Hidden In The Shadows Part 1- Harry Potter Story

Sirius Black

As the four made their way outside into the cold winter snow, Estella listened to Harry explain to Ron and Hermione about the "marauders map."

"Fred and George gave it to you?" Ron was indignant. "I'm their brother!"

"You also don't need it Ronald," Hermione added. "Besides, Harry's going to turn it in, aren't you?"

"Of course not," Harry retorted. "Hermione, this map can show everything. I was stuck in the castle while you got to come out here and have loads of fun. How fair was that?"

Hermione sighed but chose not to respond as they made their way into Three Broomsticks. Estella still felt extremely uneasy as she settled in next to Harry as the other two still had no idea she was a part of their company.

".. yes and Sirius Black."

Estella looked up and met Harry's equally shocked gaze as Professor McGonagall, Fudge, Hagrid, and Madame Rosmerta took the table beside them.

"Still your dementors are bad for my business Cornelius," Rosmerta shook her finger as she took a sip of wine. She paused before asking "Weren't Sirius Black and James Potter good friends at school?"

"Not only that," Cornelius sighed. "He was James's best man. And Harry's godfather."

Estella barely contained her gasp as Harry stiffened beside her. His godfather?

McGonagall sighed. "It's an awful story."

Cornelius took a large gulp of whiskey. "As you know James and Lily went into hiding after they found out You-Know-Who was after them. To protect themselves they used a Fidelius Charm and who did they use as their secret keeper?"

"Sirius Black." Madame Rosmerta whispered.

"Yes," McGonagall wiped at her spectacles. "Albus offered his protection, but they refused. James would not believe his best friend capable of such betrayal. Albus feared that secrets were being spilled and soon after James and Lily were killed, and You-Know-Who defeated, leaving Harry behind."

Estella felt Harry began to shake beside her and she worriedly grabbed his hand, giving it a tight squeeze, focusing as Fudge continued.

"After You- Know- Who was defeated, Black could no longer be his faithful servant and he fled. Peter Pettigrew, do you remember Rosmerta?"

"A small, timid boy," McGonagall recalled. "Always hanging in the shadows of James and Sirius."

"Yes, well he went to confront Black," Cornelius paused. "Black killed him and twelve other innocent muggles with one curse. All that could be found of Pettigrew was a single finger."

Hagrid gave a loud sob as McGonagall shushed him. "And now he's after 'arry. To show 'is loyalty and what not."

"And reunite with the dark lord." Fudge shook his head darkly as the adults stood and bid their goodbyes, leaving the four eavesdroppers sitting dumbly in silence.