LV's Choice: Potters or Longbottoms or Both?

[mikefeemster]

No: HPFGUIDX 99063

"Eustace_Scrubb"wrote:
 
> The only problem is that he can't kill them at the same time; one has
> to be first (yes, I know time turners could solve that problem, but
> let's assume that time turners are not going to be in rampant use in
> the series).  So Voldemort plans to kill the Potters first, then the
> Longbottoms and he told at least some of the Death Eaters that he
> would be doing this.  But he probably did not confide in even his most
> trusted followers _why_ he wanted to kill these two families; why give
> them the idea that he might be vulnerable?  There was ample reason to
> set an example by these murders, as both sets of parents had been
> thorns in his side.

Mike here,

This makes perfect sense.  If Voldemort knew of two children, either 
one could possibly fulfill the prophecy, he would want to kill them 
both.  One could speculate as to why he went after Potter first.  It 
could be just as simple that the Potters were closer.

This also explains the dramatic change in Neville throughout book 
five.  He was rather clumsy and forgetful going in, but became good 
enough to take part in the battle of the MOM.  It also allowed him 
to confront Bellatrix Lestrange.

We got a hint of Neville in book four when Harry saw the trial in 
the pensieve.

Now in book five, we see the full extent of what Neville has gone 
through and that he has a key role in the whole series.

Mike Feemster