Neville in Herbology (was sig. of Neville)

[Kathy <pkdailey@comcast.net>]

No: HPFGUIDX 50402

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "probonoprobono 
<probono at r...>" <probono at r...> wrote:
> 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. 
> 
> > 
> -Tanya (who knows there's no excuse for terrible puns)

Tanya,
I am new here, so bare with me... I have just finished reading SS/PS 
again recently.  At the end of the book (page 307 in the scholastic 
paperback edition) Harry and the rest of the students get their exam 
results.  JKR writes that "Even Neville scraped through, his good 
Herbology mark making up for his abysmal Potions one."  This 
suggests that Neville has a history of success in Herbology and is 
clearly his best subject.  

IMO, I believe that Neville's skills in Herbology may come into play 
later on in some future plot or sub-plot.  I say this because in 
SS/PS (chapter 13) Neville questions his worthiness to be a 
Gryffindor (similar to Harry questioning the Sorting Hat in CoS).  
However, I had been wondering the same thing.  Gryffindors are 
characterized by bravery and courage, hence the Lion.  Neville is 
neither courageous nor brave.  Sure, he stood up to HRH and later 
helped Ron by taking on both Crabbe and Goyle, but he still seemed 
to me to be cowardly at heart.  Upon further reflection, however, I 
think there is more to Neville than meets the eye. 

JRK revealed in GoF that his parents were both great aurors and that 
they had both been tortured by Death Eaters.  Although I have no 
canon to back this up, my feeling is that Neville may have witnessed 
their torture.  He was very upset by Moody's use of the unforgivable 
curses and JKR alludes to the fact that he was deeply troubled.  
Having witnessed one's parents being tortured at such a young age 
(and subsequently losing his parents to insanity) would leave a 
person scared and afraid.  I think that bravery lurks deep inside 
Neville and that JKR will find a way for Neville to face his fears 
and overcome them, revealing the "true" Gryffindor that he likely 
is.  After all, sometimes the bravest act can be facing the fear 
inside...  

Perhaps future plots may tie in somehow with Neville's talent at 
Herbology—maybe not.  But, IMO I think that Neville will prove 
himself useful in the fight against Voldemort in some shape or 
form.   This is just speculation (or hope), on my part, but I have a 
feeling that Neville is going to turn out to be more than a bumbling 
idiot in the end.  Personally, I'd love to see Neville say, "I've 
had enough!" and let Snape, Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle... even Voldemort 
have a taste of Neville's pent-up rage.

Kathy, finished lurking