Hermione’s Patronus, an otter, is Rowling’s favourite animal. The otter is in the family Mustelidae, the same as the weasel, which is the origin of the surname Weasley. In addition, the Weasleys live in Ottery St. Catchpole, possibly foreshadowing Hermione’s marriage into the family.
(source)yet another reason j.k. rowling rules—otters are #2 on my favorite animals list, right after giraffes.
this is so freakin awesome