Guest Author - Lisa Shea

Neville Longbottom shows up in the first Harry Potter book as sort of a joke character, the one the other characters pick on. He constantly loses his toad, Trevor. As the series progresses, he takes on more depth.

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Neville is much picked on. He's a member of the Gryffindor household, but he's always being left behind or doing things wrong. By the end, he tries to prevent Harry and his friends from leaving the common room and going on their final quest. It is because of his bravery in standing up to his friends for what he knew was right that Neville gets awarded the ten house points that allows Gryffindor to win the house cup.

Over the time, we learn more about Neville. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, we learn that Neville's two parents were both brave Aurors who are currently insane. They were tormented by Voldemort's Death Eaters. They are patients in the mental wing of St. Mungo's Hospital because of the attack.

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry, Hermione and Ron go to the hospital themselves, and run into Neville. At this point,Harry is aware of Neville's parents condition and contribution. Ron and Hermoine are shocked when Neville and his grandmother, Mrs. Augusta Longbottom, are there with the two parents. Neville is embarassed, but Gran says he should be proud of his parents sacifice in their fight against Lord Voldemort.

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Book 6, we learn that Neville as well as Harry could have been the "Chosen One." Professor Horace Slughorn invites Neville to be a 'Slug Club' member.

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This article is written by Lisa Shea.