Neville Longbotttom

[zgirnius]

No: HPFGUIDX 165063


> Bridellwyn Orr:
> What of Neville's similarities with Peter Pettigrew? The parallels
> between the two seem too many to be more than mere coincidence. 

zgirnius:
Sorry, could you elaborate on the supposed parallels? I can't imagine 
two characters in canon who are less similar.

> A sampling of Peter, PoA:
> You sold Lily and James to Voldemort," said Black, who was shaking 
too. "Do you deny it?"
> Pettigrew burst into tears. It was horrible to watch, like an 
oversized, balding baby, cowering on the floor.
> "Sirius, Sirius, what could I have done? The Dark Lord... you have 
no idea... he has weapons you can't imagine.... I was scared, Sirius, 
I was never brave like you and Remus and James. I never meant it to 
happen.... He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named forced me --"
> "DON'T LIE!" bellowed Black. "YOU'D BEEN PASSING INFORMATION TO HIM 
FOR A YEAR BEFORE LILY AND JAMES DIED! YOU WERE HIS SPY!"
> "He -- he was taking over everywhere!" gasped Pettigrew. "Wh -- 
what was there to be gained by refusing him?"
> "What was there to be gained by fighting the most evil wizard who 
has ever existed?" said Black, with a terrible fury in his 
face. "Only innocent lives, Peter!"
> "You don't understand!" whined Pettigrew. "He would have killed me, 
Sirius!"

zgirnius:
Peter was so afraid of Voldemort that he spied for him, and betrayed 
his best friends, for a year, without ever even going to anyone for 
help.

> And Neville, in OotP:
> 'You are not in a position to bargain, Potter,' said Lucius Malfoy, 
his pale face flushed with pleasure. 'You see, there are ten of us 
and only one of you
 or hasn't Dumbledore ever taught you how to 
count?'

> 'He's dot alone!' shouted a voice from above them. 'He's still god 
be!'

zgirnius:
Unlike the Marauders and Peter, Harry is not Neville's 'best friend' 
(Neville seems not to have close friends at school, he's the odd boy 
out in Gryffincor in his year). Yet he is willing to face adult Death 
Eaters at Harry's side to help out.

> Neville, again, OotP:
> 'No, no, no,' said Bellatrix. She looked transported, alive with 
excitement as she glanced at Harry, then back at Neville. 'No, let's 
see how long Longbottom lasts before he cracks like his parents
 
unless Potter wants to give us the prophecy.'

> 'DON'D GIB ID DO DEM!' roared Neville, who seemed beside himself, 
kicking and writhing as Bellatrix drew nearer to him and his captor, 
her wand raised. 'DON'D GIB ID DO DEM, HARRY!'

> Bellatrix raised her wand. 'Crucio'

zgirnius:
And Neville quite sincerely tells Harry to let Bella torture him 
rather than give the Prophecy to Voldemort. Even though he knows 
exactly how that might end for him.