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Everything Wrong About Remus Lupin’s Patronus

    Remus Lupin is one of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter universe, especially for his thoughtful yet strong persona and truly fascinating back story. What makes his character easily remembered is that he was bitten by a werewolf when he was a child, thus infecting him with lycanthropy and turning him into a werewolf. Remus is a crucial character in the third installation of the Harry Potter universe, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, who taught Defense Against The Dark Arts at Hogwarts. He was later revealed to be one of Harry Potter’s parents' close friends and a confidant of Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black. Remus was the one who taught Harry how to cast a Patronus charm to fend himself from the Dementors, although he never cast a corporeal Patronus. It is then revealed in a Pottermore entry where it explicitly says that “Remus’s Patronus is never revealed in the Potter books, even though it is he who teaches Harry the difficult and unusual art of producing one. It is, in fact, a wolf – an ordinary wolf, and not a werewolf.”


    The Patronus is a type of powerful magic, a guardian that serves as a shield between the wizard and the Dementor. It is a positive force, a projection of things such as hope, happiness, and even the will to survive. There are two forms of the Patronus: corporeal and non-corporeal. One way to visualise a non-corporeal Patronus is as "a thin wisp of silver" that floats "like mist." In contrast, a corporeal Patronus is more than just smoke or vapour; it has a distinct form. The witch or wizard's ability to cast either a corporeal or non-corporeal Patronus is determined by their skills. Each patronus is customary to the witch or wizard who conjures it, yet at times a patronus may change.


    As stated before, Remus’ Patronus was a wolf, and even though wolves tend to be non-aggressive and family-oriented, he hated his form of Patronus. He finds everything wolfish as despicable, and when others are around, he often deliberately chooses to conjure a non-corporeal Patronus to hide it. Seeing his Patronus serves as a continual reminder of the agony and tragedy of his condition. When a wizard conjures a Patronus charm, they must focus on their happiest memory, so how would one feel when they saw their corporeal Patronus as something linked with the thing that racked them with pain every full moon? Alas, the writer is confused as to why Rowling would decide to have Remus’ Patronus as something he resents. 


    In addition to Remus’ own inflicted feelings, the Ministry did not even try to stop the prejudice against people who are infected by lycanthropy and instead shunned them from society. The Werewolf Registry in The Ministry of Magic was not properly maintained. Werewolves lived in self-described "packs" and made every effort not to undergo registration because they were so despised by wizarding society that they had little contact with other people. What is most horrifying is what Lyall Lupin—Remus’ father had said about werewolves. He described them as ‘soulless, evil, deserving nothing but death’. How the werewolves are treated in the wizarding community shows the impossibility of having Remus Lupin’s Patronus—a werewolf himself—as a wolf. How could someone who has been regarded as dangerous and has been feared by people all their life, have what supposedly is a projection of happiness, be the very thing they despise?


    Being able to cast a Patronus charm is a tremendous showcase of the advanced magic ability, therefore the writer believes an individual should not conceal their Patronus form despite it being their reminder of pain. Besides, Remus Lupin, as a character, is so much more than just a werewolf. He is a complex and conflicted character, yet loyal, playful, courageous, and loving. Many fans have made their fanons and reasons on what Remus’s Patronus could be. They used Rowling’s characterisation and a sprinkle of headcanons to identify an animal that would suit Remus’ corporeal Patronus form. This might create a more personal and unique depiction for fans, and perhaps a personal attachment to a character they love. The writer has scoured the internet to find headcanons regarding Remus’ Patronus and has taken to a liking for a thread on X (formerly Twitter) that explained why a bunny would be his Patronus. They aligned their headcanons with his life story and characterisation, creating an endearing explanation. This writer personally relishes the idea of having Remus’ Patronus as a dog; however, they would rather elaborate further on the reasons at another time.


    So, what do you think Remus Lupin’s Patronus form could be? And do you think Rowling made the correct decision to reveal his Patronus, creating discourses on whether it matches his backstory and characterisation? Well, all opinions are welcome for discussion, so the writer hopes we can explore the intriguing magic form of Patronus and the depth of Remus Lupin’s character.


1.  Lycanthropy was a magical illness known to be spread by contact between saliva and blood; thus, when a transformed werewolf bit a human, the bitten would become a werewolf themselves.

2.  Fanons often connect to fan fiction; ideas or events that are accepted by most fans, but were not actually in the original story.

3. Headcanon refers to something that a fan imagines to be true about a character even though no information supporting that belief is spelled out in the text.

Content Writer : Nadira Artika Pramadhani
Editor : Nailabila Salgrisia Ayoumi


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