When we talk about characters in the Harry Potter series, we invariably end up thinking of the golden trio, followed by mentionable adults like Hagrid, Mrs Weasley, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks. With Harry being the 'chosen one' from early on in the series, he received plenty of support and help, not only from his closest friends Ron and Hermione, but also from teachers and other adults like Mr Weasley, Professor Snape (even if indirectly) and Professor Dumbledore.
But, some of other Harry's fellow students were equally and even more talented than Harry and, on several occasions, proved their mettle. Here are some students from Hogwarts who held their own along with Harry and co.:
Neville Longbottom
In book one, Neville is described as a round-faced boy who kept losing his toad. At first you think of him as a clumsy, blubbering boy. But soon, Neville proves that he is a true Gryffindor. When Harry, Ron and Hermione are about to sneak out of the Gryffindor tower, he tries to stop them as he feels it could lead them into trouble and lose more house points. The son of aurors Alice and Frank Longbottom, Neville is raised by his grandmother, Augusta Longbottom, a formidable witch. She takes in baby Neville as both his parents are tortured to insanity by Bellatrix Lestrange for information on the Order of Phoenix. Through the series, Neville stands up to many opponents including Bellatrix Lestrange, Snape, the Carrows, Malfoy and even Voldemort. He keeps the DA meetings going without Harry and by the end of the battle, kills Nagini, one of Voldemort's horcruxes.
Luna Lovegood
Luna or Loony as her schoolmates called her, might have radishes for earrings and ramble on about gnomes and nargles, but she was a bright witch—she was a Ravenclaw after all! Luna, who makes her first appearance in book five, goes on to be good friends with Harry, Hermione and Ginny. She can see Thestrals, as she saw her mother die when she was a little girl. She becomes a member of the DA and is quick to learn a lot of the spells. She also accompanies Harry and the gang to the department of mysteries where she takes on quite a few Death Eaters. Also, at the battle of Hogwarts when Harry, Ron and Hermione face Dementors, she calmly produces Patronuses along with her other schoolmates. She is also the person who leads Harry to a horcrux—the lost diadem of Ravenclaw.
Fred and George Weasley
The Weasley twins were the ultimate pranksters wherever they went. Known for their clever inventions, they went on to open a joke shop that probably would give Zonko's a run for their money. The duo were part of the DA and stood out in a family of overachievers. Not only did they make sure that Umbridge had a hard time during her term as the headmistress, but also fought off some mean Death Eaters. Talented beaters, they surely carved a path of their own in the wizarding world.
Draco Malfoy
Growing up in the Malfoy mansion could not have been easy for Draco. Son of pure blood wizards Lucius and Narcissa, who were also Death Eaters, he might have thought that this was the way to be initially. But somewhere in book five, we see the change in Draco. Especially when he is given the task of killing Dumbledore for a mistake committed by his parents. He seems disgusted with the dark side, but cannot seem to voice his feelings. Draco definitely was a formidable opponent to Harry throughout their school years—right from duelling to playing Quidditch. When Harry, Ron and Hermione are caught in the Malfoy Manor in book seven and when his aunt Bellatrix urges him to confirm whether it is Harry, he pretends like it is not, though he recognises Harry.
Lee Jordan
He is Fred and George Weasley's best friend. He is the Quidditch commentator and the founder of Potterwatch. A funny character in the series, Jordan was mostly known for making funny, quirky commentary during Quidditch matches. He probably also had the penchant for having dangerous animals as pets—he is known to have a pet tarantula in his first year. When Harry, Ron and Hermione were on the run in book seven, Jordan started a radio show called Potterwatch. It kept track of wizarding families that were being attacked by Death Eaters and sent out encouraging messages to the trio on the hunt for horcruxes.
Cedric Diggory
The handsome seeker from Hufflepuff was a worthy opponent to Harry in the Goblet of Fire. He was a fair player and a good student. Harry helped Cedric out in the first task by warning him about the dragons. And Cedric returned the favour by helping him solve the clue in the golden egg. When rest of the school dislikes Harry for being the fourth champion, Cedric stands up for him and requests his friends not to wear the 'Potter Stinks' badges.
