Dementors, Lethifolds

[Cindy C.]

No: HPFGUIDX 29009

David wrote:

> I think the secret of the Patronus is a real one, and well worth 
> learning.  To what extent is Harry JKR's Patronus?
> 

My first reaction to your question is that HP and the accomanying 
fame and fortune would make a nice Patronus for JKR.  

But then again, Harry's thoughts that help him conjure a successful 
Patronus don't really involve fame or fortune (even though Harry has 
both of these things), do they?  They are about personal 
relationships and triumphs (living with Sirius, learning he is 
leaving the Dursleys, winning at Quiddich).  Lupin's Patronus is 
(IMHO) based on his happy memories of having friends while at 
Hogwarts, despite his werewolf issues and poverty.  Maybe this means 
that money and fame don't buy happiness, but then, we all knew that, 
didn't we?   


David wrote:

> I found the description of the Lethifold in FB quite frightening 
and 
> nightmarish; it intrigues me that that, too, is repulsed by the 
> Patronus.  What is the story there, I wonder?
> 

I can't find my FB book (the darn thing is just too small), but the 
Lexicon definition of Lethifold is:

"This dangerous beast resembles a half-inch thick black cloak which 
moves along the ground at night, hunting its prey. It attacks 
sleeping humans, smothers them, and then digests them, all in their 
bed, leaving no trace at all. The only defense against a Lethifold is 
a Patronus Charm. Thankfully, this frightening creature is rare, only 
found in the tropics."

Geez, Lethifolds sound pretty terrifying.  The Patronus Charm strikes 
me as a rather pitiful defense against a Lethifold, though.  If it 
attacks when you are asleep, how are you going to conjure a Patronus 
to protect yourself before being devoured?  Maybe everyone should 
start sleeping with a partner for protection.  :-)

Cindy