Did you know, that when you sign up to HarryPotter.com, not only can you find out what your Patronus is, but also what it could mean?
With so many wonderful personalities reflected in nearly 150 possible Patronuses, it turns out you might share one with a Harry Potter character. From their unique quirks to how popular it is among your house – here are those animal forms. Can you spot yours on this list?
Spoiler warning! There are some mild spoilers ahead – turn back now if you’re not familiar with the books…
Harry Potter & James Potter: Stag – Stately Sentinel
Considered the royalty of the British woodland, deer are proud and magnificent creatures. Interestingly, both James and Harry Potter’s Patronuses were that of a mighty stag who would charge at Dementors antlers first.
With their Gryffindor tendency to dive headfirst into dangerous situations – especially when it involved protecting people they love – Harry and his father, James, were an excellent reflection of their Patronus. Interestingly, those of you in Hufflepuff seem the most drawn to this Patronus – but only just.
The stag is a rather rare form, taking the 119th spot in terms of popularity – the same as its ranking in Ravenclaw. In 118th place, it is slightly more common in Gryffindor and sneaks up another spot in Hufflepuff as 117th most popular. It is least popular in Slytherin at 127.
Lily Potter & Severus Snape: Doe – Majestic Protector
The queens of the British woodland, these female deer are proud, magnificent creatures. Lily Potter and Severus Snape each famously had a doe Patronus, with Snape’s being a representation of his love for Harry's mother.
Knowing the origins of Snape’s Patronus stretch right back to his and Lily’s childhood, we weren’t surprised to find that this was unique to him and not a Patronus that Slytherins are often drawn towards. Out of all four houses, it is the least popular there, in 126th place.
At number 120, this Patronus is also rare among the other houses. While Lily and James’ Patronuses matched perfectly as King and Queen of the forest, in 119th place, this isn’t a common occurrence among other Gryffindors. You’ll find slightly more in Hufflepuff where it takes 118th place and Ravenclaw matches the overall ranking of 120.
Remus Lupin & Nymphadora Tonks: Wolf – Strong and Soulful
Known for their distinctive, soulful howl and mysterious nocturnal habits, it's easy to see why wolves have captured the imagination of many a storyteller. This animal is also significant for being Lupin's Patronus which was shared with Tonks.
Both Lupin and Tonks had an interesting relationship with their Patronus. For Lupin, though it was a wolf rather than a werewolf, he thought his animal guardian was too close to his furry little problem. When casting the spell, he would choose to disguise it by producing an incorporeal Patronus instead.
Although Tonks was a Hufflepuff, at number 74, you’ll find this Patronus the least in her house. Yet, this isn’t entirely unexpected. Tonks’ Patronus wasn’t always a wolf – it had originally been a jackrabbit. Her love for Remus Lupin caused it to change form.
Actually, while it is the 50th most popular Patronus, you’ll find quite a lot of Slytherins with this enigmatic guardian – it’s their 27th most popular. At number 40, it’s not quite as common in Ravenclaw but we wouldn’t consider it rare. In 52nd position, there are a few less in Gryffindor.
Kingsley Shacklebolt: Lynx – Graceful and Gleaming
Their name might derive from the Greek word ‘to shine’ (thanks to their reflective eyes), yet Lynxes prefer to remain hidden. This wise animal makes a perfect guardian – and you share this Patronus with the ever-stoic Kingsley Shacklebolt.
A rare gem like Kingsley, the lynx is 92nd when it comes to Patronus popularity. Curiously, this Patronus that eschews the spotlight is most common in Hufflepuff in 62nd place. At the other end of the scale, its number 100 for Slytherin. There are a couple more in Gryffindor as the 96th most popular, and it is slightly higher up the Ravenclaw ranking in 83rd place.
Arthur Weasley: Weasel – Savvy and Sleek
The nimble weasel is often depicted in culture as being a wily old thing. As someone with this Patronus, perhaps it speaks to your intelligent and perceptive nature? It also happened to be Arthur Weasley’s Patronus, so you’re in excellent company.
If one of the Weasleys didn’t have a weasel it would W-easily be considered weird. Luckily, this smart and sprightly creature is the Patronus form of the Weasley patriarch, Arthur. At number six, it is one of the more popular Patronuses. However, despite having ties to a Gryffindor family, you’ll find the most weasels in Slytherin, where it takes third place.
For Gryffindor? Well, it drops just below the overall ranking in seventh place. It is sixth for Ravenclaw and in 12th place, it is least popular among Hufflepuffs.
Seamus Finnigan: Fox – Stealthy and Shrewd
Foxes are a widely known symbol of cunning and stealth. Highly adaptable, your Patronus has the ability to thrive anywhere. Interestingly, this wily creature happened to be the Patronus of Harry’s classmate, Seamus Finnigan: so you're in good company.
At number four, the clever fox is one of the more popular Patronuses. Yet even though a fox’s coat contains the red and gold of Gryffindor and member of that house, Seamus Finnigan, had this Patronus… you’ll find most in Slytherin. It just misses out on their top spot in second place. It drops down to third for Ravenclaw, fifth for Gryffindor and eighth for Hufflepuff.
Hermione Granger: Otter – Clever and Capable
Otters are nimble creatures and talented swimmers. Playful and dexterous – they have even been known to juggle rocks. Known for their intelligence, it is no surprise that Hermione Granger also has this Patronus.
Hermione’s Patronus was always going to reflect her intelligent nature, and it appears to be the case for a lot of you too! At 23rd most popular, we are in the company of quite a few brainiacs.
Interestingly, Hufflepuff are the house most drawn to this Patronus – breaking into their top 20 at number 17. Ravenclaw is close behind at 19 and it takes 22nd place in Gryffindor. However, it appears Slytherins have less of an affinity with this fluffy friend, dropping well below the overall rank to number 61.
Fred Weasley & George Weasley: Magpie – Sociable Collector
These birds are most known for being collectors of shiny objects (very Niffler coded). They’re also social and chatter to each other. Interestingly, Fred and George both had this Patronus, which complements their personalities.
They say that if you see two magpies you can expect joy... when both Weasley twins were together? It was joy squared. However, in seventh place, it seems as though Slytherin is most fond of these sharp-sighted birds.
You could say Slytherin have a unique connection to this animal form – it isn’t anywhere near another top ten and is 41st overall. It takes 45th and 50th position for Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. It is even less common in Hufflepuff, at number 85.
Luna Lovegood: Brown Hare – Eccentric Energy
Hares are famously known for their speed, eccentricity and connection to the moon. Interestingly, Luna Lovegood’s Patronus happened to be a hare too! She’s certainly not afraid to lean into her uniqueness. Can you relate?
This dreamy Patronus suits the equally dreamy Ravenclaw with its distinctive quirks. At number 34, there are many of you who feel the pull towards the sprightly hare. Most of you are in Gryffindor, where it the 26th most common Patronus. In Hufflepuff it is number 32 and it is 37 for Ravenclaw. Bucking the trend, you will spot less of these guardians in Slytherin where it takes 58th place.
Ernie Macmillan: Wild Boar – Wild Grandeur
The grandeur of the wild boar would make this a perfect Patronus for anyone in a tight bind. Interestingly, Harry's schoolmate Ernie Macmillan had a Wild Boar Patronus, which certainly complements the confidence Ernie liked to exhibit at Hogwarts!
Well, you can’t fault Ernie for believing in himself! While he was a Hufflepuff, it turns out that there are more Ravenclaws with this Patronus – in 51st place compared to 58th. At number 60, it is still slightly more popular in Gryffindor than the overall ranking of 65. It is rarest in Slytherin at number 67 in their list.
What about those Patronuses that are slightly different?
There are some characters in the wizarding world whose Patronuses are either not quite the same as the ones you might have discovered or whose forms are only known in more general terms. Yet, they’re still just as fascinating…
Minerva McGonagall: Cat
As an exceptionally talented witch, while many were unable to even summon an incorporeal Patronus, McGonagall could conjure multiple at once! Harry witnessed three of her cats, all with spectacle markings around their eyes, acting as messengers for the Head of Gryffindor.
Interestingly, we know that McGonagall was an Animagus who turned into a tabby cat with spectacle markings around her eyes. As a Patronus can match the animal form of an Animagus – we wonder if it’s the same for the Transfiguration teacher?
Dolores Umbridge: Cat
It may seem strange that rotten-to-the-core Umbridge was able to produce a Patronus – especially with many in the wizarding world holding the (somewhat justified) belief that a wizard can’t produce a Patronus if they’re not pure of heart. The Dark wizard Raczidian discovered this, when his backfiring Charm ended with him being devoured by maggots.
Umbridge is one of the exceptions. Some believe, in cases such as this, if a person has total conviction in the rightness of their actions (even if they are deplorable) it can create the necessary happiness. Yet, many Dark witches and wizards see the Patronus Charm as unnecessary – already numbed to the effects of the Dark creatures they associate with.
Ron Weasley: Jack Russell Terrier
Known for being brilliant best friends, we can see why Ron (also a brilliant best friend) found himself with a Jack Russell Terrier. With their mixture of loyalty, mischief-making and ability to eat pretty much anything – it just works.
There are two terriers within the Patronus experience – the Fox Terrier and the West Highland Terrier. As the Playful Protector and Bubbly Buddy, we think Ron’s Jack Russell would fit in well with these other pups.
Ginny Weasley: Horse
We might not have discovered what kind of horse Ginny’s Patronus was… but we can see why it took that form. Horses are known for their powerful and wild natures – Ginny proved that she was a force to be reckoned with as the Bat Bogey-Hex queen. They’re also known for their speed and athleticism – Ginny was an extremely talented Quidditch player. Horses are strong-willed and determined – remember what happened when they tried stop Ginny joining the Battle of Hogwarts?
We think Ginny and her Patronus make a perfect pair.
Cho Chang: Swan
While we know that Cho Chang’s Patronus was a swan, it wasn’t made clear whether that was the graceful white swan or dignified black swan. Either way, her spectacular flying ability reflects the innate elegance of both. Plus, swans are known to be loyal and that was certainly the case when it came to Cho’s relationship with Cedric Diggory.
The curious case of the Dumbledore family Patronuses
It turns out that both Aberforth and Albus Dumbledore have Patronus forms that live outside of the Patronus experiences – fitting as they’re both one-of-a-kind.
Albus Dumbledore: Phoenix
With Fawkes as his trusted companion, it seems Albus already had an affinity with these majestic creatures – they’re both powerful and mysterious beings. Also, if you consider that in the wizarding world Patronuses which take the form of magical creatures are exceedingly rare, Dumbledore’s guardian could be seen as a reflection of his uniqueness and rare talent.
Aberforth Dumbledore: Goat
The younger brother of Albus and owner of the Hog’s Head Inn, Aberforth was another Dumbledore known for his eccentricity. He famously had a fondness for goats, so we’re not shocked that this turned out to be his Patronus form. Plus, we don’t think it’s a coincidence that goats are known for being extremely stubborn and a certain crochety pub owner had that personality trait too.
Don’t see your Patronus here? Perhaps that’s because yours is one of the most popular… or could it be the rarest? See if yours is on either of those lists.
If you are yet to discover what your animal guardian might be, you can take the official Patronus quiz right here.
Illustrations courtesy of Pottermore Publishing
