A/N: Thanks again to all those reading this story and to those giving me encouragement and constructive criticism. Love reading the comments. I've been thinking about this chapter for sometime and I hope you guys like it!

December 31st - 1997

It was a frigid New Year's Eve, and the mood inside the snow covered tent was not one of holiday celebration. Harry was still recovering from the deep snake bite he'd received from Nagini and had spent the last few days sulking over his broken wand.

When he wasn't wallowing in self-pity, he was feeling guilty. He hadn't been the kindest to Hermione since returning from Godric's Hallow. He'd been annoyed by her constantly fussing over his injury, snapping on her several times as she'd readjusted his bandages. He wasn't really angry with her though. He knew he was to blame for the situation they found themselves in. He'd been stupid enough to lead them directly into a trap, one that Hermione was not only smart enough to predict, but also smart enough to save them from. Like always, she'd managed to get them out of another dangerous situation practically unscathed.

Harry was fiddling with the locket around his neck when Hermione appeared from the outdoors, two large groceries bags in hand. She smiled at him sheepishly. She had told Harry she was going to look for snow to melt for drinking water, and the sight of her carrying groceries bags revealed she hadn't been entirely truthful.

"Hermione!" Harry said, rising to his feet, taking a step towards her. "You could have been seen!"

"I know," she said dismissively, brushing passed him. "But we need a proper meal, Harry. You're still healing and it's been weeks since we've have anything even remotely nutritious." She gently placed the bags down on the small wooden table. "Besides, we never really celebrated Christmas."

Harry couldn't be upset with her when he saw what she began to unpack. She'd bought a small chicken, carrots, and potatoes. It was hardly anything special, but the most delightful thing Harry had seen in months. His mouth watered in anticipation.

Hermione turned to him, her eyes fixated on the locket.

"Tonight, we're taking a break," she said, as she approached him. "We don't talk about horcruxes. We don't think about horcruxes, and we certainly aren't going to wear one around our necks."

Her hands moved to lift the necklace off of his shoulders and over his head, discarding it in her bag. The moment he was free from the horcrux, he felt as though a weight had been lifted off his chest. He could breathe again.

Together, Hermione and Harry spent the rest of the afternoon preparing a small feast. Neither of them knew exactly what they were doing, but it didn't matter. Anything would taste better than the watered down soup they'd been having for the last few weeks.

The meal turned out well, and after eating until comfortably full and packing up the rest to sustain them for the next few days, Harry brought out a deck of cards. He'd managed to find some Champagne left over from the Quidditch World Cup a few years back. Figuring New Year's Eve seemed like the appropriate time to pop a bottle, Harry poured them each a large glass. With the radio playing softly in the background, the two spend the evening playing cards and enjoying the feeling of being free from the locket for one night.

When the bottle of champagne was almost drained, Harry and Hermione were feeling airy and light. It was the most relaxed they'd been in months, and both had badly needed the mental break.

A popular muggle song came on the radio, and Harry quickly stood, offering his hand to Hermione. She rolled her eyes at how ridiculous he was being, but she took his hand anyway and he pulled her off the chair. The two began to dance.

Harry clumsily twirled and dipped her, causing Hermione to laugh hysterically when she almost toppled over. As he helped her off the ground and steadied her, her eyes locked onto his and suddenly she looked very serious with something heavy weighing on her mind. Harry placed his hands on her back and began to sway to the next song, a slow folky tune.

"Are you scared?" she whispered into his shoulder, her voice barely audible, but Harry had heard her. "Of how this will all end?"

"Yes." He paused, holding her tightly, listening to the soft slow beat from the familiar song playing on the run down radio. "Are you?"

"To death," she softly admitted.

Harry pulled away and looked her square in the eyes, his own blazing with determination. "I will do everything in my power to make sure you come out on the other side of this, you know that, right?"

Hermione smiled sadly at her noble friend, a tear falling onto her cheek.

"It's you that needs to make it, Harry. Not me."

"That's not true," he shook his head quickly. "If you're gone, I don't stand a chance."

"You're more capable than you give yourself credit for," she replied softly.

They were still now, locked in an intense gaze of mutual admiration. Harry's arms protectively around Hermione's waist, the palm of his hands resting on the small of her back. Her arms were stretched upwards, her hands resting lightly on his shoulders.

"I need you," he whispered, his forehead falling gently to hers. "I can't lose you too."

Hermione closed her eyes and as she did a stream of silent tears followed. "You won't."

It was a promise Hermione knew she might not be able to keep. She didn't know how many days she had left. The attack at Godric's Hallow had happened so fast, and they'd barely made it out in time. It had been a close call. Once again, she and Harry had gotten lucky, and sooner or later, their luck would run out.

When Hermione opened her eyes, still in Harry's arms, he was looking at her affectionately. He took her face in his hands and wiped away her tears with his thumbs. Hermione sadly smiled up at him, and as she did, she realized how close they were. It appeared that the realization had also crossed Harry's mind in that same moment.

Cautiously, Harry inch his face closer to hers until their noses touched, and Hermione's mind went blank. Her breath hitched. She subconsciously closed her eyes, her lips parting slightly. Harry shyly closed the gap, his rough lips make contact with hers.

The kiss was slow and sweet. Innocent. It continued that way for several minutes, the two hopeless teens soaking in a small ray of light that they'd been so desperately deprived of.

Hermione let herself get lost in the moment, any worries or fears she had vanished from her thoughts. All she could think about was how good she felt to be with someone, especially someone she cared for and trusted.

She felt electricity jolt through her body when Harry's tongue slyly entered her mouth and he delicately pressed her against the side of the table that they had been having champagne at not so long ago. They were kissing more fervently now, and Harry's hands explored Hermione's back while his mouth found her neck.

Hermione was spinning, and she wasn't sure if it was from the drinks, adrenaline, or both. She had never kissed like this. The only experience she'd had was a few chaste pecks with Victor and then one instance where she was attacked by Cormac's slobbery mouth. Neither were anything like what she was experience now. This was fire burning inside her.

As Harry's mouth continued to trace down her jaw, his hands crept their way up to her breasts, and when they made contact, Hermione went rigid with the realization of what they were doing. She gently pushed away from him, trying to get some much needed distance between them.

"I'm sorry," Harry said quickly when they broke away, his eyes dark and cast down. "I don't know where that came from."

"It's okay," Hermione breathed, straightening her shirt that had risen up, and then with embarrassment adding, "You didn't act alone."

Harry looked up at Hermione to see her face flushed and hair disheveled. She looked wonderful.

"What was that?" He asked looking curiously at her.

"I - I don't know," she exhaled, trying to catch her breath.

"Did you..." Harry blushed, looking down at his feet. "Did you like it?"

"Yes," Hermione said quietly, heat rising to her face. "Did you?"

"Yes," Harry confirmed, taking a step towards her. "Can I... can we... can we do that again?"

Hermione, unable to find words, simply nodded, and Harry swiftly closed the gap between them.

It was intense this time, and Harry wasted no time edging her closer to his bed located in the far corner of the tent. They kissed feverishly until the back of Hermione's legs hit the mattress. Harry broke the their kiss and looked at her for confirmation. She gave a small, meek nod before Harry gently pushed her onto the bed, climbing on top of her.

They were frantic now, desperate to be as close to one another as possible. Hermione initiated the removal of clothes, starting with Harry's shirt, shyly touching his bare chest with her hands. Once Hermione's own top had been discarded, she hesitantly unclasped her bra, allowing it to fall off her shoulders. Harry stared at her for a moment, reddening at the sight of his best mate's exposed breasts. She moved to cover them with her hands, but Harry stopped her, attacking her mouth with his once again. It wasn't long after that the two were down to their underwear. When Harry felt Hermione's fingers slide under his waist band, he stiffened, and pulled away.

"What are you doing?" He asked, stunned by her boldness and certain that she had just gotten carried away.

"I want this," she said lustfully, and then with a seriousness in her voice added, "We could die tomorrow, Harry. We need this."

"Are you sure?" Harry asked her, desire swimming in his green eyes as he hovered over her. Surely she understood what they were about to do?

"Yes," she replied firmly, staring up at him with certainty. "One moment of happiness. Something we can hang on to."

That was all Harry needed to hear, and he was kissing her again. He felt her fingers return to the waist band of his boxer briefs, slowly pulling them down and exposing his arousal. He mimicked her, his fumbling hands sliding off her white knickers before he positioned himself on-top of her.

"I've never done this before," Hermione whispered with a shakiness. "Have you?"

"No," he answered honestly, and then sensing her nervousness, he softly reassured her. "I'll be gentle."

Hermione gave a nod, signally for Harry to proceed, and he gently thrust into her, feeling her body quiver below him. He waited a moment for her to relax before continuing. They got into a good rhythm, and as Harry began to feel an intensity build within him, he never took his eyes off of her. Watching her reactions to his movements was completely intoxicating, and Harry couldn't hold on for much longer. Desperate for a release, Harry pushed deeper into Hermione. The sound of her sensual exhale pushed him over the edge, and he loudly groaned with pleasure before falling on her. He waited a moment before rolling off to the side, both he and Hermione breathing heavily.

"Are you alright?" He asked, staring up at the tent ceiling.

"Yeah," she replied, her heart still drumming against her chest.

"Did it... did it feel okay?"

"It hurt at first," she confessed softly. "But it was nice near the end."

"You didn't...?"

"Didn't what?" Hermione asked, turning her head to look at her friend, who had suddenly lost his words.

"You know," he said, avoiding her gaze, but when she didn't clue in he finally spelled it out. "Did you have one?"

"Oh!" She said, suddenly embarrassed and very aware that she was naked in a bed with her best friend. "Uhh...I don't think so?"

"Trust me, you'd know."

Hermione blushed and looked away. Harry propped himself up on his elbow and looked at her.

"Have you ever?" He inquired curiously. "On your own?"

"No."

"Can I... can I try something?" He asked timidly.

"Okay?" Hermione replied, looking confused.

Slowly Harry climbed back on top of her and began trailing kisses down her stomach, inching further down her body.

Hermione's eyes widened at the realization of what exactly Harry's intentions were. "Harry... what are you doing?"

"Just trust me," he said huskily, his mouth having reached its destination.

Hermione was about to protest, but when she felt the flick of his tongue on her centre, her toes curled and her body shook. Her hands instinctively tangled in his messy black hair and her mind became consumed with one thing, and that was Harry.

It wasn't long until Hermione felt a warmth building inside her, slowly becoming more intense with each second Harry worked on her. She bit her lip hard to keep from crying out, and suddenly she felt the release she needed, and her body twitched, leaving her breathless.

Harry smiled, satisfied with her response, and climbed up her body. He kissed her on the forehead before laying next to her.

"You didn't have to do that," she breathed, though she was very pleased that he had.

Harry smiled, pulling her tightly into his chest. "Just giving you something to hold onto."

Feeling the most relaxed she had in days, that was the last thing Hermione heard before drifting off into a peaceful sleep.

...

January 1st - 1998

Hermione's head throbbed when she woke on the small wooden bed. She felt sluggish and nauseous, and she figured the half bottle of champagne she'd drank was the culprit. She slowly cracked her eyes open and they bulged when she realized she was not alone. Harry was fast asleep on the other side of the mattress snoring softly, his body absent of any clothes. Memories of the night before flooded to Hermione's mind, and she looked down at herself, confirming that she was completely naked.

Oh no, she thought. What was wrong with her? How had last night end with her losing her virginity to Harry? It wasn't supposed to be him, it was supposed to be Ron. Oh my god, she thought. Ron.

If she made it out of this war alive, she couldn't imagine how she'd explain this all to him. As angry, hurt, and confused as she was with him, she still had intense feelings for her estranged friend. Yet her actions last night suggested otherwise. She'd had sex with Harry, and not only that, she'd thoroughly enjoyed it.

Hermione thought back to the events of the night before. Memories of Harry kissing and touching her flashed in her mind, warming her cheeks and eliciting an excitement through her body. She'd felt something with him that she couldn't quite place. Whatever it was, he'd never be just a friend again, and she certainly could no longer tell people he was like her brother.

The thought of Ginny came crashing into her mind next, her best female friend who she missed and cared for dearly. Hermione had seen Harry watching her on the Marauder's Map a few days ago. It was obvious he still had feeling for her. Hermione felt an immense guilt as she thought about how hurt Ginny would be if she knew what she and Harry had done.

How had neither she nor Harry stopped to consider Ginny or Ron before making such a stupid decision?

Hermione slowly got off the bed and put on a pair of jeans and a sweater, careful not to wake Harry. Already feeling miserable, she placed the the locket around her neck, before putting on her jacket and exiting the tent.

Hermione began to work on removing the protective enchantments that had been cast about a week ago, desperate to distract herself. She just finished when she heard the tent flap open, followed by footsteps crunching in the snow.

"Hermione..." She heard Harry say from behind her.

Hermione turned around to look at him, his hair was a mess and his clothing wrinkled. Both his hands were in his jean pockets and he stared at her wonderingly. She felt his eyes dropped to her upper neck where he'd marked her with his lips, and she flushed instantly as she remembered the seductive sensation.

"It's time to move camp," Hermione said quickly, brushing past him and beginning to unsecure the tent.

Harry was swift to follow her.

"Are we going to - "

"I think we should go west, deeper into the forest," she declared, cutting him off. "There's a secluded lake not far."

"I think we should ta -"

"I can start packing our things."

"Hermione," Harry said firmly, finally getting her attention. She stood motionless as his eyes bore into her. "Are we going to talk about last night?"

"No," Hermione said, barely above a whisper. She was shaking, and she wasn't convince it was entirely due to the below freezing weather.

"Don't you think we should?" Harry asked with disbelief.

"No," Hermione repeated, louder this time. "The minute we move camp, last night ceases to exist. Do you understand?"

"I think we should at least - "

"Harry!" Hermione cried throwing her hands in the air with frustration. She pause for a moment and laughed bitterly to herself, shaking her head. "Don't you get it? There's nothing to talk about. Last night never happened because if it did, it would destroy the two people we love most."

"I know," Harry whispered guiltily, his head dipped to the ground.

"So promise me," Hermione said, taking a step towards him with pleading eyes. "The second we move camp it's as if last night never happened?"

"But don't you think - "

"Harry!"

"Okay!" Harry cried in frustration. "I promise."

...

Hermione jolted awake, violently sitting upward in her bed. She was drenched in a cold sweat, her blue pajamas soaking wet and sticking to her body.

She remembered. She remembered everything. Not only that, but during her slumber, she'd felt everything. She'd experienced it all again, the sensations, her thoughts and her feelings. All of it.

With the fresh memory of Harry's head between her thighs burned in her brain, Hermione inwardly groaned and threw her head down on her pillow. Playing over how his tongue had felt inside her, Hermione knew then that she'd never be able to look at him the same again.