Happy Birthday, Neville!

Just before huge celebrations for our beloved main hero will commence, we must not forget about another person's special day who, incidently, was lucky enough to be born just not so close to July dying, which spared him being the "chosen one." 

However, Neville Longbottom is far from being second-best and has proven his loyalty, bravery and wit more than once throughout the series. Being slightly clumsy and prone to accidents, he didn't have an easy start at Hogwarts and was subject to bullying from the Slytherin's side far too often (and don't forget Snape bullying him for years all you "always" fans - Snape is a bastard, deal with it). 
However, it should be refrained to refer to him as "poor Neville" as this brave, young man ascended to be a true hero. Let us not forget his efforts in DA and his unquestioned willingness to join Harry's forces which also led to his courageous contribution in the battle of the prophecy in the finale of the fifth book. 

Despite Harry becoming the "chosen one", Neville actually outdid Harry on one particular occasion. Remember the Yule Ball in book 4? Remember who Neville took to the ball? Yes, you remembered correctly! It was actually Harry's later sweetheart and wife Ginny Weasley who did the tango with Neville before she danced into Harry's heart. Phew, that was close, Harry! 

As Neville progressed into later years, we found out so many heart-breaking details about his life - most prominently the mentally disturbed state of his parents who were tortured into irreversible insanity by none other than Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange and Barty Crouch Jr. to find out Voldemort's hidden place upon the latter's demise after his combat with baby Harry. 

This is also another similarity between Harry and Neville apart from their birthday month. Both of their parents were aurors and fought for the Order before being killed/driven into insanity by Voldemort and his people. Both left one boy behind who had identity struggles growing up and who ended up becoming brave, strong and courageous men. 

But today, on 30th July, let's forget Harry Potter for a moment and celebrate Neville - a kind and brave man who knows that true courage lies in fighting your friends, not your enemies - as proven in the very first book. Happy Birthday, Neville! Have a good one and be celebrated by your wife and children!