Hidden In The Shadows Part 1- Harry Potter Story

The First Task

Estella listened to the cheers of the crowd with an incredible feeling of guilt. It was the First Task and she hadn't spoken to Harry since Herbology days ago. She bit her lip worriedly, she didn't even know what his plan was.

"Penny!" a voice hissed.

Estella looked around and saw Hermione motioning to her from the edge of the stands, quickly she made her way over to the Gryffindor, who looked just as anxious as she felt.

"Want to come see Harry?" Hermione motioned toward the champions tent. "I was going to wish him good luck."

Estella smiled and nodded, nervously following her friend. As she peered in through the entrance, her stomach dropped. Harry looked rather pale as he paced the area worriedly.

"Are you okay?" she found her voice and Harry looked up in surprise.

"Oh erm, yeah. Just a bit nervous." Harry looked uncomfortable. "Listen Penny, I'm sorry.."

"It's nothing," Estella shook her head. "I over reacted, it's fine." She smiled encouragingly, standing next to his cot. "What's the plan?"

Harry swallowed, adjusting his gloves. "I'm going to summon the Firebolt."

Estella's eyes widened and she beamed. "That's brilliant actually!"

Harry grinned forcefully. "Yeah, well it was Moody's idea. He said to play to my strengths."

Estella frowned at the mention of the odd professor but nodded. "Well you'll be great Harry, you're the best flyer I've seen." She cocked an eyebrow. "Even compete with Krum." The boy smiled, but still looked rather nervous and Estella gave up her restraint on herself and threw herself into a hug. "Try not to worry too much."

Hermione walked up behind her and also hugged Harry. "Good luck."

Estella saw a flash out of the corner of her eye and grimaced as Rita Skeeter strutted into the tent.

"Ah young love," the woman grinned sweetly. "You'll make the front page!"

Estella wrinkled her nose at the reporter, who seemed to notice.

"And you are?" She peered over her glasses.

"No one," Estella answered blankly, grabbing Hermione's arm and pulling her out. "Merlin's beard," she growled.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I don't even understand how a woman like that works for the Prophet."

Estella shook her head as she sat next to Hermione. "She's going to cause some trouble."

The rest of her words were cut off as the horn blew, indicating the start of the task.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Ludo Bagman beamed. "Welcome to the First Task. Today each champion will face a.. DRAGON!"

The student section burst into cheers and applause and Estella bit her lip. She was desperately worried about Harry. He shouldn't have been in the tournament in the first place.

"Yes!" Ludo beamed. "Each contestant must grab the golden egg from the dragons nest." He raised an eyebrow as he looked around. "As daunting as that may be, it must be done as the egg holds the clue to the next task." The students burst into fierce whispers and Ludo raised a hand. "LET THE TASK BEGIN!"

Estella watched as Fleur faced the welsh green dragon, finally able to get her egg. After her was Krum. Estella watched Hermione's eyes narrow with interest as the Bulgarian seeker completed the task and she grinned.

"You fancy a certain Durmstrang wizard 'Mione?"

Her friend turned a faint pink. "Of course not, I was simply admiring his capabilities."

Estella gaped at her before bursting into uncontrollable laughter. Hermione turned scarlet and swatted the Slytherin.

"You KNOW what I mean!"

Estella just snorted as Cedric successfully grabbed his egg and then it was Harry's turn. The boy stepped out, looking rather pale and nervous. He raised his wand and Estella saw his mouth move. For a horrible moment, nothing seemed to happen and Estella couldn't breathe.

Then, suddenly, his Firebolt flew in from the castle and Harry grabbed it in his hand. The crowd burst into cheers as the boy mounted the broom and burst into the air.

Estella watched in admiration as Harry hovered by the Hungarian's head, baiting it, before diving for the nest. He emerged with the golden egg in his arm and Estella cheered with Hermione. As he was pulling out of the dive, however, the dragons spiked tail caught Harry on the back and Estella winced. Harry grimaced, but landed smoothly where he was quickly ushered into the Hospital tent.

"HARRY POTTER LADIES AND GENTLEMEN," Ludo Bagman beamed with amazement. "ALSO HAPPENS TO BE THE YOUNGEST SEEKER IN A CENTURY!"

Estella grinned with relief before she turned to head toward the tent.

"Congratulating Harry so quickly?" Hermione whispered with a smirk.

"I thought his capabilities were quite remarkable," Estella retorted with a wink as they paused outside the tent. As she stepped in, her eyes widened at the sight of Harry and Ron shaking hands.

Ron caught sight of the girls and looked rather embarrassed. "I figured Harry wouldn't try to kill himself, purposely anyways.

Hermione burst into tears. "You boys are so STUPID!" she cried, pulling them into a hug.

Estella tried to swallow her laughter at the dumbfounded expressions on their faces as she walked up to Harry. "You did good Potter," she chuckled.

Harry grinned as he looked down. "Thanks for those lessons, they helped loads."

"Anytime," Estella beamed.

"You got LESSONS?" Ron looked indignant. "Penny you've got to help me pass my classes."

Estella backed out of the tent. "I'll leave that to Hermione," she winked before turning and heading to find the Slytherins.