Sirius Black

Also known as Black, Sirius

Major
First seen · Book 3 · Ch. 1

Sirius Black is a major character in Harry Potter (Book 3).

Gender: male
Age: 30s
First appears: Book 3 · Ch. 1
Books: 2

Sirius Black first appears as a skeletal, wild-eyed fugitive, the first prisoner ever to escape Azkaban and the man believed to have betrayed James and Lily Potter to Voldemort. The truth proves very different: Sirius was James's best friend, Harry's godfather, and an innocent man framed by the real traitor, Peter Pettigrew. Still a hunted outlaw after Pettigrew escapes, he becomes Harry's secret guardian. Hiding in the shape of a shaggy black dog, he sends counsel and warnings through the Triwizard Tournament, and after Voldemort's return he answers Dumbledore's call to rally the old resistance.

Description

A tall, very thin, gaunt man with a sunken, skull-like face, hollow shadowed eyes, yellow teeth, and long, matted hair hanging to his elbows. His skin is described as waxy white. His expression can appear corpse-like and hollow, though a genuine smile briefly makes him look much younger and recalls a handsome, laughing man. A very large, shaggy black dog.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

Harry Pottergodson
Sirius is first feared as Harry's would-be killer and then revealed as his loving godfather, eager to give him a home. Later he becomes Harry's protective confidant and adviser by letter and in secret meetings.
Albus Dumbledoreconflicting source relationships
Dumbledore keeps in contact with the fugitive Sirius and advises him on where to hide. After Voldemort's return, Dumbledore entrusts him with gathering the old resistance.
Hermione Grangerfriend
Hermione helps him escape on Buckbeak. Later he values her judgment about Crouch's treatment of Winky.
Remus Lupinold school friend
A fellow Marauder from school. Lupin is reunited with Sirius at the Shrieking Shack and is later among the first allies Sirius is sent to rally.
Ron Weasleyfriend
Ron is first wary of Sirius after being dragged into the Shrieking Shack. He later becomes a trusted friend who shares information about Percy and Crouch.
BJ
Bertha Jorkinsacquaintance
Sirius remembers Bertha from the Ministry as dim but an excellent gossip. He wonders why her disappearance was not investigated sooner.
JP
James Potterbest friend
James's best friend and the best man at his wedding. Sirius's loyalty to James drives his hunt for Pettigrew and his devotion to Harry.
BC
Barty Crouchformer persecutor
The official who sent Sirius to Azkaban without a trial. Sirius condemns Crouch's ruthless methods and questions his current conduct.
Peter Pettigrewformer friend turned traitor
Once a friend, Pettigrew betrayed the Potters and framed Sirius. Sirius's quest for revenge ends when Pettigrew escapes.
Severus Snapeconflicting source relationships
The two have been bitter school rivals since their Hogwarts days, and Sirius distrusts Snape. Dumbledore forces them into an uneasy truce against Voldemort.

Story so far

BOOK 3Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Escapes from Azkaban, setting off a wizarding manhunt and fears that he is targeting Harry
- Revealed as Harry's godfather and the Potters' supposed betrayer
- Confronts Peter Pettigrew in the Shrieking Shack alongside Remus Lupin and exposes him as the true traitor
- Offers Harry a home once his name is cleared, but Pettigrew escapes and Sirius remains a fugitive
- Flees on Buckbeak with Harry and Hermione's help
BOOK 4Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Corresponds with Harry and urgently warns him that his entry into the Triwizard Tournament is dangerous
- Returns near Hogsmeade disguised as a black dog and meets Harry, Ron and Hermione in a cave
- Shares his history with Crouch, who sent him to Azkaban without trial, and recalls what he knew of Bertha Jorkins
- After Voldemort's return, reluctantly shakes hands with Snape at Dumbledore's insistence
- Sets off to alert Lupin, Arabella Figg and others to organize resistance