Chapter 3
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. They are the property of JK Rowling.
"Good morning sweetie," said Mr. Chang.
"Morning dad," replied Cho.
"When did you say you were going on summer break hun?"
"Oh today is my last day. The University finals are so difficult."
"Well I'm proud of you either way. Tomorrow you and your mother are coming with me to Colorado."
"Why?" asked Cho who was confused.
"Well as a Lieutenant General (3 Star General) in the United States Air Force, the Air Force Academy has asked me to come and speak at their graduation. Your mother is flying in from England later tonight."
Cho's father was a high-ranking General in the muggle US Air Force. While he was stationed in Britain he met Cho's mother who was a British citizen. When they were married they thought it was best if Cho lived with her mother in Britain while her father had to travel around the world as an Air Force pilot. When she was young she only saw him several times during the year.
"But why do I have to go?"
"Well you are my family and should make appearances with me."
"Daddy, don't you think its about time you retire?" asked Cho.
"I think I have a few more years left in me. I may not be as young as I used to be but I can still serve my country."
Cho's father was completely muggle and was introduced to the wizarding world through Cho's mother. He was quite reluctant at first to allow Cho to attend a wizarding school but was convinced otherwise by his wife.
"I should be getting to class dad. I have one more final to take," said Cho.
"Ok, I will pick up your mother and see you tonight dear."
"Love you dad!" With that said she ran off to class. She wanted to be early to make sure there were a few minutes to review.
Harry Potter had just finished his finals. He was now celebrating along with the rest of his classmates. There was a huge party as tomorrow was going to be their graduation. Most of the cadets had been there for at least four years if not five. After four years of adjusting to this new life he had made it. He was ready to start off his career as an Air Force officer.
"We did it James! We did it!" yelled Carlos. Carlos was "James" best friend at the Academy. They had met during their first year and have been like brothers ever since. They studied together and helped each other through the good times and the bad.
"I never thought I was going to make it out of here," replied Harry. "Four years of hell man."
"My family is flying in tonight and is staying in town. I haven't gotten a chance to introduce you to them yet James. When is your family coming?" asked Carlos. Harry looked away and tried to avoid the question.
"I get to meet your family? That's great Carlos! I've known you for four years and I have yet to meet them." Carlos noticed that his question was completely ignored but let the subject drop.
"My dad is really proud. He was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army and is really proud that I decided to carry on the family military tradition."
"I would be proud too if I were your dad," replied Harry smiling. "Tonight is our night. Tomorrow. on to bigger and better things! Let's go party man." The two made their way into the crowd that was celebrating the end of finals.
The following morning, Harry awoke early along with all his other fellow cadets. They were all ironing their uniforms and packing up ready to leave. For graduation at the Academy they had a very special uniform. They did not graduate with gowns like other Universities. After putting the finishing touches on his Service Cap, Harry went outside to join his fellow classmates. As they fell into formation they slowly marched out onto the field to take their seats. The Commandant of the Academy stepped up to the stage.
"Good morning ladies, gentlemen, cadets and General Chang. Today is a very special day. These cadets have worked hard for the last four years of their lives. Not a day that goes by that I am not proud of them. As most of these cadets would say the easy part is being accepted into the Academy, but the difficult part is living up to its high standards. Therefore I am proud to present to you today the class valedictorian, Cadet Colonel James Potter who is the Wing Commander and will relinquish his command today." There was a round of applause from the audience and uproar of applauses from the cadet wing.
Harry was very nervous and had rehearsed his speech with Carlos a few dozen times. Harry stood up only to look back at Carlos for assurance.
"You'll do good man," said Carlos smiling. "Knock em dead!"
"Thanks Carlos," replied Harry and gave a weak smile.
*Cho's POV*
"James Potter? Could it be? No it couldn't be," said Cho to herself. "That's impossible." Cho looked up to see a handsome man making his way up the stage. "It's him! It really is him. He managed to hide his scar but I know it's him. Yet somehow he looks different now. He didn't grow in height but he does seem to have more muscle now though. But it's him. I can see it in his green eyes."
*Narrator*
Cho sat beside her father on the side as Harry made his way up to the stage. He had not seen her and seemed quite focused on his speech. Never in a thousand years would he imagine himself being the top student at the Academy. He was never book smart like Hermione. But then again he was James Potter now. He nervously made his way to the microphone and dug through his mind for the speech he had been practicing with Carlos.
"Good morning. Four years ago I came here as a nobody. I left behind everybody and everything I ever loved to start off on a new life." Everybody thought this was a metaphor on starting college but little did they realize how true it was. "I had no idea what the Academy had to offer but it just felt right coming here. The first week of school I thought I was going to die from physical exhaustion. With out the support of my good friend Carlos I don't think I ever would have made it. The Academy has made me see who I am. It has made me proud of whom I have become. I spent four years of my life here and I wont lie in saying it was easy. Life is never easy, as most of you would agree with me. But I made it! Today I am proud to stand with my fellow classmates in saying we did it. Guys and gals, we did it!" There was uproar of applauses as Harry made his way to his seat.
"Good job man! You touched me right here," said Carlos poking fun at him.
"Shut up Carlos. I think I should have also added that you gave me hell for four years," said Harry jokingly.
The commandant once again stepped up to the microphone. "I would now like to introduce to you a very special guest. Today we have with us Lieutenant General David Chang." There was a polite round of applause as General Chang came to the microphone. It was then that Harry noticed a pretty girl with raven black hair that sat next to General Chang. The two made eye contact for a brief moment before General Chang started to speak.
"Good morning cadets! I am proud to be here with you today. It gives me great pleasure to know that our Academy is putting out fine young men and woman like yourself. Why I myself am an alumni of the Academy. Today I stand here before you not only as a General but as a fellow Alumni. We are proud of our military traditions and our graduates. I remember when I first graduated and thought I was hot stuff. True during my years in the military, I have traveled all around the world. Life has been good to me. It gave me a wife and two beautiful daughters but the Academy prepared me for life itself. Today you take the next step in life and your military careers. Perhaps someday you will be standing in my position now; addressing a wing of cadets getting ready to be commissioned as officers in the United States Air Force."
There was a round of applause from the cadets and crowd. "Now I will swear in the valedictorian of the class. Will Cadet Colonel James Potter please step up to the stage."
"James!" nudged Carlos. "Get on stage!"
Harry snapped back into reality. "Oh sorry!"
Harry walked up to the stage in a respectable manner and faced General Chang. "Please raise your right hand and place your left hand on this bible." Harry proudly raised his right hand and started to recite.
"I James Potter have been appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, with out any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter so help me god."
"Congratulations Lieutenant," said General Chang. "Welcome to the Air Force."
All the cadets went through this process one by one. Harry however paid no attention to the ceremony. He was in deep thought.
*Flashback*
Cho was asleep on his bed. It was the night of graduation and he had waited till she fell asleep. He crawled over to his trunk and pulled out a parchment and quill. With tears in his eyes and sorrow in his heart he started to write:
Dearest Cho,
Words cannot express that which I am about to do. As you sleep I can only watch and cry as I must leave you. It is for the good of everyone that I no longer play a roll in the wizarding world. I have never done you any good other than brought you pain and sorrow. I do not deserve your love or the love of my friends. It is now that I must leave because I do not believe I could face you and do it. I pray that you don't hate me for what I must do and I ask that you and the others do no try to find me. I just want to let you know that I love you. There will never be anyone else for me other than you. Perhaps one day our paths will cross again. I just don't want to hurt you any more than I already have so now I must end this letter and leave. Please ask Ron to take care of Hedwig for me.
With All My Love
Harry James Potter
*End of Flashback*
"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the class of 2000!" said the Commandant. There was uproar of applauses and white service caps flying in all directions. Harry and Carlos stood there cheering.
A/N: I do not base my story on any particular set date so I just said class of 2000.
"We did it mate! We did it!" yelled Harry forgetting that he was supposed to be using his American accent.
"Did you just call me mate?" asked Carlos confused.
"Uh no I said we did it man!" said Harry trying to recover from his mistake. There was a brief minute where there was hugging and congratulations between the newly graduated Lieutenants. The crowd was finally allowed into the field as the graduates went to meet their families. Carlos left Harry's side in search of his parents. Harry did not even pretend to be looking for anyone. He knew there was no one for him to share this joyous moment with. Slowly he turned and walked off the field. He did not however notice someone following him from behind.
"Harry?" asked the feminine voice. Harry knew who it was but kept on walking. He was James Potter now and knew what he had to do. "Harry don't you dare do this to me!" cried Cho. Her eyes quickly filled with tears as she ran to catch up with him. Now Harry had no choice but to face her
"I'm sorry miss, my name is James," said Harry trying not to look her in the eyes.
"Harry JAMES POTTER!" I know exactly who you are. Your scar might be covered, you may be using an American accent, your hair might be cut but I know who you are," cried Cho. Tears were now falling from her face.
"I'm sorry Cho. I am James Potter now. This is who I am. I can't hurt you or anyone else ever again. Ever since I left I never heard about any more problems. All I did was cause problems for everybody. You are all better off with out me." Harry turned to walk away. Cho could only stand there and cry into her hands.
"I love you Harry! I'm keeping my promise that I will wait for you until the end of time!" yelled Cho as she ran to cry in the car.
*Harry's POV*
Harry was startled by this. He had not heard those words in a long time.
"Her voice and her perfume were intoxicating. No I can't give in. I'm James now. This is who I am now. I can't go back to my old life. I can't ever be Harry Potter again. This is the path I have chosen. I can't stand to watch her cry though. She is as beautiful as she always was. I don't deserve to have her love."
Harry slowly walked away towards his room to get his bags.
*Cho's POV*
Cho ran towards the military vehicle that escorted them to the ceremony. Once there she ran inside and locked herself in.
"I can't believe after all these years he is still handsome. He won't even talk to me. He kept on insisting that he was James now but at least he recognized me. After all these years he is still the same Harry. He still takes all the blame unto himself. Why can't he just forget about it and love me like I love him."
*Narrator*
Cho continued to cry her eyes out. Her heart was aching and yet she was happy at the same time to see him. She sat there for what seemed like hours but was only an hour as her father met with the new graduates. Cho's mother became bored and went to the car where she found her daughter crying.
"Cho hun, what's wrong?" asked Mrs. Chang.
"I saw him mother," gasped Cho in between sobs.
"Saw who dear?"
"Harry. I saw him. He was here."
"Harry? Your old boyfriend Harry Potter?"
"Yes mum," gasped Cho.
"Hasn't he been missing for all these years dear? What is he doing here?"
"He just graduated from here. James. James Potter. That was him."
"I thought he looked familiar!" exclaimed Mrs. Chang. "Oh but he didn't have his scar."
"I know it was him mum!" exclaimed Cho who was still crying.
"It's ok dear. Did you talk to him?"
"Yes. he. he said he wasn't ever going back to his old life."
"He just needs time dear. Right now I have to tell Professor Dumbledore that he is alive and well. We thought he disappeared off the face of the earth but he's been on a military base for four years." Mrs. Chang quickly glanced around and apparated.
Cho glanced down at the gold ring on her finger. It had the most beautiful green emerald she had ever seen. She had never taken it off her finger since the day she got it. After a quick glance around to make sure her father was safe, she apparated.
A/N: I'm a real newbie when it comes to writing fics so constructive criticism is greatly appreciated. Please R/R.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. They are the property of JK Rowling.
"Good morning sweetie," said Mr. Chang.
"Morning dad," replied Cho.
"When did you say you were going on summer break hun?"
"Oh today is my last day. The University finals are so difficult."
"Well I'm proud of you either way. Tomorrow you and your mother are coming with me to Colorado."
"Why?" asked Cho who was confused.
"Well as a Lieutenant General (3 Star General) in the United States Air Force, the Air Force Academy has asked me to come and speak at their graduation. Your mother is flying in from England later tonight."
Cho's father was a high-ranking General in the muggle US Air Force. While he was stationed in Britain he met Cho's mother who was a British citizen. When they were married they thought it was best if Cho lived with her mother in Britain while her father had to travel around the world as an Air Force pilot. When she was young she only saw him several times during the year.
"But why do I have to go?"
"Well you are my family and should make appearances with me."
"Daddy, don't you think its about time you retire?" asked Cho.
"I think I have a few more years left in me. I may not be as young as I used to be but I can still serve my country."
Cho's father was completely muggle and was introduced to the wizarding world through Cho's mother. He was quite reluctant at first to allow Cho to attend a wizarding school but was convinced otherwise by his wife.
"I should be getting to class dad. I have one more final to take," said Cho.
"Ok, I will pick up your mother and see you tonight dear."
"Love you dad!" With that said she ran off to class. She wanted to be early to make sure there were a few minutes to review.
Harry Potter had just finished his finals. He was now celebrating along with the rest of his classmates. There was a huge party as tomorrow was going to be their graduation. Most of the cadets had been there for at least four years if not five. After four years of adjusting to this new life he had made it. He was ready to start off his career as an Air Force officer.
"We did it James! We did it!" yelled Carlos. Carlos was "James" best friend at the Academy. They had met during their first year and have been like brothers ever since. They studied together and helped each other through the good times and the bad.
"I never thought I was going to make it out of here," replied Harry. "Four years of hell man."
"My family is flying in tonight and is staying in town. I haven't gotten a chance to introduce you to them yet James. When is your family coming?" asked Carlos. Harry looked away and tried to avoid the question.
"I get to meet your family? That's great Carlos! I've known you for four years and I have yet to meet them." Carlos noticed that his question was completely ignored but let the subject drop.
"My dad is really proud. He was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army and is really proud that I decided to carry on the family military tradition."
"I would be proud too if I were your dad," replied Harry smiling. "Tonight is our night. Tomorrow. on to bigger and better things! Let's go party man." The two made their way into the crowd that was celebrating the end of finals.
The following morning, Harry awoke early along with all his other fellow cadets. They were all ironing their uniforms and packing up ready to leave. For graduation at the Academy they had a very special uniform. They did not graduate with gowns like other Universities. After putting the finishing touches on his Service Cap, Harry went outside to join his fellow classmates. As they fell into formation they slowly marched out onto the field to take their seats. The Commandant of the Academy stepped up to the stage.
"Good morning ladies, gentlemen, cadets and General Chang. Today is a very special day. These cadets have worked hard for the last four years of their lives. Not a day that goes by that I am not proud of them. As most of these cadets would say the easy part is being accepted into the Academy, but the difficult part is living up to its high standards. Therefore I am proud to present to you today the class valedictorian, Cadet Colonel James Potter who is the Wing Commander and will relinquish his command today." There was a round of applause from the audience and uproar of applauses from the cadet wing.
Harry was very nervous and had rehearsed his speech with Carlos a few dozen times. Harry stood up only to look back at Carlos for assurance.
"You'll do good man," said Carlos smiling. "Knock em dead!"
"Thanks Carlos," replied Harry and gave a weak smile.
*Cho's POV*
"James Potter? Could it be? No it couldn't be," said Cho to herself. "That's impossible." Cho looked up to see a handsome man making his way up the stage. "It's him! It really is him. He managed to hide his scar but I know it's him. Yet somehow he looks different now. He didn't grow in height but he does seem to have more muscle now though. But it's him. I can see it in his green eyes."
*Narrator*
Cho sat beside her father on the side as Harry made his way up to the stage. He had not seen her and seemed quite focused on his speech. Never in a thousand years would he imagine himself being the top student at the Academy. He was never book smart like Hermione. But then again he was James Potter now. He nervously made his way to the microphone and dug through his mind for the speech he had been practicing with Carlos.
"Good morning. Four years ago I came here as a nobody. I left behind everybody and everything I ever loved to start off on a new life." Everybody thought this was a metaphor on starting college but little did they realize how true it was. "I had no idea what the Academy had to offer but it just felt right coming here. The first week of school I thought I was going to die from physical exhaustion. With out the support of my good friend Carlos I don't think I ever would have made it. The Academy has made me see who I am. It has made me proud of whom I have become. I spent four years of my life here and I wont lie in saying it was easy. Life is never easy, as most of you would agree with me. But I made it! Today I am proud to stand with my fellow classmates in saying we did it. Guys and gals, we did it!" There was uproar of applauses as Harry made his way to his seat.
"Good job man! You touched me right here," said Carlos poking fun at him.
"Shut up Carlos. I think I should have also added that you gave me hell for four years," said Harry jokingly.
The commandant once again stepped up to the microphone. "I would now like to introduce to you a very special guest. Today we have with us Lieutenant General David Chang." There was a polite round of applause as General Chang came to the microphone. It was then that Harry noticed a pretty girl with raven black hair that sat next to General Chang. The two made eye contact for a brief moment before General Chang started to speak.
"Good morning cadets! I am proud to be here with you today. It gives me great pleasure to know that our Academy is putting out fine young men and woman like yourself. Why I myself am an alumni of the Academy. Today I stand here before you not only as a General but as a fellow Alumni. We are proud of our military traditions and our graduates. I remember when I first graduated and thought I was hot stuff. True during my years in the military, I have traveled all around the world. Life has been good to me. It gave me a wife and two beautiful daughters but the Academy prepared me for life itself. Today you take the next step in life and your military careers. Perhaps someday you will be standing in my position now; addressing a wing of cadets getting ready to be commissioned as officers in the United States Air Force."
There was a round of applause from the cadets and crowd. "Now I will swear in the valedictorian of the class. Will Cadet Colonel James Potter please step up to the stage."
"James!" nudged Carlos. "Get on stage!"
Harry snapped back into reality. "Oh sorry!"
Harry walked up to the stage in a respectable manner and faced General Chang. "Please raise your right hand and place your left hand on this bible." Harry proudly raised his right hand and started to recite.
"I James Potter have been appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, with out any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter so help me god."
"Congratulations Lieutenant," said General Chang. "Welcome to the Air Force."
All the cadets went through this process one by one. Harry however paid no attention to the ceremony. He was in deep thought.
*Flashback*
Cho was asleep on his bed. It was the night of graduation and he had waited till she fell asleep. He crawled over to his trunk and pulled out a parchment and quill. With tears in his eyes and sorrow in his heart he started to write:
Dearest Cho,
Words cannot express that which I am about to do. As you sleep I can only watch and cry as I must leave you. It is for the good of everyone that I no longer play a roll in the wizarding world. I have never done you any good other than brought you pain and sorrow. I do not deserve your love or the love of my friends. It is now that I must leave because I do not believe I could face you and do it. I pray that you don't hate me for what I must do and I ask that you and the others do no try to find me. I just want to let you know that I love you. There will never be anyone else for me other than you. Perhaps one day our paths will cross again. I just don't want to hurt you any more than I already have so now I must end this letter and leave. Please ask Ron to take care of Hedwig for me.
With All My Love
Harry James Potter
*End of Flashback*
"Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the class of 2000!" said the Commandant. There was uproar of applauses and white service caps flying in all directions. Harry and Carlos stood there cheering.
A/N: I do not base my story on any particular set date so I just said class of 2000.
"We did it mate! We did it!" yelled Harry forgetting that he was supposed to be using his American accent.
"Did you just call me mate?" asked Carlos confused.
"Uh no I said we did it man!" said Harry trying to recover from his mistake. There was a brief minute where there was hugging and congratulations between the newly graduated Lieutenants. The crowd was finally allowed into the field as the graduates went to meet their families. Carlos left Harry's side in search of his parents. Harry did not even pretend to be looking for anyone. He knew there was no one for him to share this joyous moment with. Slowly he turned and walked off the field. He did not however notice someone following him from behind.
"Harry?" asked the feminine voice. Harry knew who it was but kept on walking. He was James Potter now and knew what he had to do. "Harry don't you dare do this to me!" cried Cho. Her eyes quickly filled with tears as she ran to catch up with him. Now Harry had no choice but to face her
"I'm sorry miss, my name is James," said Harry trying not to look her in the eyes.
"Harry JAMES POTTER!" I know exactly who you are. Your scar might be covered, you may be using an American accent, your hair might be cut but I know who you are," cried Cho. Tears were now falling from her face.
"I'm sorry Cho. I am James Potter now. This is who I am. I can't hurt you or anyone else ever again. Ever since I left I never heard about any more problems. All I did was cause problems for everybody. You are all better off with out me." Harry turned to walk away. Cho could only stand there and cry into her hands.
"I love you Harry! I'm keeping my promise that I will wait for you until the end of time!" yelled Cho as she ran to cry in the car.
*Harry's POV*
Harry was startled by this. He had not heard those words in a long time.
"Her voice and her perfume were intoxicating. No I can't give in. I'm James now. This is who I am now. I can't go back to my old life. I can't ever be Harry Potter again. This is the path I have chosen. I can't stand to watch her cry though. She is as beautiful as she always was. I don't deserve to have her love."
Harry slowly walked away towards his room to get his bags.
*Cho's POV*
Cho ran towards the military vehicle that escorted them to the ceremony. Once there she ran inside and locked herself in.
"I can't believe after all these years he is still handsome. He won't even talk to me. He kept on insisting that he was James now but at least he recognized me. After all these years he is still the same Harry. He still takes all the blame unto himself. Why can't he just forget about it and love me like I love him."
*Narrator*
Cho continued to cry her eyes out. Her heart was aching and yet she was happy at the same time to see him. She sat there for what seemed like hours but was only an hour as her father met with the new graduates. Cho's mother became bored and went to the car where she found her daughter crying.
"Cho hun, what's wrong?" asked Mrs. Chang.
"I saw him mother," gasped Cho in between sobs.
"Saw who dear?"
"Harry. I saw him. He was here."
"Harry? Your old boyfriend Harry Potter?"
"Yes mum," gasped Cho.
"Hasn't he been missing for all these years dear? What is he doing here?"
"He just graduated from here. James. James Potter. That was him."
"I thought he looked familiar!" exclaimed Mrs. Chang. "Oh but he didn't have his scar."
"I know it was him mum!" exclaimed Cho who was still crying.
"It's ok dear. Did you talk to him?"
"Yes. he. he said he wasn't ever going back to his old life."
"He just needs time dear. Right now I have to tell Professor Dumbledore that he is alive and well. We thought he disappeared off the face of the earth but he's been on a military base for four years." Mrs. Chang quickly glanced around and apparated.
Cho glanced down at the gold ring on her finger. It had the most beautiful green emerald she had ever seen. She had never taken it off her finger since the day she got it. After a quick glance around to make sure her father was safe, she apparated.
A/N: I'm a real newbie when it comes to writing fics so constructive criticism is greatly appreciated. Please R/R.