Patronus Hopeful

October 8, 2013

Dear Professor Longbottom,

What is your Patronus, and when did you finally succeed at casting it?

Patronus Hopeful

Dear Hopeful,

Thank you for your question, but do you know something, I’ve never been able to create a fully corporeal Patronus. The Patronus Charm is a notoriously difficult spell, and my wand-work has always been passable at best. While I was at school, I was able to manage a sort of silvery orb. It wouldn’t fend off any Dementors, but it still gave off a feeling of peace and helped me get through my seventh year. After Harry defeated Voldemort and the Dementors were put under even stricter control, there was never much need to practice. I didn’t attempt a Patronus again until quite recently, after my son was born, which turned out better. I didn’t manage a fully formed Patronus, but it was rather small and boxy. Hannah thought it looked like a tortoise. I thought it looked like a Snargaluff pod.

Will I ever manage a true Patronus? I don’t know, but I’ll keep on. Hannah’s is strong enough for two (hers is a rabbit, in case you were wondering) and it’s a treat for calming a cranky child. She likes to send me little messages with it whilst I’m away at school; I’d like to be able to return the favour someday.

Thanks for asking!
Neville