======Madam Irma Pince======
=====Introduction=====
Madam Irma Pince is the stern and formidable [[Librarian]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. She is depicted as the fiercely territorial guardian of the [[Hogwarts Library]] and its vast collection of books. Her character serves primarily as a strict enforcer of library rules, often creating obstacles for [[Harry Potter]] and his friends in their quest for information. Despite her severe demeanor, she is a long-serving and loyal member of the [[Hogwarts]] staff.
=====Biography=====
Madam Pince's life before her tenure at [[Hogwarts]] is not detailed in the novels. Her story is observed through her role as the school's [[Librarian]] during the years [[Harry Potter]] attended.
She first appears when [[Harry]] researches [[Nicolas Flamel]] in the [[Hogwarts Library]]. Throughout his school years, she is a constant, intimidating presence. In Harry's second year, [[Hermione Granger]] must obtain a permission slip from Professor [[Gilderoy Lockhart]] to access //Moste Potente Potions// from the [[Restricted Section]] for their research into the [[Polyjuice Potion]]. Madam Pince is extremely reluctant to hand over the book, taking the permission slip and scrutinizing it before finally giving it to [[Hermione]].
Her protectiveness over the books is a defining trait. She is known to place complex [[jinxes]] and [[charms]] on the books to prevent students from damaging them. In Harry's fourth year, she ejects him and [[Ron Weasley]] from the library for eating chocolate.
During Harry's sixth year, her animosity towards defaced books becomes particularly apparent when she discovers [[Harry]] with the [[Half-Blood Prince]]'s annotated copy of //Advanced Potion-Making//. Believing it to be a defaced library book, she attempts to magically snatch it from him and is disgusted upon discovering it is Harry's personal property, calling it a "vandalized" object.
Despite her perpetually sour disposition, a moment of vulnerability is shown at the funeral of [[Albus Dumbledore]], where she is seen in attendance, looking uncharacteristically distraught. She stands beside [[Argus Filch]], who awkwardly pats her on the back, hinting at a deeper relationship between the two.
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
Madam Pince is consistently described as a thin, underfed-looking woman who resembles an undernourished vulture. Her physical appearance complements her sharp and severe personality.
Her personality is characterized by:
  * **Strictness:** She enforces the library rules without exception. Silence is paramount, and any form of food or drink is forbidden.
  * **Territoriality:** She views the [[Hogwarts Library]] as her personal domain and is extremely possessive of its contents. She treats the books as if they were living beings, often seen stroking their spines and dusting them with a feather duster.
  * **Suspicion:** She is constantly suspicious of the students, hovering over them and assuming they have malicious intent towards her books. She is particularly wary of [[Harry Potter]].
  * **Professionalism:** Despite her unpleasant demeanor, she is an efficient [[Librarian]] who maintains one of the finest magical libraries in the wizarding world. Her emotional display at [[Dumbledore]]'s funeral suggests a deep-seated loyalty to [[Hogwarts]].
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
While her combat abilities are unknown, Madam Pince is a competent [[witch]].
  * **Librarianship and Curating:** Her primary skill is her expert management of the vast and complex [[Hogwarts Library]], including its dangerous [[Restricted Section]].
  * **Defensive Charms:** She is skilled at placing protective enchantments on books to prevent theft and vandalism.
  * **Non-Verbal Spells:** In her confrontation with [[Harry]] over his copy of //Advanced Potion-Making//, she uses a non-verbal spell by tapping the book with her [[wand]] to check if it was library property, demonstrating a degree of magical proficiency.
=====Possessions=====
  * **Wand:** The specifics of her wand (wood, core, length) are unknown.
  * **The Hogwarts Library:** While not her personal property, she is its sole guardian and is more closely associated with it than any other character.
=====Relationships=====
  * **Argus Filch:** Madam Pince shares a close, if not romantic, relationship with the [[Hogwarts]] caretaker, [[Argus Filch]]. They have similar personalities, both being stern, rule-enforcing, and generally disliked by the student body. Their shared moment of grief at [[Dumbledore]]'s funeral is the strongest evidence of their bond.
  * **Students:** Her relationship with students is almost universally one of antagonism. She is viewed as a major obstacle to be avoided, while she sees them as a constant threat to the library's order and cleanliness.
  * **Albus Dumbledore:** As a long-standing staff member under his headship, she was loyal to [[Dumbledore]]. Her genuine sorrow at his death confirms her respect for him and her dedication to [[Hogwarts]].
=====Etymology=====
  * **Irma:** A name of German origin meaning "universal" or "whole." This could be an allusion to her role as the keeper of the "universal" knowledge contained within the [[Hogwarts Library]].
  * **Pince:** A French word meaning "to pinch" or "tongs." This perfectly reflects her "pinched" facial features and her sharp, grasping nature, especially concerning the library books. It also evokes the image of a "pince-nez," a type of spectacles that pinch the nose, fitting for a stern, academic figure.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets//, Madam Pince is played by actress Sally Mortemore in a brief, non-speaking role (film).
  * [[J.K. Rowling]] has acknowledged the fan speculation regarding a romance between Madam Pince and [[Argus Filch]], often humorously, but has not officially confirmed it (J.K. Rowling interview).