Understanding Harry Potter's Inheritance in the Wizarding World

Harry Potter's inheritance, as detailed in the will of Sirius Black, is a complex and intriguing aspect of the Harry Potter universe. The question often arises: Why did Harry inherit everything, despite Draco Malfoy's familial ties to the Black family? To answer this, we must delve into the intricacies of the inheritance situation, the laws that govern the wizarding world, and the specific reasoning behind Sirius's will.

Sirius Black's Will and Inheritance

Sirius Black, a close friend and protector of Harry, left his estate to Harry through his will. Sirius's decision was influenced by his strong bond with Harry and his desire to ensure Harry's safety and well-being. Sirius's will specified that Harry would inherit 12 Grimmauld Place, the family home of the Blacks, as well as his money and possessions.

Draco Malfoy's Family Status and Legal Claims

Draco Malfoy is a descendant of the Black family through his mother, Narcissa Malfoy. However, being descended through a female line does not entitle Draco to any legal claim to Sirius's estate. The Black family tree is quite complex, with various branches and connections. While Narcissa is indeed Sirius's cousin, this familial connection does not affect Harry's legal claim to the inheritance. In the wizarding world, inheritance typically follows direct family lines or is designated through wills, as demonstrated in Sirius's case.

Inheritance Laws in the Wizarding World

The inheritance laws in the Harry Potter universe are quite different from our world. In the wizarding world, inheritance is often passed down through direct family lines unless a will specifically designates another heir. Sirius's decision to name Harry as his heir, despite his status as a recent orphan, was a deliberate choice based on his trust in Harry. He wanted to ensure that his legacy and the Black family's assets would be secure and in good hands.

Was Walburga's Decision to Keep the Black Family Alive?

A common conjecture is that Walburga Black, despite her disappointment in Sirius, knew that he was the last of the male line and left him her fortune to safeguard the Black legacy. However, this does not change Harry's legal claim to the inheritance. Walburga's decision was personal and did not supersede the legal will that Sirius had created.

Other Possible Heirs and Sirius's Strategic Decision

Theoretically, the Black family fortune could have passed to the eldest relative, such as Bellatrix Lestrange, had Sirius not left his will. Bellatrix, as a born Black and a cousin to Sirius, was indeed a strong contender for the inheritance. However, Sirius, being the last living Black male heir, made a strategic decision to leave everything to Harry. His will explicitly stated that Harry was the sole heir, thus preventing any of his self-proclaimed relatives from inheriting the fortune.

Conclusion: The Clarity of Sirius's Will

The clarity and intentionality of Sirus's will are what ultimately ensured Harry's inheritance. Sirius's decision was guided by his love and trust in Harry, and the laws of the wizarding world supported this decision. Draco Malfoy, despite his connection to the Black family through his mother, had no legal claim to Sirius's possessions due to the rules of inheritance in the wizarding world.