Hey, I was most wonderfully notified that this chapter didn't show up on the site the first time I sent it in, and I apologize for that. (Thanks Joyce Lakee!)

I also want to take a moment to thank all you reviewers, especially those who send me lengthy reviews, and keep up to speed on the stories! (You know who you are) Well, enjoy this next conspiracy!

22.

"So, let me get this straight, you don't know where it is?" asked Harry, and though he was supposed to be vicious and mean right now, he couldn't keep the tired disappointment from his voice.

The little man squirmed, and while whimpering, shook his head violently.

"C'mon, he doesn't have it Harry." said Hermione exhaustingly, leaning against the brick siding of the house.

"Alright then, was it ever here?" asked Ron while raising an eyebrow, getting into a threatening mode.

Hermione rolled her eyes.

The little man shook his head again, but then nodded. Now all three closed around him. To think all their work was paying off...

"Well, then, how did it leave? Who took it?" asked Harry anxiously.

The little man was whimpering again. Then he squeaked, "Let me down! I'll tell you! Please! I promise!"

Harry let him down, but three wands were jabbed underneath his throat.

They let him breathe a little, then he said slowly, "Okay, I had the locket I did, but then he came and-"

Hermione interrupted, "Who?"

Ron shoved her a little. She glared at him, and the little man saw a glimpse of an angry Hermione, and began to confess:

"Why, that friend of yours, what was it? Longbottox, Longbutte, Long,..." the little man began to murmur to himself, counting on his fingers.

But the Trio knew who he meant.

Harry quickly performed a Memory charm, and all three just stood there in shock, thinking.

Neville? Steal the locket? But, no, it couldn't be. He was their friend.

Hermione was the first to speak. "Let's go back guys, before someone finds us," she said, glancing down both ways of the deserted street.

Ron and Harry nodded dumbly, and all three Apparated, hoping to spend the rest of the night forgetting it.

But back home, they found an owl waiting for them.

Hermione took the letter and ripped it open. She read it aloud:

'Dear friends,

I'm safe, don't worry, but I'm doing all that I can to find you. You guys should know, I can't just leave it up to fate to make sure you're safe. I'm coming after you.

I need you guys, you're all I have.

Your devoted friend,

Neville.'

Hermione looked up. "Guys, if he did take the locket, maybe he'll give it back."

Ron wondered aloud, "Yeah, or maybe he's working for You-Know-Who."

Harry gave a sharp look at Ron, "Don't be thick, Neville would never-," but he saw Hermione's face.

"Harry, I know this is hard, but think about it. We told him we were safe, we told him to go home, but he's still coming after us. Remember Peter Pettigrew?"

Harry shook his head, "Guys, c'mon, this is Neville-"

Ron snorted, "Yeah? Well look at that Pettigrew bloke. He barely had enough courage to stand up to Snape or V-Voldemort, and neither does Neville."

Harry was still shaking his head, but his neck was starting to hurt, so he stopped.

Hermione and Ron looked at him. "Harry, we need to keep moving I think." said Hermione quietly, knowing an explosion was about to let loose.

Harry was getting angry, "Guys! This is NEVILLE! He kept our location secret, he endangered himself-," but even as he was saying this, he could see Hermione and Ron's defense coming.

"Yeah, he knew our location. Look what happened there! Death Eaters! And if he is working for You-Know-Who, he was never in any danger!" yelled Ron.

Harry shook his head again, this time making his sore neck crack.

"Okay, listen, let's stay one more night, then we'll think of someplace to go." Harry compromised.

Hermione went into the kitchen to start supper, and Ron and Harry followed her, everyone of them glancing at Molly's clock pointing to 'Mortal Peril' as they walked in, wondering:

Neville?