The Limits of Loyalty
Neville Longbottom was a very good listener. Most people assumed that he was quiet and shy, and maybe he was, but more than that, he knew when to listen. Raised by an opinionated grandmother and, at times, his own parents, he had often heard their concerns about his lack of magical displays. Their worry made him a little anxious too; however, he had learned to control himself and his emotions publicly from his stoic and proud grandmother and his heroic parents.
So, he stayed calm and constant, helping with the estate’s gardening and quietly taking in all the conversations and changes that happened around him.
That’s how he knew that something big had happened—and it concerned the Potter family. He heard his grandmother’s loud exclamations as she told her son and daughter-in-law, her voice sharp with disapproval, “You should learn from them, see some sense. Dumbledore may be on the right side, but he is definitely wrong in the way he has organized the resistance and the Order of the Phoenix.”
He heard his parents going back and forth about the recent developments. He heard them speak with James and Lily Potter about their decision. And then, finally, he heard them make the fateful decision for themselves—and for the Longbottom family.
Augusta Longbottom had long suspected that Andromeda Tonks remained in close contact with Narcissa Malfoy. Andromeda, famous within the Order for her invaluable intelligence on the other side, had often brought in critical, life-saving information. She also had Augusta’s respect for her stance on not being a part of the Order of the Phoenix’s daily operations, instead acting as an outside supporter of the group’s vision.
And so, when Augusta began noticing the rising discontent among the younger generation, and when more and more members started approaching her for guidance, she knew it might be time to join forces with Andromeda Tonks and, possibly, the Malfoys.
However, like Alastor Moody, she knew that she could not blindly trust a family that had once blindly followed Voldemort. She decided that a conversation with Andromeda was needed.
Andromeda Tonks was an intelligent woman. She had to be—to survive and outsmart the Black family. So, when Augusta Longbottom reached out to her, she realized that it might be the right time to test the waters for an alliance.
Seated in her living room, Andromeda looked at Augusta carefully. "I must admit, Augusta, your request is intriguing," she said, as she poured a cup of tea. "But asking me for an audience with my sister? You are assuming that I am still in touch with the pureblood family that threw me away the moment I stopped following their rules."
Augusta met Andromeda’s gaze steadily. "Not all of us blindly believe the division between you and Narcissa. I believe I have seen enough hints to understand that you are still close. And with the way Albus has been leading the Light side, we believe that something different needs to be tried. I recognize opportunity when I see it. We both know that the war, as it stands, is unsustainable."
Andromeda sipped her tea thoughtfully, a flicker of a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Narcissa was never as biddable as Abraxas would have liked her to be. Lucius is a wise man, he knows who’s counsel he should follow. And Regulus..." she hesitated briefly, then continued, "is not the same boy who once followed Voldemort without question."
"Then perhaps it is time we all sat down together," Augusta said firmly. "And truly understood where we stand."
Andromeda smiled prettily, denied nothing, and promised to consider Augusta’s request.
That night, an impromptu meeting was held at the Longbottom house. Augusta, their unofficial leader, had pieced together many of the clues Andromeda had dropped during their conversation and wanted to discuss them with the breakaway faction that had sought her guidance before they met with the Malfoys and the Blacks.
The small group convened. It consisted of the Longbottoms and the Potters, who had brought along Sirius Black. Unexpectedly, Minerva McGonagall had also joined them, her expression resolute. She was adamant that children should not be a part of the war, nor should they be raised for one. Amelia and Edgar Bones rounded out the group.
Lily, her voice filled with conviction, said, “Thank you for agreeing to host us, Augusta. I know a lot of people are unhappy with this decision, but James and I do not want Harry to grow up knowing nothing but war.”
Amelia nodded firmly. “I agree. Susan is growing up and will be at Hogwarts soon. I don’t want her to think that her sole purpose is to fight. We have been at this for more than ten years. We need to try something new.”
Augusta’s expression was unreadable as she said, “I met with Andromeda Tonks today.” She glanced around at the gathered faces. “We have long known of her support for the cause, and her information has saved many lives. I have often suspected that she receives her intelligence from Narcissa Malfoy.”
Sirius stiffened. “Narcissa hasn’t been in touch with Andy for years,” he scoffed. “She cut her off the moment she heard Andy married a Muggleborn.”
Augusta gave him a knowing look. “You are wrong, Mr. Black,” she said coolly. “Not only are they in touch, but Andromeda is also in contact with your brother, Regulus.”
The room fell into stunned silence. Sirius blinked, his breath hitching.
The meeting ended soon after, with a unanimous decision: if Andromeda extended an invitation to meet with Narcissa Malfoy and Regulus Black, they would accept. If only to understand whether their goals and aspirations truly aligned.
And so began the whispers—whispers that spoke of a new faction. A Grey faction, standing firmly between the Light and the Dark.