Dorcas Meadowes (2 April, 1960 - 18 January, 1981) was a half-blood witch and member of the original Order of the Phoenix. She fought in the First Wizarding War and before the war ended was murdered by Voldemort personally. She had attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from 1 September, 1971 to June of 1978.
She had a younger sister, Elizabeth, who was the wife of Bertram Aubrey Sr., and the mother of Bertram Aubrey, Jr. Both sisters were members of Gryffindor House at school.
Biography
Early life
Dorcas Meadowes was born on 2 April, 1960, in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England. She was born into the Meadowes family and had a younger sister named Elizabeth.
Hogwarts years
She received her Hogwarts letter in the summer of 1971. That same summer, she presumably visited Diagon Alley, located in London, and purchased a wand made of beech and phoenix feather from Ollivander's Wand Shop. On 1 September, 1971, she boarded the train for Hogwarts and was sorted into Gryffindor House that same night. She shared a dormitory with Lily Evans, Marlene McKinnon, and Mary Macdonald.
First Wizarding War
During the First Wizarding War, Dorcas became a member of the Order of the Phoenix, an organisation led and founded by Albus Dumbledore, in order to oppose Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. She joined sometime following her graduation.
Death
She was murdered personally by Voldemort on 18 January, 1981. Several other members of the Order would also meet their deaths during the first half of this year, Dorcas's death being the first. Her body was found in Blackpool, Devon, England, on 19 January, 1981.
Etymology
The name "Dorcas" is derived from Greek δορκας (dorkas) meaning "gazelle". In the Bible, Dorcas (Latin: Tabitha) was an important disciple in Joppa, where she gave liberally of her time, money and skills. She was so loved that when she died, the other disciples in Joppa called Peter, who came and prayed over her and raised her from the dead.
Meadowes is an English topographical surname (ie. indicating where someone lived) of medieval origin. It denotes someone who lives in or near meadows/grassland.