When you started reading the books or started watching the movies,did you honestly think that he would trun out to be a true Gryffindor?

Actually no, i thought he was more hufflepuff material, but as u say he showed a lot of courage in the last few books and movies, i guess the hat saw his courage through his other traits, but there always someone who doesnt belong at first i think thats what JK Rowling was showing us, theres a lot of life lessons in her books thats why they are so good :)

Even by the end of the first book, there is a clue that Neville does have hidden courage. He stands up to his friends and peers, which Dumbledore says takes as much courage as standing up to enemies. It seemed obvious to me that Neville would grow into his courage more clearly as the series progressed.