Harry Potter: 10 Fascinating Hidden Meanings And Metaphors

7. Patronuses Mirror The Wizard

Just how weapons mirror the wizard wielding them, patronuses are extremely indicative of the person casting them.

Lily Potter's patronus was a doe, and James Potter's a stag, just like Harry's; the Boy Who Lived's patronus takes the form of his parents' though, simply because his parents are what he holds dearest. Snape's patronus was also a doe - just like that of his love, Lily Potter - and Ron and Hermione also have telling patronuses; Hermione's manifests in the form of an otter, suggesting placidness and intelligence, whilst Ron's patronus is a passionate, loyal terrier.

Dumbledore's patronus meanwhile was the phoenix, the gentle symbol of hope, that can live for many years (thanks to their regeneration). It's interesting that every character's patronus can be related back to their character traits, but it's perhaps not surprising; a patronus is summoned from deep, powerful emotions, after all. It makes sense for a patronus to be an expression of character.