Why did Voldemort choose Harry over Neville?

Table of Contents

Prepared by: Agent Moony (Remus Lupin) ID: OP-MOONY-007

I. Executive Summary

The following report explores the reasons behind Lord Voldemort's decision to target Harry Potter instead of Neville Longbottom in response to the prophecy made by Sybill Trelawney. As both young wizards met the conditions specified in the prophecy, the factors leading to Voldemort's choice are of considerable interest. This analysis suggests that Voldemort's choice was influenced by a mixture of personal bias, misinterpretation of the prophecy, and incomplete information about the two potential targets.

II. Introduction

The prophecy made by Sybill Trelawney, which foretold the birth of a child with the power to vanquish Lord Voldemort, identified two potential subjects: Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom. Both were born at the end of July to parents who had thrice defied Voldemort. However, for reasons that have long remained unclear, Voldemort chose to target Harry Potter, leading to the events that marked Harry as his equal and led to Voldemort's first downfall.

This report aims to analyze the factors that might have influenced Voldemort's decision, including his knowledge and understanding of the prophecy, his perceptions of Harry and Neville, and the possible influence of actions taken by Albus Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix. The analysis will draw on information from various sources, including memories, interviews, and historical records, to provide a comprehensive picture of the situation leading up to Voldemort's attack on the Potter family.

III. Overview of the Prophecy

The prophecy made by Sybill Trelawney foretold the birth of a child who would have the power to vanquish the Dark Lord, Voldemort. The prophecy stated, "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies." Both Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom were born at the end of July to parents who had thrice defied Voldemort, thus fitting the description given by the prophecy. However, the prophecy's ambiguity leaves room for interpretation, which could have influenced Voldemort's decision. Notably, the prophecy did not explicitly state that the chosen one would have to be a direct target of Voldemort's attack, only that he would have the power to vanquish him.

IV. Comparative Analysis of Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom

When comparing the respective backgrounds of Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom, several similarities and differences become apparent. Both boys were born at the end of July to parents who were actively defying Voldemort. They were both from pure or half-blood families, indicating no clear preference based on blood status. However, Harry's parents, James and Lily Potter, were more directly in opposition to Voldemort, being active members of the Order of the Phoenix. In contrast, Neville's parents, Frank and Alice Longbottom, although also Order members, were less directly confrontational towards Voldemort.

Furthermore, Voldemort may have seen more of himself in Harry, a half-blood, as opposed to Neville, a pure-blood. This, coupled with the active defiance of the Potters, might have led Voldemort to believe that Harry was the greater threat. It is important to note that Voldemort had no knowledge of the complete prophecy, which stated that he would mark his equal. If he had, this might have influenced his choice differently.

V. Voldemort's Decision-Making Process

Voldemort's decision to target Harry instead of Neville likely stemmed from a combination of his interpretation of the prophecy, his bias towards half-bloods, and his evaluation of the threat posed by the two boys' families. As a master of manipulation and control, Voldemort tends to make decisions based on perceived threats and power dynamics. Given his limited information about the prophecy, he would have been guided by these tendencies in his interpretation.

His choice to see Harry as the prophesied child suggests a bias toward identifying with a child of similar blood status. This bias may have skewed his perception of the threat posed by Harry, leading him to overestimate it relative to Neville. Furthermore, the active and direct defiance of the Potters may have further amplified this perception of threat.

In summary, Voldemort's decision to target Harry instead of Neville seems to have been influenced by a combination of his interpretation of the prophecy, his personal bias, and his perception of the threat posed by the Potters. Understanding these factors can provide valuable insights into Voldemort's decision-making process and aid the Order of the Phoenix in predicting and countering his future actions.

VI. The Role of Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix

Albus Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix played significant roles in the events leading up to Voldemort's attack on the Potter family. Dumbledore, being the only other person aware of the prophecy, acted as a guardian of the information, sharing only as much as he deemed necessary for the protection of the potential targets. However, his decision to protect the Potters with the Fidelius Charm may have inadvertently confirmed Voldemort's suspicion that Harry was the child of prophecy. The secret-keeping spell was a powerful protection, and its use might have unintentionally signaled the importance of the Potter family to Voldemort.

Further, members of the Order of the Phoenix were known to be in direct opposition to Voldemort, increasing the likelihood that he would perceive their children as significant threats. The more visible defiance of the Potters, compared to the Longbottoms, could have further contributed to Voldemort's decision to target Harry.

VII. Impact and Implications of Voldemort's Choice

Voldemort's choice to attack Harry instead of Neville has had profound impacts on both individuals and the wider wizarding world. By choosing Harry, Voldemort created a powerful adversary, marked by a unique connection that has continually thwarted his plans. This decision inadvertently led to his first downfall and continues to weaken his position.

On the other hand, Neville, free from the direct burden of the prophecy, has grown into a capable and brave individual, playing crucial roles in the fight against Voldemort. His growth suggests that had Voldemort chosen him, the outcome might not have been drastically different.

From a broader perspective, Voldemort's decision solidified the prophecy, affirming the belief in its power within the wizarding world. It has also shaped the narrative of the ongoing conflict, with Harry as the 'Boy Who Lived,' the symbolic figure of resistance against Voldemort.

VIII. Recommendations for the Order of the Phoenix

In light of this analysis, several recommendations can be made to the Order of the Phoenix. Firstly, it is crucial to understand and anticipate Voldemort's decision-making process. His decisions are often influenced by his personal biases and perceptions of power. Using this knowledge could aid in predicting his moves and devising counter-strategies.

Secondly, the Order should carefully consider how their actions might inadvertently influence Voldemort. As seen in the case of the Fidelius Charm, even protective measures can inadvertently signal importance to an enemy.

Lastly, the Order should continue to support and empower both Harry and Neville. Both have demonstrated bravery and resilience, and their roles in the ongoing fight against Voldemort are invaluable. Understanding the prophecy and Voldemort's interpretation of it underscores the importance of their continued involvement and protection.