payment page
Neville Longbottom is Harry’s forgetful and awkward classmate at Hogwarts. His timid and shy demeanor makes him an easy target for Malfoy, the school bully. For example, Malfoy mocks Neville for botching their first flying lesson and tries to leave his Remembrall (a gift from Neville’s grandmother) in a tree. Malfoy’s cruel scheme is only bested because Harry defends Neville and uses his natural broomstick-flying skills to procure Neville’s Remembrall. Neville is an initially perplexing character for readers to interpret. On the one hand, he is hesitant and unable to stick up for himself. On the other hand, he was sorted into Gryffindor—a Hogwarts house that famously only admits students who are “brave at heart,” known for their “nerve” and their “daring and chivalr[ic]” personalities. However, towards the end of the novel, Neville finally begins to show his true colors. He stands up to Harry, Ron, and Hermione and tries to stop them from sneaking out to get the Sorcerer’s Stone because he does not want them to get their house into any more trouble. He is ultimately unsuccessful due to Hermione’s quick thinking but it is still an impressive display of courage. As Dumbledore explains at the end of term feast, “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” Through Neville, Rowling argues that there is more than one way to be brave.
