Hidden In The Shadows Part 1- Harry Potter Story

Mad Eye

"Penny come over here!"

Estella looked over at Tracy, in a rather foul mood from Divination. Trelawney had been upset after Harry proved her prediction wrong and assigned a load of Astrology homework. She was seriously debating dropping the class. "What is it?"

Tracy was to the point of tears, laughing so much she couldn't breathe. Estella followed her pointing finger and frowned. Moody stood over a white ferret, making it bounce in the air.

"It's Malfoy," Tracy choked.

Estella's mouth dropped and she burst into laughter. Moody's eye swiveled her direction and she stopped uncomfortably.

"Amusing, eh?" he gave a twisted grin. "Your housemate was being a cheat and trying to curse Potter when his back was turned."

Estella met Harry's gaze and began to laugh harder at the amusement glimmering in his eyes.

"Professor Moody!" McGonagall rushed over to the small crowd and Estella bit her lip to keep from smiling. "Whatever are you doing?"

"Teaching a lesson," Moody muttered, making ferret Malfoy do a flip.

McGonagall looked like she was going to faint. "Is that.. is that a student?"

"Yes." The ex-auror raised an eyebrow absently.

McGonagall gasped and raised a hand to her chest. "Oh Alastor, we do not transfigure students. Surly Albus informed you of this?"

"Might've mentioned it," Alastor grunted. He grudgingly waved his wand and the ferret transformed back into Malfoy, who lay on the ground, disheveled and panting.

The boy glared at Moody with intense hatred. "I'll tell my father.."

The man spun around with a menacing snarl. "I know stories about your father boy that would curl even your greasy hair. Besides, we're old acquaintances." With that Moody stalked away, but as he passed Estella, he leaned forward, his eye spinning madly. "Worth it."

Estella watched him go with a furrowed brow. She didn't understand why he seemed so mysterious.

"That was the best moment of my life," Ron breathed, a look of amazement on his face as he approached.

"For once I actually agree with Weasley," Tracy snorted.

Hermione looked slightly unsettled. "That was completely against the rules.."

"Hermione stop," Ron breathed. "I want to savor this moment. Malfoy, the bouncing ferret."

Tracy snorted and Estella bit her lip as she exchanged an amused look with the brunette. They had a new nickname.

"I'm excited," Tracy grinned evilly as they stepped into Moody's classroom.

"Of course you are," Draco sneered, tossing his book on the desk behind them.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tracy smirked. "Aren't you excited, ferret?"

Draco sent her a murderous glare, which was quickly turned into one of fear as Professor Moody entered the room. Estella hid her smile at his obvious discomfort.

Moody faced the classroom, his eyes resting on her and Draco before he began. "You have been severely uneducated. From what I've heard from previous years, you have done nothing to prepare for the real world."

Hermione frowned as her hand shot up. "Last year.."

"You learned about dangerous creatures. Yes I know," Moody interrupted bluntly. "But you are very deficient in curses. And Professor Dumbledore wants you to understand what you're up against." He pauses and began to pace the classroom. "How many of the Unforgivables are there?"