Why one belongs in Gryffindor

[Laura]

No: HPFGUIDX 82775

Aesha wrote:
> > >
There's been some posting as of late as to why some people are in 
Gryffindor, since we haven't seen them display the courage or 
bravery neccesary to be chosen for the Gryffindor House. But why 
can't they all just have the potential for great courage or bravery? 
> > >

kiel2fisch wrote:
> > >
I totally agree with you.
Look at all the adults (Molly, Arthur, Lupin, Bill or Charly, even 
Sirius and James), did they do something that qualified them for 
Gryffindor while they were at school? Not that we knew.
> > >

Now me: (Laura, who has not had time to read or post anything here 
for months and months and is very exicted to be back)
I agree, the Sorting Hat must only judge potential.  How many 11-
year olds have had the opportunity to show great bravery?  I don't 
know about you, but I've never exactly been faced with a life-
threatening situation.  My apologies to anyone who has, I don't mean 
to be offensive, but the truth is that most people can go along in 
their lives, virtually risk free, never encoutering a situation in 
which to demonstrate the courage and bravery they posses deep-down.  
Harry Potter, of course, is not one of these people. 

I would, on the other hand, argue that Neville may have exhibited 
extreme bravery even before that meeting with the Sorting Hat.  In 
OOtP, we discover that Neville has witnessed the death of a 
grandfather (when Umbridge questions him about his ability to see 
the thestrals).  We also know that Neville lives with his 
grandmother (and that no mention of her husband is made in the story 
in relation to raising Neville) and that, according to Lucius, 
Neville's grandmother "is used to losing family members to our [the 
DE's] cause..."

Theories, anyone?

I welcome any snide comments about the numerous theories that have 
already been presented in relation to these facts, but as previously 
mentioned, I have been absent from the list since shortly after the 
release of OOtP, and beg forgiveness.

However, in addition to the above, we also know that the Longbottoms 
are an extremely popular [GoF], long-standing pure-blood family who 
was important to the anti-LV movement and has suffered numerous 
personal losses as a result.  I would not in the least be surprised 
if the death Neville's grandfather was somehow related to LV, which 
would add another traumatic event to the history of young Neville.

Of course, we also already know about the torture of his parents, 
and his strength in visting them every Christmas (imagine how hard 
it must be for him to see them like that)

Well, I assure you that this post originally *did* have a point 
before it dissolved into random speculations about Neville's past, 
so I'll leave you with these thoughts to reflect on.  =)

-Laura