[HPforGrownups] The Importance of Being Neville (was Re: who is who--trio vs maruauders)

[Richelle Votaw]

No: HPFGUIDX 42589

Fyre wood writes:

> There is a reason why Neville was placed into Gryffindor, and it
> wasn't to stand up to the Gryffindor Trio in their first year. No,
> his importance is still needed..... just *what* it is going to be..
> we don't know.
>
> I have a feeling he's going to either save the day, or die while
> trying to protect everyone. He's going to discover his ability to
> conjure spells and other wizard-like things. Perhaps he'll be the
> hero with his Herbology skillz (yes with a "z").. or perhaps he'll
> try and do something foolish to save everyone and die.

I would like to think that while there are parallels between present
students at Hogwarts and past students, there are decisions to be made that
may separate them from their predecessors.  Perhaps a time will come when
Neville can a) betray Harry and co.  or b) get help and fight for them.  If
he chooses b he may die, but a noble death is surely better than being a
traitor.

There are other parallells, for example Tom Riddle and Harry.  Riddle kindly
described the similarites for us in COS, so I won't go into detail on that
here.  However, there are key moments when their fates separate.  The key
moment that comes to mind is when Draco first introduces himself to Harry
and offers to help him not make friends with the wrong sort.  At this point
if Harry had said thanks, catch you later, etc. I think the sorting hat
would've put him in Slytherin and shuffled him off with that crowd.
Instead, he said no thanks, I can tell the wrong sort myself, shuts the door
on any friendship with Draco and is promptly separated from a further Riddle
parallel.  In my opinion, anyway.

Richelle