"Hey Storm," Harry said as he walked up to her and took some of her books. "How was your first day?" He asked as he offered her a smile.
She smiled back. "Fine, thank you. I think I am going to like this school stuff more than I thought. Some professors I could do without though," she said as she spotted Snape walking down the corridor.
"Don't worry about him. Believe me, I've had to put up with his hatred for seven years so far. You get used to him after a while. Actually you might even find yourself looking forward to it."
Storm laughed, "I wouldn't count on that. Okay so how was your last first day?"
"It is my last first day isn't it? I never even though of it that way. Well it was good until I went to Divination. My death is coming soon, or so Trewlany is telling me. She heard about the riddle at the end of the sorting hat song. She is having a field day with it." He drew in a breath and in a misty voice quoted Trewlany. 'My dear boy, this weapon could work in two ways. If you find this weapon, you could use it. But I am sorry to say that my inner eye sees this weapon used against you. Your death is inevitable.'
"Well, she has a lot of faith in you," Storm joked. "Don't worry, I have faith in you. You'll make it. You're strong and smart, you'll come out on top," Storm said in all seriousness.
"Well thanks," Harry told her and smiled at her. "Lets head up to the dorm to drop off our stuff. I saw Ron and Hermione heading up there a little while ago before I ran into you. Then we'll head on down to the Great Hall."
Storm nodded her agreement and walked beside Harry. She knew he was still worried about the riddle. But she did have faith in him. She only wished he'd have a little more faith in her.
Ron and Hermione both looked up as the portrait hole swung open. Harry entered with a thoughtful look on his face. Storm followed with a guarded expression on hers. Ron and Hermione looked at each other with confusion but both were lost for words. Finally, Harry broke the silence.
"Are you guys ready to head down to the Great Hall? I'm starving."
"Well actually," Storm began, "I have some business to take care of. You guys go ahead and go down, I'll meet you in a little bit." Storm turned and went back out the portrait hole.
"I wonder what she had to do. I mean, she's still new here, you wouldn't think she would head off on her own," Ron said.
"Don't worry about it," Hermione told Ron. "I'm sure she's all right. Let's go down to the Great Hall."
Storm listened as they left the common room. She clutched the parcel in her hand. She hated deceiving them, especially Harry, but it was necessary to protect them all. Listening again for any sounds, she made her way up to her dorm. She deposited the parcel at the very bottom of her trunk hidden amidst books. She raised up and caught site of herself in the mirror.
Was it just three months ago that she was living in a cheap rundown apartment in the shabby part of London? Was it just three months ago that she had only herself to look after and protect? Where was that girl?
This is silly she thought to herself. She hasn't changed. She was still strong, independent Storm. The only thing that has changed is her surroundings. She was still her, she would never change.
Dragging her gaze away from the mirror, she turned to leave the dorm. But she found the entrance blocked. How long Hermione been standing there, she didn't know. Concern and confusion shown in Hermione's eyes.
"I forgot my stuff to go to the library after supper. Did you forget yours too?" Hermione asked softly.
"Yes." The lie rolled easily off her tongue. She knew Hermione guessed that she was lying though.
"Are you okay Storm? You look so….depressed."
"Yes. No. It's just that…well…to tell the truth I don't know if I am or not. In the last three months I've went from being alone in a shabby apartment to…well…here." Storm let all her built up emotions out on Hermione but still checked how much information she volunteered. "I've never had anyone before to worry about me or to worry about. It's a big change."
Hermione could tell that Storm still guarded her words. Still even a little progress was better than nothing. "I understand, but you just have to remember that we'll always be there for you. That's what friends are for Storm, to be there when you need a shoulder to lean on. Just give yourself time to adjust."
"Thanks Hermione." Oh how she wished she could tell her everything. But now was not the time. Thankful that Hermione had not seen the parcel, Storm released the breath she had not realized she'd been holding. "Come on, let's go meet Harry and Ron before they come looking for us," Storm joked hoping to make Hermione thing that she wasn't hiding anything.
Hermione was not fooled however. Storm hid it well, but still she looked too sad when she was looking at herself in the mirror. But she could dismiss that at the moment. "Okay, let's go down."
Author's Note: Hey ya'll! Thanks for reading…. The story is done and so is 2 others. They will be posted soon. If you want to read a collection of stories from me and my friends about Harry Potter, visit our C2- Small Town Gals. Please Review.