You’re minding your own business, when the air around you suddenly goes cold. The lights flicker out and the world goes quiet. You swirl around to find yourself face-to-face with a Dementor. There’s only one thing you can do. You lift your wand and shout, “EXPECTO PATRONUM!”
Your Patronus is your spiritual guardian. Powered by a positive and happy memory, it will do anything to protect you. It presents itself as the animal version of yourself. But what is that and what does it say about you and your personality? Take our quiz to find out!
to grow your social circle so you\u2019re never jealous or lonely.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-Loyal"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Stop-Being-Jealous"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Be Loyal","id":221517,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-Loyal","image":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Be-Loyal-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Be-Loyal-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","alt":"How to Be Loyal"},{"title":"How to Stop Being Jealous","id":218417,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Stop-Being-Jealous","image":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Stop-Being-Jealous-Step-16.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Stop-Being-Jealous-Step-16.jpg","alt":"How to Stop Being Jealous"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"Your Patronus is a cat.","meaning":"Cats are curious, loving, and loyal, but they always keep a watchful eye out for danger. You\u2019re the first to notice something is amiss, and your loyalty helps you spring into motion and do the right thing<\/a>\u2014no one will hurt your friends on your watch!","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-a-Good-Friend"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Find-Good-Friends"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Be a Good Friend","id":27354,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-a-Good-Friend","image":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Be-a-Good-Friend-Step-18-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Be-a-Good-Friend-Step-18-Version-3.jpg","alt":"How to Be a Good Friend"},{"title":"How to Find Good Friends","id":544847,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Find-Good-Friends","image":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Find-Good-Friends-Step-21-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Find-Good-Friends-Step-21-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Find Good Friends"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"Your Patronus is a wolf.","meaning":"Like a wolf, you\u2019ll stop at nothing to protect your pack. You have a mysterious personality that may come off as cold sometimes, but you\u2019re nothing but a playful puppy underneath! Try opening up<\/a> to more people every so often\u2014you never know when you\u2019ll meet a new best friend.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-a-Gentle-Person"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-a-Good-Friend"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Be a Gentle Person","id":303931,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-a-Gentle-Person","image":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Be-a-Gentle-Person-Step-20.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Be-a-Gentle-Person-Step-20.jpg","alt":"How to Be a Gentle Person"},{"title":"How to Be a Good Friend","id":27354,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-a-Good-Friend","image":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Be-a-Good-Friend-Step-18-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Be-a-Good-Friend-Step-18-Version-3.jpg","alt":"How to Be a Good Friend"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"Your Patronus is a doe.","meaning":"You\u2019re gentle and observant like a baby deer, but you have a strong heart. You\u2019ll do whatever it takes to protect those you love, even if it means sacrificing yourself. Like your Patronus, you\u2019re a bit timid and introverted, so don\u2019t be afraid to try stepping outside your comfort zone<\/a>.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Talk-to-People-when-You're-Shy"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Take-Better-Care-of-Yourself"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Talk to People when You're Shy","id":2249462,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Talk-to-People-when-You're-Shy","image":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Deal-With-a-Boyfriend-Who-Wants-More-Space-Step-10.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Deal-With-a-Boyfriend-Who-Wants-More-Space-Step-10.jpg","alt":"How to Talk to People when You're Shy"},{"title":"How to Take Better Care of Yourself","id":1274231,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Take-Better-Care-of-Yourself","image":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Hide-Pimples-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Hide-Pimples-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","alt":"How to Take Better Care of Yourself"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"Your Patronus is a hare.","meaning":"You can come across as shy and skittish like a rabbit, but your personality blooms once people get to know you! You\u2019re smart, clever, and can adjust to your environment with ease. Even so, you can easily be distracted. Take things one step at a time to help you focus<\/a>.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Improve-Problem-Solving-Skills"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-Outgoing"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Improve Problem Solving Skills","id":2723469,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Improve-Problem-Solving-Skills","image":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Improve-Problem-Solving-Skills-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Improve-Problem-Solving-Skills-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Improve Problem Solving Skills"},{"title":"How to Be Outgoing","id":50999,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-Outgoing","image":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Be-Outgoing-Step-32.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Be-Outgoing-Step-32.jpg","alt":"How to Be Outgoing"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"Your Patronus is an otter.","meaning":"Like an otter, you\u2019re inquisitive, curious, and friendly. Your personality is contagious, and people want to be better when they\u2019re around you. When you\u2019re faced with a problem, you\u2019ll find a clever solution using your abundant knowledge. But your knowledge can also make it hard for you to have fun. Try letting loose, relaxing<\/a>, and doing something for yourself\u2014you deserve it!","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Have-Fun"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Take-Better-Care-of-Yourself"}],"link_data":[{"title":"A Guide to Having More Fun (by Yourself, with Friends, & More)","id":297740,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Have-Fun","image":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Have-Fun-Step-19-Version-4.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Have-Fun-Step-19-Version-4.jpg","alt":"A Guide to Having More Fun (by Yourself, with Friends, & More)"},{"title":"How to Take Better Care of Yourself","id":1274231,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Take-Better-Care-of-Yourself","image":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Hide-Pimples-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Hide-Pimples-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","alt":"How to Take Better Care of Yourself"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"Your Patronus is a stag.","meaning":"You stand tall like a stag, noble and strong. You\u2019re a natural-born leader, ready to protect those you love and do what is right. People naturally gravitate towards your kind heart, but you may find yourself having to make difficult decisions because of it. Follow what you feel is right<\/a>, as your instincts will guide you.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Do-the-Right-Thing"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-a-Leader"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Do the Right Thing","id":173973,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Do-the-Right-Thing","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Do-the-Right-Thing-Step-10.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Do-the-Right-Thing-Step-10.jpg","alt":"How to Do the Right Thing"},{"title":"19 Ways to Become a Better Leader","id":29054,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-a-Leader","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Be-a-Leader-Step-19-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Be-a-Leader-Step-19-Version-3.jpg","alt":"19 Ways to Become a Better Leader"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"Your Patronus is a phoenix.","meaning":"Like a phoenix, you can rise from the ashes. You\u2019re courageous, strong, and protective. No battle is too fierce or dangerous for you to face. Life is constantly changing, and so are you, but that doesn\u2019t scare you. Just try reflecting<\/a> on what you\u2019ve learned before starting a new chapter.","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Do-the-Right-Thing"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-a-Leader"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Do the Right Thing","id":173973,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Do-the-Right-Thing","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Do-the-Right-Thing-Step-10.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Do-the-Right-Thing-Step-10.jpg","alt":"How to Do the Right Thing"},{"title":"19 Ways to Become a Better Leader","id":29054,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Be-a-Leader","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Be-a-Leader-Step-19-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Be-a-Leader-Step-19-Version-3.jpg","alt":"19 Ways to Become a Better Leader"}],"minimum":0}]">![\"What](\"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Aesthetic-Quiz.png\/-crop-375-300-375px-Aesthetic-Quiz.png\")
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In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a Patronus is a powerful spiritual guardian that appears when a witch or wizard casts the Patronus Charm by saying Expecto Patronum. The Patronus Charm is mainly used in defensive situations when a Dementor is present. The spell is extremely challenging and takes lots of practice to cast correctly.
To cast the spell, the witch or wizard must think of a positive memory. But this can’t be just any happy memory. It must be something full of an overwhelming amount of joy. For instance, Harry Potter tries casting the Patronus Charm twice with different memories before producing a sliver of a Patronus. The memory he lands on? When he finds out he’s a wizard and can leave the Dursleys behind.
Now that you know what a Patronus is and how to conjure one, you can learn about the different shapes they take. Patronuses can be just about any animal or magical creature. Each Patronus is unique to the spell caster, taking on a shape that projects their personality. Check out some of your favorite characters and their Patronuses below:
Harry Potter’s Patronus is a stag, which reflects his noble, brave, and protective nature. He also shares the same Patronus as his father, James Potter.
Hermione Granger’s Patronus is an otter, as it shares her inquisitive nature and hidden playful personality.
Ron Weasley’s Patronus is a Jack Russell terrier, as they have the same loyal and stubborn attitude.
Luna Lovegood’s Patronus is a hare because of her shy but clever and bubbly personality.
Albus Dumbledore’s Patronus is the phoenix, representing his resilience and drive to restore the wizarding world.
Minerva McGonagall’s Patronus is a cat, as she is intelligent, cunning, and extremely loyal.
Severus Snape’s Patronus is a doe because of his often hidden loving heart and protective nature. He shares this Patronus with his childhood crush, Lily Potter, who happens to be Harry’s mother.
Remus Lupin’s Patronus is a wolf, which reflects his protective nature and werewolf abilities.
For more information about Patronuses and the wizarding world, check out these resources:
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