter), Charis Crouch neé Black
Bottom line: Lycoris Black, Cedrella Black (future Weasley), Callidora Longbottom neé Black.
Not my picture, it's from pinterest. Not my fancasts, but I just love the vibes this picture is radiating. Plus, the dresses are somewhat historicaly accurate. It's 1950s fashion from what I can tell (I'm not an expert)
«Last time all Black cousins were seen together. Despite the age differences, before that year they were rather close, but after they all walked different paths.»
The very next year (1939) Cedrella will elope with Septimus Weasley and end up burned from the tapestry. Her father Arcturus however, will attend her wedding and gift quite a lot to the newlyweds. Her sister Callidora will never talk to her again, but her sister Charis will stay close, even becoming Arthur Weasley's godmother.
Cedrella will live a life very disconnected with her pre-marriage one, but a happy life nonetheless. Her cousin Dorea and distant niece Lucretia will be with her when she dies in 1979. Charis will not be there only due to her death in 1973.
Lycoris will have a fight with her mother about woman's role, about "not wanting to be a fucking broodmare" as Lycoris herself put it. She would not be disowned, but her relationship with her family will remain cold for the rest of her life, with a few exceptions.
In 1939 Lycoris will open a salon in a house that she bought with her brother Regulus II. It would take a few years, but the "Black Vine Salon" will gain popularity, especially in the potioneer circles. The nature of Lycoris' relationship with one of the salon's visitors, Eustace Prince, are a topic of furious debate among the purebloods.
It's even rumored that Lycoris had a child with Eustace in 1950s. None of the involved give commentary on this.
Callidora will give birth to her second son Albert in 1940. Boy will be, unfortunately, born dead. Broken by the loss, Callidora, along with her husband Harfang Longbottom, will become recluse, growing famous mourning roses in the greenhouses for the rest of their life. Callidora would still keep in touch with her closest cousin Cassiopeia, whom she even named her eldest son after - Cassius Longbottom.
Charis, who lost her daughter Berenice just a few months before, unlike her sister will get more active. Together with her husband Caspar Crouch and Potter family involvement, Charis will shape the future politics of Magical Britain - firmly against Grindelwald's.
Minister for magic of the time, Hector Fawley, did not take Grindelwald's threat to the wizarding world seriously enough and was, as a result, will be forced out from his office by the public. Crouch family will support the next, more proactive Minister, Leonard Spencer-Moon. Rumors often say that Leonard slept with one or both Crouches, but in reality their interest in him was purely political.
Cassiopeia, who never strode far away from the family, will end up in St. Mungo with her mind lost in 1946. Healers would not be able to lift the curse and Cassiopeia will spend the rest of her life in Mungo. Her cousin Callidora and Lady Roanne Lestrange, mother of Rabastan and Rudolphus Lestange, would often visit her there.
Funny enough, several decades later her cousin's grandson Frank Longbottom and his wife Alice will be admitted to the same department with the same symptoms. Only connection between two incidents are the Lestranges' involvement.
Two years from that (1941) Dorea will join the war against Grindelwald, namely the "Resistance", along with her future husband Charlus Potter. As a mental mage, she will be a rather important member of comutications department. She and Charlus will be both present at the series of trials in 1945, all condemning Grindelwald's Acolyts.
However, their and some other Resistance members' involvement in the war will be hidden for the next thirty years due to secrecy protocols. It's theorised that this is because Dorea Potter was a spy in Grindelwalds ranks.
