The Harry Potter series introduced the world to myriad iconic heroes, but none have had as dramatic an evolution as Neville Longbottom. Neville has proven himself time and time again despite his comic-relief origins. The character's quotes effectively demonstrate that journey and make the case as to why he may be the best of the saga.
From his ion for plants to his undying friendship and loyalty, Neville has been utilized effectively throughout the series even in spite of his often undervalued traits. The character's actions might scream the loudest thanks to his destruction of the final Horcrux Nagini, but his words are just as useful in coming to understand the man beneath the wizard hat.
Joke's On Neville (The Chamber Of Secrets)
"Why Is It Always Me?"
Neville Longbottom is introduced into the series as a character meant to provide moments of humor. He always seems to end up in a variety of ridiculous mishaps, and the attack of the Cornish Pixies in Chamber Of Secrets is perhaps one of the most memorable moments of that kind.
As he gets hung from the ceiling Neville asks "Why is it always me?" It's a meta-joke that helps endear the character to the audience but also rounds out his personality further. He is no longer scared by the antics but simply resigned to the fact that he will be the joke of the group. There's something quite noble in that self-acceptance and humility.
Neville Standing Up To The Golden Trio (The Sorcerer's Stone)
"You're Sneaking Out Again Arent' You? I Won't Let You! You'll Get Gryffindor Into Trouble Again."
Of course, the young wizard provides a laugh, as it's one of Neville's defining traits in Harry Potter. But as early as The Sorcerer's Stone he also demonstrated that deep down he was both brave and willing to stand up for himself. He faced off against Harry, Ron, and Hermione when they were about to get Gryffindor into trouble again.
Neville's intelligence is showcased in this quote as he plays upon Hermione's fears of potentially breaking her perfect record. But as Dumbledore later states, it takes a lot of courage to stand up to friends, far more than an enemy. It was clear from the beginning that Neville was a hero — even if he was frozen for his efforts.
Neville's Potential Herbology Mishap (The Goblet Of Fire)
"Oh My God, I've Killed Harry Potter!"
Neville Longbottom tries to help Harry out whenever he can. As one of his closest friends and roommates within Gryffindor House, Neville is rooting for Harry throughout the Triwizard Tournament.
Neville's ion for flora comes in handy when he gives Harry advice on what plant to use. Yet, for a brief moment, as Harry is submerged beneath the Black Lake, Neville is genuinely concerned he has hurt his friend. He puts a lot of responsibility on his own shoulders, but even when he doubts himself the botanist is always proven to be right.
Neville's Greatest Fear (The Prisoner Of Azkaban)
"Professor Snape."
It's fair to say Neville is an underrated Harry Potter character. Although he goes on far fewer adventures than his friends, the character still has plenty of opportunities to face his fears, as is the case with the Boggart.
Lupin brings in the mythical creature as an example of how simple magic can have a huge result. Neville is one of the first up and fully commits to the fact that Professor Snape is his worst nightmare. He succeeds in his quest to ridicule the beast — something Harry himself actually fails to do. This bravery should absolutely be commended, as not every student would have been able to take down the head of Slytherin.
Neville Facing Off Against Bellatrix ( The Order Of The Phoenix)
"Better Now That They're About To Be Avenged."
Harry and Neville have a lot of parallels to one another. It has often been noted that in theory, Neville could have been the Chosen One within all the prophecies. After all, his parents were also harmed by the Death Eaters and he was responsible for finally stopping Voldemort.
When Neville finally comes face to face with the torturer of his parents, Bellatrix Lestrange, he holds back on doing anything stupid but spits venom at her, knowing he has what it takes to finally put an end to the witch. His threat certainly isn't empty, but he isn't brash either; a notable difference between himself and Harry and one that sets Neville apart.
Neville Honors Harry (The Deathly Hallows: Part 2)
"He's Still With Us. In Here!"
Somebody needed to rally the troops at the Battle of Hogwarts; someone with a good heart who has managed to showcase their loyalty and strength while also endearing themselves to their peers and friends. Neville Longbottom was the perfect man for the job.
He stood toe to toe with Voldermort, trading verbal jabs and reminding those still standing that Harry was still with them despite his apparent death. Neville's words were inspiring and helped to begin the final charge against the forces of darkness. At this moment, he was a true leader.
Neville's Love For His Pet (The Sorcerer's Stone)
"Trevor! Sorry..."
One of the earliest moments from Neville Longbottom was of course a comedic quote, as he exclaimed out loud that he had found his pet, Trevor. While a toad may seem like a strange friend to have, Neville was delighted to be reunited with the amphibian.
He didn't even care at first that this happened in front of all the First Years and Professor McGonagall, who was not amused by the proceedings. His immediate concern was finding his beloved animal. That certainly says a lot about the character.
"Did You Know There's A Wizard, In Nepal, Who's Growing Gravity-Resistant Trees?" - The Goblet Of Fire
There are plenty of things that Harry Potter fans might not know about Neville, but one of the most obvious traits of the character is his love for herbology. Neville can't get enough of his plants and would eventually go on to work at Hogwarts, taking over from Professor Sprout.
While trying to help Harry prepare for the Triwizard Tournament, Neville sits in the library and gets sidetracked by his vast knowledge. He is particularly enthused by the prospect of a wizard growing a gravity-defying tree. Neville's intelligence and ion are on full display here in a way that no other character quite conveys.
Neville's Thrill At Having A Social Life (The Goblet Of Fire)
"I Just Got In. Me!"
Plants aren't the only hobby that Neville enjoys. The Yule Ball awakened a different skill within him: dancing. Accompanying his friend Ginny to the winter event, the two danced for hours and Neville could be seen waltzing his way back to his dorm.
Upon waking Harry he remarks at how late he is back, and indeed one of the few who was still left standing on the dance floor. His excitement is infectious and it's fun to see a character give in to such a pure emotion in a story full of darkness. Few other men within Hogwarts were bold enough to stand up and let their feet fly.
Classic Neville Longbottom (The Deathly Hallows: Part 2)
"Yeah! You And Whose Army?"
Neville has never been described as cocky. He usually doubts himself too much for that. But his one moment of confidence really came back to bite him. Neville started to realize that he really did have everything in hand at the Battle of Hogwarts, allowing for his character arc to reach its completion.
In classic early-story Neville fashion, his master strategy backfired when he began shooting barbs at the Snatchers. Not realizing that there was actually an impressive army ready to hunt him down, Neville was shaken by the stampede of Death Eaters heading his way. Luckily, his bridge did explode just in time for the hero to get to safety.
