TheHarry Potterseries, penned by the talented yetcontroversial J.K. Rowlinghas captivated the hearts of millions of readers and moviegoers alike with its magical world filled with adventure, friendship, and the eternal battle between good and evil. At the center of this enchanting saga is the boy who lived, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), who embarks on a heroic quest to defeatthe dark Lord Voldemort(Ralph Fiennes).
Throughout his journey, Harry is supported by a loyal group of friends, each playing a crucial role in the fight against the forces of darkness. Among these unsung heroes is Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis), a character whose development and courage far surpass expectations, making him a worthy candidate to have delivered the final blow to the malevolent Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter).
Neville’s Arc of Growth and Bravery
Neville Longbottom undergoesa remarkable transformationthroughout theHarry Potterseries. Initially portrayed as clumsy and timid, Neville is often overshadowed by his more gifted peers. However, as the plot unfolds, readers witness his gradual growth into a brave and resilient young wizard. Neville’s journey embodies the essence of the series: the triumph of the underdog and the potential for greatness that lies within each individual.
From struggling with simple spells to leading Dumbledore’s Army during Harry’s absence, Neville proves his determination and loyalty. His resilience is especially evident during the Battle of Hogwarts, where he courageously faces Bellatrix and her dark allies, ultimately setting the stage for a fitting confrontation.
The Connection to the Prophecy
The prophecy concerning Voldemort and Harry is well-known throughout the wizarding world, foretelling that one must defeat the other. However, an intriguing interpretation suggests that Neville could have been the chosen one instead. The prophecy states that “neither can live while the other survives,” implying that either Harry or Neville had the potential to vanquish the Dark Lord.
While the prophecy is eventually tied to Harry’s fate, since Voldemort “marks Harry as his equal,” Neville’s connection to it cannot be dismissed lightly. He, too, shares a significant link to Voldemort, as both of his parents were tortured by Bellatrix Lestrange andother Death Eaters. Therefore, the idea that Neville could have played a more pivotal role in the final battle is not as far-fetched as it may seem.
Related:Harry Potter: The World Needs More Neville Longbottoms
The Symbolic Triumph of the Underdog
One of the most compelling aspects of Neville Longbottom’s character is the symbolism he represents:the triumph of the underdog. Harry’s path to victory is undoubtedly riddled with obstacles and hardships, but his destined role as the boy who lived garners overwhelming support. Conversely, Neville’s journey is a quieter, less acknowledged one.
Although we love Molly Weasley’s (Julie Walters) epic line “Not my daughter, you b****!” as shetakes the dark witch down, having Neville emerge as the one to defeat Bellatrix Lestrange would have been a poetic representation of how true courage and determination can come from unexpected sources. It would have underscored the theme that heroes can be found in the most unassuming individuals, providing a powerful and empowering message to readers and fans of the series. While Neville killing the snake Nagini, does give a bit of this redemption to the reader/ viewer, it would be more impactful if it was Bellatrix instead.
Related:Harry Potter: The 10 Most Unlikely Heroic Moments from the Franchise
Why Neville Longbottom Should Have Vanquished Bellatrix Lestrange
While theHarry Potterseries remainsa timeless masterpiece, it is intriguing to explore the possibilities of how different character choices could have shaped the story’s outcome. Neville Longbottom’s growth, his connection to the prophecy, and the symbolism he embodies all make a compelling case for why he could have been the one to deliver the final blow to Bellatrix Lestrange. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, Neville’s unwavering bravery and the impact he leaves on readers' hearts make him a true hero in his own right.
Although it would be interesting for the upcomingHarry Pottertelevision series to deviate slightly from the canon content and remedy this oversight, true fans know this would only cause chaos. And according toWizarding World, the reboot series “will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years,” and staying true to the original source material.
While we might not get Neville as a hero in any version ofHarry Potter, we can only hope the series does well and gives us more wonderful content to explore. So, here’s to us, the readers and viewers who honor Neville Longbottom as our chosen one.
