Neville Longbottom ROCKS! :)

[Lizzy Bennet]

Was I the only one (and I may be, as I've always liked Neville's character and was *so* happy he did not die [though, I wasn't happy with anyone dying]) who truly enjoyed reading so much more about Neville and seeing him really come into his own? I really cheered him on!

I would have loved to have seen Neville face down Bellatrix Lestrange and really put her in her place, especially since she harmed his parents *and* killed Sirius. I was disappointed Harry wasn't able to harm her in some way, and that Voldemort didn't rid us of her . . . what a horrible woman . . . all the pain she's caused . . . all the pain all the Death Eater's have caused . . .

Neville really proved he's a Gryffndor in this book and very loyal, indeed, to his friends, particularly Harry. It would have been nice if Harry had appreciated his friends a good deal more in this book, but I think 'Angry Harry' is discussed elsewhere. Anyhow, I'm glad Neville had an opportunity to shine and really prove what he's made of!

[Lily]

Does anyone else think that Neville is going to face her down at the end? I think he will have a much bigger role in the next two books. He's coming into his own for sure now.

[APWBD]

I'm sure that something will come from Neville's character. After all, look at all the similarities btw Harry and Neville. I can't wait to see what happens with him...

[Blaise Zabini]

Yeah, Neville rocked my socks. Quite a lot. Any doubts I may have had about his competence (which were few) have since vanished. Now that we've been introduced to Bellatrix (will probably go name-researching later to see if the name wil lreveal something further about her character,) I would love to see a showdown between the two. With Neville coming out victorious, of course!

On a side note, thought it was horribly heart-breaking, I quite liked the St. Mungos scene. It gave us a real personal look into Neville's life and made me appreciate him on a much different level.

[Nothlit]

Seems rather appropriate, considering the parallels, that just like Harry will (hopefully!) someday kill Voldemort, who killed his parents, Neville will similarly get revenge on Bellatrix Lestrange for what she did to his parents.

[June]

Totally agree. Neville had finally shown why he was sorted into Gryffindor in the first place... his Grandmother would be proud of him. And I can definitely see the confrontation of Neville and Bellatrix Lestrange coming. He certainly shines in this book, more than Harry, in fact.

By the way, I was a bit curious about one thing... why did Neville's mother keep giving him the gum wrapper? Is there some meaning to it? Anyone care to theorise?

[highsorcerer]

I think there can be no doubt that Lord Voldermort's return is possibly the best thing that ever happened to Neville. I think he's always been afraid of powerful magic becaue of what happened to his parents, but now that the worst has happened and Voldermort and his Death Eaters are back, he's now afraid NOT to have powerful magic at his command. He's going places, and I have no doubt he'll avenge his parents someday. Also no doubt his grandmother will be proud of the way his father's wand was broken - fighting the scum who maimed Frank and April. Neville is ON!

[Holly Golightly]

AHA! The wand!!!

I knew that I'd had an idea that I had forgotten about!!!

Remember what Mr Ollivander said to Harry, you will never be able to perforn as well with someone else's wand *not exact quote, too lazy to find it*

SO, Neville has been using his Dad's wand this whole time... maybe that is why sometimes things just dont' work for him!!! And maybe when he gets his new wand, he will be even better!!! Maybe he'll show Snape a thing or two in Potions too!!! HA!

(That was a joke! I know that a wand doesnt' affect potion brewing! Just funny i thought!)

[Lunatech]

This is a good topic. JKR is developing Neville (IMO) to be very similar to Harry.

Think about it at glance. Neville has it much harder than Harry. He doesn't have the popularity, nor the confidence - and apparently only now understanding his wizarding gifts. His parents were placed in a state worse than death and he's an only child.

Think back to the Philsopher's Stone. Dumbledore is very much interested in Neville's development...I would say as much as Harry's. Aside from the typical student teacher relationship, Dumbledore congratulated Neville publicly to everyone on his courage in stopping Harry, Ron, and Hermione. It may be subtle, but he did mention Neville's name lastly and very distinctly apart from the other three.

Harry has already proven himself to be competent. That part comes quite easily to him...which isn't necessarily good... I think Neville serves as a counter to remind us that they are Gryffindors...that regardless of talent - even if it's mean you are chosen, it will be their courage that will allow them to succeed.

[highsorcerer]

Remember, it took the sorting hat almost 5 minutes to place Neville in Gryffandor, longer than anybody else ever mentioned. Despite Malfoy's comments that Neville wasn't brave enough, the hat certainly seemed to see the potential in him. I suspect the hat in it's own way is providing prophecy when it sorts, as well as giving warning in times of danger.

[Neo]

Neville definitely had the improvement most of us expected (well at least the ones that discuss this in theories and characters); and he seems to improve even mre in future books, he is growing-up and fast.

[choki]

Neville is a brave Gryffindor...ya he rocks big time
His parents were Aurors, he should have some magic talents in him afterall
Looks like Neville finally done the Longbottoms proud

[Neo]

Yeah, and it seems that despite what her granny thoughts, he will be more powerful than his father (he has two more years to grow)

[Scellanis]

woooohoooo!!!!

neville is so brilliant!!!!! sooo brave

[highsorcerer]

I was looking over the chapter where Ron, Ginny, Hermoine, and Harry met him at St. Mungos again, and his own grandmother insultined Neville (claiming he wasn't in his father's leauge) in front of them. So it's not only Snape and Malfoy and company that have produced this mental block in him. I think Harry showing faith in him at D.A., as well as him holding his own in the MoM will give his confidence a HUGE booster shot. He sure needed it.