Harry Potter discussion

I've been debating the meaning of Patronus forms in another discussion, but I just thought I'd bring it somewhere else so the original forum can get back on topic.

I always found it interesting that Umbridge and McGonagall each have a cat Patronus. Is this a coincidence? The two women have nothing in common, so I imagine they each just have happy memories that relate to cats...?

Julia wrote: "I always found it interesting that Umbridge and McGonagall each have a cat Patronus. Is this a coincidence? The two women have nothing in common, so I imagine they each just have happy memories tha..."

Probably. The true meaning of Patronuses seems to be a bit...uh...lose?

I always thought it was the embodiment of your happiest memories. This is why even having the same patronus can have different meanings. Snape's Patronus was a doe like Lily's because he was the happiest with Lily, but Harry's was stag because Harry shared similar happy memories with Ron and Hermoine and his Quidditch games as James did with the Marauders and his own Quidditch games.

I personally believe that Umbrige's cat was a different breed from McGonagall's though, I imagine Umbrige's cat to be smaller and posher, a pure breed cat would suit her personality and disdain for half-breeds; I imagine McGonagall's to be slimmer, taller, older, and a tabby.

I thought Harry's was a stag because he thought of his parents when he conjured the spell. Although I'm not sure why James' was a stag, as you say, the meanings of Patronus forms is loose.

I agree about the cat Patronus forms. Luna and Tonks also had the same forms to start (both rabbits), and both characters are fierce and loyal friends who see people for who they really are. Not sure how a rabbit symbolises that though. :P

I think it's also worth noting that with a deer Patronus, you can tell if it's male or female, hence our earlier debate about Snape's doe Patronus. I imagine a lion Patronus would be similar, but for most animal forms, you can't really tell the gender.

Quiet, peace, and just...just being me. Loud obnoxious noises that would no longer to reach my ears and I'm having my own time with life itself would determine my Patronus.

Julia wrote: "I think it's also worth noting that with a deer Patronus, you can tell if it's male or female, hence our earlier debate about Snape's doe Patronus. I imagine a lion Patronus would be similar, but f..."

Hmm...maybe the rabbit is a bit similar to the Chinese zodiac rabbit of virtues of kindness and hope? but then you would have to wonder why James is a stag in the first place. I guess its because he is rebellious and carefree?

Mine is a dolphin

Cool! I got an orangutan.

So...this is not a "what is your patronus? post, more like a what exactly determines a patronus post AKA a theory of what exactly determines what your patronus shape is. There is another post around here for the "what is your patronus?"

I am sorry if this came off as rude, I just want to keep the discussion on topic, by the way, all of your patronuses are cool! mine is a salmon LOL

I have a Lamb Patronus (it symbolizes youth & natural innocence) uncanonically. Canonically, I have a doe Patronus (like Lily & Snape)

Julia wrote: "I always found it interesting that Umbridge and McGonagall each have a cat Patronus. Is this a coincidence? The two women have nothing in common, so I imagine they each just have happy memories tha..."

After OoTP, Umbridge's Patronus ought to have changed to a centaur.

Julia wrote: "I thought Harry's was a stag because he thought of his parents when he conjured the spell. Although I'm not sure why James' was a stag, as you say, the meanings of Patronus forms is loose.

I agree..."

James' could change to a stag as an animagus, hence Prongs.

My Patronus would be a dodo, because that is our national bird.

Luffy Sempai wrote: "Julia wrote: "I always found it interesting that Umbridge and McGonagall each have a cat Patronus. Is this a coincidence? The two women have nothing in common, so I imagine they each just have happ..."

Why? she clearly didn't feel happy with the Centaurs...eh...to say the least. If anything her boggart should be a centaur.

I got a goshawk, no idea what that says about me…