[HPforGrownups] Re: Neville's broken nose

[Angel Moules]

No: HPFGUIDX 85814

absen99 wrote:

>
> As far as the DE who couldn't speak or even Harry underwater (in
> GoF), speaking the spells even though no words came out probably
> still allowed them to hear the words in their "minds eye" if nothing
> else.  This allowed for at least a partial effect.  Neville, being
> very unskilled probably would desperately need to speak the spell
> properly out load for it to have any effect.  Also note that
> Neville's failed attempts after his broken nose were also hampered by
> not using his own wand (it was Hermione's).

Actually, I think this is where the wand comes in. Had Neville had the 
right wand, then I'm not sure that he wouldn't have been OK with the 
broken nose and spell casting. I have a feeling that his father's wand 
may have acted as a limiter on him, Narrowing the channel through which 
magic can pass, nbecause it isn't focused precisely on the source of the 
power, but slightly skewed.
Therefore his mouth acts as an additional filter for magical energy, far 
less focused than a wand would be, but the best substitute available. It 
explains in part why Neville would struggle in potions. It's like 
someone who has the wrong glasses on, and then has another filter to 
correct it, but that filter isn't very good and only allows the 
individual to see the right words with a lot of strain. Take away the 
glasses, and the individual is screwed.
Because he's used to compensating with his mouth, far more power comes 
from there than would normally, which would explain why he can melt 
cauldrons. It might also explain why he can deal with plants so well. 
Plants are relaxing, potions aren't. If someone is making you nervous, 
and you're stammering, then the focus is going to go wrong, and in 
Neville this is disastrous.

AotN