HRC Ravenclaw Common Room discussion

Hi All!

With the upcoming Patronus 5k, I am curious...What is your Patronus? How did you find out / decide? If you took a quiz, were you happy with / surprised by your result? What was your initial reaction to the concept of the Patronus in The Prisoner of Azkaban?

My Patronus is a rabbit (just like Luna!). I used the Buzzfeed patronus quiz. I was as first surprised (and a little disapointed) with my result, honestly having hope for something a little more fearsome like a wolf or and eagle, but I love that I was pegged as having similar traits to Luna.

When I first read the third book, I perceived the Patronus as something not only very powerful, but very representative of how people can chose to positively manage their fears. The concept of powerful magic derived from pure, happy memories to overcome creatures who literally suck the hope and joy from a person just seemed very poignant and applicable to real-life struggles.

I have tried a few online quizzes and have gotten either a rabbit or an otter. I don't really relate to either one strongly. I had heard that Pottermore might be coming up with an official patronus quiz, I guess I hope that will be more accurate. If I were guessing, I would think my patronus would be either a dog or a bird of some type.

My patronus is a wolf

I can't remember which quiz I took, but I got dog, and my immediate reaction was "oh yeah, of course".

I love the concept for the same reason as above (managing negative thoughts). The idea that you have to conjure up the happiest memory and feelings, not just ANY happy memory. It's desperately hard to do in the middle of a "dementor attack" but I've found it helpful sometimes.

My Patronus is a doe. It seems like any time I'm in need of some peace and reassurance, one shows up. Of course, I live in PA so it's not uncommon for deer to be wandering about. But I've always felt a way about them and I think that's what my Patronous would be.

Well, I really feel that my patronus is a Pegasus, despite JK's thoughts on fantasy creatures as patroni (?). I had an imaginary friend as a kid that was a Pegasus (named Merlin, coincidentally) and that's kind of what I feel emotionally attached to. I can't remember what the quizes give me but I feel like quizes have a VERY limited number of animals to choose from, so I feel they're not very accurate. At least for me anyway. I hope Pottermore has a big enough database to have more animals. I feel like everyone chooses from the same 10 animals. What if someone's patronus is a Rocky Mountain Prong-horned Antelope? Or a Pygmy goat? Or a Naked Mole-rat? How about a red panda? A Komodo dragon? I mean the quizes just don't cover all of the bases. Anyway, I will stop ranting

My Patronus is a dolphin. High energy when needed, smart, strong, attached mothers, adept at games.

Salli, I agree. Our "true" patronuses (which may be the same thing as a totem or spirit animal?) would probably have as much variation between each person as most other personality traits. I also feel like patronuses are shaped more by the setting and time of our happiest memories than by inherent characteristics; that would be near impossible to pin down for each person in a quiz.

I am undecided what my patronus would be. One possibility is the snow leopard, as I have always felt drawn to this cat for its illusive nature, and its love for pine forests, mountains, and snow - my favorite things in the world (along with books and animals, of course). Another is a raven, because I have always loved these incredibly smart birds, and they used to follow me occasionally growing up (I used to talk to one on my college campus, and it followed me to and from class regularly). Then there's a horse - my first horse, specifically - because if there was anything that could chase away the "dementors" that followed me as a teen, it was spending time with the horses. Or my dog, because she is my only and constant companion, and makes even my toughest days brighter. All of these animals could easily represent the town I grew up in, which is where most (if not all) of my happiest memories happened. Then again, perhaps it would be none of these and instead take the form of a different animal which would represent my old city.

This guy's my patronus. :)

I'm thinking mine would be a fox. Or perhaps my beagle- not just *any* beagle, but mine. Sammy (:

I took a quiz and my patronus was rabbit, which I felt was perfect for me, especially since all the quizzes say I am definitely a Ravenclaw.

Mine would be a Jack Russell.

My husband & I have always been well aware of our totems, so I wouldn't consider a quiz to be the final answer there. I think the totem would translate to a patronus. Clearly, mine is an elephant (smart, strong, if slow), and his is a turtle (you wouldn't think it if you met him, but yes). Before my son was born, we got an inordinate amount of stuff with frogs on it, so we feel either that or the squirrel is appropriate for him. Sister-girl is a kittycat 100%.

Salli wrote: "Well, I really feel that my patronus is a Pegasus, despite JK's thoughts on fantasy creatures as patroni (?). I had an imaginary friend as a kid that was a Pegasus (named Merlin, coincidentally) an..."
That's exactly what I thought... these quizzes are not varied enough to contain all that we could be. :)

When I take the quizzes, I never get the same thing. I believe though, my patronus would be a sea turtle. This animal shows attributes which I respect and admire:
• Symbol of the world, of the Earth
• Ability to stay grounded, even in moments of disturbances and chaos
• Slowing down, pacing yourself
• Determination, persistence
• Emotional strength and understanding
• Ancient wisdom

I haven't taken the quizzes. While I like them, I think they are limited to what patronuses were mentioned in the books or shown in the movies. Maybe they aren't - I'm not sure. So I think they are fun and probably appropriate for some people. I like to be difficult though.

I think mine would be a bear. A big strong grizzly bear. For a few reasons. When I think of some of my happiest moments, they involve me with my special people. Getting bear hugs from my grandpa when I was a young girl - and he always had a scratchy whisker face. Getting hugs from my husband, or giving my daughter bear hugs. Bears also to me represent love and loyalty to their families, when you think of how mamma bears are so protective to their young. I also think of soft cuddly teddy bears which make me happy, and little young bear cubs that like to roll around and play.

There's just something about a huge powerful animal that can also show a gracefulness and gentleness...

So yep - it's decided. My patronus is a bear.

My Patronus is a wombat. :) Friendly, furry, likes to play and snuggle - but has serious claws and can dig, run, and fight when needed!

Mines a Rabbit :)

I've taken a few quizzes, but I always get something different and I think they're limited in the options anyway. If I have to guess, it would be a close tie between an elephant and a weasel. Why? Elephants have been my favorite animal since before I was old enough to talk. They are intelligent, strong, and very caring about their families, and though they're not known for being aggressive, they don't back down from a fight. And weasels are another of my favorite animals. Despite the bad rap, they are really amazing little animals. People underestimate them, but they are fiercely protective of their young, and though small can take down animals many times their size. (Plus they're adorable.)

I feel like I am the only one that can't decide what my patronus would be. the quizzes just don't do it for me. :-/

My patronus would definitely be an Ocelot. :)

I changed my mind from a fox. It would be my beagle Sammy.