Dumbledore: Patronus and Dementors

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 173713

Christy: 
> I find it interesting that Snape apparently communicated with Black 
and Lupin in OOTP via Patronuses using a form that represented their 
best friend's wife and they didn't know it.  Wouldn't they be curious 
that this dark wizard had a doe -- a rather meek creature and the mate 
of a stag -- for a Patronus?  How many of us assumed his Patronus would 
be a bat, or vulture, or spider, or some other unappealing creature?
> 


Potioncat:
I expected a bumblebee or phoenix because I thought his spirit guardian 
would reflect Dumbledore. Many expected a unicorn for Lily. So the 
moment I saw the doe Patronus,I knew it was Snape's and LOLLIPOPS had 
won. 

I'm having to believe that in JKR's mind, not everyone in the WW picks 
up on the Patronus's symbolism as quickly as DD, Snape or readers of HP 
books. If they did, perhaps McGoangal, Lupin and the other Order 
Members would have had a better understanding of Snape's loyalties.