Hidden In The Shadows Part 1- Harry Potter Story

Goodbyes and Apologies

Estella grinned as she saw three figures walking to Hagrid's Hut and she hurried to catch up with them. "BOO!" she hissed, grabbing Ron's shoulders.

"Ah!" the redhead jumped and scowled at her. "Quit it."

"But it's so much fun," Estella's eyes danced as Hagrid opened the door, humming cheerfully.

"I have something ter tell yeh all!" The half giant beamed. "Beaky escaped!"

Estella looked at her friends as they put on expressions of surprise. "Oh really Hagrid?" She grinned. "That's incredible."

"I know," Hagrid's face darkened. "Only bad bit is Professor Lupin resigned."

"WHAT?" the four chorused, looking horrified.

"Apparently Snape accidentally let it slip that he was a werewolf over breakfast," Hagrid sighed. "It didn't sit well with some parents."

"I'm sure he did," Harry muttered darkly. He turned. "I've got to see Lupin."

"I'll come with you." Estella followed the boy back to the castle to Lupin's office.

As they entered, the ex Professor was clearing the room, packing a box. He looked up, face weary.

"Ah Harry. Penny. I saw you coming," he gestured at the Marauders Map.

Estella's eyes widened as her heart skipped a beat. She had never thought of the map giving away her identity. Innocently, she sidled to peer at the parchment and sure enough "Penny Blackwood" was scrawled in red ink. She bit her cheek in confusion.

"You can't leave Professor!" Harry's voice brought her back to the present.

"I knew you would protest," Lupin smiled sadly. "You really have Lily's heart. Thank you Harry, but the parents aren't too fond of the idea of a werewolf teaching their children."

"Who cares. You're the best teacher I've ever had." Harry protested hotly.

"You are," Estella affirmed quietly.

Lupin looked at them kindly. "You're very kind. Now tell me about your Patronus Harry."

Harry still looked upset as he answered. "It was a Stag." The boy looked up. "Like my dad, isn't it?"

Lupin smiled once more. "Yes, hence his name Prongs." The man stared at his desk, seeming lost in the memories of what once was before he gave himself a shake. "Mischief managed. Here." He handed Harry the Marauders Map and invisibility cloak. "James would be sorely disappointed if his son had never found any of the secret passages."

Estella watched the moment shared between the two before a movement was heard behind her. She spun around and there stood Professor Dumbledore, smiling slightly, his blue eyes alight.

"Your carriage awaits Remus."

Lupin stood and gave one last nod before he was gone.

"What difference did it make?" Harry looked miserable as he angrily hit the table. "Pettigrew still escaped."

"Ah Harry, but it made all the difference in the world." Dumbledore walked over calmly, his spectacles glinting. "Voldemort's servant now owes you his life, something neither will forget easily. And you saved two innocent lives."

Harry looked down. "Trelawney warned me."

There was a moment of silence as Dumbledore sat. "Do enlighten me Harry."

The boy looked up, frustration in his eyes. "The day it happened, she acted strangely and began to recite a prophecy of sorts. She said that it would happen tonight."