[HPforGrownups] Re: Neville and Harry (was A Harry Failure)

[yellows at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 59005

In a message dated 5/30/2003 1:56:14 PM Eastern Standard Time, Leah writes:

<<I would like to discuss the "too arrogant to ask Neville" possibility.  I do not think arrogance was a factor when no one asked Neville.  Harry didn't ask everyone for help, as was suggested somewhere-["I'd be asking everyone I knew for help"] (I know that's not totally accurate-sorry no canon at the moment).  He only asked (correct me if I'm wrong) HR and Sirius.  Any other help with the tasks was offered freely.  He wouldn't think to ask Neville for help, because he never has before.  >>

In GoF (although I don't have it on me at the moment, so I may be a little off), Harry says that he would rather get advice from Ron and Hermione only, because anything more felt too much like cheating. Ludo was still really a stranger to Harry, so he wouldn't take advice from him, either.

So I think it's true that Harry wasn't interested in asking for advice from fellow students or anyone at all.

But I also see Neville as a pathetic character. He's nearly a squib, and while Harry sticks up for him in public, he has never extended a hand to welcome him in as a close friend.

I think this is because Harry, Ron, and Hermione recognize that Neville lacks the skill, guts, and brains to measure up. While they don't dislike him for this, they are aware of his shortcomings and treat him more like a helpless child than an equal.

This is why, in my opinion, Harry seems to feel guilty when Dumbledore explains Neville's background. Harry realizes that, in four years, he has never thought to ask about Neville's parents.

So, even if Harry hadn't had issues with cheating, I think Neville would be a last resort for advice. Harry rarely thinks of him at all.

Brief Chronicles