======The Fat Lady======
=====Introduction=====
The Fat Lady is the subject of a magical [[portrait]] that hangs over the entrance to the [[Gryffindor Tower]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. Her primary role is to act as the guardian of the [[Gryffindor]] [[Common Room]], granting access only to those who provide the correct, changing [[password]]. Though often irritable, especially when disturbed, she is fundamentally loyal to [[Gryffindor]] house and its headmaster, [[Albus Dumbledore]]. She is a constant and familiar presence in the lives of [[Gryffindor]] students throughout the series.
=====Biography=====
The Fat Lady's origins and the date her [[portrait]] was created are unknown, but she was already guarding the [[Gryffindor Tower]] long before [[Harry Potter]]'s arrival at [[Hogwarts]].
  * **First Year:** She is first introduced when the [[Gryffindor]] first-years arrive at the tower. She demands the [[password]] — //[[Caput Draconis]]// — before swinging her frame forward to reveal the entrance. She is often shown as being annoyed by late-night disturbances.
  * **Second Year:** The Fat Lady scolds [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ron Weasley]] for their late arrival via the [[Flying Ford Anglia]], only reluctantly letting them in after they are vouched for by [[Percy Weasley]].
  * **Third Year:** This year marked the most dramatic event in the Fat Lady's tenure. After she refused entry to [[Sirius Black]], who did not know the [[password]], he furiously attacked her [[portrait]], slashing the canvas with a knife. Terrified, she fled her frame and hid in a painted map of [[Argyllshire]]. [[Peeves]] the [[Poltergeist]] reported her location to [[Albus Dumbledore]], who had her found and repaired by [[Mr. Filch]]. Traumatized by the event, she was temporarily replaced as guardian by the overzealous [[Sir Cadogan]]. Upon her return, she was extremely nervous and was initially accompanied by a pair of security trolls for protection.
  * **Fourth Year:** The Fat Lady develops a friendship with another [[portrait]] subject, [[Violet]]. The two are seen sharing chocolates and, during the [[Christmas]] holidays, become quite tipsy on enchanted wine from a [[portrait]] of festive monks.
  * **Sixth Year:** She complains about the late hour but allows a distraught [[Harry Potter]] into the [[Common Room]] after he overhears a tense conversation between [[Professor Dumbledore]] and [[Professor Snape]] in the corridors.
  * **Seventh Year:** During the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], the Fat Lady demonstrates her loyalty and courage by refusing entry to Amycus and Alecto [[Carrow]], who were attempting to force their way into [[Gryffindor Tower]] to find [[Harry Potter]].
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
The Fat Lady is described as a "very fat woman in a pink silk dress." She has a rather vain and proud personality, particularly regarding her singing voice, though [[Harry Potter]] notes she cannot hold a tune and her attempts at hitting high notes are powerful enough to shatter a wine glass.
She takes her duties as a guardian very seriously and can be stern and short-tempered with students who forget the [[password]] or try to enter after hours. Despite her often-irritable demeanor, she is capable of great fear, as shown by her reaction to [[Sirius Black]]'s attack. She is also loyal and enjoys socialising with her friend [[Violet]], sharing gossip and drinks.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
As the subject of a magical [[portrait]], the Fat Lady possesses a range of abilities common to such enchanted objects.
  * **Consciousness:** She is sentient, capable of independent thought, conversation, and emotion.
  * **Mobility:** She can move freely within her own canvas and can travel to other portraits within [[Hogwarts Castle]] to visit friends or to hide, as she did after her attack.
  * **Guardianship:** Her primary magical function is to guard an entrance, a duty she is magically bound to perform. She cannot be physically forced to open unless the correct [[password]] is spoken.
  * **Vocal Power:** Her singing, while musically poor, has the magical or physical force to shatter glass.
=====Possessions=====
  * **Pink Silk Dress:** Her constant attire within the [[portrait]].
  * **Canvas Frame:** The physical frame of her [[portrait]], which serves as her home and the door to the [[Gryffindor]] [[Common Room]].
=====Relationships=====
  * **[[Violet]]:** The Fat Lady's closest friend, the subject of a nearby [[portrait]]. They are often seen together, sharing drinks and conversation.
  * **[[Gryffindor]] Students:** She maintains a relationship of a guardian to her charges. While she can be stern, she is a familiar and constant part of their [[Hogwarts]] experience.
  * **[[Albus Dumbledore]]:** She is deeply loyal to [[Dumbledore]] and respects his authority, readily following his instructions for her restoration and protection after she was attacked.
  * **[[Sir Cadogan]]:** Her temporary replacement as guardian. While not explicitly stated, her more cautious and duty-bound nature contrasts sharply with his reckless enthusiasm.
  * **[[Sirius Black]]:** She was terrified of [[Sirius Black]] after he attacked her [[portrait]] in his attempts to enter [[Gryffindor Tower]].
=====Etymology=====
Her name, "The Fat Lady," is purely descriptive, referring to her physical appearance in the painting. Her true name, if she has one, is never revealed in the original novels.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * **Film Portrayal:** In the film adaptations of //[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]// and //[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]//, the Fat Lady was portrayed by actress Elizabeth Spriggs. In //[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]//, the role was recast and played by comedian Dawn French, who gave a more comedic and operatic performance, frequently attempting to sing and interacting more animatedly with the students (film).
  * **Video Games:** The Fat Lady appears in numerous [[Harry Potter]] video games, where her function as a password-keeper is a common gameplay mechanic (video game).