Chapter 15
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. They are the property of JK Rowling.
A/N: I promise we're going to start moving into H/C. After all these threatening emails I guess I better put more Cho in. Remember people. patience is a virtue. Thanks to all my readers who reviewed. I didn't think I would ever get this many reviews when I started writing so thanks for your support.
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Harry sunk to his knees and stared at the gravestone. She was really gone and there was nothing, he or anyone could do to bring her back. Never again would he smile at the sight of her warm smile. Never again would they share dinner together or enjoy a walk on the beach. She was now gone forever. He had only been on active duty for several months and already someone he knew had died. At that very moment the rain started to pour down; slowly at first, then beating harder.
"It's time to go James," said Carlos as he putting a hand on Harry's shoulder. Ron and Hermione approached as well and helped him up to his feet.
"Your family is waiting for you," said Ron as he guided Harry's gaze towards the Weasley's who were waiting. He noticed that Sirius was there as well. Slowly they made their way over to the group. Lt Gen. Chang as well as his wife and two daughters were amongst the people standing with the Weasley's. As he gazed around he saw that Cho was standing right in front of him. Suddenly she jumped out at him and embraced him in a tight hug.
"Oh Harry, I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!" Said Cho as she sobbed into his shoulders. He was clearly surprised and just patted her back. Carlos had a confused look on his face. Why had this woman that he had never met before called him Harry instead of James.
"Oh Cho. I. there's no reason to be sorry," replied Harry.
"I suggest we move this indoors," interrupted Lt Gen. Chang. "It is raining pretty hard out here. Harry had not noticed the rain at all for his mind had been occupied with other things. For the first time he realized that he was soaked and would have to send his uniform to the dry cleaners. "Brunch will be available back at the base in the mess hall and all are welcome." He then turned around and walked towards his car. At that point Cho started to let go as Harry realized that they were still hugging.
"I'll see you back there Harry," said Cho as she went to her own car. He nodded silently, lost for words. After Cho left he turned to the Weasley's who were still waiting in the rain.
"Just follow my car back to the base," said Harry. "I'll let the guard know you are my guests."
"Alright then," replied Arthur as the entire family as well as Hermione made their way over to the parking lot.
"James," said Carlos. "Give me your keys. It's not safe for you to drive in your present condition." Harry not wanting to argue gave up his car keys with out any arguments.
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When Monday morning came around Harry was still a wreck. As he sat in his office he could not concentrate on his work. It also seemed to be the slowest day in his entire life. He wished he could be anywhere but there. He even went as low as to wish he was sitting in Snape's Potions class. Everywhere he looked he was reminded of Laura. He sat in the very office where Laura had been killed. The office was now neat and tidy and clean of all blood but the painful memory was still there. As his eyes lingered around the room he imagined everything as it had happened. He saw Laura's body lying in the very spot she had died. He knew he couldn't take it anymore and made a dash for the door, not caring what anyone said. All he knew was that he had to get out. Frantically trying to get hold of the doorknob he practically ripped the door open to find Cho standing right outside about to knock on his door. The look on her first was clearly frightened and surprised at the same time. All thoughts about why he was leaving suddenly rushed out of his head as Cho stood there.
"Hi Harry," said Cho who was the first to recover.
"Hi," replied Harry who was also surprised that Cho was here. "Why didn't Linda call and tell me someone was coming?" Then he quickly realized that Linda too had died. "Sorry, why didn't Sara (the new front desk clerk) call me?"
"Well she tried but you didn't pick up. She said you were either sleeping or you snuck out the window," said Cho laughing. "Um, I brought us some lunch Harry. Would you care to join me?" Harry looked at his watch (the one Cho gave him) and it was his lunch hour. Cho saw the watch that Harry looked at and felt a tingle inside as she saw that he had kept that watch after all these years. With her right hand she felt the ring on her left hand just to make sure it was still there.
"Ok sure," replied Harry. "Let's grab one of those picnic tables outside." Cho nodded in agreement as they made their way outside. When they passed Sara's front desk she gave him a knowing smile that he couldn't help but smile back. This was the first smile anyone had seen on his face since the incident.
They sat down at a picnic table right outside the office building. Cho began to take the food she had brought out from the basket and set it on the table. She had brought some sandwiches along with some chips on the side and some sodas. They sat in silence as both ate their lunch. Harry finally decided to break the silence.
"Why are you here Cho?"
"What kind of question is that?" replied Cho trying to act offended. Harry gave her a knowing look. "Ok well I wanted to make sure you were ok. My dad said you were really close to Laura." Harry took in a deep breath and tried to concentrate.
"Cho, do you know why I left in the first place? I know you and everyone has been itching to ask that question so I'll save you the trouble and just answer it." He slowly and painfully pulled the thoughts back into his mind. He had stopped eating and struggled not to show pain. "I left so no one would get hurt. I guess the plan didn't work too well huh?" Harry forced himself to lightly chuckle but Cho could tell that it was false. "I never wanted anyone close to me to be hurt. I wanted it so badly that I knew the only way to do it was to leave. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do." Harry managed to choke out the last few words. "I only wish I could have done what I set out to do, but I failed. I failed and she paid the price for my failure."
"Did you love her Harry?" Asked Cho quietly.
"Of course I loved her! She was like an older sister to me!" Harry slammed his fist on the table. "I'm sorry Cho. I didn't mean to yell at you."
"It's ok Harry. Just cry and yell all you want." Cho stood up and walked around to the other side of the table and embraced him in a hug. They sat in that position for a few minutes before Harry pushed off.
"I'm sorry Cho. I won't yell again."
"It's ok Harry. I understand how it feels. Remember when Cedric died?" Cho knew that was a mistake the minute she said it for she knew that he would take it to the heart. "Oh Harry don't even blame yourself for that again." He did not argue but rather sat in silence as he reflected on his life.
"Do you hate me Cho?"
"Now what kind of question is that?" Asked Cho once again trying to sound offended. "If I hated you would I be here now?"
"I just thought you happened to have run into me and felt sorry."
"Oh Harry, I thought you knew me better than that."
"You're right Cho, I should know better. You are one of the most caring people I know." There were a few minutes of silence. "I don't know what I would do if I knew you hated me."
"Well you don't have to worry about that now do you," replied Cho softly. Harry looked into her eyes as if questioning whether or not she was telling the truth. Cho looked into his eyes firmly. They were full of questions, fear, and confusion. As she looked into those emerald green eyes that she had missed she realized how much she had missed him. For years she had been deprived of looking into those beautiful eyes and reading the very depths of his soul. Fear slowly left his eyes as she saw that dreamy look she had longed to see. Those were the same dreamy eyes that she and countless other girls had fallen in love with.
Harry looked into her eyes with doubt and fear. He knew the truth could always be told be looking into a person's eyes. He hoped that her words were as sincere as they sounded. His eyes slowly rose to meet her gaze, as he looked deep into her soul. Slowly the doubt melted away as he knew she was as honest as they came. A look of relief came to his face as he gazed at her. It had been a long time since he had been able to do this. Suddenly all the problems in the world were gone and his only thoughts were of her. Slowly their faces came closer as they closed their eyes and tilted their heads.
"RING!" Right at that moment Harry's cell phone went off as the two jumped. Slightly embarrassed at what had just happened Harry quickly picked up his phone and turned to avoid eye contact with Cho. After a quick conversation he hung up and looked at Cho.
"Oh um, sorry about that Cho. That was your dad asking me to get the new ops order up."
"It's ok Harry." There was an awkward moment of silence as they were both slightly embarrassed. "So um, let's finish lunch?"
"Uh, oh yeah," replied Harry who felt stupid. They quietly finished lunch in silence. Cho could tell that Harry was thinking about something, as he seemed quite distant. She could only hope that he was still not thinking about the death.
"Harry?"
"Hmm?"
"Is something the matter?"
"You read me like a book Cho," replied Harry chuckling. "I was thinking about how things are now. You and all the Weasley's along with Hermione and Sirius know exactly where I am. It's not really hiding anymore now is it?"
"Well why would you hide now?" There was again a moment of silence as Harry thought about the answer to her question. She did have a very valid point.
"I don't know. That is a good point. If Draco didn't lie then those were the last remaining Death Eaters. Still, I don't want anything bad to happen in case they do. Bad things seem to follow me as you can see."
"What ever happens happens." A few minutes passed as Harry thought about what Cho said. "Harry?"
"Yes?"
"I need to know. Why did you just leave me at Ron's wedding?" Harry sighed since he knew this question was coming.
"I knew that if I had given into your charms I would never leave. I had to leave before I became attached again."
"Are you regretting us ever happening?" Asked Cho with a trace of fear in her voice.
"No of course not! How could you think of such a thing?" Said Harry in alarm. He also noticed a look of relief come across Cho's face. "Everyday that I was gone all I wanted to do was go back. All I could think about was how much you must have hated me."
"Well I didn't hate you. I made a promise that I would wait for you until the end of time. I meant what I said." Cho looked at Harry who looked back at her. Harry had to look away in shame for he knew what he had done.
"You once asked me if I would wait for a girl Cho. I told you I would wait until the end of time. She. she just reminded me so much of you that I yearned for it. And then we were drunk and it felt like she was you and we ended up in bed together and it was."
"Harry stop rambling. I get the idea. So who was this girl?"
"Laura."
"Oh. Harry, I don't know what to say. I'm flattered that you imagined it was me but at the same time I'm disappointed and kind of jealous."
"This is why I was afraid Cho. I knew you would hate me if you had ever found out but I couldn't lie to you. I don't deserve you."
"Well Harry I don't hold anything against Laura. She sacrificed her life and who could help but be attracted to you. I think she loved you enough to die for you. I would have done the same in her position." Cho stopped to draw breath before going on. "Do you know what happened when I woke up that morning Harry? I felt like you had taken your heart back and that we were done. I have to admit I did go on a date with this guy I met at the beach. As far as I am concerned we were free to see other people."
"I feel like I betrayed you."
"Harry's lets put the past behind. What's done is done. What is important is the present."
"Do you really mean that Cho?"
"With all my heart," whispered Cho. Slowly their faces inched closer and closer. Closing their eyes their lips met for the first time. It was like being deprived of a good thing for too long. Harry felt a shock go through his body as their lips met. It had been far too long since he was able to feel the sweetness of her lips. His tongue entangled with hers as it did a dance of its own. At that moment nothing else in the world mattered as much as she did.
Cho felt as if sparks were flying and that any minute there would be fireworks. It was a flame and burning passion that was once again brought back to life. Slowly she lost herself in this moment of bliss as she melted into his arms. Her armed reached around his neck to pull him closer as she needed to feel his body against hers. They separated for a moment to catch their breath as they continued tasting each other and enjoying the treat that they had been deprived of for so long. There was not a care at that moment from either of them. During those few minutes of pure bliss, the world seemed to have become a perfect place.
A/N: There you have it folks. There's some Cho and Harry for yah. I bet you all think it's going to be a smooth ride to a happy ending from now on huh? Well guess again because the plot will get better. Once again thank you to all of you who R/R. You inspire me to write more and update more quickly.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. They are the property of JK Rowling.
A/N: I promise we're going to start moving into H/C. After all these threatening emails I guess I better put more Cho in. Remember people. patience is a virtue. Thanks to all my readers who reviewed. I didn't think I would ever get this many reviews when I started writing so thanks for your support.
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Harry sunk to his knees and stared at the gravestone. She was really gone and there was nothing, he or anyone could do to bring her back. Never again would he smile at the sight of her warm smile. Never again would they share dinner together or enjoy a walk on the beach. She was now gone forever. He had only been on active duty for several months and already someone he knew had died. At that very moment the rain started to pour down; slowly at first, then beating harder.
"It's time to go James," said Carlos as he putting a hand on Harry's shoulder. Ron and Hermione approached as well and helped him up to his feet.
"Your family is waiting for you," said Ron as he guided Harry's gaze towards the Weasley's who were waiting. He noticed that Sirius was there as well. Slowly they made their way over to the group. Lt Gen. Chang as well as his wife and two daughters were amongst the people standing with the Weasley's. As he gazed around he saw that Cho was standing right in front of him. Suddenly she jumped out at him and embraced him in a tight hug.
"Oh Harry, I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!" Said Cho as she sobbed into his shoulders. He was clearly surprised and just patted her back. Carlos had a confused look on his face. Why had this woman that he had never met before called him Harry instead of James.
"Oh Cho. I. there's no reason to be sorry," replied Harry.
"I suggest we move this indoors," interrupted Lt Gen. Chang. "It is raining pretty hard out here. Harry had not noticed the rain at all for his mind had been occupied with other things. For the first time he realized that he was soaked and would have to send his uniform to the dry cleaners. "Brunch will be available back at the base in the mess hall and all are welcome." He then turned around and walked towards his car. At that point Cho started to let go as Harry realized that they were still hugging.
"I'll see you back there Harry," said Cho as she went to her own car. He nodded silently, lost for words. After Cho left he turned to the Weasley's who were still waiting in the rain.
"Just follow my car back to the base," said Harry. "I'll let the guard know you are my guests."
"Alright then," replied Arthur as the entire family as well as Hermione made their way over to the parking lot.
"James," said Carlos. "Give me your keys. It's not safe for you to drive in your present condition." Harry not wanting to argue gave up his car keys with out any arguments.
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When Monday morning came around Harry was still a wreck. As he sat in his office he could not concentrate on his work. It also seemed to be the slowest day in his entire life. He wished he could be anywhere but there. He even went as low as to wish he was sitting in Snape's Potions class. Everywhere he looked he was reminded of Laura. He sat in the very office where Laura had been killed. The office was now neat and tidy and clean of all blood but the painful memory was still there. As his eyes lingered around the room he imagined everything as it had happened. He saw Laura's body lying in the very spot she had died. He knew he couldn't take it anymore and made a dash for the door, not caring what anyone said. All he knew was that he had to get out. Frantically trying to get hold of the doorknob he practically ripped the door open to find Cho standing right outside about to knock on his door. The look on her first was clearly frightened and surprised at the same time. All thoughts about why he was leaving suddenly rushed out of his head as Cho stood there.
"Hi Harry," said Cho who was the first to recover.
"Hi," replied Harry who was also surprised that Cho was here. "Why didn't Linda call and tell me someone was coming?" Then he quickly realized that Linda too had died. "Sorry, why didn't Sara (the new front desk clerk) call me?"
"Well she tried but you didn't pick up. She said you were either sleeping or you snuck out the window," said Cho laughing. "Um, I brought us some lunch Harry. Would you care to join me?" Harry looked at his watch (the one Cho gave him) and it was his lunch hour. Cho saw the watch that Harry looked at and felt a tingle inside as she saw that he had kept that watch after all these years. With her right hand she felt the ring on her left hand just to make sure it was still there.
"Ok sure," replied Harry. "Let's grab one of those picnic tables outside." Cho nodded in agreement as they made their way outside. When they passed Sara's front desk she gave him a knowing smile that he couldn't help but smile back. This was the first smile anyone had seen on his face since the incident.
They sat down at a picnic table right outside the office building. Cho began to take the food she had brought out from the basket and set it on the table. She had brought some sandwiches along with some chips on the side and some sodas. They sat in silence as both ate their lunch. Harry finally decided to break the silence.
"Why are you here Cho?"
"What kind of question is that?" replied Cho trying to act offended. Harry gave her a knowing look. "Ok well I wanted to make sure you were ok. My dad said you were really close to Laura." Harry took in a deep breath and tried to concentrate.
"Cho, do you know why I left in the first place? I know you and everyone has been itching to ask that question so I'll save you the trouble and just answer it." He slowly and painfully pulled the thoughts back into his mind. He had stopped eating and struggled not to show pain. "I left so no one would get hurt. I guess the plan didn't work too well huh?" Harry forced himself to lightly chuckle but Cho could tell that it was false. "I never wanted anyone close to me to be hurt. I wanted it so badly that I knew the only way to do it was to leave. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do." Harry managed to choke out the last few words. "I only wish I could have done what I set out to do, but I failed. I failed and she paid the price for my failure."
"Did you love her Harry?" Asked Cho quietly.
"Of course I loved her! She was like an older sister to me!" Harry slammed his fist on the table. "I'm sorry Cho. I didn't mean to yell at you."
"It's ok Harry. Just cry and yell all you want." Cho stood up and walked around to the other side of the table and embraced him in a hug. They sat in that position for a few minutes before Harry pushed off.
"I'm sorry Cho. I won't yell again."
"It's ok Harry. I understand how it feels. Remember when Cedric died?" Cho knew that was a mistake the minute she said it for she knew that he would take it to the heart. "Oh Harry don't even blame yourself for that again." He did not argue but rather sat in silence as he reflected on his life.
"Do you hate me Cho?"
"Now what kind of question is that?" Asked Cho once again trying to sound offended. "If I hated you would I be here now?"
"I just thought you happened to have run into me and felt sorry."
"Oh Harry, I thought you knew me better than that."
"You're right Cho, I should know better. You are one of the most caring people I know." There were a few minutes of silence. "I don't know what I would do if I knew you hated me."
"Well you don't have to worry about that now do you," replied Cho softly. Harry looked into her eyes as if questioning whether or not she was telling the truth. Cho looked into his eyes firmly. They were full of questions, fear, and confusion. As she looked into those emerald green eyes that she had missed she realized how much she had missed him. For years she had been deprived of looking into those beautiful eyes and reading the very depths of his soul. Fear slowly left his eyes as she saw that dreamy look she had longed to see. Those were the same dreamy eyes that she and countless other girls had fallen in love with.
Harry looked into her eyes with doubt and fear. He knew the truth could always be told be looking into a person's eyes. He hoped that her words were as sincere as they sounded. His eyes slowly rose to meet her gaze, as he looked deep into her soul. Slowly the doubt melted away as he knew she was as honest as they came. A look of relief came to his face as he gazed at her. It had been a long time since he had been able to do this. Suddenly all the problems in the world were gone and his only thoughts were of her. Slowly their faces came closer as they closed their eyes and tilted their heads.
"RING!" Right at that moment Harry's cell phone went off as the two jumped. Slightly embarrassed at what had just happened Harry quickly picked up his phone and turned to avoid eye contact with Cho. After a quick conversation he hung up and looked at Cho.
"Oh um, sorry about that Cho. That was your dad asking me to get the new ops order up."
"It's ok Harry." There was an awkward moment of silence as they were both slightly embarrassed. "So um, let's finish lunch?"
"Uh, oh yeah," replied Harry who felt stupid. They quietly finished lunch in silence. Cho could tell that Harry was thinking about something, as he seemed quite distant. She could only hope that he was still not thinking about the death.
"Harry?"
"Hmm?"
"Is something the matter?"
"You read me like a book Cho," replied Harry chuckling. "I was thinking about how things are now. You and all the Weasley's along with Hermione and Sirius know exactly where I am. It's not really hiding anymore now is it?"
"Well why would you hide now?" There was again a moment of silence as Harry thought about the answer to her question. She did have a very valid point.
"I don't know. That is a good point. If Draco didn't lie then those were the last remaining Death Eaters. Still, I don't want anything bad to happen in case they do. Bad things seem to follow me as you can see."
"What ever happens happens." A few minutes passed as Harry thought about what Cho said. "Harry?"
"Yes?"
"I need to know. Why did you just leave me at Ron's wedding?" Harry sighed since he knew this question was coming.
"I knew that if I had given into your charms I would never leave. I had to leave before I became attached again."
"Are you regretting us ever happening?" Asked Cho with a trace of fear in her voice.
"No of course not! How could you think of such a thing?" Said Harry in alarm. He also noticed a look of relief come across Cho's face. "Everyday that I was gone all I wanted to do was go back. All I could think about was how much you must have hated me."
"Well I didn't hate you. I made a promise that I would wait for you until the end of time. I meant what I said." Cho looked at Harry who looked back at her. Harry had to look away in shame for he knew what he had done.
"You once asked me if I would wait for a girl Cho. I told you I would wait until the end of time. She. she just reminded me so much of you that I yearned for it. And then we were drunk and it felt like she was you and we ended up in bed together and it was."
"Harry stop rambling. I get the idea. So who was this girl?"
"Laura."
"Oh. Harry, I don't know what to say. I'm flattered that you imagined it was me but at the same time I'm disappointed and kind of jealous."
"This is why I was afraid Cho. I knew you would hate me if you had ever found out but I couldn't lie to you. I don't deserve you."
"Well Harry I don't hold anything against Laura. She sacrificed her life and who could help but be attracted to you. I think she loved you enough to die for you. I would have done the same in her position." Cho stopped to draw breath before going on. "Do you know what happened when I woke up that morning Harry? I felt like you had taken your heart back and that we were done. I have to admit I did go on a date with this guy I met at the beach. As far as I am concerned we were free to see other people."
"I feel like I betrayed you."
"Harry's lets put the past behind. What's done is done. What is important is the present."
"Do you really mean that Cho?"
"With all my heart," whispered Cho. Slowly their faces inched closer and closer. Closing their eyes their lips met for the first time. It was like being deprived of a good thing for too long. Harry felt a shock go through his body as their lips met. It had been far too long since he was able to feel the sweetness of her lips. His tongue entangled with hers as it did a dance of its own. At that moment nothing else in the world mattered as much as she did.
Cho felt as if sparks were flying and that any minute there would be fireworks. It was a flame and burning passion that was once again brought back to life. Slowly she lost herself in this moment of bliss as she melted into his arms. Her armed reached around his neck to pull him closer as she needed to feel his body against hers. They separated for a moment to catch their breath as they continued tasting each other and enjoying the treat that they had been deprived of for so long. There was not a care at that moment from either of them. During those few minutes of pure bliss, the world seemed to have become a perfect place.
A/N: There you have it folks. There's some Cho and Harry for yah. I bet you all think it's going to be a smooth ride to a happy ending from now on huh? Well guess again because the plot will get better. Once again thank you to all of you who R/R. You inspire me to write more and update more quickly.