This Moment - with Neville

[va32h]

No: HPFGUIDX 175529

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Steve" <bboyminn at ...> wrote:
> But as long as we are on the subject of Neville, I have
> to confess I felt a rush of pride when Neville stepped
> out of the portrait and into the Hogshead. He was so
> confident, and so causally brushed aside his injuries;
> 'ah, this, this is nothing'. 
> 
> Then when they return to Hogwarts, it's Neville that
> every one is looking to for leadership. Excellent.
> 
> I also felt a bit of pride as Neville challenged Harry.
> What had they been fighting for? Why had the kept the
> DA going, if not to be ready to confront Voldemort
> and the DE's when the time came? Neville takes a stand.
> 
> You go Neville!

va32h: Oh I second that! I loved Neville - well, I've loved him for a 
long time. He goes on much more of the "hero's journey" than Harry 
does, IMO. Oh I love Harry too, of course, but let's face it: Harry 
has been willing to sacrifice himself at the end of every book. I'm 
sure it's a Hogwart's tradition by now. "Oh  you can always tell when 
summer's coming," they tell the first years, "because that's when 
Harry Potter nearly kills himself trying to rescue someone from You 
Know Who."

Neville really changed, he really grew, he really had something to 
struggle with. 

I know a lot of people wanted Neville to kill Bellatrix, but I much 
preferred the role JKR gave him. Neville is Harry's natural 
successor; *he* became the voice of the resistance, he carried out 
the mission left by Dumbledore. 

Since Harry took the time to recognize Snape, in his final 
discussion/taunting of Voldemort, he could have taken the time to 
honor Neville as well. And he should have said "looks like it didn't 
matter which boy you chose that Halloween 17 years ago, Tom - either 
one of us could kicked your ass!"

va32h