[HPforGrownups] Hermione & patronus was Re:Malum in prohibendum vs. Malum in se

[Sali Morris]

No: HPFGUIDX 174630

Angel:

When I say fail - I mean in the same sense that Hermione fails or
'has a problem' with the Patronus charm.

Which come to think of it - is weird, there has never been an
implication of "unhappiness" in her life, why then she excels
at all other spells and flounders on Expecto Patronum is worrying
especially since evil Umbridge cast a corporeal cat that though
not as bright and warm as Harry's stag still created a barrier
of warmth and light from the Dementors (even with Voldemort
close to her heart, so to speak). Because I had earlier assumed
the Patronus was innately good magic that cannot be tapped into
by impure entities I am rebuffing the explanation Harry gave of
Umbridge enthralled with her power (over people) thus able to
cast a Patronus, but of course things were a bit topsy turvy
in DH so would accept otherwise!

Sali:

I think that Hermione has a problem with the Patronus charm mainly 
because it relies on a very strong emotion. Not to say that Hermione 
doesn't experience strong emotions but she is very much a 'scientist'. 
Her ability at magic is related to her intellect and she needs proof 
before accepting something as fact. The Patronus charm requires the 
strong emotion primarily (and then magical ability) whereas Hermione 
is used to relying on her innate magical ability, perhaps a more 
quantifiable resource than the more nebulous think happy thoughts.

Umbridge takes such pleasure in the pain that she causes that she is 
able to produce her Patronus by using that happiness. Warped though 
the emotion is, it is still very real and strong.

I don't see the Patronus charm as necessarily being good. It is 
generally perceived as good more for it's dementor repelling effect 
than for any intrinsic quality. The fact that it can be used for 
other purposes (such as communication) underlines, for me, that 
it is just another tool.

Sali