Hidden In The Shadows Part 1- Harry Potter Story

Detention

After a long potions period of Snape droning on about their stupidity, Estella was glad to finally escape into the halls. She hurried to catch up with her friends, who looked deep in conversation.

"Charlie says he can pick him up tonight," Ron whispered urgently.

"Good, I don't think Hagrid will survive if that dragon gets any bigger," Harry pointed out wisely.

"Or at least his house won't," Estella grimaced.

Hermione bit her lip. "So we take the invisibility cloak, get the dragon, and go to the Astronomy tower at midnight and return without getting caught?"

"Piece of cake," Ron grumbled sarcastically.

Harry seemed to notice Estella standing there awkwardly and look sheepish. "Err sorry Penny, but since your down in the dungeons and all.. it's probably easier too.."

Estella grinned, ignoring the faint pang of disappointment. "It's fine, I understand." She winked at Harry. "Don't get into too much trouble."

"Well you guys didn't listen to my advice at all," Estella grinned cheekily as she swung her legs over the bench. Word had quickly spread about how the Gryffindor trio had been caught past hours and lost 150 points for their house. And Draco had gotten detention with them. Estella rolled her eyes. The blonde boy had been complaining all morning before Tracy wisely told him to shut up or she'd hex him.

Ron looked sulky. "If you're here to bloody gloat, don't bother." He poked his wand moodily into his parchment. "We've been scorned all day by our own house."

"If you were Slytherins, it'd be much worse," Estella pointed out wryly. She sighed at Hermione, who looked close to tears and looked at Harry. "Did you do the right thing?"

The boy looked startled. "Well err yeah, I suppose so."

Estella shrugged as she met his gaze carefully. "Then you have nothing to be ashamed of."

Estella paced the courtyard nervously, hiding in the shadows. She had placed a Disillusionment charm on herself, but it was a bit tricky and she had no idea how long it would last. Finally, she heard voices and looked up as the trio she was waiting for returned for detention.

"How was it?" she asked softly as they approached.

Ron jumped. "Who's there?"

Cursing herself for not remembering to remove the charm, Estella revealed herself. "Sorry," she grinned.

Ron squealed while Hermione looked at Estella oddly. "Was that an Disillusionment charm? That's very advanced you know."

Estella avoided answering as she looked at the worried look on Harry's face. "What happened?"

Harry shook his head. "Not here." Turning, the four made their way to the Gryffindor common room. The trio collapsed in chairs while Estella stood anxiously.

"Voldemort's been living off unicorn blood to survive," Harry blurted.

Estella frowned. "What?"

"That's why Snape wants the stone," Harry explained. "Not for himself, but for Voldemort. With the Elixir of Life he can return."

Estella sat quietly. "Are you sure?" She frowned again. She knew Snape had once been involved with the Death Eaters from what her parents said, but this was a bit extreme.

"What else can it be?" Harry retorted, frustrated.

The four sat in silence, listening to the fire crackle, pondering the dark situation.