(((Author's Note: Sorry the last part was SO short! This part is about twice as long. I think you all deserve maximum H and Hr, so the more the merrier!!)))
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Camp Muggle Part Fourteen!
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"Ron!" Harry called, as he and Hermione ended their walk to the lake. Ron was sitting next to Meegan on the dock, both had horrible expressions of dread on their faces.
"Harry, Hermione!" said Ron; standing to greet them with the offer of the meekest smile he could manage.
"Got caught, did you?" Hermione smirked a tad.
"That's not the worst of it," Ron grumbled.
Meegan had still yet to say a word next to them.
"Well, tell us then," Harry urged, standing close enough to Hermione that their fingers gave a quick brush with one another. Harry felt his cheeks get hot at the brief contact, which brought back memories of the hours past.
"We got caught," Ron said flatly.
"Yes, we know that already!" said Hermione with exasperation.
"No, we got caught kissing!" Meegan finally spoke. Her voice held a dismal tremble to it. "By our campers!" She wailed, turning and burying her face in Ron's shoulder. She was too embarrassed to look at Harry and Hermione's reactions.
Harry began to laugh, "Bloody bad luck... Oomph!"
Hermione had slapped him across the stomach with her forearm, trying to make him quit laughing. She too, however, was suppressing a giggle herself.
"There are only two more weeks of camp left. You'll survive," said Hermione, trying to offer an encouraging note.
"As if getting caught wasn't bad enough in the first place," grumbled Ron, reaching up and putting an arm around Meegan.
"Harry, why don't we go stand with the other counselors who didn't get caught? I don't want them making a mistake resulting in us getting tossed in that frigid water as well," said Hermione, eyeing to dark water surrounding the dock.
"All right," they began to walk. "Enjoy your swim!" He called over his shoulder, resulting in other whack to the stomach from Hermione as they continued away.
"We're going to be the laughing stock of camp, Ron," Meegan grumbled, sliding from his grasp as to not draw further attention to them.
"They're kids. Something else will come along and they'll shift their attention to the new point of gossip," he assured her with a smile.
~*~
"Harry, we can't tell anyone!" said Hermione is a curt whisper as soon as they'd gotten far enough away from Ron and Meegan so as they were out of earshot.
"About what?" he teased, bumping into her playfully as they walked.
"Stop being a prat," she sighed, albeit being unable to resist a smile due to his antics. "You know what I mean. If everyone finds out we're…dating," she looked up at him a smiled as she said it, "we'll take Ron and Meegan's place as the laughing stock of camp."
"It'll be okay, 'Mione. We won't say anything until we get back to school, if that's what you'd like," said Harry with a soft smile.
"Thank you, you're amazingly wonderful," she grinned as he put a friendly arm around her shoulders.
"I know," he grinned. Hermione just rolled her eyes and smiled as they made their way to where the rest of camp was congregating.
"And where were you hiding, missy?" The loud voice of Juliet Brown pulled Hermione's gaze from Harry as the short brunette made her way over.
Harry let his arm slip off Hermione's shoulders.
"Hi, Harry!" Juliet grinned upon seeing him.
"Hello," he smiled politely.
"Now where were you?!" she flipped her attention back to Hermione.
"I cannot tell you. If I do, it'll ruin my location for next year," said Hermione.
"You two were off snogging weren't you?!" Juliet looked at them accusingly.
"What?!" Both Harry and Hermione yelled in shock.
"Relax, I'm only joking. You know that's how Meegan and Ron got caught," said Juliet with an evil grin to her face.
"Oh, yes," Hermione breathed a sigh of relief, "We were just over speaking to them. Neither seems too thrilled to be pushed into the lake."
"I'm taking some Muggle pictures of Ron getting pushed in to bring back to school!" She looked rather pleased with the idea.
"Juliet!" Hermione lectured, "What did I say about using that word!"
"Relax, no one is listening," she motioned around them. Hermione looked and in fact, no one was particularly close to them, nor did anyone seem remotely interested in what they were talking about.
"Still, be careful." Hermione rubbed her shoulders as a gentle wind picked up.
"Ron and Meegan will be extra cold if this keeps up," Harry commented, stepping closer and putting an arm around Hermione to warm her up.
"Thanks," she muttered.
"OKAY! ALL THOSE WHO CAPTURED A COUNSELOR! COME OVER TO THE DOCKS!" Greg's voice suddenly boomed out, causing a rush of excitement throughout those waiting on the shore. Some very happy looking campers ran over to the docks.
Hermione and Harry watched together as one by one, their fellow counselors were shoved into the icy water. All came out sputtering from the cold and scrambling to climb out.
The both winced as they watched Ron and Meegan being led together to the end of the dock. From what they could see, it looked as if the pair had begun arguing. Maybe trying to decide whose fault it was that they were getting tossed in. Then, without warning, both went flying into the water. They surfaced, each scrambling to get to the ladder first. Meegan beat Ron, and he was forced to wait in the water while she made her way out.
Dripping wet and shaking, the two quickly made their way over to Harry and Hermione to wait while the last few counselors were tossed in.
Harry and Hermione began to giggle as their soaking friends sopped their way over. They each left a long trail of water drops behind as they came. Apparently, they were still arguing as well.
As they neared, a bright flash went off, causing both to quit snapping at each other and look up.
"What a pretty picture," Juliet grinned, holding a Muggle camera in her hands.
Ron scowled and stepped over next to Harry. "I am so bloody cold!"
"Sorry, about that," Harry smiled hard, trying not to laugh again. Ron didn't look like he was in the mood.
"Bad day then?" Hermione smiled at her friend Meegan who looked rather glum next to her.
"Like you wouldn't believe," she said sarcastically.
~*~
"Okay, before I let you all head off to go to bed," Greg addressed his camp. It was the end of campfire, his favorite time to make announcements, "I want to remind you that in two weeks, we'll be having the end of camp dance!"
A few mumbles of excitement and intrigue roamed the group.
"The dance is held the last night that you are here. It will run from 7pm until midnight. So, you all will get special extended bed times," he continued.
This merited a few cheers. Many of the campers did not appreciate the imposed 10pm bedtime.
"That's just to get you thinking about it. Tomorrow, remember we are going on a daylong hike to Peteyorn Falls. We'll be leaving at 10am after breakfast, and returning at about five for dinner. Sack lunches will be provided, but you need to pick yours up after breakfast, BEFORE we leave. Remember your backpack, water bottle, and swimming gear if you want to swim while we are there. The hike is about two hours each way so wear some sturdy shoes! That's all!" He finished with the wave of a hand, dismissing the camp to head to bed.
The campers grumbled as their counselors began to herd them back up the hill toward their cabins. Harry and Hermione's group walked close together, with the two counselors in mention lingering behind.
"So, do you want me to come find you, or shall we meet somewhere?" Harry mentioned of their scheduled talk.
"You can come get me," she smiled at the idea as if her were coming to court her. "I can ask Meegan to watch the group. Can you be ready in twenty minutes?" She asked eagerly.
"For you, anything," he smiled, as they separated at a fork in the trail, Harry heading off with his cabin and Hermione leaving with hers. They watched each other leave wordlessly.
~*~
"Are you sure you're okay with this? I won't be long, we just need to talk about…something," said Hermione while she pulled a sweater over her head.
"Not a problem, I shouldn't be going out anymore anyway. Might get caught," scowled Meegan. She was under her covers, sitting up and reading a magazine.
A soft knock suddenly came from their door.
"Thanks," said Hermione, giving Meegan a smile before making her way to the door. She opened it just wide enough so she could slip out, yet none of the campers inside could seem whom she was with.
"Hi," she breathed a soft hello as the door clicked behind her.
"You look beautiful," Harry beamed, finally getting the chance to tell her what he'd had on his mind since dinner.
"Thank you," she blushed. He could see the rose tone her cheeks picked up within the moonlight. He smiled and offered her his hand.
She took it, and the pair quietly made their way down the path toward the lake.
As they walked, Harry rubbed it with his thumb.
"Here," said Harry suddenly, pulling Hermione onto the grassy lower playfield.
"Where are we going?" she smiled. Following him across the field.
"No where," he grinned, leading her away from the path. They walked silently for another minute until the reached the middle of the field. Harry suddenly stopped and looked up at the sky.
"What?" Hermione looked up too.
"This will do," he smiled, shifting his gaze to her. He quickly sat down and pulled her along. She giggled as she landed in his lap. He gave her a wry smile before kissing her softly. As he pulled away, he wrapped his arms around her and lay back, taking her with him. Soon, they were nestled on the ground together, staring up at the sky.
"I thought it might be nice to watch the stars together while we talked," said Harry, rubbing a hand slowly along her arms.
"I never took you for such a romantic, Harry Potter," said Hermione, looking up at the stars with a large smile across her face.
"There's more to me than being the dashing star of the Gryffindor Quidditch team you know," he waggled his eyebrows into the night.
"Right," she giggled, snuggling her head against his chest.
"So, you don't have to answer this if you don't want to, but I'd really like to ask," he began suddenly. She could feel him tense a bit with nervousness.
"Go on then," she said gently with encouragement.
"How long has it been? Since you liked me too, I mean," he blushed, hoping she wouldn't turn her head to look at him.
Hermione kept looking at the twinkling stars. "Since the end of fourth year," she replied.
"Really?!" His voice couldn't hold his surprise.
"Yes," said Hermione. She blushed a bit herself, hoping he didn't find her pathetic for pining way for all these years.
"I've liked you since fifth year," he admitted.
"You have?!" she rolled over a bit on her side with a giggle. He too tipped his head, so as they were now nose to nose.
"Yes," he answered in the same manor she had earlier.
"You should have told me!" Hermione's bossy tone, which Harry knew all too well, escaped.
"You could have told me too you know," he smiled at her, leaning in so that the tips of their noses barely touched.
"Right, sorry 'bout that," she blushed.
"Me too," he leaned in and softly kissed her. As he pulled away he said, "We could have been doing a lot more of that."
Hermione giggled and leaned in, giving him a quick kiss. As she pulled away, she gave the expression that she was contemplating something. "Hmmm...Yes, I suppose doing more that would have been good."
"It took you this long to decide whether I'm a good kisser or not?" Harry mocked insult.
"Well, I have had better," she teased.
"Liar," he leaned in and captured her lips again.
Hermione kissed him back full force. He was more amazing that any of her other kisses combined.
"Am I still second-rate?" Harry grinned as their lips separated.
"I'm still not sure, let's try that again," she smiled as he leaned forward to kiss her more.
~*~
"Does everyone have everything ready for the hike!?" Allison called out, standing by the doorway waiting for their campers to follow suit. Slowly but surely, they straggled to the door, all wearing lopsided backpacked stuffed with their essentials.
"Meegan, Hermione, hurry it up!" said Allison impatiently.
"Hold on!" Meegan called, she and Hermione were still tying their shoes. They'd both been late returning for breakfast. No one knew, but both had snuck of with their significant others for a brief snog session. Hermione and Meegan didn't even know about each other, neither choosing to ask why the other was also late returning for fear they'd be questioned themselves.
"Okay," Hermione called as she and Meegan finished and stood. They quickly grabbed their backpacks and made their way to the front to head out with Allison.
"Everyone's ready?" Meegan asked her cousin.
"Yes, I can handle things on the occasion," Allison rolled her eyes.
"Great, let's head out!" Hermione announced, ushering everyone outside.
It was a lovely, warm day for hiking. Hermione, Meegan, and Allison lead their girls to the upper play field where everyone was to gather. As soon as everyone was there, they began the long hike to Peteyorn falls.
~*~
"Hermione, it's dreadful hot, aren't we close to getting there yet?" complained Stephanie, one of Hermione's campers.
"It should be close," she breathed. They'd been hiking for quite some time, and everyone was rather tired. Hermione raised a hand to her forehead to wipe a bit of perspiration off. Looking up, she smiled at the sight of Harry and his group ahead of her's. All of the cabins had spread in a long trail along the path to the waterfall. Ron and Harry's group boldly followed Greg in the lead, with Hermione's girls scrambling to keep up; all eager to get the their destination.
Hermione began to chew of her bottom lip, a faint smile crossing her lips as she watched Harry move from behind. A small blush rose up her cheeks and she turned her head as she realized she was gawking. After a moment, she let her gaze rise up again to Harry's backside. As she'd just reasoned in her head, they were dating now so it was perfectly acceptable for her to stare. She let out a small giggle to herself as she continued to watch Harry climb the path in front of her.
"Like the view?" Meegan voice suddenly came in a short whisper next to her.
Hermione jumped. Once she had regained her composure, she slapped Meegan in the arm. "You scared me to death," she chastised.
"Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt," Meegan giggled, rolling her eyes at her blushing friend.
"Why whatever are you talking about?" Hermione raised her eyebrows defiantly, trying her best to hide her embarrassment.
"Please Hermione. You two are so obvious! Would you please just spare us all and get together already?" Meegan smiled.
"We already." Hermione suddenly choked a bit, "Sorry." she mumbled, "As I was saying," she shook her head a bit and continued, "We already…told you, it's not like that with Harry and I," she lied through her teeth. If it wasn't for the strenuous hiking, she was certain Meegan would have seen her sweating bullets over her near omission.
"Right, and Ron and I never snog," she rolled her eyes at her friend with a smile before lagging back to speak to her cousin, Allison.
Hermione sighed and averted her gaze to her feet. It was a struggle, but she managed not to blatantly gawk at Harry again until they reached the falls.
~*~
As they arrived, every group found a location to collectively drop their bags, and then began peeling off layers of clothes in a race to be the first in the water.
Hermione took longer taking off her outer layer of clothes, watching her girls run and scream as they entered the chilly water. The water looked rather inviting, especially with the hot sun beating down on her now bare shoulders.
Glancing behind her, she noticed Harry taking longer than expected as well; especially considering his entire group was the first to enter the pool at the base of the falls.
As he slipped on his last sandal, he looked up and caught her gaze. Hermione smiled and Harry smiled back and began walking over to her. Hermione scrambled to grab a towel at her feet and wrap it hastily around her waist before Harry reached her.
"Like I haven't seen you in that two piece before," said Harry in a husky voice near her ear. He'd snuck up on her.
"I…oh." she turned flustered to face him, but found she couldn't verbalize her thoughts with his face inches away from hers. Instead, she simply smiled and attempted not to blush, even though she knew she was.
"Would you like to do a little exploring?" He winked with a cheeky grin on his face.
"What about watching our campers?" said Hermione as she fumbled to the towel at her waist; eventually she realized it wouldn't secure properly and she let it fall to her feet in vain.
"Ron and Meegan can handle them. Besides, those two can't risk sneaking off," Harry chuckled, looking over his shoulder for a brief moment at their friends in the water.
"All right then," Hermione smiled. She made a move to take his hand in hers, then realized what she was doing in plain view of everyone and awkwardly stopped herself. "Let's go before anyone notices that we're still over here," she quickly headed off to a parting in the trees.
"Yes ma'am," Harry followed quickly. Giving one quick glance to make sure they weren't being watched, the pair slipped into the trees.
Hermione was ahead leading the way. After they were far enough in that she couldn't hear the children's voices, she turned. "Harry." She began, but was cut off by Harry wrapping his arms around her and pulling her in for a kiss.
~*~
Harry had been patiently following behind Hermione, attempting to keep his eyes trained on her hair instead of the parts that her bathing suit was capably accentuating in front of him. On their long hike to the falls, the idea to sneak off with her had struck him. After that, it had been difficult for him to think of much anything else.
Once they'd reached the falls, all he'd wanted was to get her alone. Now that he finally had that, he was itching for her to stop so he could simply kiss her senseless.
As patiently as he could, he let her lead the way. Suddenly, she stopped in front of him and began to turn. "Harry.." she started, but he had other plans. Harry took the opportunity and swept her into his arms. Before she could say another word, his lips descended upon hers. For the next few minutes, the only sounds he'd let her get out were a few soft moans in pleasure.
Finally he released her mouth so that they could both take in a few much needed breaths of air. Harry looked down at her beautiful face and let his hand raise to her cheek, gently letting the back of it caress its way down until he slipped it under her hair to cradle the base of her head.
"I'm still getting used to that," she smiled up at him, her eyes twinkling with euphoria.
"To what?" he mused, twirling his fingers through her hair from his hand's current position.
"Kissing you," she beamed. "It's not everyday I sneak of to make out with my best friend now is it?" She furrowed her brow suddenly, "Well, I take that back. Maybe 'now' it's everyday," she giggled, "but this didn't used to be a regular occurrence."
"A regular occurrence? I'd shoot more for frequent," said Harry with a short smile as he bent down he kiss her again. It was a soft, lasting kiss this time. He let his lips linger before pulling away to look at her again.
"Did I mention how beautiful you look?" He smiled.
"I didn't do anything special today," she reached up to fuss with her hair.
"Not today," he stopped her by taking her hand in his and bringing them down to their sides, "everyday." He couldn't help the large smile his face held, she just had this effect on him he'd never felt with anyone else before.
"Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?" she smiled, tugging on his hand and turning to walk further in the wood together.
"Why whatever do you mean, Hermione dear?" said Harry, laying it on extra sappily for her benefit.
"You prat," she giggled, reaching across herself to playfully slap him with her free hand. "Thank you, by the way," she blushed, turning her gaze to her feet. "It's not usual that I get called beautiful so much."
"You should get used to it," he smiled, squeezing her hand. She looked up as he did and smiled, giving him a little squeeze back as they continued to walk together.
~*~
OKAY, my fingers are tired of typing so I'm going to cut this off. Next to come -> the rest of the trip to the waterfall, the end of camp dance!, and the end of camp!! Just a few more chapter folks!
Maybe if I get stunning reviews (which I always do, thanks!!), I'll be enticed to write a sequel about them returning to Hogwarts!
Love you all! And if you read, please review, even if it's just to say you like it (or don't =( .)