Hidden In The Shadows Part 1- Harry Potter Story

The Third Task

"What?" Estella banged her head against her arm, feeling drained. "You went into Dumbledore's pensieve?"

"And I saw Crouch's son's trial. Apparently he tortured Neville's parents."

Estella stiffened and she bit her cheek. "Did you see anything else?"

Harry frowned as he leaned back against a tree. "Apparently Snape was a double agent."

Estella snorted lightly. "I'm not surprised."

Harry grinned forcefully. "Yeah me neither." He paused before continuing. "Dumbledore thinks the recent disappearances are connected."

"The muggle, Frank, Bertha Jorkins, and Crouch?" Estella shook her head. "I think so too." She paused and looked at Harry a long while. "Harry I need to tell you something."

Harry's expression became wary and he frowned.

Estella felt herself began to shake and she cursed her nerves, holding still until it stopped. "When.. when I followed you and Krum in the forest, I lied," she whispered, looking to make sure no one was around. "I saw what happened to Crouch."

Harry's eyes widened and he jumped up. "What? Who was it?"

"Barty Crouch Junior." Estella closed her eyes, the sun beating on her face. "He's alive Harry. He called Crouch his father before he killed him."

Harry's mouth gaped open. "He's.. he's dead?"

Estella nodded, swallowing. Looking at the horrified expression on Harry's face, she threw her arms around him and hugged him fiercely. Harry took a second to respond but he carefully put his arms around her too.

"Promise me something Harry," Estella looked at him with a stubborn look in her eye.

Harry looked uncertain. "What?"

Estella looked desperate. "Oh I don't know." Her face grew grim. "I just want to know everything's going to be okay."

The two stood looking at each other, sunlight dancing on their shoulders, both knowing it wasn't.

Estella watched with a sinking feeling as Harry sprinted into the maze. Around her the crowd cheered happily and the band played, but something was wrong.

As time went on and the sky darkened, the air grew more tense. Estella stiffened as red sparks went up into the air. Fleur was pulled out of the maze, looking pale and frightened. Shortly after, Krum was extracted and Estella's eyes widened at the seeker's dazed expression. She knew the effects of the Imperius curse well. As her breath quickened she pushed past Hermione and Tracy, ignoring their calls, just as her necklace began to glow. As she darted under the stands, Estella disappeared with a small pop, leaving nothing behind but a few crumbled flags.

"He's back." Her mother's grave face was enough to push Estella into action and she nodded.

"Where are the robes?"

"Estella, I don't think," Albert began, gazing at her sternly, already dressed in his mask and hood.

"I'm going," Estella hissed, frantically running upstairs and pulling on a Death Eater robe and mask to cover her face.

Amelie knew better than to argue with her adopted daughter and simply nodded. "Remember to stay hidden. Don't draw attention to yourself. And keep your wand ready." With a final glance at the Dark Mark prominent on her arm, Amelie grabbed her family's hands and they disapparated.

Estella stood and stared at the scene in front of her, the cemetery that she was in forgotten. A horrible snake-like man stood standing in front of a weeping Peter Pettigrew. His face was pale and his eyes were blazing scarlet, the fury in them unmasked.