Chapter Seven – Camping

They arrived at the campsite the next day in mid-afternoon. Yawning, they got out of the car to stretch. Things were back to normal again, but Harry didn't know whether to be disappointed or glad.

They found a nice spot and began to set up their tents. After a fair amount of struggling with tents, they decided to relax. The girls left to explore leaving the boys alone.

"So you're Harry," said the dark haired boy. "I'm Adam. I'm a friend of Hermione's. She talks about you all the time."

Harry blushed and smiled. "Really?"

"Yeah, she could never manage to stop. She says you're really amazing."

"Wow, I never knew she thought so highly of me…"

"She does. Now come on, let's go fishing."

Harry was handed a fishing rod and followed Adam down to the lake for a quiet time of fishing.

XxXxXxX

The four of them were sitting around the campfire roasting s'mores. Harry glanced at Hermione. She was deep in conversation with Millie. Maybe it was the lighting but he thought she'd never looked so lovely.

His thoughts were interrupted when they heard the snapping of twigs and rustling of bushes. Harry was quickly reminded of Dudley as a boy looking rather pudgy emerged from the bushes. Two skinny looking kids were following him. The boy walked over to Hermione and stared down at her.

"Hey, if it ain't frizz ball," he sneered. "Hey frizz ball."

Hermione ignored him. Harry looked around. Adam was staring at his s'more, Millie was staring at her feet and Hermione was looking around. Harry remained silent and watched them.

"Hey frizz ball, I'm talkin' to you," the boy glowered.

Harry's eyes narrowed. He was starting to get very annoyed with the boy. His annoyance grew as the boy bend down and poked her.

"What's wrong? Too much frizz in your mouth?" he chuckled. The skinny boys beside him laughed like buffoons.

Millie, Adam and Hermione just kept still and quiet. Everyone jumped up when the boy shoved Hermione off the log. Adam and Millie rushed over. Harry glared at the boy who was now laughing is head off.

"Way to go," said one of them.

"Ruddy brilliant," said the other.

Anger swelled up inside him. His hands clenched into fists. The boy continued to laugh. It made him angrier when Adam and Millie said nothing. Hermione was standing up, brushing herself off. The boy poked her again.

"Stop it," Harry said through gritted teeth.

Now the boy had turned to Harry and scoffed. "Who's this?"

"Harry," Hermione was staring at him and shaking her head as if telling him not to do anything.

The boy laughed. "Frizz ball's got a boyfriend eh?" he poked Hermione again.

"Stop calling her that," Harry was now glowering. "Just stop it."

"What're you going to do about it?"

Harry's glare was getting more dangerous than it was before. "I'd get out of here if I were you."

"Why don't you go take a shower you slime ball," the boy was now in his face.

"Why don't you go back to your tent and stuff your face with doughnuts," Harry quipped.

Adam let out a snicker. Millie shook her head and Hermione was trying not to laugh.

"Why don't you shut up?" the boy shot back looking rather stumped.

Harry threw the stick, which held his s'more. "Go on, fetch it, you big piece of lard."

Harry drew back his clenched fist and punched the boy on the bottom side of the jaw before he could punch Harry. A loud disgusting crack erupted as soon as his fist collided with the boy's jaw. Hermione rushed over to prevent him from throwing another punch.

Without any feeling of remorse, Harry watched as the boy spat out blood and what seemed like teeth. The boy scrambled to his feet and took off running.

"What was awesome Harry!" Adam said as he clapped Harry on the back.

Millie looked at what the boy threw up and took off running, her hand over her mouth. Harry looked at Hermione who was still leaning against him.

"Better check on Millie," Adam said as he too took off.

Hermione finally let go and sat down on the log. She smiled up at him.

"Thank you," she said.

Harry nodded. "No problem," he replied. It really wasn't. He didn't mind sticking up for her at all. He enjoyed it. He smiled and sat down. He put another marshmallow on his stick and began to roast it. Camping wasn't bad at all. He grinned. Nothing's bad when she's around. He glanced at her again before going back to staring at his roasting marshmallow.