Neville's sorting...

[finwitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 125414



David: 
> Extending this theory a little further to Neville. On the surface 
he 
> does not seem the typical Gryffindor. I ask, would we see the 
> Neville we saw developing in OOTP, if he had been placed in 
> Hufflepuff. I don't think so.

Finwitch:

Not only that, but Neville IS brave (more of the sort that endures 
the arrows of cruel Destiny than the sort to raise arms against the 
sea of sorrow - or how did Shakespeare put it).

He faces his fears regularly (some *define* courage as being just 
that, and it doesn't require risking your life), although PoA made 
this OBVIOUS, he's still done that all along.

He stood up to Harry&co. (And Dumbledore rewarded him for it)

Having learned his spells properly, he's going into battle with Harry.

But his bravery - the most brave things I've seen of *anyone* - were 
in PoA when he admitted to leaving the passwords, knowing full well 
he'd be in BIG trouble (Much braver than Harry lying about Hogsmeade, 
and HONEST, too); and in GoF when he was the one to mention the 
cruciatus curse.

And yes, Neville NEEDS to be brave. Because he's powerful wizard, but 
fears that power he has (which DOES tend to hurt him!).

What Neville doesn't have, is ambition (unless the desire of being a 
Squib counts, but that can't happen and Neville knows it), disregard 
for rules, willingness to use any means to get what he wants (he'd 
NEVER cast cruciatus curse on anyone or anything -- and I doubt he'd 
be casting other unforgivables either)... in other words, NONE of the 
Slytherin values except those he was born to have...

Hufflepuff-- hmm-mm. Is he loyal, kind and fair; unafraid of hard 
work? Yes - (sometimes standing up to your friends is *more* loyal 
than letting them do what they want...) - but Neville values bravery 
and chivalry; and he *needs* bravery most.

Finwitch