[HPforGrownups] Neville's Memory

[Richelle Votaw]

No: HPFGUIDX 41260


Ksnidget writes:

> The attack on the Longbottom's occured some time *after*
> Voldemort's disappearence. Long enough that most people were
> feeling safe from attack.

I agree.  Since the Longbottoms were tortured by Voldemort's supporters
after he lost power, I assume that it was sort of a last try desperate act
on the DE's part.  I'm still not sure what they were to gain by torturing
the Longbottoms (It could be there and I haven't reread GoF yet).

> Most people seem to think he was 2 or 3 when the attack on his
> parents occured, which is why there is some thought there may
> have been a memory charm involved given his forgetfullness.
> We do have reports with Bertha J. that memory charms can
> do that to a person.

Whether it was a memory charm or whatever, I'm sure if he saw anything at
all it would've been horrific for a toddler.  Even if he "only" saw his
parents being taken by force by DE's it would've been traumatic.  A memory
charm may not have been the first thing to do to help the child, but if his
grandmother was left with him in her care, already hurt by the loss (even
though not a death, it's still a loss) of her own child, may have been
desperate.  If she's trying to care for a toddler who is screaming with
nightmares night after night, I'd try just about anything too.  Not only for
her own sanity, but for the health and happiness of her grandchild.  Whether
it was a memory charm that has a bad effect or some other charm we don't
know about yet that could've "backfired" or left side effects, I think that
is the explanation for Neville's bad memory.

Richelle