Who Was Sirius Black Most Cared For After James’s Death?

In the aftermath of James Potter's death, Sirius Black found himself in a difficult position. Not only did he have to cope with the loss of his best friend, but he was also entrusted with the care of a young child, Harry Potter. This essay explores who Sirius cared about the most and examines the complexities of his emotional journey before and after his time in Azkaban.

James: The Unwavering Priority

James Potter was not just a childhood friend for Sirius, but a steadfast ally and companion. The bond they shared was unbreakable, and even after James's untimely death, Sirius continued to see James in Harry. According to PERCY AND PADFOOT HP OotP, Sirius made a clear distinction between the influence of James and the boy he had come to know. He observed,

There was a pause in which Sirius looked out of the fire at Harry a crease between his sunken eyes. 'You're less like your father than I thought,' he said finally, a definite coolness in his voice. 'The risk would've been what made it fun for James.'

This quote paints a vivid picture of a man who, even after 15 years, was still profoundly affected by the loss of James and saw remnants of him in Harry.

Personal Revenge Over Comforting Harry

While Sirius definitely loved Harry, he put his personal quest for revenge over the immediate need to care for and protect Harry. This decision was not without its consequences. In his capacity as an auror and an ex-convict, Sirius was clearly not in a position to focus solely on Harry. His priorities were mired in the anger and grief over James's death, which clouded his judgment temporarily.

In many ways, Sirius was more aligned with seeking revenge against Pettigrew. His brother, Moony, was not on speaking terms with Lily Potter, and his relationships with other members of the order, such as Remus and Peter, were also complex. Despite his trust in Andromeda and his Uncle, these familial relationships did not offer the same level of support and comfort that James did.

James's Continuous Influence

James Potter's influence was deeply ingrained in Sirius's life.

Sirius Fled to James in Need: When Sirius needed help, he turned to James. This demonstrated the strength of their bond and shows that James was more than just a friend; he was a trust anchor for Sirius in times of crisis. No Romantic Involvement: While Sirius may have had romantic entanglements, none of them seem to have reached the depth of his relationship with James. This doesn't diminish his love but highlights the unique importance of James in his life. Harry Was James’s Son: Even after James's death, Sirius referred to Harry as 'James's look-alike' rather than 'Lily's son' or 'Harry'. This phraseology illustrates how much of a substitute for his friend Sirius saw Harry as, especially in his absence. Familial Connections: Sirius's family and other family members like Andromeda and his uncle were important, but the bond with James stood out. It was in times of need that Sirius turned to James, reinforcing the strong relationship they shared.

From all these points, it is evident that James Potter was the most integral part of Sirius Black's life. Even after James's death, the influence of James's memory and the impact of their bond continued to shape Sirius's decisions and emotions, making him the primary focus of Sirius's care and concern.

Conclusion

In summary, while Sirius loved Harry and sought to protect him, his priorities were dictated by his deep-seated need to seek vengeance for James. James Potter remained the most important person in Sirius Black's life, even in the post-Azkaban world. His memory continued to influence Sirius's actions and decisions. This analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the relationship between Sirius and James, as well as Sirius's priorities and motivations in the aftermath of James's death.