CoSForums Archive - Evolution of Neville

Moah

June 23rd, 2003, 2:28 pm

I've always thought Neville was way underestimated. I'm not surprised at all by how he developped, but i'm really proud he's come to realize his potential.
I don't think Neville's reason to fight (the escaping of the Lestranges) is the main reason for his performance, though. I think he's found a haven where noone is breaking his confidence. Have you seen how bad his grandma is with him? She's basically telling him he's worthless, no wonder he thinks so low of himself. Probably she thinks her son was too good for the woman he married, and probably her low view of Neville's mom reflects on Neville.
In the DA he finally had a haven of peace where he could blossom and show his potential. This is also shown again when it is said that Neville did well in potions without Snape after him.
Yes, I think carrying his own wand will improve him more.
GO NEVILLE!

AndyP

June 23rd, 2003, 2:36 pm

yeh i full agree with moah, neville does have a new environment to develop in. but to add to that, also because harry is teaching him, think about it, harry is the same age as neville, he knew about neville but never broke his promise to dumbledore, and also nevill is a good friend of harry's which makes it much easier for him.

Yavanna

June 23rd, 2003, 3:23 pm

I was SO PROUD of Neville in this book! He always was one of my favorite characters, and now he has redeemed himself to his classmates and the world. I am actually writing my first fan fic and it is about him. His parents would be proud of him!

tarachristwen

June 23rd, 2003, 3:50 pm

i think neville will play a bigger role in future books,as we can see that he has matured a lot,unlike the forgetful boy we know in the previous books.

mimbletonia

June 23rd, 2003, 4:09 pm

i have a feeling *prophecy* that Neville will be the one to demolish the DEs and the dark side once and for all and avenge his parents. He may even become an Auror and do his parents proud! Go Neville!

Marcy

June 23rd, 2003, 4:14 pm

Yay Neville.

I was horrified when I thought he was going to die!

Im so proud!

sierra_sand

June 23rd, 2003, 4:19 pm

I think we all understand Neville a little bit better now. He never had any confidence becuase his Gran was constantly telling him how his Dad was better than him. I'm wondering if maybe it was his gran who made him carry around his dads old wand, sort of trying to force him to be just like his dad . She obviously was very proud of Nevilles Dad. Maybe now that he has to get his own wand it may work a little better for him.

Daily Propheter

June 23rd, 2003, 4:37 pm

I was so proud of Neville!! (:clappy: for him!) He really stepped up and shone in this book. He's coming into his abilities more and more, he's mastering all the spells and charms he never could do. I think he's going to play a major role in the upcoming books. Way to go Neville!

Katze

June 23rd, 2003, 7:53 pm

puneypunk

June 23rd, 2003, 8:01 pm

NEVILLE IS THE MAN !!!~!~!@!@!

:D ... lol...
nehoo, i reckon that if neville had had a normal upbringing - ie that his parents were ok - then he would have been a lot less forgetfull, it seems to me that he is just generally distracted, i dont think his nan really helps the situation, yet im not gonna accuse her, and its like everyone is sayin, he did great in OotP - especially towards the end
=D
im not quite so sure that the wand will make that much difference tho...

sarcasticx514

June 23rd, 2003, 8:25 pm

Neville was great. Not only in powers, but the way he now feels more comfortable around the guys...remember when Seamus (i think) was arguing with Harry, and Neville sided with Harry, and told his opinion. He never would have done that before...Neville has come a long way. I'm so happy the way he was portrayed here!

Uthr Rhain

June 23rd, 2003, 8:32 pm

Originally posted by Katze (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=389487#post389487))
Do weknow if using someone else's wand thwarts a wizard's power? Neville has been using his dad's weapon, which we were unaware of.

He's developing some guts, and his bravery is starting to peek through more. I think the encouragement from DA has helped him break out of his shell.

I wonder - since he's excelling so much in DA (and I hope Harry continues it, because he's going to need everyone to help him fight the DE's), and when he gets a new wand that has "picked" him - if he's going to really become a fully functioning wizard.

As many have been saying, the wand chooses the wizard. Nevil using his dad's wand explains alot. The wand is an extension of the wizard and while Nevil could use anyone's wand it makes sense that a new wand would do wonders for Nevil.

Does this mean the wands are intelligent? No. The wand is an extension of the wizard and therefore different woods or cores will be more effective for some and disasterious for others. Neville getting a wand especially suited for him will do wonders I have no doubt.

lex romero

June 23rd, 2003, 8:38 pm

agree with everyone. niville did brilliant;y and i'm sure will feature more in the new books. we finaaly got to really seee what made the sorting hat put him in gryffindor.

McKinnon02

June 23rd, 2003, 9:30 pm

Wow! Neville Longbottom, Force To Be Reckoned With! I see now why the Sorting Hat put him in Gryffindor. He was willing to protect that Prophecy, even though he knew he was going to be tortured some more, after his nose was broken and his mouth screwed up! No wonder the Longbottoms defeated Lord Thingy three times. (I'm calling Voldemort that, now. It's the last word I expected to hear from the Minister of Magic, and I find it hilarious.) It's a whole new Neville. Did you see the way he threw himself into the D.A. classes? Look at all the people he stunned in the Department of Mysteries, and how much he improved! I think Draco will have a more difficult time picking on him now. He may even be able to defeat Crabbe, the next time he tries to choke him.

Wingardium Leviosa

June 23rd, 2003, 9:31 pm

Originally posted by AndyP (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=387884#post387884))
personally i want to see him kill malfoy (draco- not lucius) he has been bullied unmercifully by draco and when he has a new wand and even more confidence i cant see why he wont be able to. his parent were great aurors and hopefully he will find some of their talents within himself

I definitely disagree. Before I read OOTP I might have agreed, but now I have seen how James treated snape, I feel diferently. Imagine if snape had killed James, jus for that. He wouldn't have deserved it.

Artichoke

June 23rd, 2003, 9:47 pm

I was so very proud of Neville. It's nice to see him getting more confident. Hope he'll be important in the 2 next books.

Eternal

June 23rd, 2003, 11:05 pm

I loved Neville in this book, except for during the battle in the Ministry, even though the things that pissed me off weren't so much his fault. His inability to speak right - or, more the fact that his words were spelt wrong on the page - annoyed me greatly. Especially during Sirius's death scene. It just seemed to make the whole thing into one great joke. My patience grew thin when he broke the prophecy. But I guess I'm just a mean, strict witch.

Moontrimmer

June 23rd, 2003, 11:09 pm

Before this book came out I was hoping we'd find out more about Neville, and I was happy I got it. I loved his involvment in this book, and hope it will porgress in future books. I hope that after what he and Harry went through together, that they'll become closer friends.

pineapple

June 23rd, 2003, 11:14 pm

Horntail

June 23rd, 2003, 11:30 pm

I really liked Neville's development in this book. In the begining, it was just little things, like rembering the password (although he kinda got lucky on that one), and then standing up for Harry when the other students didn't believe him. And then later in the book, seeing his spellwork improve during the DA meetings, and then his resolve at the end to go with Harry to the MoM. And during the fight, even though he might not have performed flawlessly, you have to admit he was very brave, and was finally showing why the sorting hat put him in Griffindor. Go Neville!

ron fan

June 23rd, 2003, 11:41 pm

I have liked Neville from Book 1, and I was thrilled to see how much he had developed and how much a part of the story he was in this story. I kept saying "Yeah, Neville!" and "Good for you, Neville!". I'm so happy to see him becoming more comfortable with himself and embracing his strengths.

DocHollidaywe

June 24th, 2003, 12:34 am

Ok there is a thread intilted Neville Longbottom in OoTP (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11253&highlight=Neville+wand) that talks about how Neville was different in this book. If you think my thread is to closley related please merge or close.

"When Nevilles wand got snapped he said "Grams going to kill me, that was my Dad's wand."

This is a very important detail. We know that a Wizard does not do well with a wand that is not his own. This could explain how bad Neville is at Transfiguration and Charms. Remember he is good at Herbology (which does not require a wand) and he is also bad at Potions (well everyone has a subject they are bad at, so this one could be Nevilles, after all Harry had alot of trouble in it this year)

So my theory is, that in books 6 and 7, Neville, with his own wand, will become a very good wizard, espically DADA (Because he did good in D.A. this year with a wand that was not "made" for him, imagine how he will do with his proper wand)

This could lead to Neville becomming a Auror, or DADA teacher. ... What do you guys think?

rotsiepots

June 24th, 2003, 1:02 am

I'm merging this with the thread you pointed out, DocHollidaywe. :)

Inkwolf

June 24th, 2003, 4:28 am

I don't know about Neville's wand...Ron didn't show much improvement with his new wand.

But I dearly regret that we probably won't see Neville in advanced Potions. After facing down real Death Eaters, he must feel a bit silly for being terrified of Snape for so long. :p I'd like to see him in potions class, maybe being a bit smart-alecky.

ali_jane

June 24th, 2003, 4:49 pm

Darn, I think I just posted this to the closed one!
I think that Neville's wand switch is quite different from Ron's. I'm sure that Neville's Granny really loves him, but she's strict to begin with and on top of that wants Neville to replace the son that got taken away from her. He was also a baby when that happened (not talking yet) so she wouldn't have already known him as a person, only as what she had left of her son. Neville says that she keeps telling her examiner friend that he isn't as good as his dad. She finds all these faults with him because her expectations are all wrong -- she's only looking for the traits that made up his father and not noticing all the other good stuff. (Sound farmiliar with people being upset with OotP because they expected specific stuff to happen in it???)
After all this pressure I think Neville is like Ron was as a keeper at the beginning of OotP. He can do it, but not when people are watching him with all this pressure on! He can hardly remember his own name in potions with the scary Snape around waiting for him to fail, and trying to do spells with his father's wand is probably just as intimidating since that's the great wizard he's meant to live up to. It could also be that Neville and his dad need different wand cores (whereas perhaps Ron and the brother he got the old wand from were suited towards similar ones) but I think the intimidation factor would be much stronger.

luv_HP

June 24th, 2003, 5:05 pm

Also, if I remember correctly both wands Ron had contained unicorn hair. ?? Idk, food for thought. I always wondered if Neville realy belonged in Gryffindor (besides the 10 of Malfoy thing :)) I'm so glad he's finally proving himself. I can't wait to see Malfoy's face when he learns Neville thwarted his father and the other Death Eaters. Ooh I want Neville to curse Draco next time he tries to insult someone. haha. GO NEVILLE

Sinistra

June 25th, 2003, 3:39 pm

I can't get the "either Neville or Harry" thing out of my mind. Now Dumbledore says Voldemort marked Harry with the scar, but we also know Dumbledore admitted to making a few mistakes. So what if the scar is just a scar--not a marking as an equal--and Neville is still in the running?

OK, the Books are Harry Potter and ... not Neville Longbottom and ... so we know who trhe big hero will be, but still it bodes well for Neville.

And *Neville Rocks* He was totally cool and wonderful. I think next book he will continue to improve and maybe even end up Head Boy or something like that. We all knew there was more to Neville than we all knew, and this just proves it.

Pleshi

June 25th, 2003, 3:59 pm

I am with everyone else on the Wand issue.

1. His grandmother thinks he is no good and will never be as good as his parents - no self confidence.

2. The wand chooses the wizard. A bad match and you magic may be a bit off, and Neville was a bit off.

I hope JKR gives us a scene over the summer on HP seeing Neville getting his own wand. His g-mother MUST be proud now.

Always identified with Neville. He may yet come into his own. Bravery was never a problem. To may accounting, he has gone toe to toe with Crabbe and Goyle twice.

Inkling

June 25th, 2003, 4:12 pm

All right, this is kind of an off the wall theory. But, did anyone notice that the only person other than Harry to actually touch the prophecy was Neville? Were the protections on the prophecies limited to the little compartments, or is it on the orb itself? And, if they are on the orbs, does the Ministry of Magic label them consciously or does the prophecy have a mind of its own?

I think that the most important thing in the entire of OotP was that Neville might have been the One With the Power, for lack of a better title. I mean, why would JK stick that bit in there if it weren't important later on?

Neville's growth in this book proves it. Our dear Mr. Longbottom is going to become quite the essential character or my name's Winnie the Pooh.

Go Neville! (Oh yeah, he better get revenge on Bellatrix for both his parents and Sirius.)

Tomlover17

June 28th, 2003, 2:07 am

I am very proud of the way neville has improved in this book.But i'm just anxious to find out what kind of wand he will get.

Jessica

June 28th, 2003, 3:05 am

What a transformation! He went from fat dork incapable of anything to a really cool character. I've always liked him but I never respected him before this.

So.

1) What, if anything, happened over the summer that allowed Neville to evolve into who he is now?

2) Is he actually under a memory charm? If so, has he been able to break through and repress the side effects of the charm if not regain the actual memory?

3) Will he continue to evolve as the books progress? Will he get to the point where he is Harry's equal?

I am so proud of him! I feel like my little boy is growing up!

theHassler

June 28th, 2003, 3:25 am

I've always loved Neville, but he was a major badass in book 5!! And I thought that him being a possible contender for the prophecy made him even more awesome! I hope there's mot great things to come from our friend.

animagus1369

June 28th, 2003, 3:33 am

I think Neville will continue to evolve, definitely. He's definitely needed; as the war becomes more all-encompassing and the situation at Hogwarts more uncertain, Harry needs more allies to make up the 'second generation' of the Order. Obviously, valuable as they are, Ron and Hermione aren't enough on their own to fill the gaps.

I don't know that anything happened over the summer to allow Neville to evolve into what he is. I think that he realized at the end of GoF that Voldemort was back and that the people that his father and mother had fought against were likely to be up and about and threatening his family again. To me, Neville never seemed like he was actually incapable as much as he seemed to be waiting to 'blossom.' He's simply finally coming into his own.

Not sure about the memory charm. I don't know what good it would have done for anyone on Voldemort's side to put him under a memory charm; everyone knew that Bellatrix laid the Cruciatus Curse on his parents until they went crazy from it. And the only reason I can think of for someone on the "good" side to lay one on him is to help him forget what happened to his parents--which obviously didn't work, as at least from GoF on and perhaps sooner he was well aware of what had happened to his parents.

Boy, that didn't clear up much on the Memory Charm at all, did it? LOL

Weatherby

June 28th, 2003, 3:42 am

Neville always responded well to Lupin. Harry encouraged him in the same way and he was able to develop more of his talents.
His grandmother perhaps has lightened up on him a bit. She didn't sound as formidable in the new book.

Raven

June 28th, 2003, 4:06 am

Neville's grandmother isn't much help though. Especially if she is constantly saying that Neville doesn't have much talent.

Tarawyn

June 28th, 2003, 4:08 am

I'm going to merge two threads on Neville's character development. :)

Weatherby

June 28th, 2003, 4:20 am

I didn't mean to suggest she completely stopped harping but she seems a bit more relaxed than in SS.

HP_SRK

June 28th, 2003, 4:05 pm

reckon neville will be the only one there when harry finally faces voldemort in the end? i reckon if it is possible.

McKinnon02

June 29th, 2003, 1:18 am

This may sound a bit strange, but I liked the way the book showed Neville's relationship to Seamus and Dean. It sounded like he's in a trio of his own. :) I'm glad to see he had friends, from the first four books I got the impression that he was on his own.

Sirius83

June 29th, 2003, 2:33 am

I liked Neville's character in this book a lot. He's more confident in himself. As a result he's showing his true colours! I also think that getting his own wand, one more suited to him might help things a lot. Now something i noticed about near the ending of this book was that instead of being Harry/Ron/Hermione - it was Harry/Hermione/Neville! I think Neville is going to be more important not just as a character, but also as a friend to the trio - Harry and Hermione in particular.

HP_SRK: I think that may be possible, but i more see the 6 members of the D.A. who went into the Ministry being present...but all except Harry being unable to fight in some way. Neville will definately play a big part in the ending though.

Hawk 92

June 29th, 2003, 2:58 am

I liked that we got to learn more about Neville. I feel that he will play a major part in the books to come. And what's really interesting is that JKR gives us some things about Neville and then she gives us a few more hints that there is still more to come.

We saw a braver Neville. Met his parnets at the Ward. Learned that he carried his Dad's old wand. And learned that the Prophecy could have been about him.

Now here's what caught my eye. Neville's parents were driven insane by the death eaters but they're still alive. But Neville could see the Thestrals and they can only be seen by someone who has seen somebody die. Now if both of Neville's parents are alive, who did Neville see die? And could this play a part in the upcoming books?

Cheers!

Sirius83

June 29th, 2003, 3:02 am

I think the book said he saw his grandfather die, actually...

Mutant for Hire

June 29th, 2003, 6:48 pm

It is entirely possible that Neville will be set up as a loose cannon in book six. The fact is that he's overcome his fears and he's going to be focused on avenging his parents. Harry has learned caution from book five, his mistake causing the death of Sirius. It is entirely possible there will be clashes between Neville and Harry with Harry for once playing the conservative force for the first time.

And there is also the fact that Neville growing out of his prior lack of confidence, baby fat, etc could turn into a powerful and charismatic member of his class over the summer. His fears overcome, a new wand that suits him and a new focus and determination. He might yet try to challenge Harry for the leadership of the DA. And if Harry shares the prophecy with Neville, Neville might get the feeling that he is in fact the one.

Of course I could be totally wrong, but I'm just saying it's not beyond the bounds of possibility that Harry is going to have a true rival now inside of his own House.

Pleshi

June 29th, 2003, 11:35 pm

Imagine a crazed Neville, set off by the Lestrange woman taunting him, learing DADA from Harry, going off to wreak havok in London...

That would be something...not likely though.

Arissya_00

June 29th, 2003, 11:56 pm

Neville was awesome. He was brave, and I am glad he played a much more crucial role. I am pretty sure it means he'll be a major figure later.

Louise Moran

July 2nd, 2003, 4:43 am

I've felt since book 3 that people were seriously underestimating Neville because he seriously underestimated himself.

He's grown in strength and confidence enormously over the past few books.

It's my prediction that Harry and Neville will defeat Voldemort together - Harry will do the actual killing, but he will not have been able to do it without Neville (if you get my drift).

Personally, I can't wait to see this happen!

:)

NeedAM!nT

July 2nd, 2003, 5:05 am

Neville was so awesome. During the entire fight scene, I was thinking "Go Neville go!" We will POSTIVELY see MUCH more from him. If not I shall personally smack JKR with a fish.

caroline40

July 2nd, 2003, 11:20 am

Regarding the fact that the prophecy could relate to Neville but everyone thinks its Harry because of the scar.
How do we know Neville hasnt got a scar too ?
Also as someone has already pointed out Neville could touch the prophecy without becoming insane which could mean the prophecy could relate to either of them at this stage.
I say this stage becaude if Neville were to be the one I dont think JKR would be dropping such heavy hints at this stage.
My guess is that there will be more revealed about the prophecy later.
Maybe even a third person to whom it could apply.

Mutant for Hire

July 2nd, 2003, 2:04 pm

Neville might just get killed off next book. The fact of the matter is that as long as Neville lives, there's some ambiguity about the prophecy. There's also the fact that the books are getting darker which means at least one death next book, and Neville's death, a very significant character in the next book could do just that. It would rock Harry to the core, more so than Cedric's death and maybe even just as badly as Sirius', since Neville would be hanging out with them. And it would confirm that he has to be the one of the prophecy, or else.

Moonstone

July 2nd, 2003, 2:39 pm

Also as someone has already pointed out Neville could touch the prophecy without becoming insane which could mean the prophecy could relate to either of them at this stage.

I believe it was taking it off the shelf that would cause insanity, not touching it after it had been removed by the rightful person. Lucius wanted Harry to hand it to him, if you recall.

Won't Neville's grandmother be surprised when he does better that expected in his DADA O.W.L. and possibly some of his other exams? Perhaps she will start seeing him as a person of value in his own right instead of a pale imitation of his father.

Darthsky

July 2nd, 2003, 2:47 pm

yeah. i think with a new wand, the wand really for him, he'll be a blast!

animagus1369

July 2nd, 2003, 3:10 pm

Originally posted by Mutant for Hire (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=413559#post413559))
Neville might just get killed off next book. The fact of the matter is that as long as Neville lives, there's some ambiguity about the prophecy. There's also the fact that the books are getting darker which means at least one death next book, and Neville's death, a very significant character in the next book could do just that. It would rock Harry to the core, more so than Cedric's death and maybe even just as badly as Sirius', since Neville would be hanging out with them. And it would confirm that he has to be the one of the prophecy, or else.

I don't see any ambiguity in the prophecy, even if Neville outlives Harry. According to the prophecy, the child born at the end of July who Voldemort marked as his equal would be the one who could kill Voldemort. Given all the emphasis on Harry scar throughout five books, and a distinct lack of emphasis on any mark Neville might have, I think it's extremely unlikely at best that JKR is trying to suggest that Neville might turn out to be the prophecy kid after all.

Wakkachuta

July 2nd, 2003, 4:04 pm

I think it's very exciting the way Neville has evolved, especially in this 5th book. His progress in the DA was amazing! I definitely agree with everyone by saying that with his own wand and a little more confidence, he'll definitely become a powerful wizard one day.
I also think he's going to play a huge role in the next 2 books. I also think that he'll play a huge role in the downfall of Voldemort at the end of book 7. I hope he's there with Harry for the final battle.

phoenixsong

July 2nd, 2003, 4:31 pm

I also believe that Neville has been labouring under the effects of a potent memory charm; it is the fact that we hadn't found out anything about it that made me sure he wouldn't be the one to die! But the question is: who put it on him and why? And were his parents really tortured to find out the whereabouts of LV, or was there some other reason?

I also suspect that JKR isn't going to give us clarity anytime soon regarding the "Is it Harry or Neville?" question; in fact, I think she is likely to strengthen the ambiguity in the next book, though, as pointed out above, it is possible that the prophecy could refer to a third person (remember Dumbledore's scar in the shape of the London Underground? Or was he just pulling our leg?)

jerb

July 3rd, 2003, 1:24 am

I must first say that I love Neville. I honestly wanted him to be a prefect. Oh well.

Neville seems to have found some new found abilities through Harry's help and his own self-determination. I think people who know of the prophecy (I suspect that only a select few do) will begin to question exactly who the prophecy is refering to.

The only problem with us thinking that it is Neville and not Harry is that Voldemort does not think of Neville as an equal. So Neville will have to do something to catch Voldemort's attention to be considered potentially a part of the prophecy.

Dumbledore's style

July 10th, 2003, 12:55 am

Neville was a LEGEND in the fifth book!

I think his own wand will do wonders for him - if it wasn't significant, JKR wouldn't have mentioned it!

I am currently thinking that Neville will be a key part of the end of Voldie - whether he and Harry will do Volide in together somehow, I don't know, but I think he is going to be vital to the defeat of Voldie in some way.

haycheng

July 10th, 2003, 12:56 am

I think it is his grandma's fault. Always talk about he is not as good as his dad. i believe he is much better than everyone thank.

Muthagal

July 10th, 2003, 9:53 am

Neville is wonderful in OotP. He's come a long way. He can only get better with his own wand. I think he'll continue to play a key role in the books.

I wonder if he'll ever get Ginny to like him. He's obviously got a crush on her - asking her to the Yule ball and in the battle at the Dept. of Mysteries one of the Death Eaters says he fought back when Ginny was threatened.

Jekyll6

July 14th, 2003, 3:30 pm

After reading OOTP I was pleased to see that Neville was beging to show a little improvement. But, I was wondering if anyone else thought that there is more to Neville. Like more involved in the fate and course of the last 2 books then JK has let on. We got a big revelation about him....Could there be more what do you think?

Pinkerton

July 14th, 2003, 3:32 pm

There have been several threads about Neville like this.. and I think that many people are thinking more than before now that Neville might have something "more than meets the eye". Personally, I think Neville is definately going to have more to do with the main plot. I was extremely happy to see him have a main role (at least more towards the end) in OOTP.. yay for Neville, eh?

Veneficus

July 14th, 2003, 3:36 pm

I think Neville will come into his own when he gets a new wand.

Amanalcariel

July 14th, 2003, 3:38 pm

Its great that he's finally doing better, and I think there will definetly be something big about him in the end.

Weatherby

July 14th, 2003, 3:39 pm

Please check out Evolution of Neville (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11779) :)

Jekyll6

July 14th, 2003, 3:45 pm

I am just saying Neville showed something really great in OOTP. Plus, DD gave him a little boost way back in year one by giving him the points that won the house cup.

Veneficus

July 14th, 2003, 3:53 pm

I think Neville harbors a deep hatred for Bellatrix for what she has done to his parents, not to mention the crucio curse she did on him. Neville will kill Bellatrix, Voldemortâ€™s most ardent supporter, out of revenge.

Jekyll6

July 14th, 2003, 3:59 pm

Agreed, Neville does want revenge for what happen to his parents..Butm I think there is more there. I bet he is a very very powerful wizard. On the level of his parents. We have seen this ability begin to bud in him. It need to continue to grow.

mrscoach

July 14th, 2003, 4:58 pm

Originally posted by Veneficus (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=453781#post453781))
I think Neville will come into his own when he gets a new wand.

I agree completely. I think once Neville gets the chance to have a wand that choses him instead of his grandmother choosing to give him his father's wand, he'll be an outstanding wizard.

gred&forge4ever

July 14th, 2003, 6:10 pm

After reading the prophecy, my gut tells me that Neville will bring down Voldemort. Maybe Harry's job all along has been to pave the way for Neville. Like John the Baptist did for Jesus in the Bible. Hopefully, if I am right however, Harry will NOT meet the same fate that John the Baptist did. :(

Witflick

July 14th, 2003, 6:17 pm

I honestly can't see Neville being the one to defeat Voldemort. I think he'll play a big part, but in my opinion Harry will be the one to actually destroy him.

FredRocksMySocks

July 14th, 2003, 6:25 pm

i agree with witflick, he's not going to defeat him, the prophecy says it'll be harry, it'll be harry. i don't think there is any questioning that.
neville will help, i have a feeling that the DA isn't keen to end their studies...

Dedalus Diggle

July 14th, 2003, 6:28 pm

quote (by mrscoach):
"I agree completely. I think once Neville gets the chance to have a wand that choses him instead of his grandmother choosing to give him his father's wand, he'll be an outstanding wizard."

There's more to it than that - he's been fairly inept even at the skills that don't require wands, such as broomriding and Potions. He only really showed promise under Harry's tutelage. Neville is a very capable wizard underneath the layers of problems which have been laid on him, magically and otherwise. He will continue to make remarkable progress with Harry's help because Harry brings out the best in people - in fact, I believe it goes beyond being a good mentor, I think his special weapon is to be able to cure the inner wounds and afflictions within people. He can vanquish the Dark Lord by curing the hatred which makes him dark

silverquill

July 16th, 2003, 2:20 am

With Neville getting his own wand, I think he'll improve as well. However, he still needs the self confidence which he doesn't get from his Grandmother at home. Succeeding in DA helps of course. In PS/SS, Neville tells Harry that his family wasn't even sure if he was magical, that he may be a muggle. One day his grandfather was dangling Neville outside a window and dropped him, and he bounced. That's when his family knew he was magical for sure. Anyway, I think once Neville's grandma sees his true potential is when Neville will truly shine.

luckcharms

July 16th, 2003, 2:27 pm

well he was using his fathers wand all along which could have been the source of his poor magic, he ouldn't get good results with it, but now he will have his own wand that was made or rather he was made for

Emma88

July 16th, 2003, 9:48 pm

Originally posted by Moonstone (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=413598#post413598))

Won't Neville's grandmother be surprised when he does better that expected in his DADA O.W.L. and possibly some of his other exams? Perhaps she will start seeing him as a person of value in his own right instead of a pale imitation of his father.

I agree, but also think that after fighting the Death Eaters Neville's grandmother (I assume she will be told) will stop telling people that he's not as good as his father, and as a result Nevilles confidence will grow even more.

I wonder what Neville's worst fear is now. It was Prof. Snape, but after fighting death eaters, Snape surely is still not that terrifying.

Witflick

July 16th, 2003, 9:52 pm

Emma, I think it might be something to do with the Cruciatus curse...he knows who it feels, he's met the woman who tortured his parents to insanity...that would be a horrible memory.

AProphet

July 17th, 2003, 12:10 am

I posted this on another thread and nobody replied, so I'll post id again here.

I did a little research on Nevilles little plant and found this: There is a real plant called mimulus and its a remedy for known fears, for people who tend to be nervous, timid, and generally shy. Its a remedy to encourage the the quiet courage and strength that lies hidden in such people.

I think that Neville, being good at herbology will be able to figure this out and cure himself. I saw this in a book of remedies and it said that the person should know about this fear and accept it (or something like that) to cure themselves with this plant. So I think Neville will have to look into the deepest part of his soul to do this. Isn't this cool?:p

AProphet

July 17th, 2003, 2:07 am

What do you think?

AProphet

July 17th, 2003, 2:18 am

By the end of book 7 we'll see a completely different Neville from the one we see now. It'll be very interesting to see him change.

cho_chang

July 18th, 2003, 12:50 am

Neville is certainly now a key character in the book- totally! He's gonna be a big part in killing Voldemort- and Bellatrix for sure! I'm so excited for what he's gonna be- I think he's the one who's going to kill Bellatrix but Voldemort's gonna kill him. *shudders*
Actually, do you think that it might be NEVILLE that's the boy mentioned in the prophesy? You never do know- that's really kind of scary, because Dumbledore says that it's most likely Harry- not that it's Harry for sure...

morgan le fay

July 18th, 2003, 12:54 am

it cant be neville who is referred to in the prophecy. as dumbledore says on p. 842 (american), there is no doubt that it IS harry, for voldy marked HARRY as an equal when he gave HARRY the scar.

AProphet

July 18th, 2003, 1:08 am

I don't think its Neville. The story would be about him if it was, but J.K. Rowling decided to write about Harry for a good reason.

swtevejade

July 18th, 2003, 3:23 am

i honestly doubt it's neville. while i agree that he will have a bigger part in the next two books, i dont believe that he is the one the prophecy is referring to. neville might play a big part in helping harry to defeat voldermort, in the end it's harry who has to face voldermort.

Max

July 18th, 2003, 7:33 am

Dumbledore has admitted to having made mistakes in the past, so he could very well be wrong here, but I doubt it. If Neville turns out to be the one to defeat Voldemort, I believe that quite a few readers will find that quite unsatisfying. Neville may, as many think, help Harry along the way, or die fighting Voldemort, or something else ... but I think that Neville will really come into his own in Book 6. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

morgan le fay

July 19th, 2003, 12:30 am

hmm........ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/3004594.stm

excerpt:
"They [fan sites] have such fun with their theories ... and it is fun, it is fun. And some of them even get quite close. No-one has ever - I have gone and looked at some of it and no-one's ever ... There is one thing that if anyone guessed I would be really annoyed as it is kind of the heart of it all. And it kind of explains everything and no-one's quite got there but a couple of people have skirted it. So you know, I would be pretty miffed after thirteen or fourteen years of writing the books if someone just came along and said I think this will happen in book seven. Because it is too late, I couldn't divert now, everything has been building up to it, and I've laid all my clues." - JKR

i wonder if the twist is that neville really IS the one? if he really is the boy who lived... to me, that would be kind of disappointing. so maybe thats not the twist lol. just a thought.

swtevejade

July 20th, 2003, 3:25 am

i agree. if neville is the twist, disappointing is not a strong enough word. loathing sounds about right. it will be with extreme difficulty for me to accept neville as the boy who lived.

McKinnon02

July 20th, 2003, 2:03 pm

*Hem, Hem.* There is a reason the series is called Harry Potter, and NOT Neville Longbottom. :)

swtevejade

July 20th, 2003, 4:06 pm

i know and i had never believed that neville could possibly be the boy who lived until i read morgan le fay post. the fact that this theory is so far-fetched makes it somewhat believe after reading the quote by JKR.

McKinnon02

July 20th, 2003, 11:25 pm

HARRY survived an Avada curse, NOT Neville. It renders the theory that Neville is "The boy who lived" completely irrelevant. And it would make Harry lose his head completely, that he's been the one who had to go through everything when Neville was the one who was supposed to.

haycheng

July 21st, 2003, 2:58 pm

"Dark Lord Mark him as equal" Unless, Dark Lord mark Nerville soon, I dont believe that is the case.

Phoenix_Fawkes

July 22nd, 2003, 5:01 pm

Neville is not going to kill Voldy! Harry will.. Neville will however kill Bella!!!!!!! Whahahahahh

Mutant for Hire

July 22nd, 2003, 10:10 pm

If Ron was one of the dark horses in the series, I tend to consider Neville an even darker horse that is racing ahead now. The fact of the matter is that I have no clue as to where Rowling is taking this character but expect Neville to be barely recognizable over the summer.

Neville really turned around. Face it, anyone who can learn a shielding charm faster than anyone but Hermione Granger is someone to be reckoned with. Also realize that in the battle in the Ministry of Magic, Neville was the one who was there with Harry to the finish. Not Ron or Hermione. That was pretty much foreshadowing for Dumbledore's revelation that Neville might have become the Boy Who Lived.

Neville faced down his parent's torturer. Admittedly the battle didn't go all that well, but he faced her and didn't cower. I think he's overcome his fears and shown true courage now, and I suspect it was that fear that had been crippling him all his life. Seeing his parents all those years probably gave him a phobia it might happen to him. If he isn't past it, he's working his way past it now.

He'll have a new wand for next year, one that will be in tune with him. He'll be over his fears and if he still isn't a patch on his dad to his gran, I think he probably impressed her a little with his actions. I think that she, and the rest of the family are going to be a bit more supportive now of him.

Now that his fear is over, I think we're going to see a lot of anger pouring out of Neville. Before he was afraid but he's no longer afraid and I think he has plenty of reasons to be angry. A lifetime of anger is going to spill out now about what was done to his parents.

I don't think Neville's speed at mastering magic, or his inclination to do so is going to drop. I have a feeling that Neville has done a lot of reading this summer and is going to be doing a lot of practicing this year. I think he's going to go from one of the most inept wizards in the school to one of the more dangerous ones, all the more so for his anger.

I think that things have been set up for a rivalry between Harry and Neville. Both of them want Bellatrix. Harry for the murder of his godfather and Neville for the breaking of his parents. It's not clear that either of them is going to step aside for the other.

Or perhaps not rivalry. Perhaps it will be partnership. Harry is trapped and isolated by the prophecy, but there is a small crack of doubt that it does not apply to him. I suspect that Harry will in time bring Neville in on the prophecy. Between that and Neville's determination to be on the front lines, even if Harry tries to spare everyone else I think he's going to have a very hard time keeping Neville out. I do strongly suspect there is going to be something that will settle the issue of who is the chosen one. If we're lucky it won't be Neville's death.

Incidentally, the prophecy also explains what happened to the Longbottoms. Why were they tortured for information? Because the Death Eaters knew that Voldemort perceived some sort of threat from one of the two families. Voldemort went after one family and was nearly destroyed, so the Lestranges among others went after the other family in hopes of any clues as to what happened. At that point it was pretty much their only lead.

So, weirdly enough, Neville has now been set up as a twin star to Harry, or almost a twin star. Where JKR is going to take this is going to be interesting. Of course most of the above is raw speculation, but now that Neville has faced his worst enemy and has a few months to brood on it, it will be interesting to see what sort of character boards the Hogwarts Express in the fall.

I do not think that Neville will defeat Voldemort. I do think something is going to happen that will confirm that Harry is the chosen one (it's his name on the books). One of the things that could happen to Neville is that he find in himself a vocation to be a Healer, to heal his shattered parents. Frankly its the one I hope happens, because most of the others are too nasty to think about, and I'd like to see Neville, after all he's been through, live happily ever after. Of course I could have said the same for Sirius Black but I was pretty confident he was going to die in book five.

Im Hermione!

July 23rd, 2003, 10:34 pm

I think that Neville parents could tell us a lot of interesting things if they were sane.
After all they were not killed straight ahead (like Harry's), they were tortured, that is because they knew something (or because Bella was crueler than Voldie, who knows?).

Dont you think they were trying to tell something to Neville with the gum wrapper episode? (that is when Mrs. Longbottom keeeps on giving Neville bubble gum wrappers at St. Mungo's).
Does anybody have any idea what could it be?

I bet Dumbledore knows whatever there is to it!

Also I wouldn't like Neville killing Darco or punishing him in any way (somebody suggested it at the beggining of the thread).
The only way to triumph over Voldemort is throughout friendship and harmony between the houses, the sorting hat warns about it and Hermione says it also.

So the "disappointing" or surprising ending JK say she hinted about in all 5 books will probably be about Herry, Draco, Neville and everyone else defeating Voldie together more than about Neville becoming the boy who lived.

I agree with the wand theory and the Mimbletonia theory 100%

Mutant for Hire

July 23rd, 2003, 10:45 pm

One of my faint hopes is that the donations to St. Mungo's by Lucius Malfoy were to bribe someone to keep the two of them in bad shape.

Alternatively, I hope that Neville, or possibly even Luna might be able to find a cure for his parents. Neville possibly due to that strange plant, or Luna who seems to be very deep into the mysteries, possibly even the mysteries of the mind.

Ecthelion

July 24th, 2003, 12:01 am

Originally posted by Mutant for Hire (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=479645#post479645))
One of my faint hopes is that the donations to St. Mungo's by Lucius Malfoy were to bribe someone to keep the two of them in bad shape.

Alternatively, I hope that Neville, or possibly even Luna might be able to find a cure for his parents. Neville possibly due to that strange plant, or Luna who seems to be very deep into the mysteries, possibly even the mysteries of the mind.

Ahh. I've never thought of those possibilities. Especially the ones where Neville will find a cure for his parents. That would be a great way to show that Voldemort is truly gone, and some of the horrible things he's done are beginning to fade away....which sometimes isn't a good thing, because people forget, but in the case where a boy's deranged parents finally recognize him as their own son, I think an excuse can be made! Maybe something like a gum wrapper or a little recollection of the past will be mishappinly thrown across them and total recal is set into action. But that Plant idea is a good one.

This is something that I now fervently hope will happen, though it is probably highly unlikely as JK will probably want to show that even if the source of evil is gone, its afteraffects still continue to go about their evil ways....dumb life lessons...ruin every story! ;)

Mutant for Hire

July 24th, 2003, 1:42 am

Originally posted by Ecthelion (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?postid=479780#post479780))
This is something that I now fervently hope will happen, though it is probably highly unlikely as JK will probably want to show that even if the source of evil is gone, its afteraffects still continue to go about their evil ways....dumb life lessons...ruin every story! ;)

Personally, I hope that Neville decides to become a Healer. Unfortunately Healers have very high NEWT level requirements and I'm not sure Neville's exactly pulled himself together in time to do well enough on the OWLs to get into the requisite NEWT classes.

MagicianGirl

July 24th, 2003, 10:00 am

I always like Neville in any book but I like him more now in Ootp. LOL! Who would've thought that he would be the last one standing aside from Harry in the battle in the M of M.

PensieveGazer

July 29th, 2003, 6:50 pm

Hmm...not entirely sure if a thread has already been created about this but...here goes!... :)

Perhaps it's just me, but I've been wondering ever since Harry's year has been able to visit Hogsmeade in book three about whether Neville is destined to serve a greater purpose in the lives of his closest peers and friends. When a number of the book's adults were talking about Sirius Black over a couple of butterbeers, they mentioned how Neville in many ways was a great deal like Wormtail/Pettigrew. Does anyone else think that that remark foreshadow events to come in the future? Or was it just an off-hand remark of sorts to show Pettigrew's abilities as a child, etc.?

I'd love to get people's feedback on this one! :)

Juliet Malfoy

July 29th, 2003, 7:19 pm

i think that's what J.K.R. wants us to go towards.
and Neville is really a nice kid, he doesn't go towards the big kids that he knows will take care of him, I don't think he'll go bad.

But what I do think, according to the Ultimate HP Guide, is that he's under a memory charm.
Remember what they said about bertha jorkisn. could get lost anywhere.. forgetfull

well, if that's the sideaffects of it, Neville is showing em pretty well!

Kosmic

July 29th, 2003, 7:27 pm

I don't think Nevile is going to go bad but I think he is going to show his true colours and kick some death eater butt! He really started to show his capabilities in OoTP and that's only going to boost his confidence. I think he's going to want revenge for his parents.
I also have a thought that maybe it'll be Harry and Neville together who defeat Voldemort. Remember the prophecy meant it could be either (apart form the mark) so I reckon they'll join forces and it'll be both

Weasley24

July 29th, 2003, 7:30 pm

Neville is alot like Peter. He hangs around with more powerful people, he isnt the greatest at school work. But there's one minor difference... he's not a bad guy. And I dont think he'll ever become a bad guy. He's going to become more powerful, and then he'll be less like Peter.

DaManDan521

July 29th, 2003, 7:37 pm

maybe it will meaan that neville will be offered to go to the darkside u never really kno bt it is possible that if that happens he will go against them and sum how save harry doing that lol who knows? neville will play bigger role in the books though. jo has been focusin on him slightly every since book 1

MadMagic

July 29th, 2003, 8:56 pm

I don't think that Neville will become the Peter Pettigrew in Harry's life. Sure there are similarities between Neville and Peter, but there are also many differences. Neville is good and has show it. He stand up for what is right, he stands up for his friends, he is loyal, and he has the true bravery of Gryffindor. I don't think that he would take the easy road and betray a friend.

He has also had terrible things happen in his life, which I believe have made him stornger.

There are more ideas/opinions on the Peter/Neville similarities here (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=12931&highlight=neville+peter+similarities).

Hazelnutt1230

July 29th, 2003, 9:25 pm

I dont think that Neville will ever go to the dark side becasue of what has happened to his parents. Also, now that he needs a new wand, he will be even more powerful, which will make him even less like Peter. Neville doesn't hide behing his friends like Peter did and this was shown in the DoM.

remus81

July 29th, 2003, 9:33 pm

I think that there is a lot of merit in the point that Neville will be what Harry's idea of Pettigrew at the time. Which is to say that Neville will be the person who is willing to die for his friends. To risk prison and/or death to protect the honor and the lives of those on the side of good. That is, he will become the SIRIUS BLACK of Harry's life, because that is who Harry thought Peter was at the time. Ok, that was a little garbled, but I hope it makes sense. Neville good...

Laura Borealis

July 29th, 2003, 10:08 pm

I do believe (as the rest of you seem to also) that Neville is definitely on the good side. After all he did take that Crutacius Curse in the DoM like a true Gryffindor and Maurauder. Unlike Peter who just betrayed the people who befriended him in the wizard world.

Weatherby

July 30th, 2003, 6:08 am

I'm going to merge this topic with 'Evolution of Neville'. :)

Hermy121

August 2nd, 2003, 10:10 am

Rhyno81

August 2nd, 2003, 5:02 pm

i have a theory that in the 6th book neville will get a new proper wand, and with his added confidence will excell rapidly. causing voldemort to question his decision to target harry, and go after neville. and/or using or bating him with bellatrix.(harry and neville hate her both equally remeber?)

yankes1903

August 3rd, 2003, 12:56 am

ok, so right now, harry thinks he is definitely 'the one.' but i think in book 6, something will happen to make him doubt whether he is the one or not and he might start thinking maybe it could be Neville.
Voldemort has still only heard part of the prophecy so, maybe, in the next book, he'll go after Neville just to be safe; because all he knows the one who can vanquish him was born in the end of july. since this is JKR writing this, only she can imagine what would happen if volemort went after neville (she came up with the whole idea of avada kedavra backfiring and transfering powers right?) and what ever it is, will make harry (and maybe dumbledore) wonder who voldemort has 'marked'

AvadaKedavra

August 3rd, 2003, 2:11 pm

Neville's gonna be even more powerful, cos this time around, he'll have HIS OWN wand.

prongspadfootmoony

August 3rd, 2003, 5:10 pm

who did neville see killed?(so he can see the thestrals)

oh and yes im so proud of him *claps and smiles proudly*
yes i think the problem was his dads wand...

Hermy121

August 3rd, 2003, 5:15 pm

[QUOTE=prongspadfootmoony]who did neville see killed?(so he can see the thestrals)
QUOTE]

His granddad, he tells professor Umberidge(?) when she is inspecting Hagrids class

prongspadfootmoony

August 3rd, 2003, 5:16 pm

[QUOTE=prongspadfootmoony]who did neville see killed?(so he can see the thestrals)
QUOTE]

His granddad, he tells professor Umberidge(?) when she is inspecting Hagrids class

OH THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!! i didnt remember

Mad I

August 3rd, 2003, 5:24 pm

Maybe we will get to see more information on that death (it could be related to Voldemort's rise to power) giving Neville even more reason to be angry at the death eaters.

Mad I

August 3rd, 2003, 5:26 pm

In regards to Neville getting a new wand and being more powerful, Ron got a new wand following CoS and there wasn't a major change in his spell-casting ability (from before it broke at least).

Silkeng

August 9th, 2003, 2:40 am

I have always!! loved Neville, that scene where he gets ten points for his house in SS/PS tears Me up every time! He has always seemed innocent and good. Just needing encouragement, which he has always gotten from Harry, Ron and Hermione. I think many understimated him throughout the series because Harry underestimated him. This year when Neville joined the DA he took notice, and saw Nevilles potential, so in turn we saw it.

The story of Harry's past has always put Me firmly on Harry's side in all scenarios, even in OotP where he was angry. So when i heard nevilles story in PoA, then later in OotP seeing him interact with them and his strength was even more impressed.

His parents being driven insane, has seemed to Me as bad or worse than Harry's parents dying. It seems almost crueler to leave them alive in that state and not knowing who or what they are. I don't believe that Neville will defeat Voldermort instead of Harry, I think he will play a large part in the final battle against him. Maybe even a pivotal role in the defeat of Voldermort.

His grandmother, and understandably so, has been coddling Neville keepig him out of danger, and at the same time disappointed in his abilities. I think she couldn't see past the image of his father in her mind to see Neville for his own strengths and weaknesses. I am very glad that he is going to be able to get his own wand this year.

I had always hoped he would play a more vital role, after CoS i had hoped he would turn out to be the Heir of Gryiffindor.. just a crazy idea of My own.

So Bully for Neville, i knew he could do it. Loves Neville and would have loved to seen many of the things from his point of view. (well all of them really) :clap:

Mumford Oxter

August 9th, 2003, 4:12 am

Well, of course Neville is very important. But then Lockart tells us as much--who wants to read a book about a forgetful, fat boy named Longbottom who just happens to be the one who...

And why is his memory so bad? Who modified his memory, and why?

And who is Crookshanks really?

Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus

Mad I

August 9th, 2003, 9:31 pm

Is there any wandwork involved in Herbology (I don't think that there is much) because getting a wand might hinder his Herbology abilities if there is a lot of wandwork involved.

Hermionefan617

August 10th, 2003, 11:38 pm

Do weknow if using someone else's wand thwarts a wizard's power? Neville has been using his dad's weapon, which we were unaware of.

He's developing some guts, and his bravery is starting to peek through more. I think the encouragement from DA has helped him break out of his shell.

I wonder - since he's excelling so much in DA (and I hope Harry continues it, because he's going to need everyone to help him fight the DE's), and when he gets a new wand that has "picked" him - if he's going to really become a fully functioning wizard.

Am I just being really thick?... 'cuz I don't remember it saying that he's been using his dad's wand. Which chapter was that? :blush: I guess I have to reread OoP again.

But I guess that's the truth since many people commented on it. So I hope that the whole wand thing works out for Neville. He really grew as a character. I agree that the DA meetings helped him so much...but how is he going to use his new-found inner strength?

LESTRANGEMUSTDIE

August 10th, 2003, 11:41 pm

hermionefan617- when they were in the dept of mysteries and one of the death eaters kicked him in the face and in the process, snapped his wand. "gran's gonna kill me- that was my dad's old wand"

Mutant for Hire

August 10th, 2003, 11:54 pm

The interesting question will be, how much will Neville tell his gran, and exactly how she will react if Neville told her about the Department of Mysteries. She might even think more of the boy after she finds out that he stood up to Bellatrix. Things might well improve between the pair of them after this.

Hazelnutt1230

August 11th, 2003, 12:03 am

I think Neville's gran will give him some more credit than he's been given, concidering he risked his life by going to the Department of Mysteries to help Harry out. And since his gran thinks very highly of Harry, then she cant be that mad at Neville for helping him out and being a true friend to him.

Hestia

August 11th, 2003, 2:05 am

I have to agree that Neville is totally amazing. He has his problems but who doesnt? Considering how tough life would be if your own parents didnt even recognise you I think hes doing amazingly well. I would love to see the healers find a way to restore the sanity of the Longbottoms. That would seriously make my day. JK never says that its permanent damage after all.... or maybe if Neville finishes off Bellatrix then the spell will be lifted. Bode was recovering before he was murdered and Lockhart is also recovering so its very possible. Plus they could definitely help the order. Either way hes definitely stepping up and I think he will play a very crucial role in the destruction of Voldemort. I wasnt overly surprised by his bravery in OotP. In the first book Dumbledore says that he is even braver than the trio for standing up to them even though they are his friends. We learn in OotP that Neville witnessed his grandfathers death but we are not clued into the cause of his death, which may be important.

lupe

August 12th, 2003, 11:54 am

Neville was so amazing in the OOTP. He really developed. He was always brave(in the first book he stood up to Harry, Ron, and Hermione) but he didn't have much confidence. Maybe now he will stand up to Draco more.

haycheng

August 12th, 2003, 3:15 pm

I do not believe the wand thing is important. It may give some improvement but not anything major. Like McD said, Neville just need some confident. I would not be suprise if he and Harry do well on potion and both get in Snape's class.
I hope grandma will give Neville a break. The contant talk about you are not as good as your parents is serious bad for a child.

Jena Evans

October 30th, 2003, 2:30 am

I was also very impressed by Neville in OotP. The DA meetings seemed to really boost his confidence and we got to see how good he could really be at something (besides herbologry (sp?)) The whole idea of Neville getting a new wand will probably be important but I agree with whoever (Mad I?) mentioned that there appeared to be no great difference in Ron's abilities after he got a new wand in PoA after he broke it in CoS. I don't know, something to think about anyway.
Neville definately won't be the one to defeat LV because Harry was the one LV chose, but I do think that he will have something to do with killing the one who made his parents the way they are. I don't think he will kill Draco (though I wouldn't be sad if he did) but to kill him in retaliation for teasing and such is a little too extremem.
But I do think that we will continue to see why the Sorting Hat sorted him into Gryffindor House.
Oh, I'm not quite sure what this means anymore or if it means anything at all other than his lack of self confidence and fear of the Chamber of Secrets, but I came across this quote the other day and am curious to hear what you all think:
"'They went for Filch first,' Neville said, his round face fearful. 'And everyone knows I'm almost a Squib.'" (p.185 HPCoS American version)

Adalbert Waffling

January 10th, 2004, 4:35 am

DrummerboyDT

January 10th, 2004, 6:21 am

Does Neville have a circle of friends? I think Neville is a great guy and I'm glad Dumbledore gave him credit at the end of the first book.

Liselle

January 10th, 2004, 2:06 pm

Neville has always been my favorite character, and its been great that jkr has let him mature over his 5 years at Hogwarts, From a wimpy little shrew to something where he stands for the very image of a gryffindor. Look at him, broken jaw, cuts, bruises, yet he presses on. Bravo Neville.

I very much agree with you. I loved Neville from the beginning, aside from what we found out in Phoenix, I have always put him as a parallel image of Harry, being brought up by a relatives trying to eek magic out of him instead of Harry's relatives trying to squash it out of him.

As professor McGonagall told him, there is nothing wrong with his work except confidence and finally we have seen him come into his own.....I'm not sure if it was the plant given to him by his great-uncle, the one on one tuition he got in DA or generally growing up that has spurred him on but it is telling that he was second only to Hermionie, and that is no mean achievement. I am looking forward now to seeing Neville with his real first wand that will choose him and make him more of a wizard than any of us on first glance thought he could be.

He will be powerful and a force to be reckoned with, he has the courage and heart of a lion, a true gryffindor

Liselle

realmer06

January 10th, 2004, 4:53 pm

Personally, I am absolutely fascinated by Neville's character and think he is going to have a very very very important part in the defeat of Voldemort. I mean, he really started to become his own person in book five. He started to come out of his shell, if you know what I mean. on the Requiem forums, there was a discussion about him having a crush on Hermione or Ginny. I think he had a crush on Hermione for a while, but that was because she was someone he could depend on to always be there, and that's the kind of person he obviously didn't have much of in his life. Like Harry . . . Amazing how alike those two are, isn't it? And the fact that they both had equal chances of being the object of the prophecy. If the tides had been turned . . if Neville had been chosen . . . how would he have been different? Like I said, Neville fascinates me, and I want the sixth book for this reason!!

GryffindorGr

January 10th, 2004, 8:38 pm

Neville freaks me out sometimes. I'm wary of people who act the way he does.
never judge a book by its cover
and his actions throughout the series makes me question his personality. There's heroism but people miss the little things...
anyway--wasn't it where a passage where Nevilles parents died in st. mungos?
heres an interesting site:

http://www.hp-lexicon.org/mungos.html
by Liselle
As professor McGonagall told him, there is nothing wrong with his work except confidence and finally we have seen him come into his own.....I'm not sure if it was the plant given to him by his great-uncle, the one on one tuition he got in DA or generally growing up that has spurred him on but it is telling that he was second only to Hermionie, and that is no mean achievement. I am looking forward now to seeing Neville with his real first wand that will choose him and make him more of a wizard than any of us on first glance thought he could be.

interesting about that site though. There's something about plants on the 3rd floor.

Liselle

January 12th, 2004, 7:56 pm

anyway--wasn't it where a passage where Nevilles parents died in st. mungos

but Neville's parents aren't dead! They are in Saint Mungos! I think though that the person who was strangled by the Devils Snare was in their ward though if thats what you mean

Indeed people underestimate Neville, I thought for the longest time that he was just that slightly goofy loveable one that nearly every series has, you know the slightly chubby kid that gets picked on...Phoenix really opened my eyes to him.

I'm not sure if I'd question his personality though as it hasn't really changed, he's just become more determined, I wonder if his grandmother is well (remember Trewlaney asked him if he was certain that she was in POA I think..and although she may be a fraud she is suprisingly accurate,only her interpretation is off) maybe that has made him grow up a bit....also with Bellatrix and the rest of the LeStranges running around free he's probably nervous and a bubble of pride is begining to well up in him giving him a determination he never had before.

Yes there are other things about Neville that we don't know about and I'd love a bit more background on him.

Liselle

GryffindorGr

January 12th, 2004, 8:10 pm

Liselle,
I know. His parents went mad/crazy in st. mungos. I was speculating, since it doesn't say anything further about them.

Interesting links to Neville as some theories and speculations run around, plus some fact links too:

http://www.anzwers.org/free/nevillel/predict.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neville_Longbottom

Liselle

January 12th, 2004, 8:18 pm

apologies GryffinforGr! I was wondering if I had missed something huge in the books!!! will check out those links!

cheers!
Liselle

Kelroy

April 19th, 2004, 12:39 am

Here's a thought. Fawkes gave two tail feathers for wands, one to Voldemort and one to Harry. I wonder where the core for Neville's wand will come from. It may not have any significance at all and might not be mentioned, but it would be interesting if it came from the same animal as DUmbledore's, or maybe Fawkes will give a third tail feather.

Tane

May 26th, 2004, 8:40 pm

I think the person killed in St. Mongos by the devil snare might have been Lockhart as he is good at memory charms and his spell might not have lasted for ever. Perhaps his memory started to come back after seeing Harry and Ron. If Lockhart had got his memory back and realized that Neville’s parents were being kept against there will and no longer under the memory charm then who ever was keeping them there might want him dead in case he goes running off and telling everyone about it.

Neville has made me cry twice, once with the points awarded in PS/SS and the other time was when he meets his parents in St. Mongo. I think Neville is one very brave young boy to go at the death eaters without showing any fear and he always puts his friends first before himself. The only reason his spell work failed during that fight in OotP was because he was firstly using Hermione's wand and second of all he had a broken nose so he could not pronounce the spell correctly.

I just wonder how Harry will treat Neville in book 6, after all he stuck his neck out for Harry in a way even though it was reckless, he suffered for Harry's own cause and that surely can not be ignored by Harry. I can see that event where Neville is tortured by Bellatrix create a very strong bond between the two boys as both might realize that they have a lot in common.

im_not_ashamed

May 26th, 2004, 8:48 pm

[QUOTE=Tane]I think the person killed in St. Mongos by the devil snare might have been Lockhart as he is good at memory charms and his spell might not have lasted for ever. Perhaps his memory started to come back after seeing Harry and Ron. If Lockhart had got his memory back and realized that Neville’s parents were being kept against there will and no longer under the memory charm then who ever was keeping them there might want him dead in case he goes running off and telling everyone about it.

Neville has made me cry twice, once with the points awarded in PS/SS and the other time was when he meets his parents in St. Mongo. I think Neville is one very brave young boy to go at the death eaters without showing any fear and he always puts his friends first before himself. The only reason his spell work failed during that fight in OotP was because he was firstly using Hermione's wand and second of all he had a broken nose so he could not pronounce the spell correctly.

Sorry to seem pedantic but it says in OoTP that the person who was killed in St Mungos was Derek Bode who was an unspeakable.

jen15poms

May 26th, 2004, 8:59 pm

I just wonder how Harry will treat Neville in book 6, after all he stuck his neck out for Harry in a way even though it was reckless, he suffered for Harry's own cause and that surely can not be ignored by Harry. I can see that event where Neville is tortured by Bellatrix create a very strong bond between the two boys as both might realize that they have a lot in common.

This is a great point. I think that hearing the Prophecy from Dumbledore will have a profound effect on Harry. I don't think he has ever looked down on Neville, but they just haven't been on the same level before. However, with all of the events in OotP, I think Harry's eyes have been opened to Neville's potential.

First, there was the meeting with Neville, his grandmother, and his parents in St. Mungos. Although Harry had already known about what had happened to the Longbottoms, I think it took seeing Neville at the hospital for it to really sink in with Harry. He had Neville have both lost their parents because of Lord Voldemort. (Personally, I think it is almost worse for Neville, as his parents survived the torturing, but they don't even know who he is and are unable to function. I think it would be very hard to see your parents like that.)

Second, Harry saw the incredible progress that Neville made in the DA, after he learned that the Lestranges, who had tortured his parents into insanity, had escaped from Azcaban. I think that Harry has formed a deep respect for Neville.

Lastly, in the Department of Mysteries that night in the Ministry, we all saw a side of Neville that we hadn't seen before. He was brave and bold and ready to stand up to the Death Eaters. Neville found himself in this book, and I can imagine that he will continue to grow and excell as the books go on.

feshnie

May 27th, 2004, 4:06 pm

the Evolution of Nevil did surprise me. In book 1-4 he seems really forgetful. It is weird to read him as he is brave. But still I think he wants revenge. 10 escaped death-eaters. No wonder he joined Dumbledore's Army. :p

imperfect prefect

May 27th, 2004, 9:17 pm

Everyone seems to assume Neville gets a new wand. However, recycling seems to be very much in evidence (e.g most of Rons things are hand-me-downs, used goods store where Percy was reading a book about prefects, Harrys invisibility cloak, and Sirius cleaning out his house) so Neville still has his mum's wand to use before he gets to qualify for a new wand (unless Gran Longbottom didn't keep her son's wife's stuff... she didn't have much patience with Alice giving the gum wrapper to Neville)

Kirsten

May 27th, 2004, 10:55 pm

Ron's family are poor, and it's common for big families to pass things along to the younger children. Harry's invisibility cloak was very expensive, and there's a better than even chance that Dumbledore saved it because he knew Harry would need it in the future. Do we know what happened to Alice's wand? For all we know, it could have been destroyed. I think it's time poor Neville had his own wand.

Momsafantoo

May 28th, 2004, 12:27 am

I think that Neville will get his own new wand, and that he *will* improve with it. Sure, Ron didn't change much after getting his own new wand, but since brothers have a closer genetic relationship than children do to an individual parent, it would make sense that his old wand would be "close enough" for him. And I think someone else pointed out that the core of both of his wands was the same, unicorn hair. So obviously he had an affinity for it to start with, so the hand me down wand did okay for him.

I, too, was absolutely cheering for the "new" Neville in book 5. In my head, at least! LOL

On the first or second page of this thread someone talked about being "****" that he couldn't talk properly in the big fight at the MoM, and about the spelling errors - sorry, but that wasn't him screwing up, or mis-spells. It was because his nose was broken and bleeding! You know how you sound when you have a bad head cold? Bet it's even worse with a freshly broken nose. P's, B's and M's get badly messed up. I felt so bad for Neville, trying so hard to get it right for once, and he would have succeeded if it weren't for that blasted broken nose!

jen15poms

May 28th, 2004, 12:35 am

On the first or second page of this thread someone talked about being "****" that he couldn't talk properly in the big fight at the MoM, and about the spelling errors - sorry, but that wasn't him screwing up, or mis-spells. It was because his nose was broken and bleeding! You know how you sound when you have a bad head cold? Bet it's even worse with a freshly broken nose. P's, B's and M's get badly messed up. I felt so bad for Neville, trying so hard to get it right for once, and he would have succeeded if it weren't for that blasted broken nose!

I totally agree! I wanted to cry during that scene...Neville was so brave and he tried soooooo hard! Imagine how frustrating that must have been for him! I am keeping my fingers crossed that Neville will have glory and success in the next two books!!!

Mysterious Dragon

May 29th, 2004, 7:41 pm

Yeah, Neville came on a bit in Ootp all right. Maybe it was that secret meeting of the DA that did it, as when he was there, he got better at performing basic spells. And that outbust in the dungeons, when (I think ) Malfoy said something rude about St. Mungo's and he flipped...

I think if he had a bit of extra help, he could go a long way with magic...

gryfforin

June 4th, 2004, 6:22 am

I don't know that I think the wand itself will have the most important effect in Neville. I look at him as having had no self confidence (I know obvious right?) But it seems as if throughout the books he has needed a push or a shove to stand tall.

Bear with me, it's been a while since I've read the books but...

Ron encourages Neville to stand up for himself, and he does, not only against Malfoy and entourage, but independantly against the trio.

I can't remember specific evidence, but it appears as if Sprout has worked in an effective manner to encourage Neville's success in Herbology, I'll be looking for this as I go and reread the series.

I think the DA simply gave Neville the push he needed to do well. It's low pressure, no comparisons to how great his parents were, or Snape breathing down his neck. But in this case, his success is irrefutable proof that he has the potential to be a good wizard. It's wand work, and dueling, and he's succeeding.

I think this boost of self esteem is what Neville needed to prepare him for whatever part he is going to share with Harry in the prophecy.

dobydoo

June 11th, 2004, 12:00 am

Hey, its about time Neville got some love. He is going to be devestating in the next couple of books.

Silkeng

June 11th, 2004, 1:31 am

I think the DA simply gave Neville the push he needed to do well. It's low pressure, no comparisons to how great his parents were, or Snape breathing down his neck. But in this case, his success is irrefutable proof that he has the potential to be a good wizard. It's wand work, and dueling, and he's succeeding.

I think this boost of self esteem is what Neville needed to prepare him for whatever part he is going to share with Harry in the prophecy.

He got alot of boost of confidence from Harry and Ron being his friends, the DA was also helpful in relieving some of the pressure he has felt in class. The main boost he got was the Lestranges escape, that wasn't confidence but grim determination for revenge to face them in the future.

I think all this plus his new wand and confidence/determination will help him to improve by leaps and bounds in year six.

FirefightingMuggle

June 11th, 2004, 2:03 am

Poor Neville. I've always liked him, but geesh...growing up with some of the things he has had to grow up with...
His family always testing him to see if he was really a wizard or just a squib.
Being compared to his father all the time.
Snape breathing down his neck.
His notoriously poor memory.
Always losing his toad.

I'd be a bit unsure of myself if I was in his shoes. But something just snaps in him in OotP. Maybe it's a desire to be a better wizard and live up to the expectations that his family has of him. Maybe it's the desire to get back at the people who hurt his parents so badly. Maybe it's because people are finally starting to get some confidence in him. I remember McGonnagal saying something like "Your [Neville's] spell work is fine it just lacks confidence." Harry letting him into the DA and giving him a chance didn't hurt matters either. His Uncle gave him that plant because he knew Neville was good at Herbology. Fake Moody even told Neville that he was good at Herbology and loaned him that book...with alterior motives of course, but he still acknowledged that Neville was good at something.
I think it's hard to be compared to others your whole life, not thinking you were good at anything. When you finally find something you are good at, you run with it. But our little Neville is quickly becoming good at not only Herbology, but DADA also. And I bet he does half decent on his potion OWLS, just because Snape isn't there to make him nervous. I think Neville's fear of Snape really holds him back in Potions.
Neville's transformation into a good wizard doesn't surprise me at all. I always expected more from him than what we saw, and his performance in OotP proved that he does have great ability, and also great courage underneath it all.

NiCk RiDdLe

June 20th, 2004, 2:03 am

I don't know if any of you have thought of this because this thread is just too long to read through at the moment just to let you know.

Instead of all of you choosing someone to be the almighty defeater of Voldy, I think it will take the power of both of them. Of course after Neville gets his own wand. Him using his fathers wand is no good. He needs his own. The wand chooses the person, the person doens'nt choose the wand. That will make a HUGE difference. Anyways, I'm also thinking it's possible for Harry to become knocked out from behind courtesey of one of the Death Eaters while Harry and Voldy are trying to battle. Then somehow, Neville will need to use Harrys wand and it will work magically for him. He will take out the Death Eaters and have Voldy cornerned. But then a DE gets him from behind as he trys to finish Voldy. Dumbledore somehow makes it there late but knocks out the DE! Harry grabs his wand and with Vodly distracted, he BLASTS Voldy with one of the most powerful pure and good destroying curse there is. OR he just might create his own.

Hey, I know this probably wont happen but it's good to make good ideas. ^^

muggledeedee

June 20th, 2004, 4:06 am

Neville is sure to be more important in the next 2 books than we may have assumed previously. I find it very intresting how quickly he seemed to advance under Harry's tutelage....anyone else find this a bit of a coincidence?

I think Harry and Neveille are linked by more than the prophecy and when they were born...do we know anything of James Potter's family? Is it at all possible that Harry and Neville are cousins? I know an argument might come up as to why Dumbledore would send Harry to the Dursley's? Well,,,, I thought of that. his Aunt Petunia was his only living BLOOD relative who would have been able to care for him, right? Neville's grandmother might not be related to Harry but Neville would be - depending on which parent would have been related to James (assuming any relation at all) Am I making any sense? I feel like I am babbling.....

Also - I think there is something about how much Snape seems to dislike Neville - The only other person he picks on as much is Harry..I know he doesn't like Gryffindors in general and that he is unfair to Ron and Hermoine as well - but he seems to have a special place in his mean little heart for doing or saying anything horrible he can to Neville - I think there is definitely something there we are missing - could this be another link that Neville is related to James Potter? hmmm

I wholly believe that Neville will have something to do with the downfall of Voldemort. Either he and Harry do it together or something happens to Harry and Neville kicks some major butt!!!! ( I also wouldn't be surprised if Neville gets good enough with his spells to jinx Snape - I would love that)

codswallop

June 20th, 2004, 4:21 am

Muggledeedee that is a very good question And I am trying to search possible threads on Harry's wizarding relatives, James is by all accounts a pure-blood, and from the discussion about sirius's family many wizarding families are related....

I do not however believe he is related to Neville, no particular reason, just a gut feeling, maybe Susan Bones?

Silkeng

June 20th, 2004, 4:48 am

Also - I think there is something about how much Snape seems to dislike Neville - The only other person he picks on as much is Harry..I know he doesn't like Gryffindors in general and that he is unfair to Ron and Hermoine as well - but he seems to have a special place in his mean little heart for doing or saying anything horrible he can to Neville - I think there is definitely something there we are missing - could this be another link that Neville is related to James Potter?

There is definitely more to Snape's loathing of Neville. He seems to enjoy it almost as much as he enjoys making comments to Harry. I never thought they were related, but there has to be more so if there was some canon for this theory I could get on board. I will be looking more closely for clues of this now.

Layla

June 20th, 2004, 7:00 am

I agree with everyone else: Neville will probably get a new wand and will improve almost beyond recognition due to the new wand and his increased self-confidence not to mention the fact that the Lestranges are out of Azbakan and that seems to provide him with the needed motivation and drive to improve (not necessarily because he wants revenge, but because he has experienced, first hand, how evil they really are).

On a side note... did anyone else think that the gum wrappers Neville's mother gave him were going to be important? Is there a possibility that his parents retained the tiniest bit of sanity and were trying to give him some clue?

NiCk RiDdLe

June 21st, 2004, 12:16 am

I dont think this is the first time we have disscussed the gum wrappers in the specific thread but, they probably are a message. They are maybe telling him that they need to reflect voldy's powers back at him instead of voldy using them against them only. That neville is very powerful and could maybe do the curses without turning into the evil side? I highly doubt its just because of them giving it to him for no reason. There has to be a reason. And that reason will become VERY important in the next two books. Jk would not put that in there for nothing. I mean, look at her site, the gum wrappers ARE THERE. That means they are important.

Layla

June 21st, 2004, 6:27 am

JKR explains that she quit smoking some years back and she substituted it with gum and that's why they're all over the place on her 'desk' in the website... but knowing her, I still can't shake off the idea that the gum wrappers are going to mean something big both for Neville and the Order.

He (Neville) keeps on saying that he's 'almost a squib' and that gets me worried but then, he contradicts this picture completely in OoP where we see him developing and learning very quickly - he even disarmed Hermione at some point, didn't he?

MrWeasley

June 30th, 2004, 10:42 pm

I can't help thinking that "The Lost Prophecy" is just a little too ambiguous...
JKR says on her site - when asked what the prophecy means - that "both Madam Trelawney and I worded the prophecy extremely carefully and that is all I have to say on the subject."

Here goes the prophecy again:

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches ... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies ... and the Dark Lord will mark him as equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not ... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives ..."

Mhm... I'm calling on you linguistically gifted - isn't there a lot of room for interpretation? Is it really safe to assume that even Dumbledore got the message right? Can we be sure that only Harry and Neville had parents who have "thrice defied" Lord Voldemort and have been born at the end of July?

amy_gamgee

June 30th, 2004, 10:55 pm

glugunkwen

June 30th, 2004, 11:01 pm

*anyway* :) I noticed that there are lots of gum wrapper theories... am I the only one who hopes that they don't mean anything? I just love that moment in OoTP when he pockets the gum wrappers... (I cried of course) I just like to think of it as a sweet way for Neville to keep his mom "with him," you know?

I'm completely with you on this! I absolutely loved that moment, and must admit it brought tears to my eyes as well.

However, I think there is something more to them. They are all over JKR's desk on her website which seems like a bit clue to me.

amy_gamgee

June 30th, 2004, 11:47 pm

However, I think there is something more to them. They are all over JKR's desk on her website which seems like a bit clue to me.

Yes, that's true... but hasn't she (JKR) mentioned that she chews a lot of gum now that she doesn't smoke? Maybe that's really what her desk looks like. *shrug*

(BTW glugunkwen, how did you become a 2nd year in only 25 days?)

I have another theory that I would like to bring up... I did a search and didn't find anything...

What's the deal with the mimbulus mimbeltonia? I believe it will be important... JKR wouldn't have brought it up for no reason. My theory is that Neville will use the plant to either #1 - cure Lupin and other werewolves or #2 restore his parents. I have no evidence to support this :blush: but I think it's plausible. We all know Neville's best subject is herbology.

Magical_Me

July 1st, 2004, 2:44 am

I have a little theory, sorry if it's already been given (I can't be bothered reading 6 pages!!).

I think Neville's gran knew of his potential, knew what powers he was capable of. His parents were extremely powerful, and so is he.

Gran had already lost her son and his wife, and she didn't want to lose Neville. By forcing him to use his father's wand and by lowering his confidence, she prevents Neville's potential. She doesn't want him to become an Auror like his parents because she doesn't want to lose him. So, because of what his Gran has done, Neville is an under-performer.

With his new wand and new confidence, Neville will become extremely powerful. He will almost certainly avenge his parents and destroy the Lestranges. Maybe You-Know-Who made a mistake in choosing Harry as his arch enemy?

Wow, a lot of that theory came as I was writing it, but it seems to make sense. Whadd'ya think?

Ana-Magus

July 1st, 2004, 2:52 am

Gran had already lost her son and his wife, and she didn't want to lose Neville. By forcing him to use his father's wand and by lowering his confidence, she prevents Neville's potential. She doesn't want him to become an Auror like his parents because she doesn't want to lose him. So, because of what his Gran has done, Neville is an under-performer.

With his new wand and new confidence, Neville will become extremely powerful. He will almost certainly avenge his parents and destroy the Lestranges. Maybe You-Know-Who made a mistake in choosing Harry as his arch enemy?

This is a great point! It does seem as if Gran is a bit of a bully.... As I have always said - Neville has lived in the shadow of his parents' fate for too long... He his finally realizing that he can use that shadow as a source of strength and become a powerful wizard.

I think the days of shy, cowardly little Neville.... ARE GONE!

glugunkwen

July 1st, 2004, 3:06 am

starutena

July 1st, 2004, 7:13 am

I think Neville's gran knew of his potential, knew what powers he was capable of. His parents were extremely powerful, and so is he.

Gran had already lost her son and his wife, and she didn't want to lose Neville. By forcing him to use his father's wand and by lowering his confidence, she prevents Neville's potential. She doesn't want him to become an Auror like his parents because she doesn't want to lose him. So, because of what his Gran has done, Neville is an under-performer.

You have a point, and I think you're on to something.
There's still that memory charm buisness that's floating about, I'm not entirely sure I believe it. I have a hard time believing that a one year old baby knows key information that would requrie such a strong memory charm. Harry barely remembers green light afterall (more with a dementor's help).

Stop me if you've heard this, I am not up to date on current Neville theories: Considering that Neville's parents were "able" to give testimony at the Lestrange and Crouch Jr trial, it is possible that they have moments of sanity. Perhaps one of these moments occured during a holiday visit. Gran got scared that Neville would do something rash and placed the charm on him. Obviously this would be prior to his attendence of Hogwarts but after he could talk and create meaningful memories, so between ages 5-11?

glugunkwen

July 1st, 2004, 1:53 pm

Considering that Neville's parents were "able" to give testimony at the Lestrange and Crouch Jr trial, it is possible that they have moments of sanity.
I'm pretty sure they were tortured after the testimony - they were tortured into insanity by death eaters after Voldemort was gone.

Classical_Wizar

July 1st, 2004, 2:15 pm

agree with Glugunkwen: Lestrange and company tortured them thinking that the Longbottom had information of where Voldemort was hiding.

UCant_B_Sirius

July 1st, 2004, 2:39 pm

*anyway* :) I noticed that there are lots of gum wrapper theories... am I the only one who hopes that they don't mean anything? I just love that moment in OoTP when he pockets the gum wrappers... (I cried of course) I just like to think of it as a sweet way for Neville to keep his mom "with him," you know?

Of course, now that I've said that, I'll be totally wrong & the wrappers will reveal the secret to defeating Voldemort. *shrug*

Hey Amy . . . I'm solidly in the camp that thinks of the gum wrappers much the same way you do. I think they are more a sign of just how much damage the cruciatus curse did to Neville's mom's mind than some great mystery to be solved. Just my opinion of course . . .

CicadaInvasion

July 1st, 2004, 3:39 pm

In response to the torture of Neville's parents...

The Lestranges and Crouch, Jr. were on trial for torturing the Frank and Alice Longbottom to the point of insanity, so perhaps their form of testimony was pointing the accused out in a police lineup or the like. Frank and Alice were well liked, so if there was any chance the Lestranges and Crouch Jr. had committed the crime, the court would have sent them to Azkaban.

The end of the court scene we see in Dumbledore's Pensieve, Bellatrix and her husband, as well as Crouch Jr. were taken to be sent to Azkaban. Crouch Jr. later escaped but was under his father's control until Harry's fourth year. The Lestranges were still in Azkaban at the end of the fourth book, and didn't breakout until the mass breakout in book 5. Therefore they were all more or less incarcerated for over ten years. They couldn't have tortured the Longbottoms in prison. The Longbottoms were tortured, therefore before the trial.

Elf

July 6th, 2004, 7:48 am

This has been mentioned by many others, but this is my take on it...

I think Neville's continually developing bravery will play a key role in the conclusion of the books. Just as Harry has a personal vendetta with Voldemort, Neville has one with Bellatrix Lestrange.
Voldemort killed Harry's parents and Bellatrix tortured Neville's parents to the point of insanity. Personally, I think there will be some serious payback involved here.

I think it's obvious that what we saw of Neville's bravery at the Ministry of Magic in OotP is just a taste of what lies ahead for him. I think that in the end, Neville will avenge his parents by killing/capturing Bellatrix Lestrange, thereby making a huge contibution to the war against evil by removing one of Voldemort's most loyal servants.

Bellatrix seems very amused when she learns Neville's identity at the Ministry of Magic in OotP. Her attitude is arrogant and sadistic and she makes a sarcastic comment about seeing how long Neville can withstand the Cruciatus Curse before he cracks like his parents. Then she proceeds to torture him for just a moment to give him a taste of what his parents went through. I think this "taste" that she gave Neville will be the last straw. He has watched his parents in their unfortunate mental state all these years and now Bellatrix has allowed him to feel exactly what they went through. That was probably a dangerous move on her part, because I think Neville will be absolutely driven to avenge his parents now.

There have been many parallels between Harry & Neville to the point where both boys could have even fit certain aspects of the prophecy. Obviously Harry isn't going to take on everyone himself in the end. I think that Neville, the other boy in the story who suffered at the hands of Voldemort & his supporters years ago, will play a significant role in the demise of evil.

While some characters in the books displayed bravery more obviously and immediately, I think that Neville's bravery, like many people's, has been a gradual metamorphosis.

squirpy

July 6th, 2004, 7:59 am

I really came to like Neville in OotP. He's becoming so brave and he's such a good guy. I'm glad that Harry and Ron have accepted him more.

I hope that you're right and Neville avenges his parents. I don't know if it'd be good if he became a murderer, but he's got to be the one to nab Bellatrix. She ruined his life and the lives of everyone he loves.

I think that Neville's transformation is great, it's very believable. He starts to work harder, and he gets more confidence and all of a sudden he's working spells left and right. He's finally proving why he was meant to be in Gryffindor.

Classical_Wizar

July 6th, 2004, 8:07 am

I don’t think Ron and Harry have accepted him yet but I agree it was good to see him standing up for his principles.

heirofslytherin_dm

July 6th, 2004, 10:51 am

I'm not sure he'll ever really be accepted by Ron and Harry as bad as that sounds. It just seems like their friendship or "group" is very triangular. There is too much of a "chemistry" there to be adding in more. I mean they are friends but he won't be a permanent member of the trio, or quad-rio.

Elf

July 7th, 2004, 7:45 pm

Yeah, saying that Neville will be intrumental in Bellatrix's downfall is probably better than saying he'll kill her isn't it? Bad choice of wording on my part. In fact, the prophecy doesn't even use the word "kill", but rather "vanquish", so perhaps we can assume that all the kids will maintain innocence in how they defeat the enemy in the end.

Perhaps that is a key point actually--even though good characters like Harry & Neville have every reason to want to kill the "bad guys" for what they did to their parents, what makes them good is that they are above that. An example of this is Harry sparing Wormtail. JKR's characters express bravery in that they are also not afraid to be wise & just, whereas the bad characters are cowardly in that they destroy anything that threatens their agenda. Based on this, I suppose it would be safe to assume that Neville will "defeat" Bellatrix but not actually kill her.

Good point squirpy! I don't think I would want Neville to become a murderer either. It's still possible for him to avenge his parents by acting justly. In fact, that would probably perturb the enemy even more than if the good characters retaliated in the same underhanded manner.

17sickles

July 15th, 2004, 12:23 am

In the battle at the Department of Mysteries, Neville's wand gets snapped. He is worried, and say that his Gran is going to kill him, because that was his father's old wand. In the first book (i think, anyway!) it is stated that you wont get the best results with another wizard's wand. Now Neville has always sort of been terrible in school, well maybe a part of that was because he n ever had a wand that fit with him. Just a thought. What do you think?

MemeHilario

July 15th, 2004, 12:25 am

Could be..could be, but Ron was ok with his grandfather's or whoever's wand he had before. But it would be nice to see Neville excel in Potions :)

obliviate

July 15th, 2004, 3:58 am

mery federiq

July 15th, 2004, 4:27 am

I don't think Neville was underestimated. I think he was supressed. C'mon, why would his gran make him use his dad's wand, since apparently everybody knows the wand picks the wizard and using the wrong wand won't work (as Hagrid tells Harry in the first book)?

I think his gran loves him. But she knows something about him and has been trying to protect him. Neville has excelled quickly, after he suddenly started receiving the proper training, encouragement and equipment.

I think he, like Harry, was purposely shut off somehow from his magical abilities during his early years for a reason. His gran is a staunch supporter of Dumbledore, so maybe that supression was done for a good purpose.
that is such a good point... i believe that granny was so "mean" to neville because she was trying to protect him, maybe she doesnt want him ending in the same way his parents did, so she figured it out that by not encouraging him and by giving him his dad's wand she is going to be able to keep him safe... who knows maybe now that he'll have to get a new wand everything will change...

i would hate too to see him or harry become murderers, or any other good guy for that matter, and i know that the prophecy used the word "vanquised"... but what are they going to do with voldemort and bellatrix if they dont kill them?? send them to azkaban?? :rotfl: jajajajajajajajajajajajajajaja im almost crying the laughter out of my system jajajajajajaja ok ok seriously speaking... what can vanquish mean if it is not kill?? what are they gonna do?? send them to a parallel world where they are good and everyone else is bad as hell?? i mean like... come on!! or perhaps send them to another period of time... i dont know, i just cant think of any other thing to do with "bad guys" like them... i mean, in every comic book the bad guy dies, making the hero a murderer and nobody really cares, why care about it this time?? ok im sorry i have completely forgotten about neville, but this involves him too in case he is the one who is supposed to "vanquish" voldemort...

filius

July 15th, 2004, 10:45 am

I am sure there are other ways of keeping a wizard away. Magic is ...well, you know, you can do anything with magic, you just have to know how. The magic to do this must be very dangerous though, or maybe the ministry are too scared to use it because they don't know much about it. (hope i made sense there)

~Tonks~

July 15th, 2004, 10:49 am

Neville has become one of my favorite characters thanks to his deeper development in OotP. I cried during the scene when he visits his parents in the hospital and sticks the droobles wrapper in his pocket. I also liked seeing him in action at the DoM. It made me smile and cheer to myself, Go Neville! I think he will show a lot more potential in the next books, especially since now he needs a new wand. His old wand was his father's wand, and while I'm not sure how strong this theory is, maybe that had something to do with his lack of ability to do magic too well. Perhaps the weak state of his parents reflects in the wand? Also while some people can use wands handed down to them just fine (Ron) maybe others cannot, and they need to pick their own wand, or rather, have the wand that is for them, pick them.

I love Neville and I hope he stays around. I look forward to seeing more of him. It would also be cool if he could help Harry take out Voldemort and get his own little piece of revenge.

Remus Black

July 19th, 2004, 1:56 am

I thought for a while he had changed, but he did break that prophecy....:p
Actually, I'm very happy Neville has shown newfound powers. Hopefully he does not use them for evil.

CicadaInvasion

July 19th, 2004, 2:05 am

Neville fascinates me mostly because he and Harry are almost opposites, yet both seem to posess an inner power that they are both on the road to discovering and conquering. Despite this similarity, I think Neville and Harry will discover their power differently and react much differently. While Harry may act in his normal heroics with it, Neville is the kind of person who wants to use his power for 'good', but I also think the magnitude of the power residing within him may also frighten him. How this will affect the story, we can only guess.

Kimmetje

July 20th, 2004, 6:51 pm

I must say that I just don't like Neville. He is so not 'toppie'!

SquibOnline

July 20th, 2004, 7:20 pm

Yup, and I think we wil be seeing alot more of him in the next two books.

Tane

July 20th, 2004, 7:37 pm

Neville seems to be coming out of his cocoon a little more in OotP and was doing really well with his spell selection and casting up to the point at which he broke his nose. The spell he was trying to cast at the death eaters when they had Harry would have worked if his speech was not impaired. I mean we make fun of Neville and the way he said stupefy but how many people can say this word correctly with a broken nose anyway, not many I guess.

No I think Neville is delightful and gained the courage he was lacking in all the other four books. Neville tried to handle several death eaters all at once with a broken nose and did not think twice about backing down. Neville felt what it was like to experience what his parents went through and after that I really do not see a weak Neville Longbottom anymore, I think the even will make him more determined and stronger willed to help his parents no matter what the outcome. Neville may have appeared to be stupid but he is nothing of the sort, he has not broken any rules, lived up to what Hogwarts expects of there students and actually cast a spell at Snape when you think about it in PoA, I wonder if that is foreshadowing. I just wonder whether Neville will have to face more than just Bellatrix but also what he fears the most, Snape, it is possible if Snape turns his back on Dumbledore and rejoins Voldemort.

Why do I get the feeling that Snape and Bellatrix are both going to be Nevilles big problems, the confrontation between Neville and Snape may be foreshadowing future confrontations on the battle field, then again that could all be hogwash.

sergorat

July 23rd, 2004, 9:43 pm

I think that Neville is going to be one of the next Auror generation. i think that he is going to be a friend of harry and they fight together against the dark lork.

muggledeedee

July 24th, 2004, 3:03 am

I think Neville has much more potential than any other character in the HP Books. He excelled exceedingly quick when harry was teaching him DADA. I feel when he gets a new wand in his hands he will start to really excel in everything he does. I feel he instrumetal in the downfall of LV. JKR has given us so much information about him but has not not given us a plot involving him.

There is something more to the hatred that Snape feels for Neville and there is more to him than meets the eye. I truly feel that the prophecy was supposed to be Neville but LV chose the wrong boy to attack. I can see Harry and Neville coming together in book 7 to defeat Voldemort. Maybe one person won't be enough and they will need to work togther to get it done.

DougJohnston

July 24th, 2004, 3:06 am

Neville was amazing! In the department of mysteries he was tortured by Death Eaters but he still didnt want Harry to give them the prophecy. He knew that he could have been tortured into insanity like his parents but he fought and didnt give it. Neville is 100% Gryffindor

Elf

July 24th, 2004, 3:43 am

We were recently discussing Neville in our thread about Lupin and I'll repeat what I posted there because it fits here as well...

And while we're at it, how about a nice round of applause for Neville. I wanted to hug the little sweetheart for his reaction towards Harry when Sirius died: "Harry...I'b really sorry...Was dad man--was Sirius Black a--a friend of yours?" Instead of saying something unfeeling like "Gee, I'm confused...I thought that guy was a murderer..." Neville is very sensitive toward Harry and unknowingly to Remus as well. When Lupin quietly says "Here...Finite" and lifts the spell from Neville's flailing legs, it's as though to say "thank you" or "bless you."

This thread has well established that Neville is becoming a strong and brave individual, but I think it is also important to note that rather than becoming hardened in the process he is maintaining that wonderful sensitivity that he possesses as well--not unlike Lupin actually. Neville is developing into a very well rounded individual and I'm glad that we get to see more than one side of his personality.

Hermywormy

July 24th, 2004, 3:53 am

Neville suprised me! I've always like him, but never saw him as "strong" because he was always portrayed as being forgetfull and weak. I'm glad he's finally coming into himself and fighting for what he beleives in.

I'm sure he wants to avenge his parent's crazy-ness. I cried during the scene at the hospital....he was so sweet and loving towards his parents! He certainly hasn't had an easy life. He deserves happiness.

You said it for me! I never really gave Neville much thought, to be quite honest. But now I realize how important he is!

i would hate too to see him or harry become murderers, or any other good guy for that matter, and i know that the prophecy used the word "vanquised"... but what are they going to do with voldemort and bellatrix if they dont kill them?? send them to azkaban?? :rotfl: jajajajajajajajajajajajajajaja im almost crying the laughter out of my system jajajajajajaja ok ok seriously speaking... what can vanquish mean if it is not kill?? what are they gonna do?? send them to a parallel world where they are good and everyone else is bad as hell?? i mean like... come on!! or perhaps send them to another period of time... i dont know, i just cant think of any other thing to do with "bad guys" like them... i mean, in every comic book the bad guy dies, making the hero a murderer and nobody really cares, why care about it this time?? ok im sorry i have completely forgotten about neville, but this involves him too in case he is the one who is supposed to "vanquish" voldemort...

Have you ever seen the show Charmed? Well, they always "vanquish" demons. I think it just sends them somewhere were there is no one else to harm. I'm not really sure, just a guess!

Shauna

July 24th, 2004, 4:01 am

And while we're at it, how about a nice round of applause for Neville. I wanted to hug the little sweetheart for his reaction towards Harry when Sirius died: "Harry...I'b really sorry...Was dad man--was Sirius Black a--a friend of yours?" Instead of saying something unfeeling like "Gee, I'm confused...I thought that guy was a murderer..." Neville is very sensitive toward Harry and unknowingly to Remus as well. When Lupin quietly says "Here...Finite" and lifts the spell from Neville's flailing legs, it's as though to say "thank you" or "bless you."

Ah yes, Elf, I saw that on the Lupin thread and wanted to comment but thought it would be getting OT.

We can't give Neville too much credit here...all throughout the "rescue mission" Sirius's name was brought up multiple times. Calling, "Sirius?" saying "We're supposed to be here for Sirius!" and "Sirius's knife!" If Neville hadn't picked up WHY exactly they were all going to the Department of Mysteries...well, that wouldn't have been too bright. But I will give him props for being sensitive to Harry when Sirius died.

Shauna