The trouble with Neville

[imamommy at sbcglobal.net]

No: HPFGUIDX 54580

There's been a lot of speculation about what happened to Neville 
Longbottom when his parents were tortured.  Although it is plausible 
that he had a memory charm performed on him, this seems to me 
unnecessarily complicated.  What do we know about Neville?  He's a 
pre-pubescent kid who's parents haven't recognized him his whole 
life.  He's been raised by a strict Gran, and the cause of his tragic 
life is, well, misused magic.  I'm not a psychologist, but that seems 
enough to me to give the boy a block when it comes to learning magic, 
as well as low self-esteem.  

This actually makes me think of something rather else interesting.  
In canon, we learn that the mark of Slytherin House is ambition, that 
of HH is loyalty, that of RH is cleverness, and that of GH is 
courage.  Doesn't it seem odd that Ron and Neville, who seem more 
loyal than courageous, and Hermione, who has cleverness in spades, 
were placed in Gryffindor?  I think they must be there to help Harry; 
I think also that they each will have further tests of courage to 
come.  After all, the Sorting Hat is an impartial judge.  Does anyone 
have any ideas on this, or can tell me if it has been discussed 
before?
Thanks, 
imamommy