Hidden In The Shadows Part 1- Harry Potter Story

The Arrival of the Schools

Estella sat in excited anticipation for the arrival of the other schools. Around her students chattered frantically, awaiting Beauxbatons. It had been a long start for them, and Estella was exhausted. The professors had seemed to enjoy piling the work in "preparation for their OWLS next year."

"Look!" Pansy squealed, pointing out the window. A huge carriage pulled by enormous white horses soared past through the sky. A few minutes later, the Headmistress walked in and a few murmurs were heard. There was no mild way to put it, the woman was giant. Even taller than Hagrid, Estella reasoned, examining the gameskeeper, who suddenly had a amazed expression on his face.

Tracy noticed too and she snickered. "He's found someone more his size," she elbowed Estella as the woman introduced herself as Madame Maxime.

Estella laughed quietly but as quickly interrupted by the Beauxbaton students. The girls filed into the Great Hall in neat rows, every hair in place and clothes perfectly fashioned. The boys seemed entranced while the girls just rather annoyed.

"What prissies," Tracy muttered under her breath.

Estella straightened as she heard the clank of a staff on stone. She quickly peered out the window and the large ship confirmed her suspicions. Durmstrang had arrived.

The boys strode in like soldiers, flaunting their fit bodies and skills. It was the witches turn to moan as the boys shot them smirks. Estella laughed at Tracy's hungry gaze, ignoring the indignant look the brunette sent her.

"Just cause you like scrawny heros, doesn't mean we all do."

Estella rolled her eyes and swatted her friend on the arm, glancing at Harry. The boy looked over and they made eye contact before Estella quickly looked away. Tracy snorted. Estella's attention was diverted, however, by the arrival of their Headmaster.

Igor Karkaroff strode forward. "Greetings Albus," the dark man bowed stiffly.

"Igor!" Albus moved forward and extended an arm. "Welcome."

Igor nodded, his eyes unreadable. "Thank you for being so gracious to host."

To Estella and Tracy's delight, the Durmstrang boys were directed to sit at the Slytherin table.

"PENNY!" Tracy hissed, tugging on her robe. "It's Krum."

Estella looked up at the boy close to them and smiled. She recognized the young Bulgarian seeker from the World Cup. He looked her way and returned the smile faintly before focusing on his headmaster.

Estella watched Karkaroff with wariness. Her parents had told her much about the Death Eaters and people they had known. This man had certainly been one of them.