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.