Re-read: Patroneouses

[lightofdaye]

In an, not really successful, attempt to kick start my muses I've been re-reading the HP series and I am currently partway through Prisoner Of Azkaban. I'm currently at Harry's first Patroneous lesson. And Lupin had this to say on how to make Patronuses:

"with an incantation, which will work only if you are concentrating, with all your might, on a single, very happy memory'

Why is this significant? Well think about other times in later books when Harry produces a patroneus: In GoF, in the maze he thinks about celebrating the end of the tournament. At the start of OotP he thinks about gettng to see Ron and Hermione again. In his OWL he pictures Umbridge sacked.

And none of these are memories. They are happy thoughts, and hopes for the future. Looking forward, not back. imagine if I were less the science student and more versed in literary and thematic criticisms that would be very significant.

Comments

[torino10154]

One could argue that teaching the skill is different than performing it once you are able. However, it's more interesting to me that Remus likely *is* thinking of past happy memories (with Sirius et al, I'd wager) rather than hopeful, future thoughts while Harry can look forward, rather than back, to find his happiness.

[lightofdaye]

That's an interesting though. It's clear it is the happiness part that repels Dementors rather than the memory bit and it emphasises that Harry's past is not a nice place an not over flowing with happy memories.

That's a very good point about Remus, and of course it ties him back to Harry, and Sirius as well that going to Hogwarts and there time there is likely the happiest they ever are. (in Remus and Sirius' case sadly, Harry at least gets his happy ending)

[ely-baby.livejournal.com]

Is it me or your "patroneouses" have too many vowels? Isn't it "Patronus"? Or is that in Italian? Stupid translations..

But that's really interesting... especially the part where you're attempting to kick start your muses.. *\o/*

[lightofdaye]

It's 'Patronus' now I check the book. I took a wild stab at the spelling though. I think I used two different ones in that post.

Ha! Don't get too excited, it's not working very well. My mind is pretty blank for stories at the moment.

[ely-baby.livejournal.com]

I have the complete opposite problem. I was telling Tam right this afternoon, I have too many plot bunnies and don't know what I want to write first. Also, every time I sit there and think about writing, there's something else that comes up that prevents me from even opening a Word Doc and get started.

Alright, Daye, I really think you should write some next-gen incesty stuff.. Yes, yes.. some rare pairing maybe. Something that has never appeared anywhere. I still have some of your stories saved in my "Saved for Later" page, but hadn't find the time to read them yet. Still, I already want more.. xx

[lightofdaye]

*snort* i figured you'd be asking for a certain next gen cousincest pairing I have done before?

That's sad but at least you have the ideas for when you have the time. I wouldn't dare tell you want to right *cough*Dean/Parvatiinfidelity*cough*. I'm sure whatever you come up with will be great.

I should go back and find your interhouse fic though. Or look for long fics appearing at SC...

[ely-baby.livejournal.com]

Nope, nope, nope! I would never put you through that again! (Unless you'd do that willingly! LOL) Right now, I really want to read something with either Fred II or Roxanne.. They are so overlooked and there's almost nothing on the internet about them, and I think they have a lot of potential - honestly, they have access to a shop full of interesting tricks...

Hahahahahaha! Hmmm! Dean/Parvati is definitely on my to-write list.. but some (big surprise!) Hugo/Lily too.. After all, I've pestered everybody, I feel like I really want to write something more about them too. And there are others too, but I don't know where to start.

Urgh. Don't go anywhere near my Interhouse fic, and steer clear of long fics on SC.. Honestly, I swear. I'm saying that for you. :) Btw, I am trying to keep up with the entries, but it's difficult.. Soooo many, so little time during the day. Oh well, but some of them are really really good. :D x

[lightofdaye]

Lol Writing Hugo/Lily was not a horrendous ordeal you know. But they're not speaking to me right now.

I have been trying to get people to write James Sirius/Roxy for me for ages.

Ha! I've been trying to read SC but my fic is the only one I've made it through. *sigh*

[ely-baby.livejournal.com]

Hmm.. James/Roxy.. I like the sound of that! Don't give me ideas, though, because I don't think have much space left in my brain to let newborn plot bunnies hop here and there.

Writing Hugo/Lily is a delight, isn't it? ;P I'll virtually slap them until they start speaking to you!

Oh right now there are still two stories that I want to go back to read on SC, that long Hermione/Draco and your gift. But I need to find the time for those.

I'm off to bed, Daye. Have a lovely evening! xxx

[lightofdaye]

Sleep well! I'm heading off as well. Or I should be anyway.

[birdsofshore]

I was reading OOTP this evening with my son and got to that bit about Umbridge, and that really struck me, too! It was the first time I noticed Harry uses happy imaginings rather than memories.

[lightofdaye]

:) Yeah, says a lot about him. Not so many happy memories but still hopeful for the future. That I guess is heroism.

And I hope your son is enjoying it. :D