Hidden In The Shadows Part 1- Harry Potter Story

Defeat and Invitations

"Let me get this straight," Estella sat down behind Harry and Ron, motioning for Tracy to sit with her. The Slytherin rolled her eyes, but grudgingly set her books down. "Harry, you've had the egg this long and you STILL haven't tried to figure it out?"

Harry looked annoyed. "I'm trying okay? Every time I open it, it just screams."

"Worse than a bloody banshee," Ron added passionately.

Tracy snorted and the ginger boy scowled at her.

"Have a problem?"

The girl shot him a death glare. "I just see why Gryffindors aren't known for their brains Weasley."

"Hush," Estella hissed as McGonagall stood to end class. She looked at her friend with mock pleading. "For me?"

Tracy just rolled her eyes, but Estella could see the smirk she was hiding. "Can't make any promises Penny."

McGonagall sent the two girls a withering look of silence. "Now, as I was going to say. The Triwizard Tournament also marks a very special occasion. The Yule Ball."

Estella grimaced as the girls burst into excited giggles. She was not looking forward to an awkward night. Tracy, however, looked uncomfortable and Estella frowned. Her friend was hiding something.

"PENNY!"

Estella looked up to see Hermione wildly streaking towards her and smirked. "Let me guess," she drawled. "He asked you."

Hermione flushed and rolled her eyes, still smiling. "Yes, I admit it, you were right."

"I told you, no Quidditch player I know hangs out in the library for hours on end," Estella raised an eyebrow. "It was just a matter of time before his Bulgarian heart got up the courage."

Hermione rolled her eyes again, her eyes dancing with excitement. She begin to frown however as some of the happiness drained from her face.

"Er.. Penny.."

"What is it?" Estella winced. "Just spit it out 'Mione, I can't take the suspense."

"While since Harry's the champion, he has to open the dance," Hermione looked apologetic. "And he wants to ask Cho Chang."

Estella felt her heart drop a bit, but forced a smile, shaking her head. "That's brilliant, I thought he fancied her a bit."

Hermione watched her carefully but seemed to decide not to say anything. "Yes well, I'm sure you've heard the rumors about her and Cedric so I'm not sure. Promise me one thing though," Hermione looked extremely irritated. "When those boys ask you as a last resort, which I know they will, don't say yes."

Estella snorted with amusement. "Of course not."

"Wait," Ron looked at Hermione and Estella from where they sat in the Gryffindor common room.

Estella tried to avoid the tower, but she was working on Ancient Runes with Hermione. Their work had been heavily interrupted however, by Ron's complaining about he and Harry's unsuccessful attempts at finding dates.

Now the ginger looked at them with amazement in his eyes. "You're both girls."

Estella rolled her eyes, trying to contain her laughter as Hermione looked extremely irritated.

"Well spotted Ronald."

Ron brushed aside the remark as his face lit up. "You can go with us. Hermione can go with me and Harry, you could go with Penny!"

Estella looked up at Harry, who had turned quite pink and was avoiding her gaze. Hermione however, slammed her book shut.

"Well Ron, if you haven't noticed, it's the last day of term. And I've already been asked," the girl's eyes blazed has she turned and stomped up the stairs.

"You've got to feel rather sorry for her," Ron looked uncomfortable. "She just doesn't want to admit she doesn't have a date."

Estella snorted and rolled her eyes, standing. "Honestly Ron, you really think she doesn't?" She raised an eyebrow mischievously. "And he's a good one too."

Feeling satisfied at Ron's flabbergasted expression, she turned and walked out of the dormitory. There was no point in her staying there. Absently, she walked quickly to the Slytherin dorms until she heard somebody call her name.

"Penny!" She turned to see Harry hurrying toward her.

Estella felt her stomach drop a bit as the Gryffindor boy paused in front of her, looking extremely uncomfortable.

"Er well," Harry stammered. He stared at the ground before hesitantly looking up. "Well I just figured.. if you don't have a date.. and well I don't either.. er.. would you like to go to the ball with me?"

Estella stared at him for instant before smirking. "Sorry Hermione," she muttered under her breath as she grinned at Harry. "I'd love to."

Harry grinned, looking immensely relieved. "Excellent. I'll see you there then?"

"It's a plan."