One might regard Alistair's past as something of a tragedy, though the tragic aspect is so subtle it is often easily missed. The Blackbournes, after all, were pureblood socialites who rested their thrones upon gold and held immeasurable power within the ministry. They were powerful. Untouchable. Nothing could possibly besmirch their exemplary reputation.

But that is exactly where the problem lay.

Being a young Blackbourne boy meant endless social gatherings, numerous private classes held within the confines of the manor, and expectations set much, much too high. It meant growing up at such a young age, sooner than any of the children he knew, if he even knew any children his age. Only excellence was expected from him, and nothing less.

As a result, Alistair grew up to be excessively, painstakingly dedicated. He is anxious to succeed in absolutely everything, when such a feat is impossible to begin with. He would not stand for mediocrity and would go to great lengths for the sake of calibre, even if it means getting on the good graces of his professors or joining more extracurricular activities than he can reasonably handle. Truly, he is a restless thing, too caught up in his family's reputation and expectations to enjoy his youth.

There is a much darker side to Alistair's past, however. The Blackbournes are notorious for adhering to old prejudices, and a lot of Alistair's anxiety comes from just that. Relatives would always compare him to other people, especially those of other races, as though to shame him for being unable to do what they can despite being a young and capable pureblood wizard. A pure abiding hatred for 'tainted' bloods grew within Alistair as a result, disguised under a thin veil of calculated indifference and airtight composure.