Throughout the
Harry Potter series, the reader has seen characters develop and mature,
sometimes in unexpected ways.
Experience helps shape a person, especially during time of adolescence. Neville Longbottom is an excellent
example of how a person blossoms into his own after struggling to find out
where you belong.
When we first
meet Neville, he is a clumsy, quiet boy that lacks self-confidence. He is relentlessly teased at Hogwarts,
primarily by Draco, and is constantly
being told by his grandmother that he isn’t living up to his parent's
accomplishments. He was often seen as a lost cause. We begin to see the potential in
Neville when he finds he is skilled in Herbology, and even more so with the
creation of Dumbledore’s Army.
Throughout the lessons of Dumbledore’s Army, Neville’s defensive spells
have improved dramatically. We
begin to see his magical abilities put to work as he eagerly participates in
the battle at the Ministry of Magic in book 5, and again at the battle in
Hogwarts in book 6.
Neville’s newfound
confidence and bravery is exerted full force in Deathly Hallows. While
Harry, Ron and Hermione were on the search for Horcruxes, Neville returned to
Hogwarts and restarted Dumbledore’s Army with the help of Ginny and Luna. With the return of Harry, Ron, and
Hermione to Hogwarts, Neville signals the return of the other member of
Dumbledore’s Army, and readily participates in the battle to bring the Death
Eaters down. Neville’s true colors
are shown as he kills Voldemort’s snake, Nagini. Neville killed the snake using the sword of Gryffindor,
which in turn proves that Neville is a true Gryffindor, something often
questioned through his earlier shy and introverted nature. His resistance of the Dark Arts has helped
shape him into the person he is today.
Neville’s courage and perseverance can be admired, for it shows that if
you are passionate about something, greatness can happen.
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