Subtle Interrogations

"All right, Crystal." Neville said boldly. "Was there anything I could help you with?"

"Yes, there was actually." she replied in kind. "I'm aware of the existence of your little Defense group." she said, smirking at the attempt Neville made to hide his shock. "I've observed since the return of Voldemort that both the Ministry and Professor Dumbledore's little group seem to be acting inefficiently. I would like to join your group."

Neville looked at her shrewdly. Was it possible that she was acting independently? Or was this a clever trap set up by Dumbledore and the Order? After thinking quickly, Neville decided that Snape would have forewarned him. However, it wouldn't do to throw caution to the wind. "What makes you think there is such a group and what makes you think such a group would be any better than what adults could do?"

"I don't think there is such a group, Neville. I 'know.'"

"How is that?"

A faint blush tinged her cheeks. "I have certain . . . skills that allow me to gather intelligence quite easily. Deception and secrets rarely escape my notice."

Such skills could be useful, Neville reckoned. He still wasn't convinced however. "You didn't tell me why you thought such a group would be better than the Ministry or Dumbledore."

"I know what happened to Harry Potter." Crystal said contemptuously. "He was imprisoned and is now on the loose. For some reason, I can't help but feel that he wouldn't run away from Voldemort or all of his classmates. I suspect that he and his power is behind your Defense group."

It was a good explanation, Neville admitted to himself. There was still one matter to clear up however. "If such a group were to exist, they would only be learning Defense skills. You're a Defense teacher. What's the point of joining?"

"Do you really undervalue your talent and power that much?" Tura asked. "Even if there is nothing for me to learn, I could help teach. I can also serve as a connection to the Hogwarts staff. It can be helpful to have a friendly person of legal age."

"I'll think about it." Neville sighed. "Let me get back to you.

"All right."

...

"That witch!" Ron exclaimed angrily for perhaps the tenth time that night. He turned to Hermione who was eagerly writing an essay for her Arithmancy class. "Did you see how she favored Neville? He always gets the points for Gryffindor, she always takes things easy on him!"

Hermione shrugged. "What about teamwork for the House? Neville is a part of Gryffindor too, you know."

"I know!" Ron barked. "But that doesn't change the fact that she's clearly favoring him over me. I should be the best Defense Against the Dark Arts student now that Harry is off raiding Muggle towns or doing whatever an escaped convict does."

"Maybe he is better than you."

"Not you too!" Ron nearly shouted in exasperation.

"Who too?" asked Ginny as she approached Ron and Hermione. She had just returned from a quick trip to the library for some homework on Potions.

Hermione sighed. "Ron is angry because Professor Tura seems to be favoring Neville."

"That's hardly fair." frowned Ginny.

"I don't know." Hermione muttered, burying herself in her essay. Her doubts about the whole situation with Ron and the war of Voldemort were surfacing again. No matter how she looked at it, she could feel nothing but guilt. "I really don't know."

Ginny decided not to press Hermione in her uncomfortable state. Instead, she changed the subject. "Weren't you two supposed to be working to investigate the existence of this Defense group that you seem to think exists?"

"I say that we confront Neville about it right now!" Ron declared, quickly switching gears.

"Maybe we should talk to Professor Snape first." Hermione suggested. "He is supposed to be helping us with this whole investigation."

Ron snorted. "Like he really cares about this whole thing. Besides, we don't have to tell Neville that we're onto him. I can be really subtle." He stood up and walked across the Common Room to where he spotted Neville working on a Herbology project. Hermione and Ginny followed but kept their distance. They didn't want to be involved.

"Hey, Ron! How are you doing." Neville said cheerfully as he prodded a potted plant with is wand.

"Yeah, hi. How's your Defense coming along?"

Neville smiled. "I've improved a lot. Especially since Harry gave us all a boost in DA."

"Practicing much?"

"Well, for homework and stuff like that. Professor Tura does require us to make sure our spells get mastered after all." Neville replied.

Ron narrowed his eyes. He wasn't going to get out of this that easily. "You seem busy of late. Not around much now that I think about it."

"If you say so."

"Why don't you come to DA anymore?"

Neville couldn't help but get a little cheeky at this point. "Well, Harry hasn't called any meetings lately."

A growl escaped Ron's thinned lips as he looked at Neville. "Harry is gone. I'm in charge now."

"Funny," Neville said in a voice that brooked no opposition, "I don't remember voting you in."

...

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