======Blood Traitor======
=====Introduction=====
A **blood traitor** is a deeply pejorative term used within the [[wizarding world]] by [[pure-blood]] supremacists. The label is applied to any witch or wizard of pure-blood descent who does not subscribe to the ideology of [[blood purity]]. This includes individuals who associate with, befriend, defend, or marry [[Muggles]], [[Muggle-borns]], [[half-bloods]], or [[Squibs]]. Being labeled a blood traitor signifies a betrayal of one's own "superior" heritage in the eyes of supremacists and often leads to social ostracism or even disownment from fanatical pure-blood families. The concept represents a core ideological conflict in the *[[Harry Potter]]* series, pitting the values of tolerance and equality against prejudice and bigotry.
=====Biography=====
The concept of the "blood traitor" is an extension of the [[blood purity]] ideology, which gained prominence among certain wizarding families following the implementation of the [[International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy]]. These families, such as the [[House of Black]] and the [[Malfoys]], sought to maintain the "purity" of their magical lineage by shunning any contact with the non-magical world.
The term's use became particularly widespread during the ascensions of the two most powerful [[Dark Wizard]]s of the twentieth century, [[Gellert Grindelwald]] and [[Lord Voldemort]], both of whom built their power bases on the promise of wizarding domination over [[Muggles]].
Key historical instances and uses of the term include:
  * The [[Black Family Tapestry]], located at [[12 Grimmauld Place]], serves as a stark historical record of the family's intolerance. Members who failed to uphold pure-blood values were "blasted" from the family tree, including [[Sirius Black]] (for befriending [[Gryffindors]] and Muggles), [[Andromeda Tonks]] (for marrying the [[Muggle-born]] [[Ted Tonks]]), and Cedrella Black (for marrying [[Septimus Weasley]]).
  * During the [[Second Wizarding War]], the term was frequently used by [[Death Eaters]] and their sympathizers. [[Draco Malfoy]] repeatedly sneers at the [[Weasley family]] for their poverty and pro-Muggle stance, implicitly and explicitly labeling them blood traitors.
  * [[Bellatrix Lestrange]] expresses extreme hatred for her nephew, [[Nymphadora Tonks]], and her own sister, [[Andromeda Tonks]], for being associated with a [[Muggle-born]] and a "blood traitor" respectively.
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
"Blood traitor" is a social and political label, not a physical or genetic trait; there is no physical appearance associated with it. However, the books draw a sharp contrast between the personalities of those who use the label and those who bear it.
  * **Traits of "Blood Traitors":** Individuals and families labeled as blood traitors, most notably the [[Weasleys]], consistently display traits of kindness, tolerance, courage, and loyalty. They judge others on the content of their character rather than their ancestry. [[Arthur Weasley]]'s fascination with [[Muggles]] and the entire family's immediate acceptance of [[Harry Potter]] and [[Hermione Granger]] exemplify these characteristics.
  * **Traits of Accusers:** Conversely, those who use the term as an insult—such as the [[Malfoys]], the [[Lestranges]], and other [[Death Eaters]]—are characterized by their arrogance, prejudice, cruelty, and obsession with power and lineage. Their belief in their own inherent superiority forms the basis of their worldview.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
The label of "blood traitor" has no correlation with magical ability. The notion that fraternizing with [[Muggles]] or [[Muggle-borns]] diminishes magical power is a cornerstone of supremacist propaganda, but it is proven false by numerous powerful wizards who would be considered blood traitors.
  * The [[Weasley family]] includes highly competent wizards: [[Bill Weasley]] is a respected [[Curse-Breaker]] for [[Gringotts Wizarding Bank]], [[Charlie Weasley]] works with dragons, [[Percy Weasley]] was a high-achieving Head Boy, [[Fred Weasley]] and [[George Weasley]] are brilliant magical inventors, and [[Ginny Weasley]] is known for her powerful [[Bat-Bogey Hex]].
  * [[Sirius Black]] was an exceptionally powerful wizard, capable of becoming an unregistered [[Animagus]] at a young age.
  * [[Albus Dumbledore]], though a [[half-blood]] himself, was the greatest champion of Muggle-rights and the primary opponent of pure-blood fanatics, and was widely considered the most powerful wizard of his time.
=====Possessions=====
While there are no specific possessions that define a blood traitor, the narrative often uses socio-economic status as a symbolic contrast. Families like the [[Weasleys]], who are proud "blood traitors," are depicted as being poor, living in a cluttered but loving home ([[The Burrow]]) and using second-hand items. In contrast, pure-blood supremacist families like the [[Malfoys]] possess immense wealth, live in manors ([[Malfoy Manor]]), and use their money to exert influence and display their status. This contrast reinforces the series' theme that moral worth is unrelated to wealth or purity of blood.
=====Relationships=====
  * **With [[Pure-Blood]] Supremacists:** The relationship is one of mutual contempt and open hostility. "Blood traitors" are seen as a disgrace by families like the [[Malfoys]] and the [[Blacks]] (with the exception of Sirius and Andromeda), leading to schoolyard rivalries, public insults, and even deadly conflict during the [[Wizarding Wars]].
  * **With [[Muggle-borns]] and [[Half-bloods]]:** "Blood traitors" are typically staunch allies, friends, and advocates for [[Muggle-borns]] and [[half-bloods]]. The unwavering friendship between the [[Weasleys]], [[Harry Potter]] (a half-blood), and [[Hermione Granger]] (a Muggle-born) is the central refutation of pure-blood ideology.
  * **With [[Muggles]]:** Unlike supremacists who view Muggles with disdain, those labeled blood traitors often show curiosity, respect, and a desire for peaceful coexistence, as exemplified by [[Arthur Weasley]]'s work in the [[Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office]].
=====Etymology=====
The term is a compound of two simple English words:
  * **Blood:** Refers to family, lineage, ancestry, or heritage. In the context of the [[wizarding world]], it specifically denotes one's magical lineage and its perceived purity.
  * **Traitor:** A person who betrays their country, a cause, or a trust.
The combined meaning is "one who has betrayed their bloodline" by rejecting the supremacist cause of [[blood purity]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * [[J.K. Rowling]] has stated in interviews that the pure-blood ideology was directly inspired by Nazi racial theories and the concept of a "master race." The term "blood traitor" is therefore analogous to real-world pejorative terms like "race traitor," used to condemn individuals who form relationships outside their own ethnicity.
  * On the Pottermore website, an article on the "Sacred Twenty-Eight" — a list of supposedly "truly" pure-blood families published in the 1930s — notes that the anonymous author expressed regret for including the [[Weasleys]], as they had "mingled with Muggles so much that they were barely better than Mudbloods" in the eyes of some supremacists. (Pottermore)