- "— "Emmeline Vance" — a stately looking witch in an emerald-green shawl inclined her head —"
- — Physical description of Vance[src]
Emmeline Vance (d. June/July 1996)[2] was a witch and a member of the first and second Order of the Phoenix. She most likely fought in several battles in both the First and Second Wizarding Wars with the Order, and was also a member of the Advance Guard.
Emmeline was murdered by Death Eaters in June or July 1996.[2] She was considered a skilful witch and her death was a significant loss to the Order.
Biography[]
First Wizarding War[]
The first Order of the Phoenix
Emmeline served as a member of the original Order of the Phoenix, an organisation constructed by Albus Dumbledore in order to oppose Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. She fought in the First Wizarding War and ultimately survived, living well past Voldemort's first fall.[5]
Second Wizarding War[]
- "And anyway, life's too short... look at Madam Bones, look at Emmeline Vance... it could be me next, couldn't it?"
- — Emmeline's death[src]
When Lord Voldemort returned to power in 1995, Vance became a member of the reconstituted Order of the Phoenix.
The Advance Guard inside 4 Privet Drive, preparing to escort Harry Potter to safety
One of Vance's important duties was to serve as a member of the Advance Guard that acted as protectors of Harry Potter after they extracted him from 4 Privet Drive and took him to the safety of the Order's headquarters at 12 Grimmauld Place. During the flight, Vance and the other Order members constantly changed their positions and Harry glimpsed Vance with her wand out, alert and waiting for signs of danger.[3]
Death[]
Emmeline's long distinguished service to the Order ended when she was attacked and murdered by Death Eaters near the residence of the Muggle Prime Minister in late June or first week of July 1996.[2] Her death was considered a devastating loss for the Order, and her murder was publicised in Muggle newspapers, most likely because of the place of her murder being so close to the Prime Minister.
Severus Snape claimed to have given information to Voldemort that led to Vance's death, implying that, on the assumption that Snape were truthful, she might have been sacrificed for the greater good of the anti-Voldemort movement to solidify Snape's role as Voldemort's "spy" on the Order.[6]
Physical appearance[]
Emmeline was described as a stately-looking witch who often wore an emerald green shawl.[3]
Magical abilities and skills[]
- Charms: Vance could produce a non-corporeal Patronus Charm.[4]
- Flying: Vance was an accomplished broomstick flyer, being a member of the Advance Guard who successfully escorted Harry Potter to 12 Grimmauld Place via broomstick flight. She was also noted to have had the ability to been adept enough to simultaneously fly and brandish her wand at the same time by Tonks, something said to be extremely difficult to do.[3]
Possessions[]
Emmeline with her wand in hand
- Wand: Emmeline Vance owned a wand, which was of an unknown length, wand wood and core. She was noted by Tonks to have been able to utilise her wand whilst flying, an impressive feat.
- Broomstick: Emmeline owned her broomstick which she used to fly.
Relationships[]
Order of the Phoenix[]
Emmeline evidently had a good relationship with most members of the Order of the Phoenix, as they respected her for her skill as a witch and her loyalty and dedication to the Order. Many of the Order's members were devastated by her death and murder at the hands of the Death Eaters, and considered her a great loss to their cause. Harry Potter also mentioned her in a discussion with Dumbledore about life and death.
Etymology[]
The name "Emmeline" comes from an Old French form of the Germanic name Amelina, originally a diminutive of Germanic names beginning with the element amal meaning "work". It was introduced to England by the Normans.
Behind the scenes[]
- In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Emmeline Vance was portrayed by Brigitte Millar.
- Vance is never named in the films outside of the credits, nor is her death mentioned in the films.
Appearances[]
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game) (Mentioned only)
- LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
- Pottermore
- Wizarding World
Notes and references[]
- ↑ As only of age witches and wizards who had already left school were allowed to join the Order of the Phoenix, this means that Emmeline as at least 17 in 1981.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Fudge says in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 1 (The Other Minister) that Emmeline and Amelia died the same week as the chapter takes place in ("I have been having the same week you have had... the Bones and Vance murders"). Fudge was sacked on 2 July, "a fortnight" after the Battle of the Department of Mysteries on 18 June. Fudge says he was sacked "three days ago", making the date of the chapter 5 July. A week ago would be 28 June and they cannot have died more than a day earlier on 4 July, meaning they died between that time.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 3 (The Advance Guard)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 9 (The Woes of Mrs Weasley)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 2 (Spinner's End)
