Patronuses (was Re: Dumbledore: Patronus and Dementors (specifically Snape's)

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 173934


> Marion1111 wrote:
> If we're going with the unrequited love theory, then maybe Sirius' 
was a stag? <cackling Peevishly and winking>

Potioncat:
No, it would have been a wolf. ;p


> Marion1111
> But really after all the speculation about Snape's patronus being a 
bat or spider or snake or vulture, I certainly never expected Bambi!  
When I read that chapter, I ran through every possible woman who 
could have sent it and then just gave up.  I get why JKR did it, but 
it was a little unexpected.
> 
> And I love the image of the other patronuses laughing. Poor Snape.
> 

Potioncat:
Here's a link to the Lexicon's list of Patronuses (that's how JKR 
made the plural.)
http://www.hp-lexicon.org/magic/spells/spells_p.html#Patronus1

Of all the ones listed, Snape's is the most gentle of animals. I'd 
say ironic, rather than funny. Based on Harry's experience, the 
Patronus's strength depends on the caster. Sometimes Harry's Patronus 
had no shape or strength at all. But I would think the strength of 
the Patronus doesn't depend on the animal itself.

I'm not sure if I ever mentioned this before, but the Patronus 
reflects the caster's source of protection; it does not reflect the 
person who casts the spell. 

In some cases we can pretty well tell who inspired the Patronus: 
James the stag; Lily the doe. Arthur's is a weasal, and Hermione's an 
otter, both recall the name Weasley for me. In a few it seems a pet 
has inspired the form; goats for Aberforth; cat for Umbridge; phoenix 
for DD. I thought I saw McGonagall cast a cat Patronus. (I thought I 
thaw a puddy cat.) Whether that would mean she draws strength from 
within, I cannot say. 

On a side note. I'm sure Snape's comment to Tonks about her Patronus 
being weak, was his way of saying Lupin was weak. Still, I'd like to 
know what the earlier one was.