The world ofHarry Potteris full of evildoers, from dark wizards to Dementors. As such, it makes sense that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry enrolls its students in Defense Against the Dark Arts classes — even if the subject’sfrequently malevolent teachersseem to do their students more harm than good.
Students at Hogwarts learn to counter a wide range of threats, whether by casting the wand-removing Expelliarmus or Stupify, a stunning charm. One of the most potent (and difficult) spells, however, is the summoning of the Patronus, a glowing spirit guardian to defend against the forces of darkness. Each one takes on a different form, depending on the wizard who summoned it.
8Dumbledore’s Phoenix
The magical phoenix, a mythical creature which is born again from the ashes following its death, is closely associated with Albus Dumbledore (played variously byRichard Harris, Michael Gambon, and Jude Law). As headmaster of Hogwarts, Dumbledore is a wizard of enormous talent and prestige, and it is no surprise that he is able to cast the Patronus charm.
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The fact that Dumbledore’s Patronus takes the form of a creature associated with rebirth ties in with one of the central themes of theHarry Potterseries: that of redemption. It is appropriate that Dumbledore, who is able to reform troubled characters like Snape, has a Patronus of this shape.
7Ron Weasley’s Jack Russell
During his time at Hogwarts, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) lacks both the legendary status of Harry Potter and the natural ability of Hermione Granger. Even though Ron grew up in the shadow of several successful siblings, the young wizard is able to prove himself by playing a key role inthe secret Dumbledore’s Army.
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It is during his training with this organization that Ron truly begins to flourish, as he is able to summon a corporeal Patronus in the form of a Jack Russell. To summon any kind of Patronus is a difficult task. The fact that Ron can manifest a corporeal spirit suggests his low self-esteem is somewhat misplaced.
6Remus Lupin’s Wolf
While the corporeal Patronus can be a vital asset against Dementors and other dark forces, its presence can also inadvertently reveal truths about an individual. For this reason, there are times when magic practitioners prefer to manifest an incorporeal version of the Patronus, despite this being a weaker form.
One such wizard who wishes to conceal his true nature inHarry Potteris Remus Lupin (David Thewlis). The Hogwarts teacher wasbitten by a werewolfas a young boy prior to his tenure as Harry’s Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. His Patronus reflects this, and as such, he routinely disguises his Patronus out of fear that its lupine will make others aware of his own lycanthropy.
5Hermione Granger’s Otter
Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) has a well-deserved reputation as Hogwarts' most knowledgeable (and sometimes know-it-all) student. Whether she’s lecturing her fellow students on proper spell pronunciation or playing the role of teacher’s pet, it seems that there is no spell too difficult for this Muggle-born prodigy.
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Yet nobody is perfect. The Patronus charm is widely considered to be one of the most difficult spells to cast, and this holds true for Hermione. Despite her initial troubles with the spell, the witch does eventually make it work, and manifests a spiritin the form of an otter. Nor is she shy about her problems: Hermione admits that, while most spells are easy for her, the Patronus presents a real challenge.
4Nymphadora Tonks' Wolf
Nymphadora Tonks (Natalia Tena) is an Auror and a member ofthe Order of the Phoenix, an organization dedicating to bringing down the evil Lord Voldermort. As a member of magical law enforcement, Tonks is a skilled witch, with metamorphosis being one of her primary talents.
Yet it is not just Tonks herself that changes shape. Although her Patronus initially takes the form of a jack rabbit, her romantic relationship and subsequent marriage to the werewolf Remus Lupin causes her spirit animal to transform into a wolf, mirroring Lupin’s own Patronus.
3Dolores Umbridge’s Cat
Typically, wizards and witches aligned with the forces of evil cannot produce Patronuses. Nonetheless, the tyrannical Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) is able to cast one despite her reign of terror during theHarry Potterseries. This is not because she has a hidden good side, but is rather the result of her exposure toone of Voldermort’s Horcruxes.
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The Patronus rarely takes an obvious form — for instance, a lover of dogs is unlikely to have a canine Patronus. In some cases, however, the Patronus does take an expected shape. This is true for the cat-loving Umbridge’s, and indicates her inability to conceal her dark nature despite her best efforts.
2Severus Snape’s Doe
While fans continue to debate whether Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) is in love with Lily Potter or creepily obsessed with her,her impact upon his lifecannot be denied. It is Lily’s influence that encourages Snape to form a secret alliance with Dumbledore — a deal that results in both men’s deaths.
Snape’s ability to cast a Patronus indicates that he is not as evil as he likes to suggest, while the fact that his Patronus mimics that of the deceased Lily Potter demonstrates his intense affection for his lost love. Regardless of the validity of Snape’s feelings for Lily, his Patronus is effective in protecting her son, as it shows Harry where the Sword of Gryffindor is hidden.
1Harry Potter’s Stag
The Boy Who Lived is, of course, a talented wizard. High-powered magic is a requirement for facing off against Lord Voldermort and his Death Eaters, something that Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) must do many times over the course of the series. Harry’s ability is rivaled by very few of his fellow students, and his ability to summon a Patronus at a very young age puts him in a league of his own.
Harry is able to cast the Patronus charm duringThe Prisoner of Azkaban, during his third year at Hogwarts. He casts the spellto protect his godfather, Sirius Back. Harry’s youth is not a barrier to his success, as he is able to deter many Dementors. Harry’s Patronus takes the shape of a stag in its corporeal form (the same as his father’s), indicating the source of some of Harry’s power.
