Patronuses (was Re: Names wordplay and flowers

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 160781


> Lynda: 
> Not only do I agree, but through the years, I've been surprised 
that people
> haven't seemed to pick up on this idea more. I haven't even seen any
> discussion threads on it. 

Potioncat:

The nature of Patronuses has been discussed quite a bit here, and is 
generally a popular topic. I did a quick look and found a thread 
around about post #156487. I didn't have time to see what that one 
was about.

There are many different aspects that get looked at. Symbolism of the 
particular Patronus, what someone's might be, what it tells you about 
the wizard, how it differs from Animagus.

I think it reflects the person(s) that the wizard looks to for 
strength, father-figure or patron/protector. And it's clear the 
wizard may not understand the form it takes and does not choose the 
form. If Harry had never known the Stag was his father's Animagus 
form, he would never realise that it represented his father.

It's also clear that DD understood the Stag reflected James. Just as 
it seems clear Snape understood Tonks's Patronus represented Lupin. I 
suppose the form of her former Patronus will remain one of the 
unanswered questions in this series.