One of my favorite characters in the 'Harry Potter' series is Sirius Black... One of the most famous pure-blood wizards in the world, Sirius was a member of the well-known Black family and he also became one to be officially sorted into the house of Gryffindor.
Considering it was known for bravery and chivalry, the fact then that he should have been sent to Gryffindor house was by no means expected from such a family as his--Slytherin.
What is fascinating here is how Sirius, by his very existence and deeds, spurned his family's norms and expectations--that of pure-blood supremacy. Instead, he pursued the values of Gryffindor House--courage, valor, and righteousness.
Sirius Black, the mischievous marauder and Harry Potter's beloved godfather, meets his tragic end in 'Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix'. He falls in the midst of a dangerous battle at the Department of Mysteries, in the unfortunate scene where he's hit by a curse from Bellatrix Lestrange and disappears behind the Veil in the Death Chamber.