Thursday, July 17, 2014

Harry Potter Moment of the Week (#2)


Harry Potter Moment of the Week hosted by Uncorked Thoughts.

Bravest Character Moment:

There are so many brave character moments in these books, it's hard to pick just one.

'What are you doing?' said a voice from the corner of the room.  Neville appeared from behind an armchair, clutching Trevor the toad, who looked as though he'd been making another bid for freedom.
'Nothing, Neville, nothing,' said Harry, hurriedly putting the Cloak behind his back.
Neville stared at their guilty faces.
'You're going out again,' he said.
'No, no, no,' said Hermione 'No, we're not.  Why don't you go to bed, Neville?'
...
'You can't go out,' said Neville, 'you'll be caught again.Gryffindor will be in even more trouble.'
'You don't understand,' said Harry, 'this is important.'
But Neville was clearly steeling himself to do something desperate.
'I won't let you do it,' he said, hurrying to stand in front of the portrait hole. 'I'll - I'll fight you!'
'Neville,' Ron exploded, 'get away from that hole and don't be an idiot --'
'Don't call me an idiot!' said Neville.  'I don't think you should be breaking any more rules! And you were the one who told me to stand up to  people!'
'yes, but not to us,' said Ron in exasperation. 'Neville, you don't know what you're doing.'
he took a step forward and Neville dropped Trevor the toad, who leapt out of sight.
'Go on then, try and hit me!' said Neville, raising his fists. 'I'm ready!'
...
'Neville,' [Hermione] said.  'I'm really, really sorry about this.'
She raised her want. 'Petrificus Totalus!' she cried, pointing it at Neville.

I still say Neville standing up to Harry, Ron and Hermione in The Sorcerer's Stone is one of my favorite moments.  Think about it:  he was at a new school trying to make friends, which he sort of accomplished. They were quite possibly the only people he called his friends.  He was friendly with other people, but he probably thought that people viewed him more as a convenient or sympathy friend.  He most definitely had some insecurities about being liked.  He was 11, by the way.  AND he still told them that they shouldn't be leaving the common room at night.  I mean that's practically social suicide, he seemed prepared to loose the friends he had made because he knew what they were doing was against the rules.  When I was 11, I was most concerned about what people thought of me.  I probably would have never stood up to them given the chance, afraid they would hate me afterward.  All I'm saying is that it takes a lot of guts and Neville, as he proves again and again, has all of the guts.


5 comments:

  1. You are so right: at that age most people would stay quiet for fear of losing friends or just to fit in but Neville, who was already awkward stood up to three of his friends and risked losing them in the process just cause he didn't want them to get Gryffindor in trouble. this moment got quite a few mentions today and it makes me happy :D Brilliant pick ^^

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  2. I can relate to this in so many levels and just shows the real depth of Neville's bravery. Great pick!

    Enza @ Book Fluke

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  3. Poor Neville, I love how he grew so much through the books until eventually he killed frickin Nagini! Amazing, he's a real hero.
    Great pick! :D

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  4. So true, I think most 11 year olds would have just said nothing, or at best gone back to their dorm to discuss it with their friends and do whatever the majority wanted to do because then they're not risking alienating themselves the way Neville did.

    Like Ula I love seeing how Neville grew as well, from the 11 year old awkward Gryffindor to the kick-ass hero who every bit deserved the sword of Gryffindor.

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  5. Aww I definitely agree with this. Neville is definitely so brave but in such different ways to our favourite trio. Except in the final book. He is absolutely badass there!

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