Everything I Need to Know, I Learned From Neville Longbottom

One of the absolute best characters in the entire series, Neville Longbottom, was fictionally born on July 30th, so what better character to end the month of Harry Potter themed EINTKILFs with? Neville is the best. A Gryffindor, a Leo (same thing), a strong, surprising, quirky, tough, inspirational young man. If we all had Neville’s courage, the world would be a super cool place.

EINTKILF Neville Longbottom

1. It is okay to forget stuff.

Neville immediately has this reputation of being a super clumsy, forgetful, dorky little guy. I mean, even though those things are a tiny bit true, there is nothing wrong with being a little different, you know? Neville always had so much potential, and so much heart, and honestly? I forget everything, not like names and dates, but like where I put my debit card, or where any of my lip-glosses may have ran off to. Regardless, Neville got a remembrall, and for some reason, that’s something we all remember for life.

Also, he forgot his robes. That’s what he forgot! According to Tumblr. Mind blown.

2. Stand up for yourself. 

Even though Neville had that reputation for being all of those things we just discussed, he always stands up for himself. I mean, maybe not to his grandmother, but eventually, he does not have to do that anymore because she is so proud of him for being the best.

3. And stand up for your friends!

BEST PART OF ALL THE BOOKS. But seriously, I have never not cried when Neville gets the points. Never! I turn 27 in a few days. And it still gets me!

4. Believe in something. 

One of the main reasons Neville has always been in my top 3 faves is because of his determination and belief system. That kid backed the good side from the very beginning. He was super down with Dumbledore’s Army, even carrying it on without Harry. Neville believes in doing what is right, even when it isn’t easy. (My theme for all these posts, duh.)

Neville: So how are we going to get to London?
Harry: Look, it’s not that I don’t appreciate everything you’ve done, all of you, but—but I’ve got you into enough trouble as it is.
Neville: Dumbledore’s Army’s supposed to be about doing something real. Or was all that just words to you?

You tell ’em, Neville. Harry isn’t the only hero.

5. “It helps when people stand up to them, it gives everyone hope. . .

. . .I used to notice that when you did it, Harry.”

Amen, brother.

6. Pride is important. 

Neville definitely has one of the saddest stories of all of the Harry Potter characters, including Harry. His parents were tortured into insanity by Voldemort. They live their lives in the mental hospital and don’t even recognize their son. Talk about depressing. But you know what? Neville is crazy proud to be the child of those two evil-fightin’ wizards.

Neville: Fourteen years ago, a Death Eater named Bellatrix Lestrange used the Crutiatus Curse on my parents. She tortured them for information, but they never gave in. I’m quite proud to be their son. But I’m not sure I’m ready for everyone to know just yet.
Harry: We’re going to make them proud, Neville. That’s a promise.

7. People certainly can be more than meets the eye. 

Honestly, bumbling little kiddos can certainly grow into swans. Or whatever that metaphor is.

8. How to give an empowering speech. 

Neville: It doesn’t matter that Harry’s gone.
Seamus: Stand down, Neville!
Neville: People die every day. Friends, family. Yeah, we still lost Harry tonight. He’s still with us, in here. So is Fred, Remus, Tonks—they didn’t die in vain. But you will. Because you’re wrong! Harry’s heart did beat for us! For all of us! It’s not over!

Man, that is a revolution right there. It gives me chills! Since Neville and Harry had so many eerie similarities—being born at the end of July (happy birthday, fictional dudes!), having parents that were killed or basically killed by Voldemort, age, sex, location (just kidding, kinda), it makes sense that Neville would step up when they thought Harry had been killed. What a wonderful guy.

9. Never give in. 

Voldemort: You show spirit and bravery, and you come of noble stock. You will make a very valuable Death Eater. We need your kind, Neville Longbottom.
Neville: I’ll join you when hell freezes over! Dumbledore’s Army!

There are a lot of people who fought for the good side, whether it be Dumbledore’s Army, the Order of the Phoenix, or just random staff members and students who participated in the Battle of Hogwarts. But how many of them actually faced Voldemort himself? Naturally, Neville did, and he sassed him. He sassed the Dark Lord to his face. Now that is truly a brave soul. Never give in, even when standing directly in front of a snake-faced mass murderer who can split his soul.

10. Matt Lewis, man. 

Sorry, he just needed a shout out.

Be brave, babies! Stand up for yourselves, and your friends, even if you get petrified (literally, not like. . . cause you’re scared).

Epilogue: I am super sad to stop writing about Harry Potter characters, but I am excited for August’s EINTKILF posts. This was fun!

xoxoxo

Featured image via , remembrall GIF via imgur, Neville young to old image via theweasleyfamily.tumblr, Matthew Lewis image via theberry.