The beginning of a new era at Hogwarts: the first year of the Marauders.
When James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew arrive at Hogwarts, none of them are prepared for what awaits them in their first year. For each of them, this...
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Winter, January 1970
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The Black family was one of the most prestigious and wealthy among wizarding families. Their lineage had endured for generations without losing its brilliance, with ancestors holding high positions at Hogwarts or within the Ministry of Magic, where they had advocated for the importance of preserving ancient traditions of purity in the magical world.
The Blacks considered themselves perfect, though that perfection depended on ignoring the names that had been erased from their family tree. Those who failed to abide by the family's strict rules were disowned, condemned to oblivion as if they had never existed. Among these rules, the most sacred was that marriages could only be arranged between cousins or with families equally pure and powerful. Any deviation was regarded as betrayal.
Walburga Black herself, the current matriarch, had adhered to this tradition to the letter. With the patience expected of her surname, she had waited for her second cousin, Orion Black, to complete his education at Hogwarts before marrying him. In doing so, she fulfilled the unyielding duty of preserving the purity of their bloodline.
Today, that tradition continued as the wedding of Bellatrix Black, a staunch defender of the values that defined the Black name, was being celebrated. Recently graduated from Hogwarts, Bellatrix had not hesitated to marry Rodolphus Lestrange, a wizard from a family that embodied everything the Blacks cherished: purity, power, and an unquestionable loyalty to the old ways.
Much of the family had gathered at Black Hollow, the ancient country estate inherited by Cygnus Black upon his marriage to Druella Rosier. It was there that they had raised their three daughters: Bellatrix, Andromeda, and Narcissa.
The estate, nestled within a secluded glade, was carefully concealed from Muggles, as if the forest itself—with its ancient trees and branches leaning slightly towards the mansion—conspired to protect the family's secrets and legacy.
Inside, heavy dark green velvet curtains draped over the windows, and magical crystal lamps cast a soft, dim glow. The guests, dressed in fine robes, celebrated the couple's union with cold smiles and proud glances, as if simply attending the event reaffirmed their own purity and prestige.
