Lupin's Patronus

[Betty]

No: HPFGUIDX 28820

People seem to have the idea that Lupin's patronus is a cloud for a
couple reasons: namely that it is a protection from the moon or that he
can't conjur a patronus.  Interesting thought, but I don't think so,
somehow.  Any time a patronus is described other than when Harry sees
his own, it is only described as "silvery stuff" (see chapters 5 and 9
when Hermione describes Lupin's and Dumbledore's patroni).  This doesn't
mean it's a formless cloud of mist--that's what an improper patronus
looks like.   And to the person who wrote that Lupin says he's not an
expert and therefore implied that he can't do a proper patronus,
remember that he *did* fight off a dementor on the train.  I also think
that could just be a sort of self-deprecating comment.  (A lot of people
make them.  I know I do.)  Maybe the comment is meant to draw a contrast
between Lupin, who claims expertise in nothing, and Lockhart, who claims
expertise in everything.
Just my two knuts.  Going back to my corner of lurkdom...
Betty