Boggart/ Patronus Musings - Seeing Patronus

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 105433

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "anthyroserain"
<anthyroserain at y...> wrote:
> > > Katie:
> > > Is it possible that *only* the wizard casting the Patronus can 
> > > see its true form?
 
> > Jen: Except Dumbledore saw the form Harry's Patronus took at the 
> > Quidditch match. 

> Katie:
> 
> Whoops! Knew I missed something there. (Maybe Dumbledore's just a 
> special guy? :)

Asian_lovr2:

Dumbledore special? Nope, in the DA Club when they cast Patronus Harry
could see them all and it seems implied that everyone could see very
one elses.

To keep this from being a dreaded one liner, let me add that I think
it is possible to cast a pretty substantial NON-corporeal Patronus.
The reason Harry cast thin wisps of smoke is because he is so
dramatically affected by the Dementors. He is losing strength and
focus, and that is affecting his Patronus. For someone who was less
affected, they would be able to produce a more effective non-corporeal
Partonus.

Given that, even Harry's 'thin wisps' can stop the Dementors from
advancing. A more powerful 'cloud'/non-corporeal Patronus could be
enough to drive one or two back. However, to drive away a whole herd
(herd?) of them would take a full Patronus. 

I'm basing this on a broad interpretation of a lot of things in the
book, although I admit nothing establishes it with certainty.

For the record, a 'silver thing' shot out of Lupin's wand on the train
when he drove away the Dementor. If it were a silver wisp of smoke or
a cloud, I think it would have been described that way. At that close
distance, if it were a recognisable animal form, they kids would have
known. So, I conclude that while not corporeal, it was substantial.

Just some thoughts.

Steve/asian_lovr2