Chapter -77.
"I think it's essential to hear both sides of the story."
"You should understand the entire situation."
"For example..."
"Talk to Harry." Professor McGonagall nodded, recognizing that understanding the full context is crucial.
"Professor McGonagall! Potter is his cousin; he'll definitely take his side." Right after saying that, a strong disagreement followed. Professor McGonagall responded, "Then we can ask Miss Granger!"
"Miss Granger and that brute are teaming up!" Upon hearing this, Professor McGonagall couldn't help but frown; the terms "brute" and "gorilla" were certainly unkind.
However, the group of five had no time to worry about that; since things had escalated, they needed to get rid of Dudley, even if it meant offending Professor McGonagall.
"I think we should consult others," Snape spoke up slowly, his gaze landing on Neville, who had followed Professor McGonagall.
"For instance, Mr. Longbottom." Instantly, everyone's attention shifted to Neville. Under all those watchful eyes, Neville looked somewhat terrified.
When they heard Neville was being asked, many present felt relieved; they weren't worried because Neville was one of them—a Gryffindor.
"I-I..." Timid, fearful, and submissive in the face of pressure, Neville came off as easy to bully; that was the impression he gave. Thus, he wasn't taken seriously in Gryffindor, and even his surname, Longbottom, meant "always at the bottom," leading to teasing like Mr. Bottom among the house, akin to calling someone "Miss Know-It-All"—seemingly harmless but filled with sarcasm. Today, seeking out Professor McGonagall was a remarkable act of courage for him.
"Quick! Tell Professor McGonagall that it was that bully Dudley who attacked us."
Seeing Neville hesitate to call Dudley out, the five grew more anxious. Dudley simply watched them in silence.
Neville began to frown deeply, his lips quivering as he battled an intense internal struggle.
"Come on, Longbottom, what are you thinking?"
"Tell Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape it was that gorilla who attacked us!"
"How much longer are you going to wait, coward?!"
"Longbottom, don't you want to...?"
"..."
Seeing Neville remain quiet, they urged him repeatedly, even gently threatening him.
But the more they spoke, the more Neville trembled, clenching his fists tightly.
'No, this isn't right!'
Neville had a poor memory and often forgot things, including what he had just learned in class. Only Hermione would patiently guide him, though she sometimes wandered off in her explanations.
Yet, she was instrumental in keeping him up to speed.
Harry had gifted him lab equipment and took the time to show him how to use it, which had helped him avoid being scolded by Snape in Potions class, though he still faced challenges during group work.
Each time Dudley encountered him, he offered genuine warmth, never calling him a crybaby but instead respectfully referring to him as Mr. Longbottom. This was amusing; it was the first time anyone had called him by that name.
Neville remembered all of this and felt grateful.
Why should good people be treated unfairly?
Not fitting in? Slytherin?
No, that's not right!
When they hid Hermione's shoes, Neville said nothing out of timidity.
When they stole Hermione's textbooks, Neville stayed silent to avoid trouble.
When they knocked Hermione down, he still didn't speak up because he felt weak.
But when they surrounded Dudley and Hermione, Neville could no longer hold back and called for Professor McGonagall.
Yet now... they were forcing him to lie.
In that moment, the round-faced boy known as Neville Longbottom felt a flame ignite within him, growing stronger until it burst forth!
Neville panted heavily, glaring at his classmates who sought to hide and twist the truth.
"It was you! You bullied Hermione!"
"It was you who hid Hermione's shoes!"
"It was you who took Hermione's textbooks!"
"And you were the ones who purposely knocked Hermione down; I witnessed it with my own eyes!"
Neville blurted out everything he had seen.
All of these actions centered around that group of five.
Silence. Every young wizard present was stunned, their eyes fixed on Neville.
Even Professor McGonagall and Snape were taken aback.
They didn't expect the typically shy, anxious Neville, who seemed like easy prey, to voice such things.
Is Neville timid? Perhaps.
Is Neville cowardly? Maybe.
He might have a poor memory, but he is incredibly attentive, remembering every act of kindness shown to him.
In reality, Neville's inner strength surpasses many, and he possesses more gentleness than anyone else.
Neville understood that his words today could lead to him being ostracized in Gryffindor, possibly receiving treatment like Hermione.
But he knew he had to speak out.
Courage isn't about rushing headlong into everything; it's not about being fearless.
Courage is standing firm when it's time to stand up; it's facing challenges even when fear looms.
That is true courage; that is what it means to be a Gryffindor.
Dudley looked at Neville with newfound admiration. From their first encounter, he believed Neville would thrive alongside him; he felt Neville was perfectly suited to follow him, and now that belief was even stronger.
As for Neville's timid nature, that didn't concern Dudley; character can evolve, just as it had today.
Neville's bravery proved this point brilliantly.
"Apologize! You all need to apologize to Hermione, and you must also apologize to Mr. Dursley."
Neville shouted earnestly at the other young wizards of Gryffindor.
Having already said so much, he didn't mind saying a bit more.
With his bold declaration, the young wizards who had been unaware hung their heads in shame. Whether their shame was genuine or not, only they knew. They simply bowed their heads; perhaps a flicker of guilt sparked in their hearts, but it would soon fade.
Apologizing and admitting mistakes also takes bravery.
What a pity.
Even within the courageous Gryffindor, many individuals clearly lack such bravery.
Dudley looked around at the Gryffindors; none dared to meet his eyes, all keeping their heads down as they awaited the professors to step in.
It felt rather dull and disappointing.
The false Gryffindors truly didn't deserve that title.
Neville was the genuine Gryffindor.
They owe me an apology; they owe Hermione an apology.
***
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