- "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]
Emmeline Vance (d. early 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 mid-1996. She was considered a highly talented and prodigious witch and her death was a significant and devastating loss to the Order.
Biography
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 unlike many others ultimately survived, living well past Voldemort's first fall.[4]
When Lord Voldemort returned to power in 1995, Vance became a member of the reconstituted Order of the Phoenix. One of Vance's more 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.[5]
Emmeline's long distinguished service to the Order ended however, when she was attacked and murdered by Death Eaters near the residence of the Muggle Prime Minister in the second week of July, 1996.[2] Her loss was considered a significant and 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, but considering he was in fact a double agent ultimately loyal to the Order, it is unknown if he actually did so.[6]
Physical Appearance
Emmeline was described as a stately-looking witch who often wore an emerald green shawl.
Magical abilities and skills
- Magical Mastery: Being a highly respected member of the Order of the Phoenix, Emmeline was considered by fellow members of the Order to be a highly talented and prodigious witch, implying she was proficient in many areas and fields of magic. Much of the sorrow expressed after her death and murder was further testament to her power whilst she was alive.
- Charms: Emmeline could produce a non-corporeal Patronus Charm,[3] a mark of superior magical ability and talent given the immense difficulty of performing the charm, implying she was highly proficient in charm-work overall.
- Flying: Vance was a skilled and accomplished broomstick flyer, being a member of the Advance Guard who successfully escorted Harry Potter to 12 Grimmauld Place via broomstick flight.[7]
Relationships
Order of the Phoenix
Emmeline evidently had a highly positive relationship with most members of the Order of the Phoenix, as they respected her immensely for her skill as a witch and her loyalty and dedication to the Order. Many of the Order's members were deeply 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.
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
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 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 1 (The Other Minister) - "Even the weather was dismal; all this chilly mist in the middle of July...." [...] “What a week, what a week . . .” “Had a bad one too, have you?” asked the Prime Minister stiffly, hoping to convey by this that he had quite enough on his plate already without any extra helpings from Fudge. “Yes, of course,” said Fudge, rubbing his eyes wearily and looking morosely at the Prime Minister. “I’ve been having the same week you have, Prime Minister. The Brockdale Bridge ... the Bones and Vance murders ... not to mention the ruckus in the West Country ...”
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 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 Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 3 (The Advance Guard)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 2 (Spinner's End)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 3 (The Advance Guard)