Not only known as the “survivor of the Dark Lord,” Harry Potter is also recognized as the hero of Gryffindor house. He embodies courage, strength, and bravery, never backing down from challenges despite the loss of his parents. However, regarding the phrase “the Gryffindor hero,” it’s uncertain whether Harry Potter truly fits this so-called “heroic” narrative.
Alongside Harry Potter, another student who is also considered a hero of Gryffindor is Neville Longbottom. From the very beginning, Neville showcased a stronger character than Harry. In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Neville bravely confronted Harry, Ron, and Hermione when they broke into the Gryffindor common room at night, although he ended up being the target of a “spell gone wrong.” Despite his timid personality, his Sorting Hat chose him for Gryffindor, indicating that he was meant to be there.
As time progressed, Neville transformed into a distinct individual, ultimately unlocking his own potential. He successfully wielded Gryffindor’s sword to defeat the snake Nagini, marking a significant turning point in his character development.
Although Neville may not have been the “star” of the Harry Potter film series, his contributions were pivotal in many crucial moments that could not be overlooked.
During his studies at Hogwarts, Neville Longbottom did not possess a wand of his own. Instead, he inherited one from his father, Frank, a significant wizard who had been affected by the Dark Lord. This wand helped the Longbottom family evade Voldemort’s wrath three times, hence it was passed down to Neville for his education. However, Neville struggled for several years with a wand that was not truly his own.
This situation hindered his studies and limited his ability to fully utilize his magical potential compared to his peers. This was also one of the reasons Neville developed a fondness for Herbology, a subject that did not heavily rely on wand work.
Later, when his father’s wand became damaged during the battle at the Ministry of Magic in the fifth installment, Neville finally acquired a wand that truly belonged to him. This moment marked the release of the enormous potential within him, transforming him into a completely different individual. Thus, if Neville Longbottom had not been given his own wand, the story of Harry Potter might have turned out very differently.
Source: Screen Rant
