Ron leaned close to Neville.
"Neville, er, did you mishear? It's the Law Research Group, not Herbology..."
Neville nodded earnestly and sat up straight.
"I know, but what I'm saying is that discussing laws isn't about how one group or one person feels, and it isn't something a handful of clever people can dream up sitting in a room."
"We need different people, with different identities and perspectives, to explain their needs, and we need to balance those needs..."
Ron's mouth hung open for a long time.
Harry also looked at Neville in surprise.
Was this really the Neville they knew?
Seeing everyone's expressions, Neville smiled a little sheepishly.
"Er, I know my memory isn't very good, but I have been president of the Swiftwind Sword Club for a few years, teaching and managing dozens of people every year. Oh-and don't forget, I'm a prefect too. I have experience managing people..."
At this point, Neville surveyed them with a smile, looking comically as though he were asking who was in favor and who was opposed.
Ron gave him a thumbs-up.
Neville looked at Hermione and continued, "The essence of law is setting rules, right? Setting rules isn't hard. The hard part is convincing everyone to accept them. If rules are only about controlling people, nobody will obey them willingly. You have to make everyone feel that the rules benefit them. Only then can you put them into practice. The professor taught me that three years ago!"
"So, Hermione, I think I can help. It's just like practicing swordsmanship. Everyone has different knowledge, abilities, and understanding. People have to be able to understand the rules you talk about. I'm not very clever, but honestly, there are plenty of people in the wizarding world less clever than me. If even I can