Hidden In The Shadows Part 1- Harry Potter Story

Trouble

Estella walked into the library to see Hermione sitting in a chair, a few tears streaking the Gryffindor's face as she flipped the pages of her textbook. "What happened?" she asked cautiously.

Hermione looked up in surprise, her book falling to the floor with a little thump, and began to furiously wipe at her cheeks. "Nothing.. ooohh," she gave in. "Harry was sent a Firebolt for Christmas and he has no idea who it was from and I was worried that it might be from Sirius Black so I told McGonagall and then she confiscated the broom to test it. And now the boys are furious." She gave a sad sigh. "They've been ignoring me for weeks."

Estella groaned. "Well just ignore them, they're being stupid," she settled carefully across from Hermione. "I do think you overreacted just a little," she hurried forward as Hermione opened her mouth. "But honestly I would have done the same thing. If it keeps Harry safe, isn't it worth it?"

Hermione nodded solemnly. "I suppose so."

She paused. "But I don't think they'll ever forgive me."

"Remember Halloween?" Estella stood. "The boys were the ones being awful to you, but then they ended up saving our lives. Still," she raised an eyebrow. "You covered for them in the end. You guys have a way of coming back to each other no matter what."

Hermione sniffed and gave a weak smile as Estella turned to leave slowly. "Thank you, Penny."

Estella grinned. "Anytime Hermione."

On a Saturday, Estella was roaming the hallways, simply exploring the castle. She didn't think she'd ever find the end to the secret passages and corridors. However, she was keeping a watchful eye on the students passing her and she smiled "Hi Harry!" But her grin dropped at the sight of the ruffled looking boy, he looked rather pale. "What happened?"

"Lupin's dementor lessons," Harry explained, feverishly biting into a hunk of chocolate. "I don't think I improved much "

"Well it's the trying that counts," Estella's words sounded cliche but Harry gave a nod.

"I just don't understand what I'm doing wrong. I just can't think of a strong enough memory."

Estella wracked her mind. "Are there any powerful ones? I've read it doesn't have to be a happy memory necessarily, just a good one."

Harry frowned. "I'm not sure, I can't think of any that comes to mind." He leaned against the bridge, looking out over the lake, and Estella followed suit.

"Why don't you take lessons from Lupin?"

Estella grimaced and looked down, sliding her toe along the stone. "I told you before, I don't think I'd be very good." And their Professor was secretly a werewolf, she added silently.

"You don't know until you try," Harry pointed out mildly. He looked down nervously. "Erm.. I've been meaning to ask you this.. but why did you leave after first year? I remember we were all close and then you just sort of disappeared."

Estella bit her cheek, she had thought her response through countless times. "Because of my parents and situation, I was strongly discouraged from being too close to you," she responded truthfully. "But we are also so different, your path is much different than mine," she echoed her mother's words.

Harry snorted. "I don't think anyone has my path," he gazed out over the water. "And you're rather lucky."