Neville and the Prophecy (Was Re: A litte more on the Prophecy)

[kneazle255]

No: HPFGUIDX 82240

adsong16 wrote: 
<snip>
> It seems to me that this proves that Harry is indeed destined, as 
the prophecy tells us, to vanquish the Dark Lord. How he's going to 
do that, who will help him, and whether or not he will survive the 
encounter, remains to be seen.

On the other hand, I also want to join the Neville Still Has Some 
Part To Play In This gang. But that is another story... >>>
 
Kneazle255:
Reading your post it struck me that Neville touches the Prophecy in 
the MoM without going crazy. The only two people to handle it are 
Harry and Neville, I think.

I am not sure if once a prophecy globe is removed from the room 
anyone can then handle it or not. But Neville is the only one who 
does, besides Harry. Could the Prophecy *STILL* apply to both equally?


Richard here:
 
> I think you have forgotten or misinterpreted some of the text 
regarding the prophecies, as well as some discussions.

It is the Ministry (in the person of some official) that places the 
prophecy in the sphere, and that upon the shelf ... THEN places a 
charm on it that keeps others from tampering.  It is the Ministry's 
protection of the prophecy, not the prophecy itself, that determines 
who may handle it and who may not.

Once Harry or Voldemort takes the prophecy from its place in the 
hall of prophecy, anyone can touch it.  Harry doesn't have to GIVE it 
to  anyone, as seen by the attempts to Accio it from his possession.  
Would Bellatrix really have tried this if she knew it would drive 
her mad?  I think she is crazy enough to, but don't believe this is 
what would have happened.) >>>


Kneazle writes:

I don't disagree with you. But I don't think the text says this 
either. I'll admit I could be wrong, but the charm that protects 
prophecies is not specified in the text nor are its limits. I am not 
sure when it ended, if it ever did. Nor do we know how the 
deatheaters intended to take possession of it. They may very well 
have some method of taking the ball once it was off the shelf without 
touching it. Like Accio'ing it straight into a bag or something.

I am not certain about anything, but it bears some investigation. We 
know no one who's not involved can touch the thing. We know Neville 
and Harry both hold it, and neither goes crazy. Neville was the only 
other kid who born at the right time in the UK. 


Richard writes:

> Now, the prophecy COULD still refer to Neville, but there is at 
least  one major step that Voldemort must take in order for it to 
apply.  Voldemort must in some manner mark Neville as his equal.  I 
don't see that happening, though.  If Voldemort were to come across 
Neville in some manner, he would likely just kill him without 
thought, or have one of the Death Eaters do it ... most likely the 
latter.  Neville has been improving, but I don't see him being so 
improved as to stand up effectively against such odds alone. <<<


Kneazle responds:

I agree its not likely, but an insulting bow by Voldemort and an 
mocking offer to duel Neville would suffice to mark him as an equal. 
That is not so far-fetched.


Richard says:

> Neville could be in company with others, but he sure didn't 
fare well in the Battle of the Ministry. <<< 


Kneazle writes:

I disagree, He lasted longer than any of the other DA members. I 
think JKR used a bit of humor (stubefy! stubefy!) to deflect us from 
that fact.


Richard says:

> Harry, on the other hand,has the brother to Voldemort's wand, and he 
has now survived multiple attacks by Voldemort and his followers.  
So, the odds-on bet is that Harry is the one, and JKR would have to 
do some real fancy pen-work in order to pull off a believable "it's 
really Neville" twist. <<<


Kneazle writes:

Not necessarily. I seriously doubt the power the dark lord knows not 
is raw wizardly power. It is more likely something like trust, 
loyalty, faith, or love, things that Neville has in abundance.

I believe that there are multiple ways the prophecy could play out. 
Here's one: 

...Neville and Harry wind up facing the dark lord together. 

...V laughs at Neville and in a repeat of the GoF scene, mockingly 
offers to duel Neville. (last requirement fulfilled)

...Neville sacrifices himself for Harry. 

...Harry gets in the final AK curse and V is destroyed. 

Which boy does the prophecy refer to? Who had the power the dark lord 
knows not?

Thanks, Richard, for the post,

Kneazle