======The Prewett Family======
=====Introduction=====
The Prewett family was an old and respected [[pure-blood]] wizarding family, renowned for their bravery and staunch opposition to [[Lord Voldemort]]. They are most notable as the maternal family of the [[Weasley family]] children, as [[Molly Weasley]] was born a Prewett. The family suffered devastating losses during the [[First Wizarding War]], with several members being murdered by [[Death Eater]]s for their work in the [[Order of the Phoenix]]. Their legacy of courage and sacrifice is a significant part of the Weasley family's history and values.
=====Family History=====
The Prewetts were one of the families listed in the //Pure-Blood Directory// of the 1930s, also known as the [[Sacred Twenty-Eight]], which was a list of the supposed twenty-eight truly [[pure-blood]] families in Britain (Pottermore). Despite this status, the Prewetts did not seem to share the [[pure-blood]] supremacist views held by families like the [[Malfoy family|Malfoys]] or the [[Black Family|Blacks]], as evidenced by their close association with pro-[[Muggle]] wizards and [[Muggle-born]]s. An earlier connection to the [[Black Family]] is noted on the [[Black Family Tapestry]], which shows that [[Ignatius Prewett]] married [[Lucretia Black]].
The family's most significant historical moment came during the [[First Wizarding War]]. Molly's brothers, [[Gideon Prewett]] and [[Fabian Prewett]], were dedicated members of the original [[Order of the Phoenix]]. According to [[Alastor Moody|Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody]], they were two of the best [[Auror|Aurors]] and fighters in the Order's ranks. They died heroically, fighting five [[Death Eater]]s, including [[Antonin Dolohov]], before they were killed. Their deaths were a profound loss to the [[Order of the Phoenix]] and left their sister, Molly, as one of the few known surviving Prewetts.
The family line continues through the children of [[Molly Weasley|Molly]] and [[Arthur Weasley]].
=====Known Members=====
  * **[[Molly Weasley]] (née Prewett):** The matriarch of the [[Weasley family]]. A kind, fierce, and powerful witch who was a member of the reinstated [[Order of the Phoenix]] during the [[Second Wizarding War]].
  * **[[Gideon Prewett]]:** Molly's brother. A member of the original [[Order of the Phoenix]] who was murdered during the [[First Wizarding War]]. He was known to be an excellent fighter.
  * **[[Fabian Prewett]]:** Molly's brother. Also a member of the original [[Order of the Phoenix]] who was murdered alongside his brother, Gideon, by [[Death Eater]]s.
  * **[[Muriel]]:** Great-aunt to the Weasley children. She confirms her connection by stating her mother was a Prewett. She is over one hundred years old and known for her abrasive personality and gossip.
  * **[[Ignatius Prewett]]:** An uncle-by-marriage to [[Sirius Black]] and [[Regulus Black]]. He married [[Lucretia Black]], linking the Prewett and Black families.
  * **Molly's Second Cousin:** An unnamed male relative who was a [[Squib]]. He integrated into the [[Muggle]] world and worked as an accountant. The wizarding side of the family did not speak of him.
=====Family Traits and Legacy=====
  * **Physical Appearance:** While not explicitly stated, the characteristic flaming red hair of the [[Weasley family]] is strongly implied to be a Prewett trait, inherited from [[Molly Weasley]].
  * **Values and Allegiance:** The Prewetts were defined by their immense courage, loyalty, and defiance against the [[Dark Arts]]. The heroic last stand of Gideon and Fabian exemplifies this family trait. Their membership in the [[Order of the Phoenix]] underscores their commitment to fighting for the greater good, a value passed down to Molly and her children.
  * **Legacy:** The Prewett legacy is primarily one of heroic sacrifice. It lives on through [[Molly Weasley]] and her children, who continue the fight against [[Lord Voldemort]]. The family name is remembered with honour and respect within the [[Order of the Phoenix]]. The passing of [[Fabian Prewett's Watch]] to [[Harry Potter]] serves as a potent symbol of this enduring legacy of bravery and familial love.
=====Known Possessions=====
  * **[[Fabian Prewett's Watch]]:** A gold watch that was slightly dented and had tiny moving stars on its face instead of hands. [[Molly Weasley]] treasured this watch and gave it to [[Harry Potter]] for his seventeenth birthday, a traditional coming-of-age gift for a wizard.
  * **Goblin-Made Tiara:** A priceless tiara made by [[Goblin|goblins]] that belonged to [[Muriel]]'s mother, a Prewett. Muriel reluctantly lent it to [[Fleur Delacour]] for her wedding to [[Bill Weasley]].
=====Etymology=====
The surname **Prewett** is likely of Welsh or Old French origin. It is considered a variant of "Pruett," which derives from the Old French word //prou// or //preux//, meaning "brave," "valiant," or "virtuous." This meaning is highly appropriate for the family, given the heroic reputation of [[Gideon Prewett]] and [[Fabian Prewett]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * The Prewett family's inclusion in the [[Sacred Twenty-Eight]] was first revealed on the Pottermore website (now Wizarding World).
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix//, a photograph of the original [[Order of the Phoenix]] is shown. [[Alastor Moody]] points out [[Gideon Prewett]] and [[Fabian Prewett]], who are depicted as identical twins (film). The books do not specify whether they were twins.