The main trio of friendship we are most familiar with throughout the Neville. Of course, one is a teacher and one is a classmate, but they both have a huge impact on the life of Harry in different ways, despite their existences very rarely crossing over.
There are some reasons Neville Longbottom was a better friend to Harry, Ron and Hermione, and some why Hagrid should hold that title himself.
NEVILLE WAS A BETTER FRIEND: He Stood Up To His Friends
The first few Harry Potter films introduced us to a version of Neville Longbottom who was quiet, shy, and relatively unimportant. However, JK Rowling made sure to hint towards the Neville he would become, through the occasional nod to his bravery. One such nod came when Harry, Ron, and Hermione were about to sneak out of the common room, and he decided to stand up to them. It didn’t end well for him, but his heart was in the right place.
HAGRID WAS A BETTER FRIEND: He Was The First Wizard Harry Met (That He Was Aware Of)
Of course, Harry had actually met a lot of wizards in his very young life, but he wasn’t aware of any of them. Hagrid was the first person Harry met that he was actually aware could perform magic.
This was a special connection the pair formed, and it maintained throughout the entire series.
NEVILLE WAS A BETTER FRIEND: He Gave Harry Gillyweed
Fans know that the Barty Crouch Jr. version of Mad-Eye Moody was actually the one who provided Neville with the idea of Gillyweed to give to Harry and thus lure him to the graveyard. However, if Neville hadn’t been trying to help Harry out, he’d have never come up with the method that would stop Harry from drowning in the lake, and help him rescue two students.
HAGRID WAS A BETTER FRIEND: He Bought Hedwig For Harry
Hagrid was well-aware of how rich Harry was, and a lot of factors pointed towards Hagrid himself not exactly being in a great place financially. However, he still bought Harry, a child he had only known (properly) for a few hours, a beautiful snowy owl for his birthday. That must have been a hefty purchase.
NEVILLE WAS A BETTER FRIEND: He Kept The DA Alive
Neville seemed to be the one who benefitted most from the DA. Before it, he was shy and clumsy, but he quickly picked up a lot of knowledge and became brave and powerful.
When Harry, Ron, and Hermione had departed Hogwarts, it was Neville who kept the ideas alive and effectively took on the position of leader.
HAGRID WAS A BETTER FRIEND: He Always Invited Them For Tea
It might look a bit strange considering he was often their teacher, but Hagrid was such good friends with Harry, Ron, and Hermione that he would often invite them down to his hut for tea and inedible rock cakes. Sure, Harry and Neville might have shared magical sweets, but Hagrid’s invitations are a lot nicer.
NEVILLE WAS A BETTER FRIEND: He Got Injured Fighting Death Eaters
In Order Of The Phoenix, Neville really proves himself to be a strong, brave fighter. He isn’t aware of Sirius’ true affiliation but doesn’t say a word when Harry explains that they need to go and save him.
When they’re there, Neville’s nose is badly broken and leads to him being barely able to speak, but he doesn’t let it dampen his spirits.
HAGRID WAS A BETTER FRIEND: He Kept Giving Great Advice
Hagrid had a bit of an issue with loyalty, as he just wanted to be as loyal to as many people as he possibly could. In doing so, however, he often accidentally gave Harry, Hermione, and Ron information that he “should not have said.” He might have been trying to avoid it, but in the long run, his accidental advice was incredibly helpful.
NEVILLE WAS A BETTER FRIEND: He Killed Nagini
Neville’s character arc was completed when he killed Nagini. The first time we ever saw him, he was timid and scared; the final time, he was killing Voldemort’s last Horcrux. Brilliant.
The implication that the sword presented itself to Neville because he was a Worthy Gryffindor, was also a brilliant moment. His actions probably saved a lot of lives.
HAGRID WAS A BETTER FRIEND: He Was Heartbroken For Harry
Hagrid was committed to the good without fail throughout the entirety of Harry Potter. When he thought he was seeing Harry’s death right in front of his eyes, and when he thought he was carrying Harry’s body towards the castle, it’s almost impossible not to shed a tear. His delight to see that Harry is alive is truly touching.
