Disclaimer: I don't own H/H. JKR does. She's a goddess! I'm just borrowing them for your entertainment. =)
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Camp Muggle 1/17
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Chapter One:
Hermione Granger sat in the living room of her parent's home. She had just gotten home from her 6th year at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It appeared as if she wouldn't be staying long though. As soon as she'd returned from another school year, her father propositioned her with a summer job opportunity. The dental office he co-owned was a sponsor for a children's summer camp who were in desperate need of counselors. Naturally, Hermione had immediately agreed as it was in her nature to always help those in need. Having a summer job, she rationalized, would also give her some extra spending money for the usual trip she made at the end of summer break to Diagon Alley with her two best friends Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.
Currently, Hermione was waiting for return owls from Harry and Ron. When her father asked her to be a counselor, he also asked if Hermione had any friends who were interested. Her immediate thoughts had gone to Harry and Ron. Especially being gone all summer, the thought of not spending any time with them until the following school year was almost unbearable. The three grew closer every year they attended Hogwarts.
"Hermione dear," her mother walked into the room. It was immaculately clean and nicely decorated. Hermione's parents made quite a bit of money and had a beautiful home.
"Yes Mum?" she smiled from her spot on the couch.
"You know it won't make the owl's come any faster to sit her and wait, doing nothing," she smiled wiping her hands on a dish towel she'd brought out with her from the adjoining kitchen.
"I know Mum," she smiled. "I'm just excited to receive their responses."
"Well dear, how about we make a deal. You run along and pack the rest of your bags up. By the time you're done, supper will be ready. If at any time an owl shows up, I'll be sure to inform you immediately," she smiled at her daughter.
"All right," Hermione obliged, heading up to her room. She had been home for five days now. In another two, she will be heading off to Camp Silver Lake. Hermione was absolutely thrilled for the experience. Not only would she be having a fun summer and making some extra money, but she'd be able to be surrounded by Muggle children. She felt now that she'd been studying so intensely on her studies at Hogwarts, it would be good for her to connect with her Muggle roots. She'd also be able to make some interesting comparisons now that she had a more thorough understanding of the wizarding world. Leave it to Hermione to turn everything into a learning experience.
As Hermione zipped up her last suitcase (she'd packed three), her mother called. "Hermione, there are two owls here for you!"
"I'm coming!" She called back, hurrying excitedly down stairs.
As she reentered the living room, she saw Hedwig and Pig. Hedwig, Harry owl, was sitting patiently atop an armchair. Her leg was already extended toward Hermione showing she had a roll of parchment attached to it. Pig, Ron's overexcited pygmy owl, however was banging off the walls in all directions. Hedwig turned her head in what looked like embarrassment at the sight of Pig and instead focused on Hermione as she approached.
"Hello Hedwig," Hermione smiled, giving her a friendly rub on the head before undoing the letter attached to her leg. She nipped friendly at Hermione's fingers before flying over to Hermione's mother who set out a water dish for her. Hermione proceeded to unravel the parchment.
Dear Hermione,
I would love to be a counselor. Please tell your father I kindly accept his offer. You know I'd jump at any chance to escape the Dursley's for the summer. Ron called me on the telephone to say he was owling you with his reply too. I'll let you read it for yourself. Uncle Vernon was not so pleased that Ron had used the telephone. You think the git would realize not to yell after five years of practice. Needless to say, Uncle Vernon is still upset so I am grateful to you for this invitation. I arrive by floo powder tomorrow at 5pm in time for supper (if that's alright). Maybe sooner if Uncle Vernon is still upset. See you soon.
-Harry
Hermione smiled. She definitely hoped it would be sooner for his arrival. It had only been five days, but she missed Harry like it had been five years. She'd never mentioned it to anyone, but Hermione had developed quite a crush on Harry. It began at the end of her fourth year at Hogwarts. Harry was so brave and kind and such a wonderful friend. She'd watched him grow more every year, each time becoming more and more wonderful in her eyes. She'd also noticed him growing more and more attractive every year. The end of fourth year was when she'd first kissed his cheek goodbye. At first it had been a friendly peck, but all summer long, she recalled the way his skin felt under her lips. Her fifth year had been a difficult challenge to hide her feelings for him. She was certain he'd never felt the same way. He'd begun dating their fifth year. Spent the year dating a Ravenclaw girl named Rebecca Malloy. She was beautiful and smart and kind. She was a year younger, but as Hermione had noticed, top in her class in all subjects. She had curly brown hair and was often in the library at the same time as Hermione. In fact, if Hermione had paid more attention, she would have noticed the similarities between Rebecca and herself. Much to Hermione's happiness, however, Harry ended his relationship with Rebecca at the start of their sixth year and has not dated anyone since.
Turning to Pig who was flying with one wing against the wall toward her, she caught him by the middle. Quickly she untied the piece of parchment that was wading him down. Pig immediately buzzed over to Hedwig and the water dish. Hedwig turned away from the annoyance and instead decided to fly over to Hermione's shoulder and nip friendly at her hair.
Dear Mione,
Did Harry call me a git again? Honestly he can be such a prat sometimes! All I did was use the tele. Besides, his Uncle yelled back. Anyway, yes I can be a counselor also. I will be arriving with my Mum tomorrow at 1pm. She would like to visit with your mother if that's all right. If you don't mind her coming, could you send a note back with Pig? We'll be using the new company car my dad got when he replaced Fudge as the Minister of Magic. Mum likes driving the Muggle contraption. See you then.
-Ron
Hermione gently brushed Hedwig off and went to search for a quill. She ended up grabbing two pieces of parchment. "Mother," she called into the kitchen.
"Yes Mione-dear?" she smiled. "Dinner's almost ready, about five more minutes." She said entering the living room.
"All right, I'll be ready. Ron's mother was wondering if it would be all right if she could visit with you tomorrow afternoon while she drops Ron off. He and Harry both accepted my invitations by the way and will both be arriving tomorrow afternoon," she informed her mother.
"Of course dear. Please invited Molly to stay for supper also," she smiled. "Now wash up and come eat."
"Alright, just let me send off these owls," she turned back to her parchments.
Dear Ron,
My mother would like to invite your Mum to supper tomorrow. I'm looking forward to your arrival.
Yours,
Hermione Granger
She grabbed Pig by the tail feathers, whom was trying desperately to fly into the kitchen, enticed by the supper smells. She attached the parchment and sent Pig off through the window.
Dear Harry,
I am very happy you will be able to come. I am looking forward to seeing you and Ron tomorrow. He is arriving with his Mum tomorrow afternoon. She is staying for supper also. Of course you are invited also. I'd suggest you bringing all of your school supplies here. You can store them at my house along with Hedwig if you'd like. I do hope it's sooner that I see you.
Yours,
Hermione Granger
She'd debated on whether or not to write 'Love, Hermione' but chose to address it similarly to Ron's letter incase boys were as big of gossips as girls and Harry became suspicious. She had no intention of ever revealing her feelings to him. She valued his friendship too much to risk it on some stupid heart's desire.
Calling Hedwig over, Hermione attached the letter to her leg and gave her a friendly pat on the head before sending her off.
"I'm washing up Mum and I'll be at the supper table in a minute," she called heading off to the washroom.
"Alright dear, I'll go get your father for dinner."
Hermione was very anxious for her friends to arrive tomorrow. She missed them both so much. It was indeed going to be a very interesting summer.