Harry and Storm took their relationship slow, learning to be a couple. They didn't worry about going to fast, they were happy with their progress. Draco and Hermione's relationship was growing too. Draco took the criticism the Slytherins threw at him and ignored the angry letters from his father. He knew he would go through anything for Hermione.
The end of the school year was rapidly approaching and many seventh and fifth years became cranky. However, no one was more cranky than Storm. She often complained that she should of never came back to school if she had to worry about a stupid test.
But Harry knew something else was up. She kept something back from everyone. He knew if he pressed her she would get upset so he left it up to her to tell him. But he realized with each passing day that she was not going to tell him. This was her secret and he let if fly.
With her growing aggravation, everyone ended up suffering. Everyone came to Harry begging him to calm her down. Even Snape approached him about Storms behavior. Storm had once again blown up on Snape over his treatment of Harry and Neville. So in a very awkward way, Snape asked Harry to talk to Storm to see if he could calm her down. Harry did not promise anything though.
Harry decided to talk to her. He found her sitting in the library reading from an Arithmancy book. He took a seat next to her and kissed her cheek.
"Hey hun," Harry started, "I was wondering if we could talk."
Storm looked up at him. "Sure. What would you like to talk about?"
"You," Harry said simply.
"Me," Storm said, not understanding.
"Yes, you. Storm, some people, including me, have noticed how easily you get upset lately. Snape has even asked me what was wrong and it kills me that you won't tell me what's wrong. I want you to trust me."
"I know," Storm said taking a breath. "Do you remember the day I go in that argument with Snape?"
"Yes, though it wasn't really an argument since you did most of the talking," Harry smirked.
Storm smiled, "Oh yeah. Anyways, do you remember me telling you that I needed a friend and I couldn't tell you what was wrong?"
"Yes."
"Well I still need that friend, but I really need just you Harry. I'm sorry I can't tell you what is going on right now, but soon Harry. When the time is right, I'll tell you. I promise. Be there for me Harry."
Storm looked pleadingly at him. She knew he wanted her to trust him. She did, she was protecting him by not telling him. She couldn't tell him that though.
"Fine, but understand this Storm, I can help you through whatever it is your going through."
Storm finally lost patience. "No you can't." Storm got up from the table and began pacing around it. "No one can. This is one thing I have to do by myself."
"Why?" Harry asked, going to her.
Storm looked at him and decided a little bit of the truth wouldn't hurt. "Because it is the only way you can live." Storm watched the information wash over him.
She walked past him and gathered her books. "I only want to keep you alive. If I tell you, it would put you at risk." With that said, she exited the library.
Harry stood there for a while thinking. What could she know that would threaten his life? He knew he should go find her and make her tell him. But Storm was strong and he knew she would never tell him.
Harry left the library and went up to the library. Naukono was there and he flew over to Harry. Hedwig was out so he decided to talk to Naukono.
"Storm is complicated you know that? Just as soon as I think I figured her out, she does something to confuse me. She's strong too. She says what she thinks and doesn't care who gets offended. But sometimes I think she's built a barrier around herself so that no one can get close. But not you my friend, she lets you past that barrier. But I guess birds can't hurt you."
Naukono rubbed his beak on Harry's shoulder. He looked at Harry with his hawk eyes and Harry thought he could hear the hawk saying, "Don't give up."
Harry wasn't going to give up. Storm was the best thing that ever happened to him. He wasn't ready to give her up.
He stroked Naukono's head and bid him goodbye. He went to the Gryffindor common room and looked for Storm. She was sitting in front of the fire just staring into it. Harry went over and sat down beside her.
"Will you answer some questions for me?" Storm nodded her head so Harry went on. "What made you come to Hogwarts?"
"Dumbledore offered me a home here if I chose to go to school. It got me off the streets so I agreed."
"Okay. Where do you go toward curfew every night?"
"I'll tell you but you can't laugh."
"I won't."
"I go work out. I run around the school and on the grounds."
"Really? That's cool. Okay, what do you plan on doing after graduation?"
"Well that all depends on if I live through the war."
"Don't say that," Harry said unbelievingly.
"Why? Not everyone is going to live through this war. You must realize that."
"But you will."
"There are some things, Harry, that are worth dying for."
Harry didn't want to talk of her dying anymore but went on. "If you do live, then what will you do after graduation?"
Storm looked at him, "I will go back to the streets Harry."
A/Nokay, sorry I haven't updated sooner. I've been bogged down with school and my friend (Shelley) stole my book with the story in it. I'm hoping to have the whole story up before St. Patrick's Day. Thanks to all my reviewers! Please read and Review. Thanks!