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Reader Comments: (Page 15)

I do not think that Neville was put under a spell, however, I do think that Neville's poor memory has something to do with the plot of the final book. Maybe, Neville eventually remembers something he found out when younger and it helps Harry to defeat Voldemort once and for all.
Clever thinking, Dave, with the fact that "I don't think we have seen the true wizard abilities of Neville yet. Neville is just getting started as a true wizard."
You could be right here with the fact also that Neville was oppressed by his Grandmother. But, for what reason? I, for one, am looking forward to finding out.

Posted by Helene Harrison from Newcastle on June 18, 2007 1:39 PM

Neville calling himself 'all-muggle' is rightly justified by someone that Jo didn't want to introduce the term 'squib' there. The introduction of Squib made more sense in book 2 and served it purpose quite well too. If it had been introduced in book one then a few pages might have gone in explaining everything about it which infact wasn't that important to the storyline of the first book.
As for Neville getting better at spells etc. now that he has his own wand, we know Ron had Charlie's old wand for the first two years too. He had remained quite good with his set of spells and everything. It's just that Neville is more determined this time and ready to fight and even face Voldemort which is bringing out all the goods from within.

Posted by no0r from india on June 19, 2007 12:00 AM

a very interesting article indeed. i never thought neville could be under some kind of a spell. as far as the CHOSEN ONE is concerned, i am satisfied with other explanations about neville being the one, but the part that 'the dark lord mark him as his equal' just doesn't fit... if it really is the dark lord who is going to make the choice, then he already has, hasn't he? and who knows sybill trelawney even made the right prophecy? even dumbledore agrees she is a fraud...

Posted by aimy from rawalpindi,pakistan on June 19, 2007 12:32 PM

Earlier in the thread it was mentioned that Neville might betray his friends due to the analogy to Wormtail. It's not so cut and dry, as Wormtail was also described more as a parasite by Sirius, as opposed to a true friend to Prongs/Moody and Padfoot.
Neville has demonstrated complete altruism to his friends; Bravery beyond the other students; And the ability to take responsibility for his errors; Not the characteristics of one who would betray his friends.

I don't believe that Voldemort chose Harry of free . There may have been some Legilmency going on. Part of the Neville - Chosen one storyline may involve being able to create the strongest adversary to Voldemort. I believe that the fact that Harry's mother was muggle born was key to his safety and protection, something that Neville would not have had. Simply, the Good side, needed a 'leader' to be well protected, Neville's family would not have been ablet to provide that.
I believe that Harry's parents were Martyrs and d purposely for the cause, and for Harry to one day face Voldemort and defeat him. This is not something Neville's family could have provided.

There's also a possibility that Neville slowly coming into his own, may also be a part of the Plan too.

Posted by scout on June 19, 2007 5:03 PM

Scout - I agree that Neville not betray his friends, but keep in mind that Sirius described Peter as a leech after he has had 13 years to brood on Peter's betrayal, and perhaps the reasons behind it, and nothing else. Peter may have been along the lines of a true friend for all intents and purposes while he was at school, and only later showed signs of hanging around with them because they were more sed at magic. Dangerous times bring out the worst in some people - and the best in others.

I don't understand why extracting and interpreting someone's memories would work in regard to Voldemort choosing Harry over Neville. I also don't understand where the theory that Lily and James purposely martyred themselves for the cause. Maybe they would, but they did go into hiding with the Fidelius Charm so Voldemort couldn't find them, and if it was James that said "Lily, take Harry and go! It's him! Go! Run! I'll hold him off," it would indicate that they did not expect to nor ingly wait for Voldemort to come get them. Lily's spur of the moment decision to sacrifice herself for Harry without hesitation would seem to me to be more powerful than something that had been planned.

Posted by Monkeeshrines from orlando fl on June 20, 2007 09:31 AM

I definitely think Neville have a small, but powerful role in the final defeat. Just like his meager 10 points were the deciding factor in Gryffindor winning the House Cup in year one. Hermoine got 50, Ron got 50, Harry got 60, but it was Neville's 10 that won them the victory.

Posted by Sara from Houston, TX on June 20, 2007 10:41 AM

wow i've never looked into it this deeply. one thing i dont understand, someone wrote about harry possibly not being harry but being lily in disguise, why then does that link with harry saying his name was "neville longbottom" outside the knight bus? i know harry's eyes being lily's is supposed to be a big link but how?
also, i wasn't sure how harry could be the horcrux because voldemort actually tried to him in the graveyard, which would have been a stupid thing to do if he knew he was the horcrux. on the other hand, i see how harry could be a horcrux because voldemort might have just wanted to get him out of the way knowing he still had other horcruxes and the fact that the scar could have been the seal of it, and it hurts when voldemort is close because the soul is trying to escape back to him, and it hurts when voldemort feels a strong surge of emotion because that's part of his soul in there! makes sense? that way harry would have to sacrifice himself in the end to destroy voldemort. OR neville sacrifices harry by ing him to voldemort like a mutual understanding which could have happened with snape and dumbledore - was dumbledore a horcrux? or maybe neville is the horcrux and harry have to him like that image (somebody mentioned this before) he had of sirius ing pettigrew who looked like neville. because harry sees himself in sirius.
oh and - has anyone thought that maybe peter pettigrew is a horcrux? remember him cutting off his hand... i dunno it just seems relevant. JKR mentioned the image of sirius ing pettigrew/neville for a reason its all linked.
i dont think the idea about dumbledore using james' cloke to cover neville is plausible because he writes to harry "your father LEFT THIS IN MY POSSESSION before he d" meaning he gave it to him for a reason, perhaps meaning for him to protect harry not neville.
i dont think neville is the chosen one voldemort has almost prepared harry for this final confrontation, but neville is the missing link.
i was thinking that one of the horcruxes could be in sirius' house, the order headquarters, because they sorted through so much old dark magical stuff and kreacher kept trying to sneak it away perhaps to give to the malfoys. this could be possible because of regulus black and the mysterious R.A.B it could all add up to the missing horcrux which they have aready come across in number 12 grimauld place...
harry is definitely going to be the tragic hero though.

Posted by Rebecca from England on June 20, 2007 7:18 PM

Going back a few pages to a comment left by Thiago regarding Neville's grandmother. Whilst I agree with you that Neville's grandmother is not likely to turn out to be a secret Eater I have to point out that the graveyard scene in GoF does not offer conclusive evidence about exactly who was in attendance. I do not have the book in front of me to able to quote from alas, but in the graveyard Voldemort talks to some Eaters, points out certain 'missing' faces, and walks passed some in silence - so he doesn't say their names, Harry cannot see who they are as they are hooded, and therefore we the reader do not know all the Eaters who turned up that night. Maybe because they are not important to the plot - or maybe because there is a character under our noses who is a Eater undiscovered YET.

Posted by Orlando from England on June 21, 2007 04:44 AM

MonkeyShrines:
My legilmens comment goes towards Snape, whom, based upon Trelawney's account, heard the Entire prophecy, not just most of it...a legilmens can also 'place' a thought into someone's mind, not just read it.

There's a possibility that whatever magic was placed upon Harry, his parents would need to be for the full effect. In the Movie (I don't believe it's in the book), Lupin 'scolds' Harry, saying that he doubts Harry's parents gave up their lives, so he could... (reference to his using the Marauder's map )

I've always found it bizarre, that Lily didn't disapparate with Harry, she definitely had time...

Posted by Scout on June 21, 2007 07:05 AM

Rebecca,

Hmm, i think you have a lot of valid points there. I must admit i was slightly wavering on whether to believe some assumptions that had been made, but after reading your comment, i believe that you may well have identified the clues that i have missed out on. To stick with the topic, i agree with you that Neville most certainly turn out to be the missing link in the story. I must say that i believe you have hit the nail on the head with the idea about Harry's scar though; i also believe that SHOULD Harry be the last horcrux, then it may well be Voldemort's soul trying to break free to him. A very reasoned and well thought out selection of speculative theories there, nice work!

Posted by Daniel from Boston on June 21, 2007 07:47 AM

To Rebecca, about Harry being a horcrux... Maybe the scar is the horcrux and if he can destroy that without ing himself, then he emerges from the final battle alive and scarless?

Posted by Sara from Houston, TX on June 21, 2007 09:13 AM

Orlando, I understand your point of view.
But, how can Augusta be a Eater, if she was happy and proud because Neville fought against Voldemort in the Ministry of Magic? She also gave him a new wand! And told to the Daily Prophet that her grandson helped Harry Potter in the battle against You-know-who?
She must be hiding a secret from Neville and from all of us, but certainly she is not a Eater.

Posted by Thiago Leite Cruz from Belém, Pará, Brazil on June 21, 2007 10:09 AM

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