Now that we've learned the Patronus Charm and the nature of the Patronus itself, let's discuss some general Patronus forms, witches and wizards whose Patronuses we know about, and what we can learn from them. Please keep in mind that this discussion does not include all possible Patronuses, and that the meaning of each Patronus is highly individual to the person doing the casting. You may have a different understanding of the meaning of a particular Patronus, and there's nothing wrong with that!
Those with a rodent Patronus are very curious, clever and resourceful witches and wizards. They know how to use their wits when necessary. They are often resourceful and adaptable.
Illyrius:
One of the most famous Patronuses found in the legends of the wizarding world was a mouse. This mouse was conjured by a wizard named Illyrius, who was often mocked by the villagers for being timid and tongue-tied. When his village was attacked by a dark wizard named Raczidian and his army of Dementors, Illyrius called upon his Patronus. The mouse, despite it's small size, had no problem running off the Dememtors! This enraged Raczidian, who attempted to conjure his own Patronus to go up against Illyrius' mouse. Based on a previous lesson, can you guess what happened when a dark wizard, who is not pure of heart, tries to conjure a Patronus? That's right! Maggots came out of Raczidian's wand and devoured him. Illyrius was a hero and his mouse Patronus, which represented his mousy, timid, tongue-tied inner self, saved the day!
Traditionally, stags are known as “King of the Forest” and when used as a symbol, they are a protector of the other animals and willing to lay down their lives for others. The stag is also symbolizes rebirth and resurrection, because the stag's antler's fall off and regrow annually. Does are gentle but also very observant, with keen insight into the world around them.
Harry Potter:
Harry's Patronus was a stag. This fits Harry, who was willing to die by the hands of Voldemort to protect his friends. His parents also had deer Patronuses,: James had a stag and Lily had a doe. Both of them gave their lives trying to protect the people they loved. The symbol of rebirth and resurrection also applies to Harry, because he appeared to die when Voldemort used the killing curse against him in the forest, spoke with Dumbledore, and then returned. I believe Harry's Patronus represented what he lacked and desired most: his father and being with the father and mother he never got to know, as well as his deep desire to have a family and be part of a family. It's also interesting to note that the first time Harry saw his own Patronus, he thought it looked like a horse. A horse is his future wife Ginny Weasley's Patronus.
People with this Patronus often need to strike a balance between two opposing desires: the demand for total freedom and the need for hard work. They are passionate people who want to live life their own way and not be controlled by others, but they don't shy away from hard work if they find it meaningful. They care very deeply for those they love and will fight for them.
Ginny Weasley:
Ginny Weasley has a horse as her Patronus. . One defining characteristic of Ginny was her insistence on the freedom to be herself and to make her own choices and to not be pinned down. She made it very clear to Ron that he was not to make disparaging remarks about her choice of whom to date, for example. Ginny never avoided hard work, however, and like most people with a horse as their Patronus, they will in fact work very hard, especially if they believe they are making a difference. After Hogwarts, Ginny went on to a career as a professional Quidditch player with the Holyhead Harpies, and eventually the senior Quidditch correspondent for The Daily Prophet.
Canine people are very loyal to their pack and love unconditionally. They are wonderful friends and are forgiving of the mistakes and faults of others. They are famous for providing assistance when needed.
Ron Weasley:
It's no surprise Ron Weasley has a Jack Russell Terrier Patronus. Jack Russells are fearless little dogs and don't back down against anyone they see as a threat, even if the odds are against them. This definitely applies to Ron, who, despite having a broken leg, protected Harry from escaped convicted Sirius Black. He also defended Hermione against Draco's “mudblood” insults, despite having a broken wand. Jack Russells, and Ron, can both be stubborn and willful, and Ron could sulk and even disappear, but, as is typical for anyone with a dog Patronus, they are deeply loyal. Ron always came back to Harry and Hermione, ready to stand up and fight for his friends again.
Wolf:
Those with wolf Patronuses persevere in the face of obstacles, They are usually very patient. This person is often a strong, silent type, but also has a playful side hidden underneath, which they show only to those they trust. They are noted for having a strong sense of family while having a need for being independent.
Remus Lupin:
Although the wolf Patronus definitely seems to apply to him, Lupin seemed to prefer the non-corporeal form of his Patronus, possibly because the wolf reminds him of his werewolfism. He was devoted to his friends and would never betray them, and he seemed to have a great deal of compassion for others. Lupin was definitely someone who kept going even when he thought about giving up, despite the struggles of being a werewolf and all the pain that entails.
Fox:
Fox Patronus folk are usually agile and quick on their feet.. They are naturally quick witted and many live by their wits. Of all the creatures in this family, foxes also display many cat-like traits. They posses a strong independent streak, prefering to live in smaller families rather than in large groups, and they definitely need time alone. There's also a side to them which is very observant, and sometimes you don't realize they are present until they speak up.
Seamus Finnigan:
A fox Patronus seems to fit Seamus quite well, I think. He strikes me as someone who does everything quickly. While he is definitely loyal, he is also independent. He was willing to go against Harry Potter when Harry first insisted Voldemort had returned, but once he realized the truth, his loyalty never wavered.
Swan patronus folks are most noted for their grace, elegance, and beauty. Swans also represent love and romantic relationships, because swans usually mate for life. There is an innocence about that these folks that stands out. They are often creative, and balance in life is important to them.
Cho Chang:
Cho's swan fits her so well! She was often described as being quite beautiful. She seemed to have no difficulties getting dates, and while they didn't seem to last when she was at Hogwarts, she probably found a life long partner later on. I see her as having an innocent side, with Cedric's death having affected her very deeply.