OMG, I literally just read this scene (well the lead up to it) the other day in my reread, so this is fresh in my mind, and I must say, you captured Moody/Barty here so spectacularly, it was the stand-out. Reading this (and GoF) in general, /knowing/ who Moody actually is at this stage is so enlightening and intriguing, because damn, he plays the part well. He can be mad, because the real Moody is mad.

It's really interesting to think, too, that it is Barty Jr, his parents' torturer, that boosts Neville's confidence and ability. I actually now really love that.

Your characterisation of Neville here was lovely, and I just felt for him. The shame, the embarrassment, and then the pride of being who he is: it really felt like I was reading Neville straight from the books. I also liked the vague mention of the trunk, and the dismissiveness of it. It really was all really impressive.

But, yes, Moody here was spot on and I thought him calling Trevor a frog rather than a toad was marvellous. Well done!

I really love this scene! Poor Neville not believing in himself and Barty/Moody almost forcing him to. I love how Neville feels better at the end, though it makes me sad when I think about the moment Neville will find out Moody is Barty and he remembers this. That will be so soul crushing for him when you take this conversation into account.

"No, I suppose you wouldn't." Just love this part. To me, it really sounds as if Barty is apologizing—in his own weird, crazy way—for what he did to Neville's parents. I really wonder what Neville's thoughts will be when he'll find out Barty was Moody and he remembers this conversation.

Also, the part were Neville hears a sound and it comes from the trunk! It's such an amazing hint to who Moody really is. I really love all the little hints to Barty being Moody like the crazy look in his eye and the things he says. He may be an amazing actor but around Neville, he shows more of his real self.

I really loved this story! Keep up the good work!

Good work! This is a very interesting idea and nicely written. I particularly like the beginning and how Trevor is used.

That was excellent!

Fascinating !

This is actually the first fic about this scene I've read, and love your portrayal of it! I loved the way you made Crouch shine through "Moody", while still making Moody believable for Neville.
Thank you!

Ok. So I don't think I've ever read that missing scene. And with the HPFC's obsession with Barty, I'm trying to figure out how that happened.

You're right. It's absolutely creepy that Neville and Barty were alone for that tea. I like that Barty still keeps up with his Moody exterior, and when you mention his good eye looking mad, it was David Tennant I pictured, so excellent work. Really.

Oh man, this is another great one-shot. I was really curious how Crouch/Moody was going to act around Neville/what they were going to talk about, and you did a really good job having Crouch play Moody in an accurate manner while also sneaking in a reference to Crouch more directly.

This is interesting piece of work (in the good sense of the word). You created a perfect good scenario for when Neville was alone with Barty Jr. I could practically feel this scene as part of the book.

Great job. :D

Good look for the rest of the rounds.

Chrystel Malfoy-Potter,
Chaser 1's judge

Your story is very interesting. Honestly, I've never given much thought to what this scene might have been like, and just how interesting it would be considering Impostor Moody is one of the people responsible for Neville's parents being in St. Mungos (and doesn't that just make the betrayal of trust so much more heart-wrenching!).

I think this piece would be extremely interesting form Impostor Moody's perspective. Like what is going through his head, giving that kind of advice because he had to play a part?

Anyway, great writing and really interesting piece!

This was a good one! I love the last part there where Crouch asks if he could ever be forgiven. I really have to wonder what Neville thought about that conversation if and when he ever found out about Moody being Crouch.