Euphemia Potter

Euphemia Potter was a pure-blood or half-blood Witch, the wife of Fleamont Potter, the mother of James Potter, and the paternal grandmother of Harry Potter. Though she passed away before Harry's birth, her kindness and love were foundational to the Potter family, notably through her welcoming of a young Sirius Black into her home after he was disowned by his own family. She and her husband died of Dragon Pox prior to the events of the First Wizarding War.

The details of Euphemia's early life and Hogwarts years are unknown. She eventually married Fleamont Potter, and for many years, the couple was unable to conceive, causing them great sadness as they had all but given up hope of having a child. (Pottermore) To their immense joy, Euphemia became pregnant late in life, giving birth to their only son, James Potter. (Pottermore) James was doted on and became the centre of their world. When their son's best friend, Sirius Black, ran away from his family home at Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place at the age of sixteen, Euphemia and Fleamont welcomed him into their home without hesitation, treating him as a second son. This act of kindness provided Sirius with the first loving home he had ever known. Euphemia and Fleamont lived long enough to see James marry Lily Evans, of whom they were extremely fond. (Pottermore) However, not long after the wedding, both contracted Dragon Pox. Due to their advanced age, they were unable to recover and passed away within days of each other, before the birth of their grandson, Harry Potter. Their deaths left James and Lily to face Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters alone.

Euphemia's physical appearance is not described in the novels, though her grandson Harry Potter saw her alongside her husband and other ancestors in the Mirror of Erised. She is depicted in this vision as having a kind face. By all accounts, Euphemia was a kind, good-hearted, and loving woman. Sirius Black described both of James Potter's parents as “wonderful.” Her maternal instincts were strong, not only in the way she doted on her long-awaited son but also in her immediate acceptance of Sirius into her family. She was also known to be outspoken against Pure-blood prejudice, a trait that put her at odds with much of Sirius's own family. (Pottermore)

As a fully qualified Witch, Euphemia presumably possessed a standard range of magical abilities. However, no specific details about her magical proficiency, preferred spells, or Wand are known.

• Potter Family Vault: Euphemia was, along with her husband, custodian of the considerable Potter family fortune, which was augmented by Fleamont's invention of Sleekeazy's Hair Potion. This wealth was passed down to James Potter and subsequently inherited by Harry Potter.
• Invisibility Cloak: As a member of the Potter family, she was a guardian of the Invisibility Cloak, a Peverell family heirloom and one of the Deathly Hallows. The cloak was passed from her husband to her son, James.

• Fleamont Potter: Euphemia had a long and loving marriage with her husband, Fleamont. They shared the sorrow of being childless for many years and the profound joy of finally having their son, James. (Pottermore)
• James Potter: James was Euphemia's only, much-loved son. Having been born to her and Fleamont late in life, he was considered a precious gift, and they doted on him considerably. (Pottermore)
• Lily Potter: Euphemia was very fond of her daughter-in-law, Lily, and approved of her son's choice of wife. (Pottermore)
• Sirius Black: Euphemia acted as a surrogate mother to Sirius, offering him refuge and love when he fled his own abusive family. Her home became his true home, and he regarded her and Fleamont as his real parents.
• Harry Potter: Euphemia never met her grandson, as she died before he was born. Harry's only connection to her was seeing her loving image in the Mirror of Erised and hearing of her kindness from Sirius Black.

The name Euphemia is of Greek origin (Εὐφημία), derived from eu (εὖ), meaning “good,” and pheme (φήμη), meaning “speech” or “repute.” The name translates to “well-spoken,” “of good reputation,” or “auspicious.” This fits her characterization as a kind and respected individual.

Euphemia Potter is never mentioned by name in the seven original Harry Potter novels. The books establish only that James's parents were elderly (by wizarding standards), kind, and wealthy; that they took in Sirius Black; and that they died of Dragon Pox. Her full name and backstory, including her husband's name (Fleamont Potter) and the circumstances of James's birth, were revealed by J.K. Rowling in an article titled “The Potter Family” on the Pottermore website. (Pottermore) In the film adaptations, she is seen in family photographs and in the Mirror of Erised scene in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, but she remains an unnamed and uncredited character. (film)