Sirius Black as Harry's godfather
Sirius Black is Harry Potter's godfather, a role that carries immense emotional weight and legal significance in the story. The relationship was established by James and Lily Potter, who named Sirius as Harry's guardian before their murder. This bond, revealed gradually through overheard conversations and direct confrontations, becomes the central axis of Harry's longing for a real family and the driving force behind Sirius's desperate actions, from his escape from Azkaban to his final gift of a home and freedom.
Identity and Background
Sirius Black was named Harry Potter's godfather by James and Lily Potter, a fact that remained hidden from Harry for most of his life. The first public mention of this relationship occurs during a conversation in the Three Broomsticks, where Cornelius Fudge reveals that Sirius was best man at James and Lily's wedding and was later named Harry's godfather. Fudge notes that Harry has no idea about this, and that the truth would torment him. Hagrid, who rescued Harry from the ruins of the Potters' house, confirms that Sirius arrived on a flying motorbike immediately after the attack and demanded, "Give Harry ter me, Hagrid, I'm his godfather, I'll look after him." Dumbledore, however, had already ordered that Harry be taken to his aunt and uncle, and Sirius reluctantly gave in, handing over his beloved motorbike to transport the infant. This early moment establishes the godfather relationship as one of intended guardianship that was tragically thwarted.
Revelation and Confrontation
The truth of the godfather bond is fully confronted in the Shrieking Shack, where Sirius, having been unmasked as the dog that dragged Ron into the tunnel, speaks directly to Harry. After Harry, Ron, and Hermione disarm him, Sirius reveals his identity and the nature of their connection. He tells Harry, "I'm your godfather," and explains that Harry's parents appointed him as guardian. He then offers Harry a different home, saying, "I'll understand, of course, if you want to stay with your aunt and uncle... But... well... think about it. Once my name's cleared... if you wanted a... a different home..." Harry's immediate and enthusiastic acceptance—"Are you insane? Of course I want to leave the Dursleys!"—triggers the first true smile on Sirius's gaunt face, making him look ten years younger and recognizable as the man who had laughed at Harry's parents' wedding. This moment transforms the abstract legal relationship into a concrete emotional bond.
Consequences and Aftermath
The godfather relationship has immediate and lasting consequences. Sirius, having been cleared of the murder charges, sends Harry a Firebolt as a combined gift for thirteen birthdays, using Crookshanks to place the order and his own Gringotts vault for payment. He also sends a formal permission slip for Hogsmeade, writing, "I, Sirius Black, Harry Potter's godfather, hereby give him permission to visit Hogsmeade on weekends." This document, Harry notes, will be good enough for Dumbledore. The relationship also shapes Harry's emotional landscape: the prospect of living with Sirius becomes the happy memory he clings to when conjuring his Patronus against the Dementors, and the loss of that possibility—when Sirius must go into hiding—leaves Harry approaching the end of the school year in worse spirits than ever. The bond is further cemented by Sirius's final letter, which promises future contact and includes a gift of a tiny owl for Ron, acknowledging that it was his fault Ron no longer had a rat. The relationship, though physically distant, provides Harry with a sense of belonging and a future beyond the Dursleys.
