[HPforGrownups] 7 Heavenly Virtues: Fortitude (long)

[Caius Marcius]

No: HPFGUIDX 4903

> Fortitude, I think, manifests itself both in active and passive forms.
>
> Passive fortitude means bearing things (ranging from the merely vexing
> to the dreadful) without giving up or giving in.  For Harry, at a more
> minor level, this means for example enduring the jibes of classmates who
> mistakenly think he cheated to get his name in the Goblet of Fire (of
> course it helps to have Hermione sitting beside him intoning, "ignore
> them, ignore them, ignore them.")  This kind of fortitude, because it is
> passive, can be easily underestimated or overlooked.  A very subtle
> example of this, perhaps, might be Neville Longbottom, who earns Harry's
> belated respect once Harry realizes that Neville has lost his parents to
> Voldemort, too.  Neville carries on, nevertheless, trying to conquer his
> fear of Snape in Potions class, without a murmur of complaint, without
> even telling anyone.  Just quietly going on about his life and humbly
> doing his best, while continuing to faithfully visit his parents at the
> hospital on his holidays, although they are unable to even recognize
> him.  Harry is ashamed that he has never truly seen the truth about
> Neville before learning it in Dumbledore's Pensieve, but it is
> understandable why he did not--this kind of fortitude does not draw
> attention to itself

Neville's active courage was recognized early on (at the end of HP/SS) by an
authoritative source.  "There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore,
smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but
just as much to stand up to our friends. I award ten points to Mr.
NevilleLongbottom." Those ten points are enough to secure the House Cup for
Gryffindor.

Earlier, Neville tried to prevent Harry, Ron & Hermione from leaving the
Tower in their quest for the stone, even threatening  to fight them.
Although Hermione easily immobilizes him in a full body bind, Neville shows
a spirit which will no doubt reach a fuller fruition in the volumes yet to
come.


    - CMC