Those are some damn good Neville essays! But then of course I'd agree with my constant bemusement at the way these kids continue to want that stupid House Cup.

As I'm sure I mentioned at the time, I hated Neville's "heroic" scene in OotP when he launched himself at Draco when he wasn't even speaking to him, and I do think it sadly fits in with exactly what Elkins is talking about. Does Neville at that point know Harry knows about his home situation? I'm not sure. Anyway, it was so pointless and I thought wtf? Why is Neville attacking somebody for making a joke about Harry--not even crazy people? Surely he knows he's not being picked on; he's not stupid. He's been trying to hide his parents' situation so why reveal it here? Has that plant gotten to him and made him stupid?

But I think it was, sadly, just proof that Neville was finally becoming a hero in reacting so stupidly to a non-event.