The Prewett Family

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 Eaters 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.

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 Malfoys or the Blacks, as evidenced by their close association with pro-Muggle wizards and Muggle-borns. 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 'Mad-Eye' Moody, they were two of the best Aurors and fighters in the Order's ranks. They died heroically, fighting five Death Eaters, 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 and Arthur Weasley.

• 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 Eaters.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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 goblins that belonged to Muriel's mother, a Prewett. Muriel reluctantly lent it to Fleur Delacour for her wedding to Bill Weasley.

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.

• 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.