Mr. Sirius Black has stated more than once that he was of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.  But one rarely heard the title from other families.  Why is that?  Weren’t there others?  It took an unsuspecting student at Hogwarts to explain it to Harry and why he might be affected.

The Challenge is to write a story explaining the title of the Noble and Most Ancient House, why some families can use it and others can’t, and how it may affect Harry.

Suggestions:

1.  The time frame can be any time during Harry’s years at Hogwarts once he meets Sirius.

2.  Malfoy knows of the title but is furious he can never use it.

3.  The only reference Hermione can find is that it’s really “ancient.�

Rules:

1.  All general submission rules apply. Stories over 20,000 words are discouraged but not prohibited.  R-rated stories are allowed but discouraged. Judges are not required to read stories over 20,000 words or any R-rated stories.

2.  All entries must be submitted under The Noble and Most Ancient House Challenge (2012-1) sub-category of SIYE Challenges and be submitted by midnight SIYE Time, Wednesday, February 15, 2012.

3.  Multiple chapters are allowed as long as all the requirements are in the chapter(s) that are submitted by the deadline.  Completed stories are seriously preferred.

4.  The categories for judging are Best Overall, Best Historical, Most Dramatic and The People’s Choice Award.

Bonus phrases for extra creativity are the following. Using any or all of them is not required.  A good, creative story will always count much stronger than any bonus.

1. “If I’d known that you [blank] I never would have married you.�

2. “Naturally we have to [blank].  We’re British.�

3. “Two hundred miles to [blank] sounds like a nice leisurely walk.�

4. “What did that [blank] ever do to you?�

5. “Should I spend the extra five Sickles for the [blank]?�

6. “They’d never write a book about [blank].  Who would read it?�