Expecto Patronum is an essential defence spell in the Harry Potter universe. When successfully cast, a full-bodied Patronus will appear in the form of a silver animal. Each animal is unique to the witch or wizard who conjures it, which means that the animal often has a personalized meaning to the conjurer. For example, Harry’s stag Patronus reflects his spiritual bond with his father, whilst Sirius’ dog Patronus signifies his Animagus form. The animal which appears can reveal an awful lot about a character, often unearthing their fundamental personality traits.
Ginny Weasley is a hugely significant character within the Harry Potter franchise. Although her character is explored more in the books, she is far from just being Harry’s love interest – something which her Patronus reveals. But what actually is Ginny’s Patronus, and what does it say about her character?
When do we first see Ginny’s Patronus?
Ginny’s Patronus is first seen during the 2007 movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. In a memorable scene, Harry teaches Dumbledore’s Army how to cast a Patronus. Although the movie underestimates Ginny’s contribution to the DA, in Order of the Phoenix’s book, Ginny is a devoted member and is incredibly passionate about the DA – rekindling the organization when Harry, Ron, and Hermione were away hunting Horcruxes. Ginny even coined the name ‘Dumbledore’s Army’ for the group, believing it to be a humorous dig at the Ministry of Magic who feared the prospect of Dumbledore creating his own army. Ginny’s active involvement in the DA would explain why she was so eager to learn the Patronus charm. Interestingly, the books never mention Ginny’s Patronus, so this is an interesting addition to Order of the Phoenix’s film.
As Harry Potter fans will know, the Patronus charm is incredibly complex and requires an exceptional amount of concentration. In order to conjure a full-bodied Patronus, one must concentrate on a happy memory, even when in a dangerous situation. Because of the spell’s difficulty, only a few members of the DA are able to conjure a full-bodied Patronus, including Ron, Hermione, Luna, and Ginny. Throughout the lesson, Harry keeps reminding the DA of the spell’s complexity, saying that: “A full bodied-Patronus is the most difficult to produce”. Significantly, Ginny is the first member of the DA who is able to cast a full-bodied Patronus – even Hermione struggles with the spell. After successfully conjuring the charm, Ginny’s Patronus appears in the form of a horse – but what does this reveal about her character?
What does Ginny’s Patronus reveal about her character?
Horses are extremely intelligent creatures – a trait that Ginny also possesses. Ginny’s ability to cast a full-bodied Patronus with accuracy is a testament to her intelligence. She also masters this charm exceptionally quickly, becoming the first member of the DA to conjure a Patronus – besides Harry, of course. It’s also important to recognize that Ginny was a year younger than most of the DA's members, meaning that she was only fourteen when she was able to successfully cast the Patronus charm – truly evidencing her magical abilities. In the same film, Ginny’s peers are astounded by her powerful Reductor Curse, showcasing her natural wizarding talent.
However, horses are often undermined for their intelligence – much like Ginny. Besides these two scenes, the movies largely gloss over Ginny’s wizarding abilities, instead placing emphasis on Hermione in this respect. The books, however, heavily focus on Ginny’s intelligence. Throughout the series, Ginny proves herself to be an exceptionally talented witch, and is able to master challenging spells at a young age. The character’s wizarding talent is what places her in Horace Slughorn’s radar, as he invites Ginny to join the elite Slug Club after witnessing her perform the complex Bat-Bogey Hex. Whilst these details would’ve been a nice addition to the movies, Ginny’s horse Patronus serves as a symbol of her intelligence – despite often being underestimated.
Horses are known for being loyal and sociable creatures, linking Ginny’s Patronus to her Hogwarts house. Gryffindors are valued for their loyalty and sense of community -something which Ginny embodies. Throughout the series, Ginny maintains a large circle of friends, causing Ron to bitterly call Ginny “too popular for own good”. She is a kind and devoted friend, and her loyalty never once falters – as seen through her 5-year-long crush on Harry. Horses are also strong and courageous creatures and are often associated with battles. In true Gryffindor fashion, Ginny consistently proved her bravery and would never shy away from danger. Throughout the series, she fought bravely against the Death Eaters and participated in the Battle of Hogwarts, narrowly avoiding death. Ginny’s Patronus is a symbol of her strength and courage on the battlefield.
Arguably, Ginny’s Patronus is more representative of her character in the books, as opposed to her on-screen persona. Ginny is woefully neglected from the majority of the movies’ narrative and is often perceived merely as Harry’s love interest. In the books, however, Ginny is an independent and powerful young woman. Famously, horses won’t let anything stand in their way, much like Ginny. She refuses to live in the shadow of her older brothers and becomes a Quidditch star whilst at Hogwarts – despite her brothers taunting her for participating in ‘a boy’s sport’.
Horses are determined creatures, and often despise being told what to do. Ginny embodies these traits during the Battle of Hogwarts. During the Deathly Hallows’ book, she is told she cannot participate in the battle because she is too young. Harry tells her that it’s unsafe and tries to convince Ginny to go back home. However, Ginny refuses to accept this and sneaks back into the action, showing that she is a force to be reckoned with. When Ginny conjures her Patronus, the horse gallops around the room – grabbing everyone’s attention. Horses are known for taking their own path – a trait which Ginny represents throughout the books. Fans have also speculated whether Ginny’s Patronus links her to another significant character in the franchise.
How is Ginny’s Patronus linked to Harry Potter?
Throughout the franchise, romantic partners are often connected via their Patronuses. Famously, Harry’s father’s Patronus was a stag, whilst his mother’s was a doe. This trend is replicated in Ginny’s romance with Harry. When Harry first sees his stag Patronus in Prisoner of Azkaban, he mistakes the creature for a horse. Significantly, Ginny’s horse Patronus romantically connects the two characters.
Fans have often wondered whether Ginny’s Patronus transformed into a doe after marrying Harry. If so, the pair’s Patronuses would parallel James and Lily’s stag and doe Patronuses. In the Harry Potter universe, Patronuses can transform due to strong emotion. For example, Nymphadora Tonks’ Patronus was originally a jackrabbit, but this transformed into a wolf after she fell in love with Remus Lupin – complimenting his werewolf form. However, because Ginny is such an independent spirit in the books, it’s unlikely that her Patronus would ever change. Ultimately, Ginny’s horse Patronus is the perfect fit for such a courageous, intelligent, and strong-willed character.