Hidden In The Shadows Part 1- Harry Potter Story

Tension and Preparation

Estella rushes through the busy hallway, trying to catch up to Harry. As he drew further away, she sighed, giving up the chase. "HARRY!"

The black haired boy froze and spun around, eyes widening as he saw her. He waited for her to catch, up rubbing his neck. "Er hey Penny," he sighed. "I know what you think, but I didn't put my name in the goblet."

Estella frowned, "I didn't think you ever did." She adjusted her bag to her other shoulder, it was heavy with books.

Harry looked up in surprise. "You don't?"

Estella snorted, shaking her head. "Anyone should've been able to tell by the look on your face, you're not very secretive Harry," she grinned.

Harry chuckled weakly. "I guess so. Ron's determined I put my name in and I'm not telling him." Harry poked at the stone floor hotly. "I didn't!"

Estella held up her hands as they made their way to Potions. "Well he's just being stupid Harry," she sighed. "He should know you well enough."

Harry snorted as they went their opposite ways. "You would think."

Estella paused briefly and smiled. "If you ever need any help Harry, I'd be happy to."

"Oh thanks," Harry mumbled gratefully, looking slightly nervous.

"Flick your wand a bit more," Estella instructed, demonstrating.

Harry sighed angrily but pointed his wand at the cushion. "Accio!"

The pillow flew and hit the boy straight on his face, knocking his glasses askew. Estella burst into laughter as Harry groaned, turning pink. As she bent to grab his glasses, she looked up and saw him watching her with a strange expression. Biting her lip, she held out the glasses.

"Oculus reparo!"

Harry took his fixed glasses back with a faint grin. "That was the first spell.."

"Hermione casted," Estella snorted. "I remember. After Ron tried to turn the rat yellow." Her eyes widened as Harry looked down. "I'm sorry."

"It's just," Harry gritted his teeth. "It was my fault.. and he got away."

Estella shook her head and stepped forward, fiercely grabbing his hand. "No Harry. You were trying to help Sirius and Remus and Peter took advantage of that. Like Dumbledore said, now he just owes you." Her eyes darkened. "I have a feeling that will come to use sometime."

There was a troubled silence before Harry nodded, running a hand through his hair. "I don't want him to owe me though, I want him to get what he deserves."

"Harry, I think it's very honorable you chose to save his life," Estella bit her lip. "There will be justice in the end."

"Thanks Penny," Harry still looked troubled, but walked over to the pillow. "Accio!"

"The task is WHAT?" Estella gaped with her eyes wide.

"Dragons," Harry answered grimly as they made their way to class.

Hermione groaned. "It's going to be practically impossible.."

"Thanks Hermione," Harry cut in dryly.

Estella snorted as Hermione shot him a glare.

"You didn't let me FINISH. I said it was going to be practically impossible to PRACTICE, not defeat them."

"Yeah, I've got no idea," Harry ran a hand through his hair. "By the way Penny," he lowered his voice. "Did you know Karkaroff was a Death Eater?"

Estella swallowed as she sensed Hermione watching her carefully. "I've heard it."

Harry narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, Sirius doesn't fancy him too much."

Estella bit her lip as she pulled out her Herbology textbook. "I still think it's dangerous for him to be in the common room fire.."

"You and Hermione," Harry snapped. "It's not your decision."

Estella froze and Hermione looked at the two in shock. "Fine," the Slytherin stood with blazing eyes. "See you around Potter." She kicked her chair back and moved over near Blaise.

"Quarrel with the lions?" the dark skinned boy smirked.

Estella grabbed the plant she was supposed to be studying with a growl. "Shut up."

Blaise shrugged casually, leaning back on his chair. His eyes held a serious tone however as he gazed at her. "You've got to learn at some point that lions and snakes don't mix. They'll just destroy the other."