The New 'Sidekicks': Ginny, Neville, and Luna

[Lizzy Bennet]

Since I started a thread on the 'Trio' (Harry, Hermione, and Ron), I thought I'd start one on the sidekicks as well. Luna was introduced to us in book 5, Ginny's character was expanded upon in great detail, and Neville was revealed to us in a light we've never seen him in before. Just as I know the 'trio' will continue to be a prevalent part of the remaining books, how involved do you feel the sidekicks of the trio (G, N, and L) will be?

Obviously, they (all six of them) have the shared experience of the terrors that took place in the Department of Mysteries. Now, it isn't just Harry who has faced evil in the flesh, and additionally, Neville and Harry are furthered bonded, having been the only two members of the group of six to share in Sirius's death. Although Luna seems to understand this loss Harry has experienced and is a comfort to him, Neville was right there when it happened, and perhaps in the next book (and possibly book 7), a further friendship will be developed between Neville and Harry based on shared losses, the prophecy, and a mutual anger at Bellatrix and Voldemort.

Will we now see a group of six in the next two books or do you feel that was just for this book? Will any of these sidekicks date any of the trio or each other? I think it'll be interesting to read the fallout of the DoM events for each of these teens...like Harry felt the summer before year 5, all of these kids will be dealing with rather upsetting adult situations they were a direct part of and working through their feelings about those situations.

What do these sidekicks add to the trio? What are your thoughts? Do share!


~ Lizzy

[highsorcerer]

I think the trio is in. Over the past few books several important characters have left Hogwarts, and will have greatly reduced or even minimal roles. This includes Percy Weasley, Oliver Wood, Fred Weasly, George Weasley, and will also include Lee Jorden (it's clear he just finished 7th year as he appeared to be in the same grade as the twins), Angelina, and Alicia. While we'll probably see some of them again (I can see the chapter 93 DIAGON ALLLEY already as a future title chapter), their roles will diminish. The second trio is likely to fill in for the three Weasleys and the others. Besides, in the first book, it took an intense experience together (the troll) for Hermoine to really become a part of the group. I rather think them fighting a dozen or so death eaters qualifies as a somewhat more intense bonding experience.

Neville is obviously going places. After what Harry taught him in D.A. (and becoming his top student after Hermoine), and the practical experience he's had against the Death Eaters, he's in the gang for good. I expect he'll make NEWT level DADA (along with Herbology). He and Harry have faced death together. He's shown the bravery Griffydors are known for. Besides, when it comes to a final showdown in book 7, Bellatrix Lestrange is his to take down. After everything that witch did to his family, he's earned the chance.

Ginny will almost certainly become a Quidditch chaser, and now that she's over Harry she'll be able to interact with him instead of going silent. Who knows, maybe she'll become a prefect? Now that Fred and George have left school and entered the world of business, the remaining Weasley's will probably stick together.

Luna is a wildcard. I think she left book 5 as calmly as she entered it. I think she'll either become Harry's new love interest, or become a part of a love triangle with Ron and Hermoine. Luna has already taught Hermoine several important lessons (particularly about taking some things on faith), and she might teach Hermoine another one about jealousy. Ron's already learned something about it from Viktor Krum, but Hermoine hasn't been on the receiving side yet.

[Blaise Zabini]

Though I haven't seen as much of a connection between Neville and Hermione/Ron as I have with Harry, I think that based on preformance in both the DA and DoM, that Neville's becoming one of the trio is a given. I mean, he's proven himself beyond all measures and will definitely have a noteworthy part in the next two installments.

As for Ginny, though she'll probably become quite a lot closer to her brother and thus, Harry and Hermione, as well, I don't see her as coming along on their future missions. I've seen her role as being the characteristic 'little sister.' The one that, though she hangs around with the older kids, never really becomes one of them.

And with Luna, I'm not sure. I would really like for her to get into a relationship with either Harry or Ron, even though I'm not one to usually like the romantic aspect. But I think that, in a way, she really complements Harry's character. As when, at the end of OotP, the two spoke and there seemed to be an unspoken connection that I hadn't noticed between Harry and any other character. I definitely see her coming up again and possibly even joining in on the escapades of the trio.

[Gwared]

I think Luna will be sidelined somewhat as she's not in the same house as the others, also her part was mainly for the Quibbler addition into the storyline to explain the truth of Harry's adventure.

Ginny will become a quidditch player, chaser probably as Harry'll retain his seekership and this will probably allow her more access to the original trio as Ron and Harry are both quidditch players too.

Neville is just going to get stronger and stronger, especially if he gets some good OWLS, think of the boost to his confidence!

[hoopsmaster88]

Do you guys think that Neville will become a much better wizard now that he will have a chance to use his own wand instead of his father's? I think it's very possible he could become very good at magic with his own wand and not having the pressure of using his father's wand, who was very popular and very good at magic. Maybe he won't feel as if he has to live up to his father anymore.

[Sacred Guardian]

i think that neville will also get a good owl in potions b/c he didn't have snape breathing down his neck the whole time

i think neville will definatly join in the defeat of voldemort, though i think both him and harry will get their shot at Bellatrix, seeing as how she murdered sirius, i think that harry will start liking ginny, and they will date, so she will come along too, and i have no idea about luna, she confused me while i was reading, and even more so now that i am done

[Gwared]

What confused me most about Luna was out of their threesome (Ron, Ginny and Luna) she was the only one to escape unhurt! Is she hiding some terrific power?

[HuffleDuck]

chapter 93 good one, but do hope there'll be chapter 93 in book 7th

Gwared was right, i noticed that too, but then again she was stunned by one of the death eater too. the mystery is.. she's the only one that have it lightly, while everyone else is severly injured. Weird..

[HuffleDuck]

Sorry for 2nd post... But i fell so sorry for Neville's parents and the rest of the Order members who were killed or tortured during Voldy's reign of terror. It's kinda sad that they don't know what kinda surprises holding for them in the future. I think when Moody showed harry the picture of the Order and explained how everyone had died, tears was dripping down my face. they were happy in the picture ,but didn't know that death awaits them.

[Tuima]

Yah, I'm scared, how many more characters are going to die before Harry kills VD? Less than the last war, of course; was it Lupin who was reassuring Harry on that? I think if one of the side trio died, it would be Luna... donno why. I hope she and Harry do NOT get together, she bothers me like none other. But I can see everyone being all sad and her death spurring Harry on to action... Or maybe it'll be Ginny, and Harry will suddenly realize his love Neville is my hero -- I hope he gets a shot at Bellafreak, the evil twisted... grrr. Go Neville!

[highsorcerer]

It's a part of the themes of the books. Neville started as a poor wizard, and was the object of curses and jokes.

But he's gotten stronger and stronger. And despite how Malfoy mocked his bravery in book 1, Neville clearly is brave. Even with a broken wand and nose, he stood by Harry at the end against the death eaters. Unlike anybody else (but Harry), Neville has suffered great pain at evil wizards. Harry's parents died; Neville's are insane.

Neville knows that evil is back, and is determined to fight it. He worked hard to learn defense, and his progress shows a theme. When evil was dormant, Neville was dormant. But when evil rose again, Neville has risen as well. He's willing to stand and fight instead of running away.

Oh, and what about Malfoy and company? Could you see them taking on a dozen aurors and Dumbledore like Harry took on a dozen death eaters and Voldemort?

[Centaur Lord]

I certainly can't see Malfoy fighting a bunch of Aurors at all. I bet he could win by bribing them, he certainly has enough money, lol. Neville certainly has, in a sense, "risen to the occasion". He has made tremendous improvements in his Defense against the Dark Arts. Some of you think that Neville is becoming a "better wizard", or something along those lines. While some evidence of this is included in the 5th book, i dont really think that Neville is getting more powerful. If you look back to book one, it gives signs of how Neville has never had much magical prowess. I cant remember where, but im assuming its right after they get to Howarts. Neville is telling people how he got admitted to Hogwarts, and says that his relatives had been trying to force magic out of him for many years, but always failed. Neville finally showed signs of being a wizard after his great uncle algie dropped him from the second story window, and he bounced down the lawn. great uncle algie was so pleased, he bought Trevor . So, while Neville is improving beyond all recognition, i still dont think he will ever be that great of a wizard.

[Colin]

One thing that hppened at the end of book 5 might make Neville a better wizard: He broke his wand. With a new wand - one that chooses Neville and not his dad, Neville might be able to do much better.

The overall story is about Harry, but it Might be about Neville also.

[highsorcerer]

But his wand was broken in a great cause, fighting evil. When his grandmother learns how and why, she will respect it, and her grandson. Maybe he doesn't have his father's ability - but he has his father's ability to stand up for what is RIGHT. That is noble..