[HPforGrownups] Re: OPEN: Ultimate and Last Bragging Rights by TigerPatronus

[sistermagpie]

No: HPFGUIDX 171334

Carol responds:


BTW, someone else in this thread suggested that Snape can't cast a
Patronus against a Dementor. I disagree. Snape has no fear of
Dementors and seems to have been at Fudge's side when Fudge brought
the Denentor into the castle to "protect" him in GoF. Most likely,
Snape's skills as a superb Occlumens protect him against Dementors. I
think his alternative method of dealing with Dementors (the one Harry
argued against in HBP) is either Occlumency (which he still wants
Harry to master) or some method that would be easier for his DADA
students than conjuring a Patronus when they're faced by a Dementor
trying to suck out their happiness, which even Harry found difficult.
(TT!Harry was in no immediate danger when he cast the stag Patronus to
save himself and the others in PoA. The one in OoP was much more
difficult to cast and required all his power, concentration, and
experience.) To return to Snape, I agree that he has been using a
known Patronus to communicate with the Order and will now use a new
one strongly suggestive of Dumbledore to communicate with the Order,
or at least one Order member, who will trust him because of the
Patronus, which, being good magic, can't lie.

Magpie:
I sort of have to appreciate Snape for having a different method, if only
because we know now for a fact (even though it was already clear in the
books) that nobody except Harry and the people Harry taught know how to
cast a Patronus--how are they supposed to use one to fight a Dementor? This
is considered advanced magic and it's not taught at Hogwarts. I've no doubt
Snape can produce one even against Dementors, but I can imagine him thiking
it's a bit strange to teach his students to use Patronuses without actually
teaching them Patronuses!

-m