Throughout the Harry Potter series we see many different animals, some real, some myths and some created by JKR. These animals take many different forms, and are often tied to characters in various ways. This section explores what each animal represents, and the possible implications for the characters that they are tied to.

Animagi
An Animagus is a witch or wizard, who has the ability to transfigure into an animal at will, while retaining their own human mental capacity. Animagi were first introduced in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and have played a major role in Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix. An Animagus’ physical condition as an animal reflects his or her physical condition in human shape, and the form which the Animagus becomes is not chosen by the witch or wizard rather, it is believed to reflect one’s character. The known Animagi in the series include:

• Sirius Black – Large dog with black fur
  The dog symbolizes many things including guidance, protection, loyalty, faithfulness, watchfulness and the hunt. In Native American Cultures the dog represents protection and loyalty. Also the dog is one of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac, here meaning loyal, steadfast, persistent in adversity and sensitive to feelings. Sirius’s nickname Padfoot refers to his Animagus form, a black dog, presumably named because as a dog he has pads on his feet. It is likely that Jo took this name from a Padfoot of Yorkshire folklore, which was a black dog the size of a calf that haunted lonely roads. In relation to Sirius Black it is easy to understand characteristics such as guidance, protection, loyalty, faithfulness and watchfulness. As Harry’s godfather Sirius has done what he can to protect Harry, and has attempted to provide guidance. As James’s best friend Sirius was also protective, and one can liken the incident in Snape’s Worst Memory to ‘the hunt’. This fierce loyalty to Harry is what led to him to the Department of Mysteries. Despite his best intentions Sirius was known to act rashly, and this lead to his ultimate demise.
  
  
• Minerva McGonagall - Tabby cat with spectacle markings around her eyes
  The cat symbolizes guardianship, detachment, sensuality, stealth, desire, liberty, pleasure, magic, lust, pride, vanity, independence, protection, magic, balance, wisdom, self-assurance and searching. A more than suitable character for Head of the Gryffindor house, the cat in heraldry also symbolizes courage.
  
  
• Peter Pettigrew – Rat with one toe missing
  The rat stands for many different things, depending on the culture. Generally, however, it stands for filth, deceit and betrayal. In the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac the rat symbolizes intelligence, enterprising, has devotion to purpose, but can be devious and scheming at times.
  It is easy to see why the rat was chosen for Peter Pettigrew, as he must hold some level of intelligence, be enterprising and hold devotion to carry out the tasks he has for Lord Voldemort. Making the leap to where he has been devious and scheming is not hard. His deceit and betrayal of Lily and James is typical of the character of the rat.
  
  
• James Potter – Stag
  The stag represents pride, independence, boldness, bravery and purification. We do not know a lot about James Potter’s character, however we do know he was well known for his bravery, boldness independence and pride, or as Severus Snape would put it, arrogance. James was a typical Gryffindor, and his animagus form shadows this.
  
  
• Rita Skeeter - Beetle with spectacle markings around her antennae
  The beetle symbolizes resurrection, metamorphosis, which could be significant of Rita’s change from Goblet of Fire to Order of the Phoenix. It is however likely, that a beetle just fit in well with the plot line of ‘bugging’.
  
  
• Remus Lupin – Werewolf
  Whilst not an Animagus, the wolf is nonetheless an apt description of Remus Lupin. The wolf is often linked to learning, wisdom and the teacher. It can also symbolize loyalty, success, perseverance, stability, thought, intuition, and the shadow. This is naturally suitable for Lupin, who has taken on the role as teacher to Harry, and is also a mentor for the trio. Remus is also able to bring stability and a great deal of thought and intuition to the Order.

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Boggarts
Boggarts assume the shape of what will fear a person most. This is sometimes a person, or a situation, and can often be an animal. Listed below is an analysis of the meanings of these particular creatures being what these characters fear the most.

• Ron Weasley - A Spider
  A spider is a symbol of creative patterns of life, connects the past with the future, creating possibilities. This may mean Ron fears being connected with the past or future (divination anyone?). A more likely explanation is that JKR has simply placed a little bit of herself in this character, as she has admitted that she fears spiders herself.
  
  
• Pavarti Patil - A mummy
  Meaning resurrection and renewal, a mummy is also a common childhood fear.
  
  
• Seamus Finnegan - A banshee
  The banshee is an old Irish myth, and is therefore particularly fitting for Seamus. It is believed that the banshee’s scream would bring death to members of her clan, and the banshee often attacks those who are grieving. It has also been believed that banshees were once witches.
  It is hard to determine what this means for Seamus. He obviously fears his family dying, but whether this fear is based on the past or the future we do not know.

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Patronus
A Patronus is a silvery-white creature created using the Patronus charm (Expecto Patronum). It is used to defend against Dementors and Leithifolds. In order to conjure a Patronus one must concentrate on extremely happy thoughts. The known Patronus forms are:

• Cho Chang – Swan
  A swan can symbolize grace, balance, innocence, faithfulness, solitude, retreat, poetry, sincerity. These traits all fit the Cho we first met, and she does demonstrate faithfulness to Cedric’s memory. Overall these are fitting characteristics for Harry’s first girlfriend.
  
  
• Hermione Granger – Otter
  The otter is receptive, playful, and free of jealousy and can symbolize laughter, curiosity, mischievous, feminine power, grace, empathy, joy, play, helpfulness. Naturally feminine power, grace, empathy, curiosity and helpfulness are all traits Hermione demonstrates in the extreme. Perhaps it is a slight prodding that Hermione also needs to laugh and enjoy life a little more. JKR has also stated that Hermione’s Patronus is an otter because she likes otters and sees herself in Hermione.
  
  
• Harry Potter – Stag
  Harry’s Patronus is a stag because his father’s animagus was one. His Patronus is a representation of James within Harry, and the mutual traits they demonstrate, namely pride, independence, boldness, bravery and purification.

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Pets

Owls
The owl is the messenger in many mythologies and JKR has stated that owls play such a major role in Harry potter because they are often linked to magic. They also signify wit, magic, truth and just about anything magical. In fact the Latin name of the owl mostly begins with "strix", which means "witch" as well. Several characters have an owl as their familiar, and the differences between them represent their owners.

• Draco Malfoy – Eagle Owl
  It is typical of the Malfoys to own the largest owl possible, as they exploit any opportunity to show off their wealth.
  
  
• Harry Potter – Snowy Owl
  The link between white and purity here is obvious. In addition to this Hedwig is the only Snowy owl at Hogwarts, she is different to everyone else, just like her owner.
  
  
• Ron Weasley – Owl
  Pigwidgeon is small, in contrast to Draco and Harry’s owl, and extremely excitable, like his owner at times.
  
  
• Weasley Family – Owl
  Errol, like everything else the Weasley family owls, is old and overused, yet well loved.
  
  
• Percy Weasley – Owl
  Hermes was Percy’s gift for becoming a prefect, and from what we have seen he is also pompous, like his owner. After being named for the gods what can one expect?
  
  
• Hermione Granger – part-Kneazle, part cat
  Crookshanks, being a kneazle is like a cat in most senses, however one of the most prominent differences is its above average intelligence, most fitting for Hermione’s familiar. In addition the following traits which are symbolic of cats are also very apt when describing Hermione: guardianship, liberty, magic, pride, independence, protection, magic, balance, wisdom, self-assurance and searching.
  
  
• Neville Longbottom – Toad
  Toads are often symbols of longevity, transformations, prophecies and seeing into to future. This is all very relevant concerning Neville and the prophecy. Also one cannot forget the traditional literary significance of the toad transforming into a prince.
  
  
• Percy/Ron Weasley - Rat
  The significance here is not completely clear. It is well known that Scabbers was simply Pettigrew in disguise, so was there something particularly sinister about Percy and/or Ron that led Scabbers to them, or was it merely a coincidence.
  
  
• Rubeus Hagrid – Boarhound The boarhound symbolizes protection, bravery, fights to the death, loyalty, faithfulness and watchfulness. This is also very fitting as Hagrid’s role within the series is one of a protector and guide. Like Hagrid, Fang’s appearance is deceiving. Initially seeming intimidating, Harry soon learns he is somewhat of a coward, and is gentle at heart. Fang does however, demonstrate bravery and fierce loyalty to Hagrid in his attempts to defend him against Umbridge and her fellow assailants.
  
  
• Albus Dumbledore – Phoenix
  The Phoenix symbolizes rebirth, regeneration, purity, light and transformation. In legend, when the Phoenix got old, it built a pyre and set itself aflame. From the ashes of the fire, a new Phoenix was born. This is fitting for not only Fawkes, as a bringer of hope for Harry, but also for Dumbledore, as many see him as a symbol of purity and light.
  
  
• Argus Filch – Cat
  Mrs. Norris prowls the corridors of Hogwarts, ever on the lookout for miscreants and mischief-makers. Here it is likely that the cat symbolizes stealth and searching, as well as protection and guardianship, of Filch and the students.
  
  
• Lord Voldemort – Snake
  Nagini is well known for protecting her master. When faced with an enemy, she will strike, and occasionally devour them. Snakes represent transition, in shedding the skin. Lord Voldemort is well-known for his transitions as he descended into the dark arts. The snake is also known for its malice and as the destroyer.

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The Four Houses
The names of the four houses and the colours which represent them obviously carry great meaning. Here, however, we look at the mascot of each house, and what these mascots symbolize.

• Gryffindor – Lion
  The lion symbolizes courage to make the right choices, pride, nobility, cunning, just laws, fairness, the sun, splendour, power, majesty and strength. The lion also symbolizes the astrological sign of Leo, which rules the heart, personal authority, leadership, achievement and success.
  
  
• Hufflepuff – Badger
  The badger symbolizes aggressiveness, passion, drive, supernatural power, mischief, playfulness, wisdom and caring. A badger puts up with all kinds of situations, living well in the countryside, coping with roads, adapting to the intrusion of mankind. A badger is not hunted, and is not seen as a pest. The badger is also tough, resilient, and determined.
  
  
• Ravenclaw – Eagle
  The eagle represents passion, creativity, spirituality, strength, healing, air (the elemental symbol of learning), power in battle, protection from evil, clear vision, success, prosperity, wealth, intelligence, renewal and courage.
  
  
• Slytherin - Serpent
  Serpents and dragons symbolize trouble, cunning and wisdom. The serpent also symbolizes poison, the destroyer, deception, hidden strength, death and malice yet at the same time life, the preserver, rebirth, resurrection, passion, healing and fertility.

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Other

Severus Snape – Bat
The amount of references to bats regarding Severus Snape has not gone unnoticed by fans, with some speculating he is an Animagus, some still going as far as to suggest he is a vampire. No matter the truth, the bat can symbolize many things. Often considered a sign of upcoming death or bad omen, the bat symbolizes the guardian of the night, the cleaner, obscurity, a messenger, double nature, happiness, good luck, longevity and peace as well as hypocrisy, melancholy, revenge and wisdom. All of which, save perhaps happiness, are very fitting for Snape.

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