A son was born to Headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black and his wife on December 31st, New Year's Eve, 1889. The child is the fourth son and fifth living child born to Mr. and Mrs. Black. The infant, named Cygnus Vesper, arrived a little earlier than expected but is said to be hearty and hale despite this.

However his mother, Mrs. Ursula Black, is not fairing so well and has reportedly been in a critical condition since the New Year. One well-informed source (who wished to remain anonymous) disclosed to The Daily Prophet that the socialite's condition was more of a matter of when rather than if.