Longbottoms, Luna

[terryljames76]

No: HPFGUIDX 68677

For some reason, when I first read Neville's parents' names, I 
immediately thought of L. Frank Baum (creator of Oz) and Alice in 
Wonderland.  Neville's parents are indeed in their own worlds...but 
Dorothy and Alice both came back from their otherworldly visits.  
Maybe Frank and Alice will recover?  I originally saw nothing in the 
gum wrappers besides a mother dimly recognizing her child and wanting 
to give him something; after reading all these posts I'm starting to 
agree that maybe there's something in the gum keeping them "fuzzy".  
Where would they get all that gum, anyway?  Somebody making "generous 
financial contributions"?

On a different subject: As for Luna, she's being held up as a 
contrast to Hermione.  I can see that; she certainly seems to get on 
Hermione's nerves.  But she's even more of a contrast to Draco.  
Draco comes from an intact family; he's had everything he's ever 
wanted; he has friends that stick very close to him; he cares what 
people think of him (or he wouldn't get so mad when the Gryffs taunt 
him, or Harry insults his mother); he believes what he's been told 
and what he hears; he seems to be stuck at one developmental level; 
and unfortunately he fits in very well into the boarding school 
atmosphere, even becoming a prefect (and _what_ kind of pipeweed was 
Dumbledore smoking there?).  Luna's mother has died; she doesn't seem 
to have any close friends; she doesn't care what people think of her, 
and doesn't get upset when people make fun of her; she's open-minded, 
open to different opinions such as not immediately believing Harry is 
a crazy show-off; she has the potential to accept change and grow 
from it; and she obviously doesn't fit in very well at Hogwarts, even 
though she seems to be a pureblood.

She could easily become either the downfall of Draco, or his 
redemption, for those of you who believe he will be redeemed.  Even 
their names are opposites: Love/good and "Bad faith"--I think that's 
the translation.  

Here's a good fanfic title:  "The Moon and the Dragon".  Somebody go 
write it. :)

Terry LJ