Neville in Herbology (was sig. of Neville)

[probonoprobono <probono@rapidnet.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 50381

It seems to be universally agreed upon that Neville excels in 
Herbology. However, the only canon I remember seeing that supports 
this statement is that which comes directly from Crouch/Moody's 
mouth. If I remember correctly, Professor Sprout herself never 
mentions Neville's skills at all, not even once. Nor do I remember 
Rowling ever writing any scenes in Herbology that even hints towards 
Neville excelling in it. 

So, all we have is Crouch/Moody's statement, and we know he had 
ulterior motives at the time. He wanted to help Harry with the Tri-
wizard tournament, but he couldn't do so directly. Planting (get it, 
planting? har-har) a botanical book on Neville and then planting 
(hardy har-har) clues in Harry's brain. The result being a gigantic 
blazing neon Las Vegas-style sign floating firmly atop Neville's 
head shouting "THE ANSWER'S IN HERE!!!!" Or, at least that was his 
intention. Didn't quite work as well as he had hoped. 

So, is this the only criterion we have to base this assumption, or 
did I miss more?

-Tanya (who knows there's no excuse for terrible puns)