Neville Longbottom

Neville Longbottom (born 30 July 1980)http://www.mugglenet.com/jkrcom/birthdayarchive.shtml is a fictional character in the Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling.

Personality and development

Neville's lack of self-confidence could also stem from his weakness as a wizard-in-training; despite being pure-blooded, Neville shows an ineptitude with magic that often gets him into trouble (though he shows great strength and potential, being able to whiz the Charms teacher, Professor Flitwick, around the classroom, he lacks focus). His use of his father's wand may also be a factor. Nonetheless, he has stood up both to his friends (notably in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, where his bravery earned Gryffindor the House Cup) and his enemies (see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for details). Indeed, during the course of the fifth book, Neville's magical abilities improve dramatically, as shown in the renegade Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons taught by Harry. This, and a few of his actions during Order of the Phoenix, indicate a passionate, unspoken desire to avenge his parents, especially after Lestrange escapes Azkaban.

Related Topics:
Professor Flitwick - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Gryffindor - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Defence Against the Dark Arts - Azkaban

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Neville is also known for his forgetfulness; he used a Remembrall in the early books of the series to help him recall things, but couldn't remember what it was telling him that he had forgotten. It has been suggested that Neville's forgetfulness may have been caused by the adverse effects of memory spells given to him because he may have witnessed his parents' torture.

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Despite a portrayal that could be described as "one-sided" in the first four books, Neville has come into his own, particularly in the fifth book. Indeed, he plays a key role (albeit inadvertently) in keeping Lord Voldemort from knowing the prophecy made about Voldemort and Harry, and he saves Harry's life during the battle in the Department of Mysteries.

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An interesting point which Dumbledore brings up in the denouement of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is that both Harry and Neville were born during the same month, and the aforementioned prophecy could possibly have applied to either of them{{HP5}}.

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