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| Neville Longbottom |
Neville’s character development can be sifted into three
categories:
categories:
1) Mr. Shy Boy
2) The Revelation
3) Coming into his own
2) The Revelation
3) Coming into his own
The possible fourth would be the subsequent abandonment of his
character in Book 6, after the build up and growth in Order of the
Phoenix.
character in Book 6, after the build up and growth in Order of the
Phoenix.
Here we see Neville as a shy, timid boy
who keeps mostly to himself. He’s
somewhat hapless, though likeable and
prone to accidents. Magic doesn’t come
easily to him; he has to work at it. This
is mostly attributed to a lack of
confidence. (We’ll hit on that more later
on.)
who keeps mostly to himself. He’s
somewhat hapless, though likeable and
prone to accidents. Magic doesn’t come
easily to him; he has to work at it. This
is mostly attributed to a lack of
confidence. (We’ll hit on that more later
on.)
| Stage 1: Mr. Shy Boy Books 1 – 3 |
His first and most steadfast friend
appears to be Hermione Granger. They
apparently met on the train ride to
Hogwarts.
Neville lost his toad and Hermione was
the only person willing to help him look
for it. She is still the only one who
continuously helps him in potions when
Snape rears his greasy head.
appears to be Hermione Granger. They
apparently met on the train ride to
Hogwarts.
Neville lost his toad and Hermione was
the only person willing to help him look
for it. She is still the only one who
continuously helps him in potions when
Snape rears his greasy head.
Poor, little, unsuspecting Neville sure does facilitate a lot in
the first book. He’s virtually a non-entity in terms of page time,
but when you look at it there’s much more to him. He’s the
harbinger of fate in a way.
Trevor the toad causes Hermione to meet Harry and Ron, forging a
lifelong friendship. What would have happened if Trevor hadn’t
gotten away from Neville?
He doesn’t have a good memory, thus he receives a Remembrall from
his Gran. His stolen Remembrall lands Harry a seat on the House
Quidditch team.
Exhibit C, your honor: The last minute points. Throughout the
first book, Neville gets bullied and picked on, primarily by
Malfoy. The Trio comes to his defense most of the time. Ron tells
Neville he should learn to stand up for himself.
the first book. He’s virtually a non-entity in terms of page time,
but when you look at it there’s much more to him. He’s the
harbinger of fate in a way.
Trevor the toad causes Hermione to meet Harry and Ron, forging a
lifelong friendship. What would have happened if Trevor hadn’t
gotten away from Neville?
He doesn’t have a good memory, thus he receives a Remembrall from
his Gran. His stolen Remembrall lands Harry a seat on the House
Quidditch team.
Exhibit C, your honor: The last minute points. Throughout the
first book, Neville gets bullied and picked on, primarily by
Malfoy. The Trio comes to his defense most of the time. Ron tells
Neville he should learn to stand up for himself.
We get to see that there is more to Neville when he does finally
make a stand at the end of the book.
He stands up to the Trio, against his friends...two of whom
Neville nearly hero-worships (Harry, for being Harry Freakin’
Potter and Hermione, for being...well, Hermione...she saves his
arse in class when no one else will take a risk on him).
Some, including Dumbledore, think that it is a much harder thing
to do to stand up against friends then against someone you don’t
care about.
Because of his strength of character in the eleventh hour, Neville
earns the house points that were hanging in the balance for
Gryffindor to swing a victory over Slytherin breaking a long
winning streak for the snakes.
make a stand at the end of the book.
He stands up to the Trio, against his friends...two of whom
Neville nearly hero-worships (Harry, for being Harry Freakin’
Potter and Hermione, for being...well, Hermione...she saves his
arse in class when no one else will take a risk on him).
Some, including Dumbledore, think that it is a much harder thing
to do to stand up against friends then against someone you don’t
care about.
Because of his strength of character in the eleventh hour, Neville
earns the house points that were hanging in the balance for
Gryffindor to swing a victory over Slytherin breaking a long
winning streak for the snakes.
And then not much of him for another two novels. In Book 2, we
have more of the same. Neville thinks the Heir of Slytherin will
target him because he’s “almost a squib”.
In Prisoner of Azkaban, more Mr. Shy and Bumbling. He’s used as a
device when he loses the slip with all the password’s written on
it allowing Sirius to get into the Tower.
have more of the same. Neville thinks the Heir of Slytherin will
target him because he’s “almost a squib”.
In Prisoner of Azkaban, more Mr. Shy and Bumbling. He’s used as a
device when he loses the slip with all the password’s written on
it allowing Sirius to get into the Tower.
“I made him tell me what passwords he was going
to use this week, because he keeps changing
them, and now I don’t know what
I’ve done with them.”
to use this week, because he keeps changing
them, and now I don’t know what
I’ve done with them.”
| Philosopher’s Stone Chapter 12 |
He’s used as a tool, a contrivance to carry out some necessary
function, nothing more. We don’t really get to see further into
the depths of Neville until Book 4. . .
function, nothing more. We don’t really get to see further into
the depths of Neville until Book 4. . .
| Stage 2: Revelation Book 4 |
Neville’s been a steady but quiet presence, flying just under the
radar. We, with Harry, discover the truth of his parents in the
fourth book.
radar. We, with Harry, discover the truth of his parents in the
fourth book.
“As Harry took off his glasses and climbed into
his four-poster, he imagined how it must feel
to have parents still living but unable to
recognize you. He often got sympathy from
strangers for being an orphan, but as he
listened to Neville’s snores, he thought that
Neville deserved it more than he did.”
his four-poster, he imagined how it must feel
to have parents still living but unable to
recognize you. He often got sympathy from
strangers for being an orphan, but as he
listened to Neville’s snores, he thought that
Neville deserved it more than he did.”
| Goblet of Fire Chapter 31 |
Even the imposter Moody takes special attention to Neville after
his reaction to the Cruciatus Curse during the Defense lesson.
I’m not sure what Barty Crouch Jr. was after taking a special
interest in Neville - because he felt bad about his fellow Death
Eaters attacking the wrong pureblooded family...I somehow doubt it
was remorse.
It is with this revelation of backstory that we finally begin to
understand a few things about Neville. It’s like the door was
opened on him and we were able to steal our first peek.
his reaction to the Cruciatus Curse during the Defense lesson.
I’m not sure what Barty Crouch Jr. was after taking a special
interest in Neville - because he felt bad about his fellow Death
Eaters attacking the wrong pureblooded family...I somehow doubt it
was remorse.
It is with this revelation of backstory that we finally begin to
understand a few things about Neville. It’s like the door was
opened on him and we were able to steal our first peek.
This revelation explains a whole lot about Neville.
Let’s talk about the lack of confidence that plagues
our poor Neville.
Neville was raised by his grandmother who constantly
compared him to his father and he was never good
enough. The entire family was afraid he might be a
squib. He still uses Frank’s wand until the end of
5th year after it breaks in the Department of
Mysteries.
I believe all of these things contribute to Neville
truly believing himself unworthy, inferior.
Let’s talk about the lack of confidence that plagues
our poor Neville.
Neville was raised by his grandmother who constantly
compared him to his father and he was never good
enough. The entire family was afraid he might be a
squib. He still uses Frank’s wand until the end of
5th year after it breaks in the Department of
Mysteries.
I believe all of these things contribute to Neville
truly believing himself unworthy, inferior.
His lack of confidence stems from his childhood. He
never had parents he could turn to for a pep talk. I
expect seeing his parents like that and knowing they
ended up like that trying to protect him
didn’t help.
never had parents he could turn to for a pep talk. I
expect seeing his parents like that and knowing they
ended up like that trying to protect him
didn’t help.
Nor did his overbearing Gran who always found Neville lacking and
unworthy of the sacrifice her son made.
No matter what Neville said or did, he was no where near as great
as his father was in the eyes of his grandmother. She always found
him lacking and never held back in her criticisms of young Neville.
unworthy of the sacrifice her son made.
No matter what Neville said or did, he was no where near as great
as his father was in the eyes of his grandmother. She always found
him lacking and never held back in her criticisms of young Neville.
“Gran’s always telling Professor Marchbanks
I’m not as good as my dad...”
I’m not as good as my dad...”
| Order of the Phoenix Chapter 31 |
It’s not even just her. The entire family thought he was a squib
and tried to force magic out of him.
and tried to force magic out of him.
“Great-uncle Algie came round for tea and he was
hanging me out of an upstairs window by the
ankles when my great-auntie Enid offered him a
meringue and he accidentally let go. But I
bounced...Gran was crying, she was so happy.”
hanging me out of an upstairs window by the
ankles when my great-auntie Enid offered him a
meringue and he accidentally let go. But I
bounced...Gran was crying, she was so happy.”
| Philosopher’s Stone Chapter 7 |
This fear from his family that he wouldn’t live up and the “proof”
his grandmother sees and comments on at every opportunity has
convinced Neville that they’re right and he’s worthless.
his grandmother sees and comments on at every opportunity has
convinced Neville that they’re right and he’s worthless.
“They went for Filch first,” Neville said, his
round face fearful, “and everyone knows
I’m almost a Squib.”
round face fearful, “and everyone knows
I’m almost a Squib.”
| Chamber of Secrets Chapter 11 |
This low self-esteem persists even into the beginning of 5th year.
Luna asks him who he is; he quickly states that he is “no one.”
Add the constant bullying of not only the other kids, but the
intimidation and outright verbal abuse of Professor Snape.
Luna asks him who he is; he quickly states that he is “no one.”
Add the constant bullying of not only the other kids, but the
intimidation and outright verbal abuse of Professor Snape.
- “Tell me, boy, does anything penetrate
do to make you understand, Longbottom?”
- Neville was pink and trembling. It
tears...Snape moved away, leaving Neville
breathless with fear.
- “Help me!” he moaned to Hermione.
| Prisoner of Azkaban Chapter 7 |
He uses Frank Longbottom’s wand throughout the books. This can
actually be detrimental to his performance. It was stated that the
wand is particular to the wizard and for best results one should
always use one’s own.
Professor McGonagall knows, and even points out to the class, that
it isn’t lack of knowledge or ability that hurts Neville,
it’s his lack of confidence.
actually be detrimental to his performance. It was stated that the
wand is particular to the wizard and for best results one should
always use one’s own.
Professor McGonagall knows, and even points out to the class, that
it isn’t lack of knowledge or ability that hurts Neville,
it’s his lack of confidence.
“Yes, you too, Longbottom,” said Professor
McGonagall, “There’s nothing wrong with your
work except lack of confidence.”
McGonagall, “There’s nothing wrong with your
work except lack of confidence.”
| Order of the Phoenix Chapter 13 |
The discovery of his parents’ fate is just part one of the
revelation...we don’t get the other half until Book 5, after
Neville has started to come into his own.
The Revelation Part II of course is when Dumbledore drops the
bombshell of the prophesy. Not only does Harry assume it meant
him, we all did. Then to have it revealed that it could have also
meant Neville shocks you when you think you can’t be shocked
anymore.
revelation...we don’t get the other half until Book 5, after
Neville has started to come into his own.
The Revelation Part II of course is when Dumbledore drops the
bombshell of the prophesy. Not only does Harry assume it meant
him, we all did. Then to have it revealed that it could have also
meant Neville shocks you when you think you can’t be shocked
anymore.
“The odd thing is, Harry,” he said softly,
“that it may not have meant you at all.
Sybill’s prophesy could have applied to two
wizard boys, born at the end of July that year,
both of whom had parents in the Order of the
Phoenix, both sets of parents having narrowly
escaped Voldemort three times. One, of course
was you. The other was Neville Longbottom.”
“that it may not have meant you at all.
Sybill’s prophesy could have applied to two
wizard boys, born at the end of July that year,
both of whom had parents in the Order of the
Phoenix, both sets of parents having narrowly
escaped Voldemort three times. One, of course
was you. The other was Neville Longbottom.”
| Order of the Phoenix Chapter 37 |
This zinger comes at the end of Book 5, and I thought surely there
will be more to it in the next book. Clearly, I was out of my
mind. Why drop a bombshell and make use of it? Obviously, you
throw out huge honking ideas and then drop them entirely along
with the characters they involve. But let’s not talk about the
book from hell...I mean, book six, just yet.
I think it’s significant that all of this could have been Neville.
This story could have been Neville Longbottom and the Philosopher’
s Stone.
The prophesy could mean either of two families and at that point
the only way to tell them apart was through
Voldemort’s own choice.
And we see he chose the fellow half-blood, like himself, but even
his followers thought it would be the Longbottoms. Bellatrix
personally tortured the Longbottoms to insanity to discover what
they did with Voldemort.
Though the question arises of just how the Lestrange’s found the
Longbottoms. The Potter’s were hidden under a Fidelius Charm and
it took a major betrayal to reveal their location to allow
Voldemort to find them.
Were the Longbottom’s not in hiding?
Surely, Dumbledore would have warned both families he thought were
in danger. So how could Death Eaters get at them and not at the
Potters?
Anyway, back on topic...
will be more to it in the next book. Clearly, I was out of my
mind. Why drop a bombshell and make use of it? Obviously, you
throw out huge honking ideas and then drop them entirely along
with the characters they involve. But let’s not talk about the
book from hell...I mean, book six, just yet.
I think it’s significant that all of this could have been Neville.
This story could have been Neville Longbottom and the Philosopher’
s Stone.
The prophesy could mean either of two families and at that point
the only way to tell them apart was through
Voldemort’s own choice.
And we see he chose the fellow half-blood, like himself, but even
his followers thought it would be the Longbottoms. Bellatrix
personally tortured the Longbottoms to insanity to discover what
they did with Voldemort.
Though the question arises of just how the Lestrange’s found the
Longbottoms. The Potter’s were hidden under a Fidelius Charm and
it took a major betrayal to reveal their location to allow
Voldemort to find them.
Were the Longbottom’s not in hiding?
Surely, Dumbledore would have warned both families he thought were
in danger. So how could Death Eaters get at them and not at the
Potters?
Anyway, back on topic...
We realize with part two of the
revelation that is Neville Longbottom
that there is much more to the bumbling,
shy, toad-loving little boy we’ve all but
ignored up until now.
We realize that his role is much more
important or at least will be of much
more importance in the coming war.
revelation that is Neville Longbottom
that there is much more to the bumbling,
shy, toad-loving little boy we’ve all but
ignored up until now.
We realize that his role is much more
important or at least will be of much
more importance in the coming war.
| Stage 3 Coming into his Own Book 5 |
The revelation marks a giant step in Neville’s development as a
character. Then again we see a great leap in Book 5 when he joins
Dumbledore’s Army, stands up with Harry when everyone else thinks
he’s crazy, and takes exception to learning defensive magic after
the mass break out at Azkaban.
When Harry first arrives at school, the other kids think he’s
crazy because they’ve been reading the Daily Prophet over the
summer break.
Lavender questions Harry’s story, which prompts Hermione to tell
her to “shut her fat mouth.” Meanwhile, Seamus starts an argument
with Harry in the boys’ dorm.
Ron comes in and threatens to use his new position as Prefect
against Seamus. But it is Neville who brings an end to the debate.
character. Then again we see a great leap in Book 5 when he joins
Dumbledore’s Army, stands up with Harry when everyone else thinks
he’s crazy, and takes exception to learning defensive magic after
the mass break out at Azkaban.
When Harry first arrives at school, the other kids think he’s
crazy because they’ve been reading the Daily Prophet over the
summer break.
Lavender questions Harry’s story, which prompts Hermione to tell
her to “shut her fat mouth.” Meanwhile, Seamus starts an argument
with Harry in the boys’ dorm.
Ron comes in and threatens to use his new position as Prefect
against Seamus. But it is Neville who brings an end to the debate.
“My gran says that’s rubbish,” piped up
Neville. “She says it’s the Daily Prophet
that’s going downhill, not Dumbledore. She’s
cancelled our subscription. We believe Harry,”
he said simply.
Neville. “She says it’s the Daily Prophet
that’s going downhill, not Dumbledore. She’s
cancelled our subscription. We believe Harry,”
he said simply.
| Order of the Phoenix Chapter 11 |
He spoke up for himself in front of his friends yet again, and
effectively ended a heated argument before it came to blows.
Tensions run high in fifth year, and it’s not just Harry. The
start of the second war is fast approaching and those who would
continue to live in denial fear the truth so much they push it
and those who speak it away. Neville, timid though he is, stands
his ground even if it’s not the popular opinion.
Not only has Neville learned to stand up for himself, but he’s
also standing up for other people. Here, he stands up for Harry
against harsh criticism.
Later, when Malfoy makes a joke about St. Mungo’s, Neville takes
offense and jumps to action.
effectively ended a heated argument before it came to blows.
Tensions run high in fifth year, and it’s not just Harry. The
start of the second war is fast approaching and those who would
continue to live in denial fear the truth so much they push it
and those who speak it away. Neville, timid though he is, stands
his ground even if it’s not the popular opinion.
Not only has Neville learned to stand up for himself, but he’s
also standing up for other people. Here, he stands up for Harry
against harsh criticism.
Later, when Malfoy makes a joke about St. Mungo’s, Neville takes
offense and jumps to action.
A spilt second later (Harry) realized that
Neville had just charged past him, heading
straight for Malfoy.
Neville had just charged past him, heading
straight for Malfoy.
| Order of the Phoenix Chapter 17 |
A far cry from the boy who had his Remembrall stolen.
At the end of the year, Neville again stands up for someone else.
After Harry’s dream of Sirius held hostage, when they’ve hatched
up their scheme to get Umbridge away from her office, Neville,
not knowing anything of the plot defends Ginny from a member of
the Inquisitorial Squad.
At the end of the year, Neville again stands up for someone else.
After Harry’s dream of Sirius held hostage, when they’ve hatched
up their scheme to get Umbridge away from her office, Neville,
not knowing anything of the plot defends Ginny from a member of
the Inquisitorial Squad.
“That one,” he poked a finger at Neville,
“tried to stop me taking her,” he pointed at
Ginny, who was trying to kick the shins of the
large girl holding her, “so I brought him along
too.”
“tried to stop me taking her,” he pointed at
Ginny, who was trying to kick the shins of the
large girl holding her, “so I brought him along
too.”
| Order of the Phoenix Chapter 32 |
Neville, though seen as meek and pathetic, defends others.
This is the girl he went with to the Yule Ball, because
let’s not forget he had more guts then both Harry and Ron
and asked Hermione, the smartest girl in school and then
Ginny, who’s older brothers could tear him apart.
There is definitely more to Neville than meets the eye.
More to him than anyone gives him credit for.
Further proof of there being deeper layers to Neville is
that he can see Thestrals. Only a handful of the class can
actually see them. Luna’s seen them all along, now Harry
can as well. And we learn that Neville has this gift/curse
as well.
This is the girl he went with to the Yule Ball, because
let’s not forget he had more guts then both Harry and Ron
and asked Hermione, the smartest girl in school and then
Ginny, who’s older brothers could tear him apart.
There is definitely more to Neville than meets the eye.
More to him than anyone gives him credit for.
Further proof of there being deeper layers to Neville is
that he can see Thestrals. Only a handful of the class can
actually see them. Luna’s seen them all along, now Harry
can as well. And we learn that Neville has this gift/curse
as well.
- “Who did you see die?” she asked, her
- “My...my granddad,” said Neville.
“And what do you think of them?” she
who by now had stripped a great deal of carcass
down to the bone.
- “Erm,” said Neville nervously.
| Order of the Phoenix Chapter 12 |
And perhaps in the most heart-wrenching moment in the entire book
series, we see the first and only interaction with Neville’s
parents.
Harry and the gang inadvertently run into Neville on the ward at
St. Mungo’s. Neville looks embarrassed, which Gran harasses him
about.
Alice Longbottom, sanity gone as it may be, does deeply care for
her son. Even in the depths of her hell, she gives him a Christmas
present.
series, we see the first and only interaction with Neville’s
parents.
Harry and the gang inadvertently run into Neville on the ward at
St. Mungo’s. Neville looks embarrassed, which Gran harasses him
about.
Alice Longbottom, sanity gone as it may be, does deeply care for
her son. Even in the depths of her hell, she gives him a Christmas
present.
- “But Neville had already stretched out
empty Droobles Blowing Gum wrapper.
- “Very nice, dear,” said Neville’s
his mother on the shoulder.
- But Neville said quietly, “Thanks,
| Order of the Phoenix Chapter 23 |
He pockets the wrapper. And you know he definitely has a
collection of these scraps of paper, but he takes it and thanks
his mum for it. I don’t care who you are...you fall a little bit
in love with Neville there.
I think it’s here you might begin to realize that Neville might
just have had it worse than Harry growing up. At least, Harry
could glorify the memory of his parents and never knew what he was
missing. Neville knew his parents were great, that he’d never
measure up (according to Gran). And they were so close yet still
untouchable.
collection of these scraps of paper, but he takes it and thanks
his mum for it. I don’t care who you are...you fall a little bit
in love with Neville there.
I think it’s here you might begin to realize that Neville might
just have had it worse than Harry growing up. At least, Harry
could glorify the memory of his parents and never knew what he was
missing. Neville knew his parents were great, that he’d never
measure up (according to Gran). And they were so close yet still
untouchable.
| Neville, the Lionhearted |
In Book 5, we see Neville start to gain some confidence or at the
very least become so dedicated to the cause that he forgets to
second guess himself.
Give me Neville’s heart. I’ll take him over either Weasley any
day. The Weasley’s are loud and obnoxious but have little to zero
follow through. Neville always comes through in the end.
In Book 1, he stands up to Harry, Hermione and Ron and gets hexed
for his trouble. But the whole book he’d been getting bullied by
everyone, now we see his growth – standing up to his friends.
Also, in Book 5, he goes to the Department of Mysteries. He
transcends expectations in the DA. And, in the heat of battle,
with a broken wand and nose, he retains his head enough to find
Hermione’s pulse and carry her, when Harry can’t think straight.
He has heart. Heart gives you an unstoppable warrior. Neville has
something personal to fight for and he does so with valor and
perseverance.
very least become so dedicated to the cause that he forgets to
second guess himself.
Give me Neville’s heart. I’ll take him over either Weasley any
day. The Weasley’s are loud and obnoxious but have little to zero
follow through. Neville always comes through in the end.
In Book 1, he stands up to Harry, Hermione and Ron and gets hexed
for his trouble. But the whole book he’d been getting bullied by
everyone, now we see his growth – standing up to his friends.
Also, in Book 5, he goes to the Department of Mysteries. He
transcends expectations in the DA. And, in the heat of battle,
with a broken wand and nose, he retains his head enough to find
Hermione’s pulse and carry her, when Harry can’t think straight.
He has heart. Heart gives you an unstoppable warrior. Neville has
something personal to fight for and he does so with valor and
perseverance.
To see someone die, even if it’s peaceful (as opposed to Cedric’s
violent death), is still not a fun thing. There’s more pain in
Neville’s backstory then we realize.
During her review of the class, Umbridge callously asks Neville
outright in front of the whole class.
violent death), is still not a fun thing. There’s more pain in
Neville’s backstory then we realize.
During her review of the class, Umbridge callously asks Neville
outright in front of the whole class.
| Harry was pleased to see that all of them, even Zacharias Smith, had been spurred to work harder than ever by the news that ten more Death Eaters were now on the loose, but in nobody was this improvement more pronounced than in Neville.
when Harry taught them the Shield Charm, a means of deflecting minor jinxes so that they rebounded upon the attacker, only Hermione mastered the charm faster than Neville. |
| Order of the Phoenix Chapter 25 |
Neville throws himself into this fight and it transforms him. No
longer is he the accident-prone little boy who feared he had less
than average magical abilities.
We all know Hermione is right up there with Harry in terms of
magical prowess and we know without a doubt how intelligent she
is, so to liken Neville’s comprehension and capability with hers
is a gigantic compliment. It also gives a very clear picture of
how formidable this new and improved Neville is.
In the face of pure evil, he doesn’t back down. In fact, he fights
so hard to get at Bellatrix that the Death Eater holding him yells
out for someone to stun him.
longer is he the accident-prone little boy who feared he had less
than average magical abilities.
We all know Hermione is right up there with Harry in terms of
magical prowess and we know without a doubt how intelligent she
is, so to liken Neville’s comprehension and capability with hers
is a gigantic compliment. It also gives a very clear picture of
how formidable this new and improved Neville is.
In the face of pure evil, he doesn’t back down. In fact, he fights
so hard to get at Bellatrix that the Death Eater holding him yells
out for someone to stun him.
- “Longbottom?” repeated Bellatrix, and a
have had the pleasure of meeting your
parents, boy.”
- “I DOE YOU HAB!” roared Neville, and he
encircling grip that the Death Eater shouted,
“Someone stun him!”
| Order of the Phoenix Chapter 35 |
Neville has come into his own. He has grown into a powerful wizard
unafraid to fight for himself, what he believes in and to defend
others.
unafraid to fight for himself, what he believes in and to defend
others.
It is fitting that when
it came down to it, the
two left standing were
the Prophesy Boys.
it came down to it, the
two left standing were
the Prophesy Boys.
Neville for the most
part is used as a
device prior to this
late evolution of his
character. This is not
baby Neville, we are
looking at Neville, the
young man.
part is used as a
device prior to this
late evolution of his
character. This is not
baby Neville, we are
looking at Neville, the
young man.
Neville was at Harry’s side. They both have stock in this fight.
There are similarities between Ron and Neville. He is almost a
foil to Ron. They are both used as plot devices and to fill gaps.
Both are overshadowed by Harry and Hermione. However, Ron
wants/needs the attention. Neville doesn’t necessarily want it; he
almost actively gives it away.
Neville truly thinks of himself as nothing special/nothing
important. He doesn’t know what to do with himself when he has any
type of attention. It unnerves him and makes him more self-
conscious, whereas Ron basks in it and comes to life with a little
attention.
Though, Neville runs from the spotlight, when push comes to shove,
he’s there. Ron’s more mouth than substance. In my opinion,
Neville’s eleventh hour strength and courage means more than Ron’s
front.
For appearances, Ron is more intimidating. But he always gets
taken out before the end of the fight(he gets separated from
Harry, Hermione and Neville straight away and then is to giddy to
be functional and eventually gets taken out by brains).
Neville fights hard right through to the end. Even with a broken
nose.
Then in Book 6, we see him showered with attention because of his
connection with the siege of the Ministry, from which he all but
runs and hides.
We learn he has a new wand, made of cherry wood and unicorn hair.
It was one of the last Ollivander made before his disappearance.
Neville’s loyalty and willingness to fight is mistaken for being a
loser with no friends when he and Luna are the only ones to answer
the call for help. The DA coin is activated after not being used
all year and Neville comes to their aide.
This is a measure of Neville’s friendship and honor. Not a
question of whether or not he has a life. Harry, Hermione, and Ron
developed “lives” in Book 6 and they were barely saw each other,
let alone anyone else. I think Harry’s values are more in
question, than Neville’s here.
Let’s not dwell on the disaster that was Book 6.
Neville is a hero in his own, quiet way. He’s not as ostentatious
or commanding as the other boys in the group, but he’s reliable,
kind and has more than enough heart to make up for any
shortcomings he may have.
He would definitely make his parents proud.
There are similarities between Ron and Neville. He is almost a
foil to Ron. They are both used as plot devices and to fill gaps.
Both are overshadowed by Harry and Hermione. However, Ron
wants/needs the attention. Neville doesn’t necessarily want it; he
almost actively gives it away.
Neville truly thinks of himself as nothing special/nothing
important. He doesn’t know what to do with himself when he has any
type of attention. It unnerves him and makes him more self-
conscious, whereas Ron basks in it and comes to life with a little
attention.
Though, Neville runs from the spotlight, when push comes to shove,
he’s there. Ron’s more mouth than substance. In my opinion,
Neville’s eleventh hour strength and courage means more than Ron’s
front.
For appearances, Ron is more intimidating. But he always gets
taken out before the end of the fight(he gets separated from
Harry, Hermione and Neville straight away and then is to giddy to
be functional and eventually gets taken out by brains).
Neville fights hard right through to the end. Even with a broken
nose.
Then in Book 6, we see him showered with attention because of his
connection with the siege of the Ministry, from which he all but
runs and hides.
We learn he has a new wand, made of cherry wood and unicorn hair.
It was one of the last Ollivander made before his disappearance.
Neville’s loyalty and willingness to fight is mistaken for being a
loser with no friends when he and Luna are the only ones to answer
the call for help. The DA coin is activated after not being used
all year and Neville comes to their aide.
This is a measure of Neville’s friendship and honor. Not a
question of whether or not he has a life. Harry, Hermione, and Ron
developed “lives” in Book 6 and they were barely saw each other,
let alone anyone else. I think Harry’s values are more in
question, than Neville’s here.
Let’s not dwell on the disaster that was Book 6.
Neville is a hero in his own, quiet way. He’s not as ostentatious
or commanding as the other boys in the group, but he’s reliable,
kind and has more than enough heart to make up for any
shortcomings he may have.
He would definitely make his parents proud.
