Neville Longbottom - weak link or dark horse?

The first time we meet Neville Longbottom, he's looking for his frog and Hermione Granger has taken him under her more-than-capable wing. It is an ignoble start and seems almost to foretell a similarly ignoble future. Neville is destined to be the comedic cornerstone, dutifully forgetting and losing, always to be rescued by one of the Trio, our heroes. Is Neville doomed to this fate? I don't think so; I think JK has steadily been giving us hints that Neville's best is yet to come and his worst is merely outside of his control.

Consider Neville's past - forgetful and cowardly. We often wonder HOW he got into Gryffindor in the first place. His forgetfulness, however, has led greater Potterite sleuths to the conclusion that he has been put under a powerful Obliviate spell, one that often damages a person's memory (GoF, Ch. 35). He forgets things, yes, but you have to wonder if he'd be so absent-minded if such a spell were removed. As for a lack of magical aptitude, we learned early on that a wand is fit to its owner, and that using someone else's wand offers less control (SS, Ch. 5). Neville had been using his father's wand up until the end of OotP (Ch. 35). I wonder what his abilities are with a proper wand, one that is fitted to him. As for the cowardice, Neville's true Gryffindor qualities become more apparent in each book. We watch a boy who once trembled in fear at everything stand up to his friends (SS, Ch. 16), his biggest fear (PoA, Ch. 7), and finally a flock of adult DE and potentially Voldemort himself (OotP, starting in Ch. 33). At this rate, who know what the next two books will show us about Neville's courage.

Based on the steady growth of Neville's abilities and courage through the series, I think it’s safe to assume that Neville is more than a comedic element and more even then a Pettigrew-like figure to the Trio. He has shown no weakness of character, always able to stand when the time comes. Neville is linked to Harry through friendship and destiny - the prophecy. I believe his growth and emerging powers can only culminate in Neville playing a vital role in the defeat of Voldemort. We don't yet know how the prophecy will play out, but Neville will be there powerfully.

intresting

have to agree with that, especially since he played his role in OOTP

didn't even notice, which explains a lot about Neville, good eye you have their.

thats true, after all Voldemort was trying to kill Harry bvecause he was afraid of competition reslly so Neville could very well be as strong as Harry, he just needs to show his true colours.

Good editorial Erin enjoyed it and learned some new things

Aw... thanks, Lee! *huggles*

Ooooo, I like the editorial. Makes sense. Maybe he is an heir of Gryffindor....

This was really interesting, and I completely agree. Neville seemed like a back-ground character at first, but, as you said, as the books go on he develops incredibly. I can't wait to see what Neville develops into... but I'm sure it'll be great.

The first time I read OotP, it was like the further I got the more Neville surprised me. Since I've read OotP, I've been thinking more and more about his role in the books, and I definatly agree with you that his role may be very important in the defeat of Lord Voldemort. Great editorial!

Erin, I love this subject!

...and on Neville's wand... didn't Fawkes lose a feather in OotP... forget the page... but that could mean that Neville could get a wand with a phoenix feather, and imagine how powerful an ally to Harry he could be!

He is such a great character, and definitely one to watch. Well put, Erin!

Neville definitely made me realize there was more to him on page 361 of Order of the Phoenix when he heads for Draco after Draco tells Harry he's going to end up in St. Mungo's for being addeled by magic. Harry then has to pull him back so he doesn't get in trouble for fighting Draco. Regardless of the fact that it's because of what happend to his parents, it's one of the few times Neville actually stands up for himself.

And, let's not forget that Neville took on the formidable Crabbe and Goyle in the very first book. Neville's place is definetly in Gryffindor!

Yes, definitely. I think Neville's going to play an important part in these next two books. And I think Neville's brave. I think that sometime's it's harder to resist shouting at people who tease you (Malfoy, etc.) than it is to take your anger out on them.

I also think that an Obliviate Charm has a lot to do with his...memory problems. Neville doesn't come off as dumb to me, not really. Just forgetful and a bit clumsy. Like me.

I think Neville's new wand and growing role, coupled with his desire to avenge his parents is going to make him a very important player indeed.

I completely overlooked that when reading OotP. Thanks for highlighting it - that makes so much sense!

To me, that very much sounds like a Rowlingism. I can see her using that as a plot. Quick, copyright it!

Fawkes just doesn't "lose" feathers. I think these feathers have to be freely given. What was the situation in which that feather appeared?

I thought Mik said Fawkes lost one in OotP ... my memory's awful. But if they're freely given then perhaps Dumbledore was the one who planned for Harry & Riddle to have similar wands seeing as he would've provided the feather. I wouldn't put it past him to have been up to something shifty.

Seems every time Fawkes vanishes he leaves a feather behind, that Dumbledore always keeps for himself.

Intersting thing really. I am thiking myself that Neville is gonig to have a big role. No, don't even dare compare him to wormtail! If somebody could be compared to Peter, to me, would be Collin Creevey, but I disgress. To me Neville, for one, is going to hook up with Ginny Weasley (no, it will not be Harry Potter as most thing - it will not I tell you!!! *cough*), will be present if not a primerly key to the last battle. And I also have a theory on how it will happen. But. I'm so egocentrically confident I will I will spoil something for you Let's just say that it involves him being the second possibility in the prophesy... and Dumbledore's meassures... Nop, no good, I'm still too egocentric to let it slip.

I also fear Neville will die. Simply it's too -cute- a character. I don't like the idea of it happening but ... ah, maybe it's just fear.

It would be interesting to know 1) whether Harry's wand was made after Voldemort's or at the same time and 2) whether Dumbledore DID have something to do with the wands.

As for the loss of the feather, I think that Fawkes signalled Dumbledore that Umbrigde was coming by sending his feather. It seems like that would be a frequent enough thing for Fawkes to do that there wouldn't be just TWO feathers of his in circulation. So... either that's a rare thing and that feather is REALLY significant OR its not rare and that feather is something like the leprechaun's gold. A representation but not a feather freely given. Or maybe the phoenix has to give it knowingly for a wand. *shrug*

I whole-heartedly agree. It's quite clear he's smitten with her even if she doesn't reciprocate the feelings.

I see him dying in a similar way to Ron. If either die it'll be in a courageous self-sacrificing stance.

I know! Don't compare him to Wormtail...I can't stand wormtail and have grown to love Neville more and more as the books go on. I think he plays a greater role in the trio's lives/friendships then the wormtail role.

Thank goodness I'm not the only person who thinks they'll end up together! It's almost an unspoken thing if you pay enough attention in OotP....kind of like the unspoken thing between Ron and Hermione, but that's a different story! Anyway, I can totally see that happening, even if he does die in the end (which will be so sad!).

Cassirin great Editorial. I think after Ootp, it's kind of hard to ignore that Neville is going to play a significant role in the series... . But I digress...no wait that's on topic...

It has been a while since you were at the romance forums...I didn't know you shipped N/G Emma...OMG. But D/G's better.

So, let me see, *pulls out checklist* you think Harry's going to die, Ron's a given in your book and now Neville...hmm...so would it be safe to assume Dean and Seamus bite the dust too? Which brings me to something...I'm thinking of writing an article for this forum called..."Why I think everyone will die...or My bloody HP" what you think I'm kidding?

^^ See? Now there I digressed. But my theory is that Neville will be the one who kills Voldemort...which would come out of left field. As for that feather thing...I don't know...two wands with phoenix feathers is enough don't you all think? Neville's new wand is going to have something unique maybe. You have to think, if Voldemorts and Harry's wands cancel each other out then something more powerful or something different has to break the tie...the question is what? I mean what magical creature is there out there that could...there's dragon heartstring isn't there? Or did I just totally dream that up...see that's what's bad about writing fan fiction you don't know anything anymore...LOL...there's unicorn hair but those are common...fur of a yeti? Just wondering.

Neville's my hero...and he's nothing like Pettigrew...and Muggles you stole my fire. I wanted to mention where he takes on Crabbe and Goyle in book 1. Which goes to show...Neville has never been cowardly once [outside of Snape's Class, but he's evil *glares at Marcella* and he scares me too], he's just a bungler, and I don't buy that Obliviate spell thing either...but they did meet up with him at St. Mungo's after visiting Lockhart so there might be something there...but I don't think so. He was too young to have witnessed and remember his parents death so if they did use the spell on him it was later and for some other *insert more ominous reason here* But I don't think so. Still it would make for a great twist.

You make me sound like the grim reeper! No, it'll EITHER be Ron or Neville, not both. I see Neville coming out at the end of the war. I see Ron dying for sure. That'd give the N/Hr's something to squeal about.

I don't think its too hard to believe that Neville would remember his parents being tortured. Harry has flashes from when his parents were murdered, and he was even younger than Neville at that time. And there are lots of options as to who would have put that spell on him, including his own Gran.

Umh, just a small comment. I don't think Neville was put an Oblivate spell nor that he ever witnessed his parents being tortured in the first place. I don't see either happening. Kind of doesn't fit his character as I understand it -- to me he's a forgetful boy and his worse memory is living without parents.

It's just a theory, afterall... I'm just saying we can't rule it out. We can't say that he wouldn't remember it if he were there, and there's no proof that Neville wasn't there at all either. We've just been given a convenient excuse for forgetfulness, so I wanted to use it .

I have two ideas on Neville's clumsiness and forgetfulness. Please remember these are just opinions and not meant to offend anyone.

Neville's clumsiness and forgetfulness could be directly linked to his Gran. She appears to me to be a demanding authoritarian figure who intimidates and unintentionally degrades her grandson. Not once do I recall her complimenting Neville for anything that he has said or done. Remember, this is just an opinion!


As for having his memory modified, this is a possibility. But I think that Neville did see his parents tortured (or maybe he heard their screams) because of his reaction in DADA when the Cruciatus Curse was being performed on the enlarged spider. His clumsiness and forgetfulness could have been a result of him witnessing the traumatic event and trying to find a way to cope with it.

Either way, we will have to wait and see what JKR will reveal!

Okay first you accuse me of calling you the grim reaper and then you tell me you're going to take either Ron or Neville...hmm *hands Marcella her robe and scythe* Please don't take either...*glomps Ron and Neville* But if I had to choose...*throws her Voldemort*

Seriously Grim, you're sense of humor is grim...

Do you remember anything from when you were a year old? Seriously.

I thought canon here not movie, and correct me if I'm wrong but all he remembered was the green light.

I'm with Psycho on this one. But just this once.

Convenient doesn't ring bells like alarms?

This one makes more perfect sense in my opinion. Which by no means is humble...*Ottery's opinion is a proud little git*

It sounds to me like overkill, and on a one year old...no wait, if Gran did this that makes perfect sense...LOL but no *Ottery's opinion slams the door to get everyones attention* Seriously opinion chill out, but I still agree with my opinion.