Chapter 8
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. They are the property of JK Rowling.
A/N: To answer Raoulff18's question a wife beater is one of those sleeveless white under shirts that guys wear. If you ever see like on Cops or something the guys that beat their wives are always wearing them.
Harry looked through his closet for something to wear. Ever since he was eleven he had always worn a uniform. He had very few articles of clothing that weren't pieces to a uniform. Eventually he just settled on a white polo shirt and a pair of khaki pants. He put some gel into his hair so that they spiked up now that he wasn't in uniform. After grabbing his wallet and keys he went next door. After a quick glance down at the watch Cho gave him he saw that it was exactly 5 o clock and knocked on Laura's door.
"Right on time James," said Laura as she opened the door. She wore blue jeans and a plain white shirt. This was the first time Harry had seen her hair down and she had long black hair. There was something about her that intrigued him.
"Nice to see you too Laura," said Harry sarcastically.
"Come on in and make yourself comfortable," said Laura as she made her way to the bathroom. After five minutes Laura came out with a little bit more make up on and was ready to leave. "Make sure you have your military ID with you in case we are stopped."
"Of course," replied Harry as he stood up. "Shall we go then?" Harry opened the door and let her go first.
"A soldier and a gentlemen. A rare combination," said Laura sarcastically. She gave him a little grin. Harry walked out behind her and closed the door. They made their way over to the parking garage just talking here and there about the weather in the area and current events. They decided to take Harry's car and Laura would give him the grand tour of the base.
"Welcome to the Grande Tour of Edwards Air Force base," said Laura imitating one of those tour bus drivers. "I will be your host today, Laura Robertson. Please refrain from feeding the animals and keep all body parts inside the vehicle at all times. No photography please as souvenirs may be purchased at our base exchange." Harry and Laura both burst out laughing and found it hard to control themselves.
"I see you have done this before," replied Harry who was still laughing. He proceeded to turning on his engine and leaving the parking garage.
"That building over there is the mess hall where you can get something to eat," said Laura pointing. "On your left is the Base Exchange where you can buy your grocery's or anything else you might need. Clothing, food, electronics. you can find it all at our Base Exchange. Straight up ahead we have our barber shop and next to it is the bowling alley."
"You have a bowling alley on base?" asked Harry.
"We have everything on base. Anything you can find in the civilian world, you can find on our base."
"How about a strip club?" asked Harry jokingly.
"Ok, almost anything," replied Laura laughing. "You see that big white building over there? That's the movie theater." After thirty minutes of driving around they finally arrived at the Officers Club. "The building across the street is the NCO's Club. Of course we aren't allowed to go in there." The two made their way into the Officer's Club.
"What can I get for you," asked the bartender.
"I'll just have a regular beer," said Harry tossing his ID on the table.
"Alright, and you ma'm?" he turned towards Laura.
"I'll have the same," replied Laura. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a coin and slapped it on the table. The coin wasn't any form of currency but had the design of a Falcon on it and the letters on the top said "LIEUTENANT GENERAL DAVID CHANG." Harry knew exactly what this meant. "I challenge you James. Do you have your challenge coin?"
"Um. no I don't," replied Harry.
"Good, you owe me a drink," grinned Laura. Harry paid for both drinks and they went to find seats.
A/N: Let me explain what just happened here. Almost all Generals have challenge coins as well as every squadron or team or whatever. A challenge coin has a special design on it that is significant to the General or Squadron. These coins are given to people who they feel have worked really hard and earned it. At anytime you can challenge someone by slapping your coin on the table. If they don't have their coin then they owe you a drink. It's a little military tradition.
"So tell me about yourself," said Laura once they were seated. Harry took the seat opposite of her.
"Well, I'm an only child. I came to the Air Force Academy several years ago not knowing what I got myself into," said Harry chuckling. "And now I'm here with you."
"Oh come on, there has to be more than that."
"There isn't a whole lot about me that's interesting."
"That't not true. I'm sure there are plenty of things about you. Why don't you tell me about your parents?" He didn't know what to say. He was caught completely off guard with this question. Other than Carlos, no one had ever asked him about his parents.
"I um. would rather not talk about my parents. They died a long time ago when I was only a year old," said Harry looking down as to avoid eye contact.
"Oh I'm so sorry James! I didn't know. I didn't mean to." but she was cut off by Harry.
"It's ok. I just don't want to talk about it."
"I'm really sorry James. If there is anything I can do to make it up to you."
"Let's talk about something else instead. Let's not ruin the evening. So why don't you tell me about yourself?"
"Well ok. um. I'm twenty-four years old and still single. I was born in San Francisco California and then I moved to Milpitas California at the age of five. I have two older sisters who are both married. After high school I went to San Jose State University where I earned a degree in criminology. During my sophomore year I was convinced to join the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program and through there the Air Force paid for my college. I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and have been stationed here at Edwards Air Force Base since. I was lucky enough to pull a security forces slot as there are very few of those available for officers. After my first year in I was promoted to First Lieutenant. After my second year in I was promoted to Captain and given the job of being in charge of base security."
"Well you sure got promoted fairly quickly."
"Not really, that's the average promotion rate for Second and First Lieutenants. The average of being promoted out of Captain and into Major is eight years though. So eventually you will catch up to me and we will both be Captains."
"If we're both Captains then the fraternizing problem is solved isn't it." Harry gave her a wink that caused her to laugh. "So what's there to do around here?"
"There isn't a whole lot to do. When I get bored I usually go to LA and go clubbing. I haven't done that in a really long time though. I used to go to the beach a lot too."
"Is there a beach around here?" asked Harry who was suddenly very interested.
"Yeah, we are pretty close to the coast you know," replied Laura who had a confused look on her face. She was surprised that he even asked a silly question such as that.
"I've only been to the beach once in my life." Harry suddenly felt very guilty. The last time he went to the beach he was with Cho on his birthday. Now he left her behind and was sitting here with another woman. "She is only a friend," Harry thought to himself. That seemed to take away some of the guilt for now.
"Really?" asked Laura who was very surprised by this. "I've lived in California all my life and have always gone to the beach. In the summer it's really fun to go surfing."
"Surfing. Cho tried to teach me to surf last time we went," thought Harry. "I was never any good at surfing."
"Maybe I'll take you to the beach sometime and I can teach you to surf." Harry couldn't help but smile.
"Someone tried to teach me to surf before but I kept falling off."
"That's ok, just get up and try again." Laura gave him a friendly smile. Suddenly yelling could be heard from the other side of the club. Everyone went silent and turned to see what was going on. Two drunken officers were angry about something and were taking it out on each other in the center of a human ring.
"Lets get out of here before the MP (Military Police) shows up and we get stuck in the parking lot," said Laura. "I assume I'm going to have to file paper work tomorrow morning for their court marshals.
"Anywhere else we can go?"
"Yeah, come on lets go." They made their way out the back door and were strolling toward the car in the parking lot.
"Hey baby! Why don't you ditch that loser and come with a real man!" yelled a voice from behind them. They both turned around to find a drunken pilot approaching them.
"Just ignore him James," said Laura. Harry nodded in agreement and they both turned back towards the car.
"Don't ignore me! You know you want some!" said the pilot as he grabbed Laura's shoulder. She turned right around and sucker punched him right in the face. She then proceeded in jump kicking him right in the face until he was knocked out on the floor. Harry look stunned. He had been ready to defend her if necessary but was not expecting this.
"You don't think I got to be in charge of security forces for nothing now did you?" Laura gave him an amused look. "I think I picked up a thing or two in the past few years."
"Uh so what do we do about him?" asked Harry.
"Just leave him. The MP are already on their way here. Let's get out of here now." Laura got into the passenger side of the car. Looking at the clock it was only 6:30 meaning they had only been out for an hour and a half. "You want to grab a bite to eat?" asked Laura who suddenly realized she was very hungry.
"Yeah, I haven't had dinner yet. What do you say we head to the mess hall and grab a few things?"
"I say we get them to pack it for us and head out to this park on the base that I know."
A/N: I have no idea if Edwards Air Force base really has a park area or not. I've only been to the base once and I just made it up so don't go prosecuting me if its not true.
Harry and Laura picked out various fruits, drinks and foods and drove to the park. It was fairly close to their apartments and was meant for children therefore were in the middle of the living quarters. The park grass was green and in the center was a duck pond that to Harry's surprise was fairly clean compared to most. He let his mind wonder to the lake in front of Hogwarts where there was the giant squid. Then a thought suddenly came to his mind. "If it was a lake, then what is a squid doing in there. Aren't squids usually in the ocean? Then again there are mermaids their too. It is the magical world so I guess anything is possible." They ate and shared stories with each other. Harry stuck with only stories from the Academy though and Laura thought this was a bit odd but didn't ask any further questions. They laughed so hard that it started to hurt. When the nightfall claimed the land they lay on the grass and gazed at the stars. He had done this so many times before but hadn't done it since he left Hogwarts. Laura then let it known that she was cold. The temperature in the desert drops dramatically at night. Harry decided it was time to go back to their apartments as she had work the next day.
"You know you're a good guy James," said Laura giving him a smile. "I can get used to having you around. At least there is someone to talk to."
"Well you're the first friend I have here," replied Harry. They walked to the front of Laura's door.
"Well good night James," said Laura. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek and went inside. Harry blushed red and went to his own apartment.
"There is something about her that is really intriguing," said Harry to himself.
************************************************************************
Back at the Hogwarts castle Professor Dumbledore waited for his guests to arrive. He was searching his mind for the right words to say knowing they would be here at any minute. Finally there was a knock at his door and Professor McGonagall led in Ron and Hermione.
"Please have a seat," said Dumbledore as he summoned two chairs.
"Any news on Harry sir?" asked Ron.
"Yes I do have some news for you," replied Dumbledore. "First and most importantly he is alive and well. Second I know exactly where he is thanks to a friend of mine."
"Well where is he?" asked Ron impatiently.
"That, I cannot tell you."
"You cant tell us?!?!?"
"Calm down Ron," said Hermione. "I'm sure there is more to it. Just let Professor Dumbledore explain."
"Call me Albus," said Dumbledore. "You aren't in school anymore and we are all adults now."
"Ok Albus," said Ron with venom in his voice. "Why can't you tell us where he is?"
"Well you see, Harry does not wish to be known of his location. If I were to tell you his location then you would storm after him."
"I WOULD NOT!" yelled Ron.
"Don't yell at Albus!" yelled Hermione. "And yes you would storm off after him! Albus is right and you know it." Ron couldn't argue and only grumbled to himself. "At least we know he is safe."
"My good friend will keep an eye on Harry. Should anything happen you will be the first to know. I believe some day we will be able to convince him to come back to us. Until then, he chooses to remain where he is."
"Thank you for telling us Albus," said Hermione who looked relieved that he was at least ok.
"Don't worry Hermione. I wont let anything happen to him. The two of you should devote more time to your own lives and careers." At that point Sirius stormed into the room.
A/N: Remember I decided not to follow JK Rowlings version of OOTP because I didn't like it.
"Albus! Minerva told me that Harry has been found! Thank god he is alive!" yelled Sirius.
"Calm down Sirius and have a seat," said Dumbledore as he summoned another chair. Sirius who was very excited reluctantly sat down. "As I was explaining yes he has been found but I cannot tell you where he is because you will just storm off looking for him." The reaction from Sirius was quite similar to Ron's but more understanding. As they left Professor McGonagall entered. She waited until they had all left before talking.
"Do you think David will be able to keep an eye on him, he is after all a muggle?" asked McGonagall.
"Well Elizabeth managed to get him to take Harry under his command. She said that he knew he had met him somewhere before. They had met one time when Harry visited Cho's house. David is going to play it off like he doesn't have any idea who Harry is. He will only know him as James, a young Air Force officer."
"Won't Harry get suspicious?"
"I believe he was but now believes the General has no idea who he is."
"Good, at least now we can keep an eye on him."
A/N: Sorry I didn't update sooner but I was very busy. Hmmz what's going on between Harry and Laura? Why is she so intriguing? Why do they treat Harry like a child acting as if they need to keep an eye on him? Also I am undecided on if it should be Ron/Hermione or not. Let me know what you guys think. I don't think the next update will be until after the 4th of July weekend because I'm going to be working all weekend. To all of those in the US have a great 4th of July weekend. The next chapter will be mostly about Cho.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. They are the property of JK Rowling.
A/N: To answer Raoulff18's question a wife beater is one of those sleeveless white under shirts that guys wear. If you ever see like on Cops or something the guys that beat their wives are always wearing them.
Harry looked through his closet for something to wear. Ever since he was eleven he had always worn a uniform. He had very few articles of clothing that weren't pieces to a uniform. Eventually he just settled on a white polo shirt and a pair of khaki pants. He put some gel into his hair so that they spiked up now that he wasn't in uniform. After grabbing his wallet and keys he went next door. After a quick glance down at the watch Cho gave him he saw that it was exactly 5 o clock and knocked on Laura's door.
"Right on time James," said Laura as she opened the door. She wore blue jeans and a plain white shirt. This was the first time Harry had seen her hair down and she had long black hair. There was something about her that intrigued him.
"Nice to see you too Laura," said Harry sarcastically.
"Come on in and make yourself comfortable," said Laura as she made her way to the bathroom. After five minutes Laura came out with a little bit more make up on and was ready to leave. "Make sure you have your military ID with you in case we are stopped."
"Of course," replied Harry as he stood up. "Shall we go then?" Harry opened the door and let her go first.
"A soldier and a gentlemen. A rare combination," said Laura sarcastically. She gave him a little grin. Harry walked out behind her and closed the door. They made their way over to the parking garage just talking here and there about the weather in the area and current events. They decided to take Harry's car and Laura would give him the grand tour of the base.
"Welcome to the Grande Tour of Edwards Air Force base," said Laura imitating one of those tour bus drivers. "I will be your host today, Laura Robertson. Please refrain from feeding the animals and keep all body parts inside the vehicle at all times. No photography please as souvenirs may be purchased at our base exchange." Harry and Laura both burst out laughing and found it hard to control themselves.
"I see you have done this before," replied Harry who was still laughing. He proceeded to turning on his engine and leaving the parking garage.
"That building over there is the mess hall where you can get something to eat," said Laura pointing. "On your left is the Base Exchange where you can buy your grocery's or anything else you might need. Clothing, food, electronics. you can find it all at our Base Exchange. Straight up ahead we have our barber shop and next to it is the bowling alley."
"You have a bowling alley on base?" asked Harry.
"We have everything on base. Anything you can find in the civilian world, you can find on our base."
"How about a strip club?" asked Harry jokingly.
"Ok, almost anything," replied Laura laughing. "You see that big white building over there? That's the movie theater." After thirty minutes of driving around they finally arrived at the Officers Club. "The building across the street is the NCO's Club. Of course we aren't allowed to go in there." The two made their way into the Officer's Club.
"What can I get for you," asked the bartender.
"I'll just have a regular beer," said Harry tossing his ID on the table.
"Alright, and you ma'm?" he turned towards Laura.
"I'll have the same," replied Laura. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a coin and slapped it on the table. The coin wasn't any form of currency but had the design of a Falcon on it and the letters on the top said "LIEUTENANT GENERAL DAVID CHANG." Harry knew exactly what this meant. "I challenge you James. Do you have your challenge coin?"
"Um. no I don't," replied Harry.
"Good, you owe me a drink," grinned Laura. Harry paid for both drinks and they went to find seats.
A/N: Let me explain what just happened here. Almost all Generals have challenge coins as well as every squadron or team or whatever. A challenge coin has a special design on it that is significant to the General or Squadron. These coins are given to people who they feel have worked really hard and earned it. At anytime you can challenge someone by slapping your coin on the table. If they don't have their coin then they owe you a drink. It's a little military tradition.
"So tell me about yourself," said Laura once they were seated. Harry took the seat opposite of her.
"Well, I'm an only child. I came to the Air Force Academy several years ago not knowing what I got myself into," said Harry chuckling. "And now I'm here with you."
"Oh come on, there has to be more than that."
"There isn't a whole lot about me that's interesting."
"That't not true. I'm sure there are plenty of things about you. Why don't you tell me about your parents?" He didn't know what to say. He was caught completely off guard with this question. Other than Carlos, no one had ever asked him about his parents.
"I um. would rather not talk about my parents. They died a long time ago when I was only a year old," said Harry looking down as to avoid eye contact.
"Oh I'm so sorry James! I didn't know. I didn't mean to." but she was cut off by Harry.
"It's ok. I just don't want to talk about it."
"I'm really sorry James. If there is anything I can do to make it up to you."
"Let's talk about something else instead. Let's not ruin the evening. So why don't you tell me about yourself?"
"Well ok. um. I'm twenty-four years old and still single. I was born in San Francisco California and then I moved to Milpitas California at the age of five. I have two older sisters who are both married. After high school I went to San Jose State University where I earned a degree in criminology. During my sophomore year I was convinced to join the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program and through there the Air Force paid for my college. I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and have been stationed here at Edwards Air Force Base since. I was lucky enough to pull a security forces slot as there are very few of those available for officers. After my first year in I was promoted to First Lieutenant. After my second year in I was promoted to Captain and given the job of being in charge of base security."
"Well you sure got promoted fairly quickly."
"Not really, that's the average promotion rate for Second and First Lieutenants. The average of being promoted out of Captain and into Major is eight years though. So eventually you will catch up to me and we will both be Captains."
"If we're both Captains then the fraternizing problem is solved isn't it." Harry gave her a wink that caused her to laugh. "So what's there to do around here?"
"There isn't a whole lot to do. When I get bored I usually go to LA and go clubbing. I haven't done that in a really long time though. I used to go to the beach a lot too."
"Is there a beach around here?" asked Harry who was suddenly very interested.
"Yeah, we are pretty close to the coast you know," replied Laura who had a confused look on her face. She was surprised that he even asked a silly question such as that.
"I've only been to the beach once in my life." Harry suddenly felt very guilty. The last time he went to the beach he was with Cho on his birthday. Now he left her behind and was sitting here with another woman. "She is only a friend," Harry thought to himself. That seemed to take away some of the guilt for now.
"Really?" asked Laura who was very surprised by this. "I've lived in California all my life and have always gone to the beach. In the summer it's really fun to go surfing."
"Surfing. Cho tried to teach me to surf last time we went," thought Harry. "I was never any good at surfing."
"Maybe I'll take you to the beach sometime and I can teach you to surf." Harry couldn't help but smile.
"Someone tried to teach me to surf before but I kept falling off."
"That's ok, just get up and try again." Laura gave him a friendly smile. Suddenly yelling could be heard from the other side of the club. Everyone went silent and turned to see what was going on. Two drunken officers were angry about something and were taking it out on each other in the center of a human ring.
"Lets get out of here before the MP (Military Police) shows up and we get stuck in the parking lot," said Laura. "I assume I'm going to have to file paper work tomorrow morning for their court marshals.
"Anywhere else we can go?"
"Yeah, come on lets go." They made their way out the back door and were strolling toward the car in the parking lot.
"Hey baby! Why don't you ditch that loser and come with a real man!" yelled a voice from behind them. They both turned around to find a drunken pilot approaching them.
"Just ignore him James," said Laura. Harry nodded in agreement and they both turned back towards the car.
"Don't ignore me! You know you want some!" said the pilot as he grabbed Laura's shoulder. She turned right around and sucker punched him right in the face. She then proceeded in jump kicking him right in the face until he was knocked out on the floor. Harry look stunned. He had been ready to defend her if necessary but was not expecting this.
"You don't think I got to be in charge of security forces for nothing now did you?" Laura gave him an amused look. "I think I picked up a thing or two in the past few years."
"Uh so what do we do about him?" asked Harry.
"Just leave him. The MP are already on their way here. Let's get out of here now." Laura got into the passenger side of the car. Looking at the clock it was only 6:30 meaning they had only been out for an hour and a half. "You want to grab a bite to eat?" asked Laura who suddenly realized she was very hungry.
"Yeah, I haven't had dinner yet. What do you say we head to the mess hall and grab a few things?"
"I say we get them to pack it for us and head out to this park on the base that I know."
A/N: I have no idea if Edwards Air Force base really has a park area or not. I've only been to the base once and I just made it up so don't go prosecuting me if its not true.
Harry and Laura picked out various fruits, drinks and foods and drove to the park. It was fairly close to their apartments and was meant for children therefore were in the middle of the living quarters. The park grass was green and in the center was a duck pond that to Harry's surprise was fairly clean compared to most. He let his mind wonder to the lake in front of Hogwarts where there was the giant squid. Then a thought suddenly came to his mind. "If it was a lake, then what is a squid doing in there. Aren't squids usually in the ocean? Then again there are mermaids their too. It is the magical world so I guess anything is possible." They ate and shared stories with each other. Harry stuck with only stories from the Academy though and Laura thought this was a bit odd but didn't ask any further questions. They laughed so hard that it started to hurt. When the nightfall claimed the land they lay on the grass and gazed at the stars. He had done this so many times before but hadn't done it since he left Hogwarts. Laura then let it known that she was cold. The temperature in the desert drops dramatically at night. Harry decided it was time to go back to their apartments as she had work the next day.
"You know you're a good guy James," said Laura giving him a smile. "I can get used to having you around. At least there is someone to talk to."
"Well you're the first friend I have here," replied Harry. They walked to the front of Laura's door.
"Well good night James," said Laura. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek and went inside. Harry blushed red and went to his own apartment.
"There is something about her that is really intriguing," said Harry to himself.
************************************************************************
Back at the Hogwarts castle Professor Dumbledore waited for his guests to arrive. He was searching his mind for the right words to say knowing they would be here at any minute. Finally there was a knock at his door and Professor McGonagall led in Ron and Hermione.
"Please have a seat," said Dumbledore as he summoned two chairs.
"Any news on Harry sir?" asked Ron.
"Yes I do have some news for you," replied Dumbledore. "First and most importantly he is alive and well. Second I know exactly where he is thanks to a friend of mine."
"Well where is he?" asked Ron impatiently.
"That, I cannot tell you."
"You cant tell us?!?!?"
"Calm down Ron," said Hermione. "I'm sure there is more to it. Just let Professor Dumbledore explain."
"Call me Albus," said Dumbledore. "You aren't in school anymore and we are all adults now."
"Ok Albus," said Ron with venom in his voice. "Why can't you tell us where he is?"
"Well you see, Harry does not wish to be known of his location. If I were to tell you his location then you would storm after him."
"I WOULD NOT!" yelled Ron.
"Don't yell at Albus!" yelled Hermione. "And yes you would storm off after him! Albus is right and you know it." Ron couldn't argue and only grumbled to himself. "At least we know he is safe."
"My good friend will keep an eye on Harry. Should anything happen you will be the first to know. I believe some day we will be able to convince him to come back to us. Until then, he chooses to remain where he is."
"Thank you for telling us Albus," said Hermione who looked relieved that he was at least ok.
"Don't worry Hermione. I wont let anything happen to him. The two of you should devote more time to your own lives and careers." At that point Sirius stormed into the room.
A/N: Remember I decided not to follow JK Rowlings version of OOTP because I didn't like it.
"Albus! Minerva told me that Harry has been found! Thank god he is alive!" yelled Sirius.
"Calm down Sirius and have a seat," said Dumbledore as he summoned another chair. Sirius who was very excited reluctantly sat down. "As I was explaining yes he has been found but I cannot tell you where he is because you will just storm off looking for him." The reaction from Sirius was quite similar to Ron's but more understanding. As they left Professor McGonagall entered. She waited until they had all left before talking.
"Do you think David will be able to keep an eye on him, he is after all a muggle?" asked McGonagall.
"Well Elizabeth managed to get him to take Harry under his command. She said that he knew he had met him somewhere before. They had met one time when Harry visited Cho's house. David is going to play it off like he doesn't have any idea who Harry is. He will only know him as James, a young Air Force officer."
"Won't Harry get suspicious?"
"I believe he was but now believes the General has no idea who he is."
"Good, at least now we can keep an eye on him."
A/N: Sorry I didn't update sooner but I was very busy. Hmmz what's going on between Harry and Laura? Why is she so intriguing? Why do they treat Harry like a child acting as if they need to keep an eye on him? Also I am undecided on if it should be Ron/Hermione or not. Let me know what you guys think. I don't think the next update will be until after the 4th of July weekend because I'm going to be working all weekend. To all of those in the US have a great 4th of July weekend. The next chapter will be mostly about Cho.