If you want to really get to know someone in just a few seconds, there's only one question you need to ask them: "What's your patronus?" For Harry Potter fans, the answer means a lot. It goes deeper than what animal you think best represents you, or which species you relate to in some way — it's what animal is a stand-in for your happiest memories, that you would trust to protect you from a foreboding, dark beast threatening your very soul. So when I attended Universal Studios' "A Celebration of Harry Potter" event, I thought the best way to get to know fellow Harry Potter fans would be to find out what their patronuses are. To express themselves even further, I had everyone draw their chosen creatures.
Because unfortunately, we can't actually conjure a patronus by yelling "Expecto Patronum" and waving a wand in the muggle world. Instead, we have the crucial responsibility of choosing our own, and needless to say, it's a difficult decision. Luckily, the fans who attended "A Celebration of Harry Potter" not only understand the weight of this, but are more than willing to share this aspect of their identity with fellow Potterheads. And because I am a just, inclusive Hufflepuff, I made sure that all Hogwarts houses are represented. It's the only fair way to truly represent the fandom.
Below are 17 Harry Potter fans proudly showing their patronuses, and as you'll see, any dementors who may still roam the Earth should watch out.
McGonagall Would Be Proud
Slow & Steady
Cuddly, But Fierce
A Friend Of Lupin
Ready To Fight
A Magical Feline
"Sassy" Sea-Dweller
Dementors, Beware Of The Trunk
...And This Ferocious Ball Of Fur
Another Cat To Prevent The Kiss Of Death
Someone To Lend A Paw
Or Howl The Monsters Away
Some Patronuses Breathe Fire
While Others Stick To Water
Those Ears Will Block All Evil
This Patronus Prefers The Night Shift
And This One Will Hop You To Safety
Just like no two wands made by Ollivander are the same, every Harry Potter fan has a unique take on their patronus that reflects what makes them the witch or wizard they are.
Images: Warner Brothers; Samantha Rullo, Christine DiStasio/Bustle (17)
