Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters and settings from the Harry Potter world, which is trademarked by J. K. Rowling. I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of Harry Potter and will not receive any money or other financial profit for presenting the work on this site. The story I tell here as well as certain original characters are my own invention, and are not purported or believed to be part of J.K. Rowling's story canon.

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Chapter 23

For the remainder of September, the DA met at least twice a week at their meadow. Sage was more than pleased with the continued progress each of them made, to some degree even allowing herself to enjoy the fruits of her work. It still was an absurd situation to her, but as time went by, she had simply learned to deal with it.

The same could unfortunately not be said for the official teaching situation at Hogwarts. Things had worsened sharply over the last few weeks, with arbitrary violence used against students diurnally. The feeling of drowning helplessness had become a constant companion of hers, because no matter how much Sage wanted to intervene, for the sake of her mission she needed to keep a low profile. So all she could do was sit back and watch, as one student after another was abused right in front of her eyes. Every hit, every cut and every curse tore her heart apart, piece by piece.

When a hand was raised in anger against no one else but Neville Longbottom, this pain intensified, making her feels as if her chest were set on fire, thousands of burning flames ripping through her insides. But again, she couldn't say even a single word, the suffocating blanket of keeping her cover weighing upon her. However, the day this hand had suddenly been replaced by a wand, Sage simply couldn't bring herself to watch him get hurt any further. Enough was enough.

Neville had been fed up with the Carrows ever since they were first introduced to him. He never hesitated to speak up when they mistreated students, often ending up receiving punishment himself. Yet, he remained brave, doing what desperately needed to be done.

Today though, Alecto Carrow had crossed the final line. Sage was no longer willing to quietly watch and let her do whatever she pleased. She had to step in.

"Professor Carrow!" she interrupted, before he could voice the incantation everyone in the room dreaded, "I don't think another display of the Cruciatus curse will be necessary. It has been discussed plenty already with this class a few years prior."

"I don't remember asking for your opinion, Miss Selwyn," she spit back in anger.

"Yet I felt compelled to let you know," she explained in response, knowingly pushing her limits, "Maybe you would like me to escort this gadfly out? I could take care of his punishment appropriately, leaving you enough time to finish this lesson. It would be a shame to let the students miss out on the rest of your fascinating lecture, because one of them didn't know how to behave."

Professor Carrow considered her proposal thoroughly, whilst the entire class seemingly held their breath, waiting for her answer. Sage knew she had taken a great risk by speaking up on behalf of Neville. This would have some sort of negative consequences for her, as much was sure.

"Take him then, Miss Selwyn. But don't go easy on him. Let his pleas for mercy echo through the entire castle," she demanded, handing the boy over to her.

Sage whispered a few words of agreement whilst reaching for Neville, clutching her fingers around his arm. As she attempted to leave alongside him, Alecto Carrow held onto her, giving her a threatening look.

"Dare to interrupt me one more time and it will be you my wand will be aimed at," she whispered, before finally letting go of Sage.

Sage swallowed before agreeing with a nod. She then proceeded to lead Neville out of the classroom, not speaking a single word until she was sure they were out of earshot from Alecto and anyone else posing as a threat to them.

"Are you completely nuts?!" she screeched whilst hitting Neville over the head.

He flinched at the pain, rubbing his right hand over it as he softly began to speak, "How was I supposed to stay quiet when she was about to punish some innocent students? I had to speak up."

"She was about to torture you, Nev. It wasn't worth it," she scolded him.

"Maybe not to you," he murmured, averting his gaze.

Sage was frustrated. It seemed as if Neville wished to get himself into danger, over and over again.

"You used to always pick your fights. Why stop now?" she finally asked, her voice wavering with concern, rather than curiosity.

"We need to show resistance, Sage. It gives people hope," Neville explained, an unexpected sobriety behind his words.

She knew he was right, but she struggled to agree with him audibly. He shouldn't have to make so many sacrifices, constantly putting himself through the worst to protect others. Of course hope was an important asset during times like this, but.. Sage just couldn't understand how others could find a comforting feeling in watching one of them suffer. How was this fair to Neville?

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Author's note: Thank you for your kind review on the last chapter. It truly means a lot!

I let Sage take a proper risk this chapter, because I want to show what kind of dangerous tightrope walk her mission proposes. Wonder what kind of consequences she will face. ;-)

I hope this chapter was equally to your liking. I'd appreciate to read some more of your thoughts. Wishing you all the best!! :-)