In the Harry Potter series, a Patronus is a form of advanced magic that acts as a shield between the caster and Dementors, which are creatures that feed on happiness and hope. The Patronus is a projection of the casters positive feelings, and it can be conjured by drawing upon their happiest memories. The Patronus has two forms: non-corporeal and corporeal. A non-corporeal Patronus appears as a thin wisp of silver that hovers like mist, while a corporeal Patronus has a clearly defined form that is more than vapor or smoke. The ability to cast a corporeal or non-corporeal Patronus is down to the skill of the witch or wizard. Each Patronus is unique to the witch or wizard who conjures it, and its possible, in some cases, for a Patronus to change.
The Patronus can take the form of any animal that has a special affinity with the caster, and its often an animal that represents the casters personality or traits. Some of the more memorable Patronuses featured in Harry Potter include:
- Harry Potter: Stag
- Ron Weasley: Jack Russell Terrier
- Hermione Granger: Otter
- Ginny Weasley: Horse
- Luna Lovegood: Hare
- Albus Dumbledore: Phoenix
- James Potter: Stag
- Lily Potter: Doe
- Severus Snape: Doe
- Minerva McGonagall: Cat
- Remus Lupin: Wolf
- Nymphadora Tonks: Wolf
- Arthur Weasley: Weasel
- Kingsley Shacklebolt: Lynx
- Dolores Umbridge: Cat
- Seamus Finnigan: Fox
Its worth noting that each Patronus is unique to the witch or wizard who conjures it, and its possible, in some cases, for a Patronus to change.
