Expecto Patronum: Happy thought or happy memory?

Question

In the 3rd Harry Potter book (and the Prisoner of Azkaban), Lupin explained to Harry that he needed to think of a happy 'memory'.

but then how was he able to produce a successful Patronus during the Quidditch match when he saw what he thought was a Dementor, but was actually Malfoy and his thugs, especially since "He didn't stop to think." (Bloomsbury version p. 194)

and also in the 5th book (Order of the Phoenix), during his OWL exams, he also did a Patronus...but by ***imagining*** Umbridge being sacked, which isn't a memory but just a thought. (Bloomsbury version p. 787)

??? Did Lupin tell Harry to think of a happy memory in order to have a happy mind? And as long as Harry is thinking of something that is happy, thought OR memory, he is able to do a Patronus?

Answer 1

I think that Lupin telling Harry to focus on a happy memory was the best way to get Harry to get the workings of the spell "under his belt" so to speak. Then, after a lot of practice, Harry was able to use other positive thoughts to achieve the same result.



That's why practice (repetition) is so important. When you do something over and over again it becomes second nature. Not only do you improve as far as reaction time, accuracy, and speed, but you can potentially get to the point that you can do the activity on auto-pilot.

Answer 2

Remus told Harry to think of a happy memory whilst he was teaching him the spell. For what reason, I am not sure. It is harder to cast a Patronus at a real Dementor than people pretending to be Dementors, so that's why Harry was able to cast the spell so efficiently at the Quidditch match. It wasn't an actual Dementor. Then in OotP, he was able to cast his Patronus by just thinking of Ron and Hermione, who have provided him with loads of happy memories. Anyway, I honestly think that the Patronus can be cast by thinking of either happy memories or happy thoughts.

Answer 3

Well, neither.



In the book is a true manifestation of the parental love of the Harry's father.



Harry are capable to summon the energy of his father love, because he believes his father truly loves him.



It is more than mere happy thoughts or memories.

Answer 4

Not to be funny, but i think you should get something a little more meaningful for you first tattoo. I would go with the Peter Pan theme only because i think it would be cute on you. just know foot tats hurt like hell. make it "Faith, Trust, & Pixie dust" Put it on your wrist with little stars around it or a wand or something. Or do number three with a wand over the words and some stars since it's supposed to be a spell

Answer 5

i think either way, it'll work, because if u think a happy memory, then it kinda becomes a happy thought...so, i think as long as you have something happy to hink about the patronous will work...

Answer 6

I think you're splitting hairs here. I think that you have to think of something that makes you extremly happy.