Neville's skill at herbology (was Re: Droobles Best Blowing Gum)

[Tim Regan (Intl Vendor)]

No: HPFGUIDX 102675

Hi All,

 

hettiebe says in 102610:

>>> I can't help feeling that Neville's sole talent, herbology, is going
to come in here somewhere. It's obviously being kept up in the story for
some reason. So it might be a clue or anagram of a plant or process of
which we know nothing as yet. <<<

 

Kneasy says in 102232:

>>> Herbology, he's OK. But is Herbology magic? No spells, no potions,
no wand waving. And Neville does well. <<<

 

Now Dumbledad (me):

Do we know this? The Lexicon certainly agrees with you: "He is, however,
particularly adept at Herbology."
http://www.hp-lexicon.org/wizards/longbottom.html#Neville
http://tinyurl.com/yw9qt But what is the Canon? The bits I remember are
from GoF:

 

>>> 

Hermione's hand flew into the air again and so, to Harry's slight
surprise, did Neville's. The only class in which Neville usually
volunteered information was Herbology which was easily his best subject.
Neville looked surprised at his own daring.

<<< 

 

>>> 

"Apparently, Professor Sprout told Professor Moody I'm really good at
Herbology," Neville said. There was a faint note of pride in his voice
that Harry had rarely heard there before. "He thought I'd like this."

<<< 

 

And from OotP:

 

>>> 

Harry knew that Neville's favourite subject was Herbology but for the
life of him he could not see what he would want with this stunted little
plant.

<<< 

 

Does this actually mean Neville's good at herbology? We know it's his
best subject and the one he's most eager during. But Harry doesn't
mention whether he gets the answers right. The only person who says he's
good is Mad Eye Barty, and if he was my sole defence witness I'd want a
very very good lawyer!

 

I may be being too picky - my wife Kate sometimes chastises me for being
Inspector Logic ;-)

 

Cheers,

 

Dumbledad.



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