Hidden In The Shadows Part 1- Harry Potter Story

The Yule Ball

"Wow, Penny this is incredible!" Hermione exclaimed, looking in the mirror at her hair.

Estella smiled in satisfaction at her handiwork, smoothing her own dress.

"We all look good," Tracy smirked from where she sat on the bed. Estella had been surprised when the brunette agreed to get ready for the ball with Hermione, but her two friends had become closer, and while there was still some tension, Tracy no longer had negative comments to add.

"Thank for letting me use your dress," Estella winked at her friend as she smoothed down the garment. It was a strapless ballgown with a sweetheart neckline, though it's most distinguishing feature was the emerald green color.

"Better you than me," Tracy snorted. "I can't believe my parents expected me to wear that, I'm not THAT predictable." She smirked. "You look like a true Slytherin, in that color."

Hermione's eyes danced in amusement as she adjusted her own pink dress. "Or she picked it because it matches Harry's eyes."

Tracy's mouth fell open. "That is a very TRUE

statement," she turned to Hermione. "You know Granger you're not so bad."

Estella rolled her eyes, feeling her cheeks heat. "That is NOT why," she protested, adjusting her curls. "Anyway Trace, why don't you tell us who your date is hm?"

Tracy looked down, suddenly looking quiet. "You'll see Penny, you'll see."

Estella frowned, but respected her friend's wishes as she turned to the door. "You ready?"

Hermione nodded. "Let's go."

The three girls made their way to the stairs, Tracy paused at the top.

"I'll see you later," the brunette winked. "Don't get into too much trouble."

Estella snorted as her friend disappeared into the crowd and she watched as Hermione descended the stairs, people turning to watch. The girl couldn't resist a snicker at the look on Ron's face as Hermione walked over to Krum, who give a bow and kissed her hand.

"One jealous ginger," Estella muttered wryly as she too quickly walked down the stairs. She heard a few murmurs from the crowd as she headed toward Harry, finally meeting his eyes.

The boy looked shocked, and his green eyes glimmered in surprise as Estella smiled at him.

"Hey Harry."

"Er.. hey Penny," Harry shook himself. "You look.. incredible."

Estella grinned. "Thank you, you clean up pretty good yourself Potter."

McGonagall waved them over and Estella didn't miss the look of surprise that flashed in her eyes when the professor saw her with Harry. "Champions! Please line up, you will start the dance."

Estella took her place beside Harry, who looked at her out of the corner of his eye.

"Just to warn you, I'm not the best dancer," Harry muttered, his teeth gritted.

Estella snorted and gave his hand a squeeze before dropping it quickly. "You'll be fine, I only know the basics, but that's because my family made me."

"You had dancing lessons?" Harry looked surprised as they entered the hall.

Estella cringed. "Most pureblood children do, they're expected to dance at parties and all at a young age."

"Sounds worse than the Dursley's," Harry shuddered.

As she took in the Christmas decorations, Estella's eyes darkened. "Sometimes," she agreed.