#patronus charm

[hollowed-theory-hall]

what would tom riddle's patronus?

Okay, it took me some time to answer this ask since I needed to spend some time thinking. I didn't really have an answer in mind until your question. It's just something I apparently never thought about. So I was interested in finding the most canon-adjacent answer I can for if Tom Riddle/Voldemort could cast a patronus, what would it be.

So, my approach to finding the right animal was based on a few factors, the first of which:

How exactly is the form your Patronus takes determined?

Because we don't actually get a straight answer in the books. We know Patroni can change with a person, but we don't exactly get an answer on what their form represents and why some couples have matching Patroni.

Basically, I don't know what you expected, Anon, but what you're getting is some rambling about the magical theory behind the Patronus charm followed by why that means Tom gets a certain animal over another.

So, let's start with the basics, the incantation:

"Expecto Patronum"

This is in Latin and literally translates to: "I await/expect a defender"

And Remus Lupin explains what the Patronus charm is as:

“Well, when it works correctly, it conjures up a Patronus,” said Lupin, “which is a kind of anti-dementor — a guardian that acts as a shield between you and the dementor.” ... “The Patronus is a kind of positive force, a projection of the very things that the dementor feeds upon — hope, happiness, the desire to survive — but it cannot feel despair, as real humans can, so the dementors can’t hurt it. But I must warn you, Harry, that the charm might be too advanced for you. Many qualified wizards have difficulty with it.”

(POA, page 237)

We also know the patronus is cast by thinking of a happy memory — well, not really. The memory isn't really important; the emotion is. The memory is to help you have the right happy feelings that can fuel a Patronus. "You got to mean it" just like with an unforgivable.

So, what does it tell us about the Patronus:

We have a defender made out of happiness, literally.

This already sounds like something Tom Riddle would struggle with. I don't really see canon Tom Riddle/Voldemort being capable of producing one, but let's assume he can in some hypothetical AU. Let's take a look at a few patroni to see how their form is chosen and why.

Obviously, we have Harry's (and James') stag. A stag symbolizes many things in different cultures, but deer (both Stags and Does, like Lily and Snape) in general symbolize:

The cycle of life and death

Agility and grace

Bravery

Nobility

All this fits the Potters quite well. The nobility and bravery of Gryffindor and the cycle between life and death. Stags actually represent regeneration, as in a return from death, which fits with the Potters' connection to the Paverells and death perfectly.

Stags also symbolize authority, strength, leadership, and fatherhood, while does symbolize femininity, grace, intuition, and devotion. All in all, both animals fit James and Lily well. And while the stag does fit Harry (to a degree), I don't think his Patronus represents him.

I think Harry's patronus is a stag because James' patronus was a stag. Harry was actually convinced his father cast the Patronus when he first saw it in POA. And it makes sense.

I don't remember where I saw this theory, but it essentially was that your patrons would represent a person or an idea that you feel will defend you. It's why certain couples have matching Patroni, why a Patronus can change when you or your feelings about people change.

And Harry, when he casts his Patronus, the idea of his father who he never knew but would have protected him is the idea represented in Harry's Patronus. It's a stag like James' not because Harry and James are so similar (they have very different personalities actually) but because Harry's Patronus is James. It's a stag because James was a stag, and Harry is calling the concept of his father to defend him.

Following this logic, Lily's Patronus is a doe, because she is the doe. Lily's defender is herself. Courageous, noble, graceful and devoted. Lily's devotion to her son is what literally sets the series into motion. The reason she and James match is that they always have. He was always represented by the stag and she was always represented by the doe. Their Patroni aren't matching because of their relationship with each other, but because they are so compatible their Patroni matched from the get-go.

Snape's Patronus is a doe because of Lily. Lily is represented by the doe. As she was Snape's first friend and defender, whenever he calls for a protector, it's Lily.

Let's look at a few other Patroni, like Hermione's otter:

Playfulness

Joy

Family and close-knit friendships

Loyalty

All of this doesn't really sound like Hermione. Ron's Jack Russell Terrier on the other hand:

Loyalty

Courage

Playfulness

Cleverness

Protectiveness

Tanasity

Does sound very in line with who Ron is.

But then who does Hermione's otter represent? Well, an otter is from the weasel family and the list of characteristics looks closer to Ron's list of traits than Hermione's. I think Hermione's otter represents Ron who did step in to defend her since the troll incident in their first year multiple times.

So, where does that leave Tom Riddle?

Well, we established the Patronus becomes your defender, and in Tom's case, it'll be himself. Tom is distrustful and sees himself as more capable than anyone else. Not to mention he never had a real connection or person in his life he could call upon to defend him. So, whatever animal his Patronus is would represent himself as his own defender.

So, which animal represents Tom best?

The first animal I thought of, is of course: the serpent. Snakes are heavily associated with Tom (for obvious reasons) and is an animal we know he has a soft spot for. When looking at what snakes represent, you can see why he is associated with them:

Deceit

Transformation

Power

Regeneration and rebirth (shedding their skin)

Healing (Cadcadeus)

For the most part, the list seems to fit him well. Specifically their association with rebirth and the cycle of life and death by shedding their skin. Deceit and power are also right up Tom's alley. And even transformation considering he rewrote his entire identity to become Voldemort.

But, just "snake" wasn't good enough for me, I wanted to know which kind. And as I wanted his Patronus to be as rare as Harry's stag, I went to the list of official Pottermore possible Patroni to find a snake that is as hard to get in the test as the stag while not being magical.

(Magical Patroni are incredibly rare and to have yourself represented by a magical creature in your Patronus you need to be incredibly unique or incredibly full of yourself. At least, that's how I see it)

And low and behold, there was one on the aforementioned list:

The King Cobra

So I looked up if this snake has any interesting additional unique symbolism that would fit Tom. And, well, there was:

Authority and Leadership

Aggression and Fearlessness

Destruction and Creation

Intelligence and Cunning

Which all in all sounds fitting for Tom Riddle.

I also continued reading and apparently, snakes are associated with lightning by some Native American tribes. And when I saw that I was sold on the idea. Considering how the killing curse is represented by lightning (Harry's scar and the lightning-struck tower being the name of the chapter Dumbledore dies in). It feels appropriate with Tom's connection with snakes.

The King Cobra is actually not really a Cobra and is considered a unique breed of snake, which Tom would approve of. It's also the longest venomous snake and its venom can result in a rapid fatality, as soon as 30 minutes following a bite. It's also a cannibal snake that eats other snakes, including its own kind.

Overall it just fits perfectly, both in traits, symbolism, and how rare and dangerous it is. So, for your question, I think Tom Riddle's Patronus, if he could cast one, would be a King Cobra.

#harry potter #harry potter thoughts #hp #hp thoughts #lord voldemort #hollowedheadcanon #voldemort analysis #voldemort #tom riddle #tom marvolo riddle #patronus #patronus charm #hp headcanon #anon asks #asks #anonymous

[il-predestinato]

I thought of Christian being a defense against the dark arts guy... There's no way he's teaching Charms 😂

Yes! DADA was my first thought too. I briefly thought maybe Transfiguration and then he can have a fierce rivalry with Divination's Professor Wolff (he honestly talks about W14 like it's worse than the Grim). 🤣

Lestappen blurb time (aka. how I coped while watching Ferrari during FP3):

"We need to talk," hissed Max as he slid into the empty seat next to his target. He slammed the piece of parchment down in front of Charles, who blinked lazily at his irate tone. "About you hogging the Quidditch pitch."

Charles sniffed and peered down at the tiny writing on the parchment: 'I, Professor Vasseur, do hereby give the Slytherin team permission to practice before class from Wednesday to Friday, owing to the need to train their new Seeker.'

The Slytherin Quidditch captain gave him an indifferent shrug. "Perhaps you would like to take it up with Professor Vasseur."

Max glared at him. "That's three out of five weekdays!"

Vasseur may wear a jolly little smile, but the Potions Master was a die-hard Slytherin at heart and Charles knew it.

"With your math skills, no wonder you're so good at Arithmancy." Charles beamed at him, ignoring the twitch in Max's jaw.

"The rest of us need to practice too," he snapped.

"Then book the pitch early, Captain." Charles rolled his eyes, as he flipped open his copy of Advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts.

Max groaned.

"What now?"

"I left my textbook in the Prefects' bathroom."

Charles wiggled a single eyebrow at him.

"Don't start -" warned Max.

"I wasn't going to say -"

"On top of your bathrobe."

It was Charles' turn to groan, but he still begrudgingly pushed his own book towards the centre of the table so they could share. "Max, I swear people are going to find out -"

"Well, that would be a damn shame, wouldn't it?" grumbled Max, nudging the textbook closer to himself, only stopping when Charles rapped his knuckles with a sharp tap of his wand. "Daily Prophet headline: Fierce Quidditch rivals caught sucking face in Prefects' - OW!" The pointy end of Charles' wand found his sternum, singeing the edge of his Gryffindor house tie.

Max turned to glare at him, but suddenly found every eye in the classroom trained on him.

Their instructor crossed his arms. "Anything you'd like to share with the class, Max?"

"No, Professor Horner," he mumbled, still glaring at Charles who was doing his best to hide a smirk.

The Head of Gryffindor House frowned at his student. "Then perhaps you would like to demonstrate the progress you've made on the Patronus Charm." Christian gestured for him to stand.

Max straightened his tie (making a mental note that Charles owes him a new one) and took a step into the aisle.

"Make sure it's a powerful memory," emphasized Christian. "The most positive one you can summon."

Max couldn't help but spare a sideways glance at Charles. He smiled. "Last May, " he whispered to Charles, "me holding the Quidditch Cup in front of your face."

Charles' hand twitched dangerously around his wand, but he refrained from cursing Max, clearly preferring not to spend those hard-earned Quidditch practice hours in detention with Professor Horner instead.

Max raised his wand. He had fully intended to summon the memory he had described to Charles - but a clearer, brighter, more recent memory came to his mind unbidden:

The two of them. Five hours ago. After placing an Anti-Alohomora Charm on the door to the Prefects' bathroom. Charles laughed after some of the soapy water splashed into Max's eyes. The joke was on him though after Max leaned in to kiss him - an effective distraction - and then unloaded a handful of colourful bubbles right between Charles' parted lips. His Slytherin rival had sputtered, batting away the offending green soap bubbles (the colour really did match his eyes) and lunged at Max -

"Expecto Patronum!"

A silver lion burst forth from the tip of Max's wand and roared, drawing impressed gasps from their fellow fifth years. His Patronus then pounced across the length of the classroom to the sound of scattered applause.

"Well done!" praised Christian, who looked more than a little impressed, a rare admittance from their usually unbothered Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. "A fully corporeal Patronus is beyond even N.E.W.T. level. Twenty points to Gryffindor."

Max sauntered back to his seat, but not before shooting Charles a smug grin. Almost on cue, his Patronus made a beeline for Charles, circling twice around him before shaking its mane playfully in front of the Slytherin. Charles rolled his eyes but petted one of its giant paws - as much as one could pet a non-solid entity. The lion purred in response before making a final leap out the window and out of sight.

Charles shrugged, but his lips quivered to suppress a smile; the dimples gave him away. "Not as impressive as mine," he whispered.

The warmth from his breath lingered against Max's cheek.

Max cleared his throat, turning away to regain some composure. "My lion is bigger than your horse," he sniped back.

"It's a thestral, not a horse!" corrected Charles indignantly.

-

FYI @cupidskissx @alestire @strawberryfieldsandflowers and anyone else I have rambled to recently about Hogwarts Lestappen, Crucio is permissible in dire situations 🙃, but it's never morally appropriate to hog the Prefects' bathroom. I have standards, you know.

#lestappen #* #my fic #elle.txt #elle.ask #anon #hey christian - so slytherin is about to win the house cup - #christian: TWENTY THOUSAND POINTS TO MAX I MEAN GRYFFINDOR #slytherin!charles #gryffindor!max #patronus charm

[kaal-naagin]

Draco Malfoy Headcanon:

With Scorpius's encouragement, he casts a patronus. It takes the form of a scorpion. The memories he uses are his wedding day and/or the day he became a father

#draco #draco malfoy #pro draco malfoy #cursed child #harry potter #harry potter headcanon #draco malfoy headcanon #scorpius malfoy #patronus #patronus charm #slytherin #slytherin headcanon

[adhara-the-star]

I was thinking about Patronus charms and how we don't really need a happy memory to make them work, and I think I finally cracked it.

We don't need a happy memory, we need a memory that keeps us going, a memory that makes us strong even in the darkest moments.

It can be a happy memory, but it doesn't need to. It can be the people who give us strength, it can be a made-up moment, an aspiration, a dream, and it can also be something we survived, a sort of "I survived this, I can survive anything"

That's why it can vary so much from a person to another. None of us are strong in the same way, and each one of us gets that force, that strength from a different place that is so very personal.

This could also explain why patronus take different forms. Ron's and Sirius' patronus are dogs, they are extremely loyal and that makes them strong. Harry's patronus is a stag the same as his father, he fights for his family, and even if it's bittersweet, that's what keeps him going.

In conclusion, to conjure a patronus charm we need a memory or a thought that make us strong regardless of what we are facing

#harry potter #patronus #patronus charm #hogwarts #wizarding schools #wizarding world #charms #i just think its neat #sirius black #james potter #marauders #golden trio era #ron weasley

[jamesddarling]

yall i took the patronus buzzfeed quiz in the mindset of regulus and got A DOE I’M CACKLING THEY’RE IN LOVE

#jegulus #regulus black #james potter #patronus charm

[lilsytherinheiress11]

#harry potter universe #the dark lord #lord voldemort #the dark lord voldemort #voldemort #black #aesthetic #black aesthetic #moodboard #expecto patronum #patronus charm #harry potter #harry james potter #stag #deathly hallows #harrymort #heart #black roses #roses #rose aesthetic #nagini

[curiouselfqueen]

okay, so when it comes to Drarry and Patronus matching, I think the default is to think Draco would end up matching Harry's. Now, this could simply be because we actually know what Harry's is - a stag - and so it's easier. This is especially true for fan art where you need the shorthand. (Due to this, it may be less common in fics because you have the time to explain - I really haven't done any research into this just go with me.) Another easy logical explanation is Harry's magical strength.

HOWEVER, taking emotion into consideration, I think it is much more likely for Harry to change his patronus to match Draco's. And this is an important consideration, given that the core of the spell is based on emotion and memory.

Harry's patronus form is completely based on the notion of someone else: his father. The stag was James's animagus form - Harry thought he was seeing his father's patronus.

From that alone, I don't think it's too big of a leap to think that always-thinking-of-others-Harry would morph a part of him (likely unintentionally) to match the love of his life.

(Even if it's a rare thing, after knowing what Tonks went though, in his mind your patronus changing when you're in love is just what you do)

Now, DRACO

This little shit we all love is PROUD.

Even in any fic where he's turned a new leaf, maybe even disowned his family, whatever, pride is a core part of him.

Knowing that it's a difficult spell, and that it speaks to some part of who you are as a person, Draco would even have pride in himself for being able to do it. Imagine him seeing his fully formed patronus for the first time. It would be perfect and he'd never want to let that go for anyone. Because even as much as he loves Harry, Draco knows in the back of his mind, he's only guaranteed himself.

tl;dr

Patronus charms are based in emotions. Harry's was always based on the idea of someone else anyway. Draco's a proud boi. Plus just imagine how shattered D would be upon seeing The Harry Potter change for him.

#Drarry #draco malfoy #harry potter #harry james potter #patronus #patronus charm #and by no means am I against draco's changing #it just occurred to me

[midnightstargazer]

Aesthetics for my fanfics, part 4

Even in the Darkest of Times

Teen & Up, No Archive Warnings Apply, ~770 words

Having joined the Order immediately upon graduating from Hogwarts, Lily Evans fully expects to spend her summer fighting the Death Eaters, not sipping piña coladas on the beach. But even in the midst of conflict and darkness, there is joy to be found. When the time comes for the newest members of the Order to learn the Patronus Charm, finding and holding onto that joy will be absolutely essential.

#Harry Potter #fanfic #aesthetic #Lily Evans #Lily Potter #Jily #Order of the Phoenix #patronus charm #first wizarding war #marauders era

[thetempleofthemasaigoddess]

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Harry learns to cast a Patronus.

#Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban #Harry Potter #Daniel Radcliffe #Remus Lupin #David Thewlis #Patronus charm #Bellona's videos #Bellona's stuff

[hollowed-theory-hall]

Do you think Harry's Patronus will always be a stag or would it ever change?

I think Harry's Patronus could definitely change. Many things can change a person's Patronus, and as I believe, Harry's Patronus represents his father and not himself, even more so. Love, loss, or even more trauma are all things that can cause a Patronus to change.

Personally, I don't think I'd like it to change, I think Harry would be disappointed if it changed too. The form of his Patronus is one of the only things he has from his father (and he has even less from Lily, and the stag matches her doe too), and I think losing it would be very sad to him. It would be like another connection to his parents severed. So I don't think Harry would want it to change, I think he likes the stag and what it represents.

So, if it was up to Harry, his Patronus would remain a stag, I think.

#harry potter #hp #harry potter thoughts #hp thoughts #harry james potter #patronus charm #patronus #asks #anon asks #anonymous

[realmshopph]

Harry Potter: Magical Film Projections: Patronus Charm Hardcover Book

Using black line illustrations on framed acetate pages, this enchanting book allows fans to project their favorite scenes from the Harry Potter films at home with a flashlight.

Expecto Patronum! Discover the powerful Patronus Charm that Harry Potter and other wizards and witches use to produce a magical guardian. In a dark room, shine a light through the window on each page of this unique book to project incredible scenes on the wall or ceiling. Read along and experience magical moments from the Harry potter films like never before.

Celebrated for its deep dedication to quality, Insight Editions is a bestselling publisher of books and collectibles that push the boundaries of creativity, design, and production. Through its licensed publishing program, Insight Editions produces unique books and products that provide meaningful ways to engage with characters and stories. Insight Editions' award-winning art and photography titles celebrate the artistry and history of a wide range of subjects, from rock to film to nature conservation. Insight Editions' New York Times bestsellers include Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Daydreams, Henry Winkler's I've Never Met an Idiot on the River, and Radhanath Swami's The Journey Within. Recent national bestsellers include Friends: The Official Cookbook, Harry Potter: Knitting Magic, and The Elder Scrolls: The Official Cookbook. Insight Editions manifests its dedication to sustainability and conservation through publishing partnerships with organizations such as Jane Goodall Institute, The National Parks Association, Mission Blue, and Roots of Peace.

Product details Publisher ‎ Candlewick; Illustrated edition (July 4, 2017) Language English Hardcover ‎ 16 pages ISBN-10 ‎ 0763695866 ISBN-13 ‎ 978-0763695866 Reading age ‎ 7 - 10 years Grade level ‎ 2 - 5 Item Weight ‎ 12.8 ounces Dimensions 7.75 x 0.51 x 9.56 inches

#Patronus Charm #Harry Potter #Harry Potter Book #Shopee Toys #Shopee Sale PH #Harry Potter Shopee

[i-am-medusaa]

Isn't your patronus like your spirit animal

#harry potter #patronus #expecto patronum #wizard #harry potter fandom #harry potter universe #patronus charm

[octoir]

tomarry hot take: I actually don’t think Harry would even come close to defeating Tom in a duel

I think he COULD come close, with extreme levels of training and practice, but that classic “step into DADA and whoop Tom’s ass” scene? guys…I have something to confess.

Tom’s a fucking nerd.

he’s studied and practiced dark magic for years. he’s canonically regarded by DUMBLEDORE as the most brilliant student to ever walk through Hogwarts. Tom would DESTROY him.

imho the real fun of tomarry comes from the subsequent arc of Harry training to defeat him, and then actually coming close, and THEN Tom starts to become intrigued bc who the fuck is this semi-competent little shit?? and why is he now thinking about him all the time??

#tom marvolo riddle #tom riddle #harry potter #tomarry #ao3 #cinus isn’t talking about tompercy? ​blasphemy! #we’re all entitled to do what we want though #ashamed to admit that I still eat that duel scene up every time #but yknow #let’s be fr #harry is surprisingly competent when he’s interested in the subject #desperately cites the Patronus charm #and like three lines in the first books

[vibewithhana]

He is the kind of memory you think about while casting a Patronus charm

#harry potter #patronus charm. #desiblr

[dufferpuffer]

I will never get over how bullshit it is that Harry Fifteen Potter could teach so many kids how to cast a patronus... especially in animal form. ESPECIALLY when it was not the ONLY focus of the year. A beyond-N.E.W.T. level spell. A spell it took Remus a whole year of tutoring to teach him. A spell he could only cast an animal form of when his Godfather was on the brink of dying. Just having a memory happy enough, and being able to focus on it hard enough and for long enough, is difficult and rare. You gotta be a certain kinda person to manage it. Harry has spent most of his life disassociated from his surroundings, wandering the streets away from Dudley or locked into his cupboard, hyper-focusing on small vague memories: Flashes of green light and the scream of someone dying for him. Repeat dreams of flying motorcycles. The vague feeling, barely even a vision, of people who actually loved him standing over him. He ALREADY has the training to introspect and focus on these feelings, he did it just go get through day-to-day life with the Dursleys... and even then it took a years worth of one-on-one training and a near-death situation for it to fully take form. Most wizards never learn how to do it. If they do they just leave it at a basic shield. We don't even know MOODY's Patronus (though I have no doubt he can cast one... unless he just strangles dementors with his bare hands.)

If Harry can teach it to a bunch of slightly-irate brats, if Cho Chang can cast a fuckin swan in a calm classroom... why not just make it part of the curriculum?

#hp #harry potter #patronus charm is a little bullshit #harry potter has 3 talents: flying - being a little sass king - teaching #im rambling

[short666bread]

The Lovers

Commission for @maziktheli who asked for a shamelessly queer piece <3

I had, like, The Best time making this (even tho I also kept banging my head agains the tablet over it) and tried to put lots and lots of details in so please zoom in if u want

#pls feel free to contact me about commissions if you’re interested as well :-) #drarry #we’re here #we’re queer #move I’m gay #harry potter #trans harry potter #trans draco malfoy #draco malfoy #draco x harry #harry x draco #and here are some fun Easter egg facts: #Draco is drinking an absinthe sour and Harry is drinking an aviation #Draco’s shoes are funtasma but charmed to match the fit #HX2.0 is Harry’s tag as a fun little joke abt having died that one time #moon&star is Luna and Dracos tattoo shop #they have matching patronus tats #hermione organized the gryffindork queer book club #they love each other <3