OOP: The Inheritance?

[rowena_grunnionffitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 65849

   Okay, here's a possibility. Assuming Medieval style inheritance 
laws and further assuming that Sirius, as a convicted traitor, 
was 'attainted' ans so incapable of inheriting then the Black House 
and fortune should have been divided among the heirs general - to 
wit: Bellatrix, Andromeda and Narcissa. The Black house may have been 
empty for ten years, since Mrs. Black's death, and the gold untouched 
in the Gringott's vault because of quarrelling by the heirs. 
Bellatrix of course would also be 'tainted in blood' and unable to 
inherit *but* if she had any children, (which she may well have done) 
they might still have a claim. Andromeda's marriage to a Muggle-born 
would have had no effect on her rights or her daughter's. But can't 
you just see Lucius Malfoy, as Narcissa's husband, fighting to get 
the lion's share of the inheritance and tying it up in the courts for 
years? In the meantime the House Elf, serenely unaware of the finer 
points of Wizarding Law, would accept Sirius, convict or no, as the 
rightful heir to gold and house and Kreacher's dubious allegiance.

   If this is indeed the case Sirius would have been unable to leave 
the Black house or fortune to anybody. *However* if Dumbledore and 
Co. see to it his name is cleared his rights would be restored and 
any will he made valid. Now in addition to the Black house and 
fortune Sirius apparently had money of his own, (which he must have 
used to buy Harry's Firebolt). A flat or place to live and 
undoubtedly many personal effects. He just *might* have made a will 
to make sure these didn't revert to his family knowing he was risking 
an early death as a member of the Order of the Phoenix.

   His fellow Marauders and his godson are the most likely 
beneficiaries of such a will. Harry of course is already well 
provided for, but a legecy would certainly help out poor Lupin!