A/N: So, I was asked by Monnbeam, what Harry's motivation was to get Hermione…I thought I had made it not supremely clear, but enough to continue the story, but I just reread every chapter and realized I didn't really go into too much detail where Harry's feelings are concerned…I basically just kept repeating over and over how he needed to be with Hermione and have sex with her…So this chapter, I'm going to try to delve into Harry a little more and get set-up for the final showdown…hope it helps! :D

Chapter 6: Feverish Obsession

Harry stood alone in the Room of Requirement. He was alone a lot lately. He'd go to class, and then as soon as it was over, he would disappear. Not that anyone noticed. His two friends, if you could call them that, were too busy with each other to notice him wandering off by himself. Ron was at Hermione's side constantly now. For nearly two weeks, the two of them would cuddle by the fire, talking animatedly about any and everything, and then fall asleep holding one another. Harry's heart broke every time he couldn't see her in her dreams…

He sighed, running his hands through his shaggy black hair in frustration. Why, oh why, did it have to be Hermione?

It had started back on September 1st, when he met his friends at King's Cross Station to return to Hogwarts. They'd all hugged each other hello, but when Hermione's arms went around him, his stomach lurched unexpectedly. He decided it was just excitement at seeing her again after three long months. But then, on the train, she laughed at something Ron had said, and all at once Harry felt jealousy for Hermione's attention to his other friend, ecstatic joy at hearing her laugh, attraction to the sound of her voice, arousal at just the thought of her, and guilt that he felt that way about a friend. He'd gone into a daze seeing her smile. He found himself staring at her incessantly, but he shook himself out of it feverishly. He had no idea what was coming over him, but it was terrifying…and exciting.

The next week had been a haze: a haze of Hermione. He found himself smelling her shampoo on the air and turning expectantly just before she'd enter a room. He noticed the little movement in her hips from side to side as she walked; it wasn't exactly the strut of a model, but the movements gave him a strange feeling of arousal that was almost predatory. He started to notice that she was indeed a woman, with curves and breasts and long, lean legs. He'd find excuses to touch her during class assignments; little things like handing her equipment or practicing palmistry became ploys to touch her soft, ivory skin.

The week turned into a month. Harry was obsessed with her. He hid it well; he asked her questions like he normally would, about her day and homework assignments, never letting on that below the surface he was a rage of hormones and nerves. He tried to convince himself that while she was attractive, his intense emotions were just because he knew how smart she was and how much her intelligence could contribute to his final battle with Voldemort, whenever it took place. He knew it was a lie, but he used it to reason with himself. He couldn't accept the fact that he lusted after his best friend without a reason to help himself…she was just too good of a friend to just want.

He went to the Restricted section of the library one night, trying desperately to find something, anything, to help him end the feelings he had for Hermione. Instead, he had found a book on dream walking. It was pretty basic: you just needed something from the person you wanted to visit the dreams of, like hair or a piece of clothing, and mixed it with a few simple ingredients. You had to begin it on the new moon and let it sit for three nights. Then, focusing on the person, you just pretended to walk through the space between the two of you until you slipped into their head. Then you could create whatever you wanted, and the person would be forced to experience it with you. Unfortunately, you could not force their actions; they got to decide for themselves how they reacted, thus Hermione's constant disruptions. He had read more about it, discovering that after long term use, you could follow the person all day and see whatever they saw whenever you wanted. And, whatever happened in the dream world you created, came to be in the real world. He had found his way to win her heart.

Harry started small: he created dreams that were similar to everyday things, things he thought she would dream about without his help. He took her to classes, sat with her in Hogsmeade, walked with her in the Forbidden Forest. They talked about small, insignificant things. He couldn't force her to do anything, but he could test things and gear reactions. One night, he kissed her cheek. She had laughed at him and continued their discussion on dangerous potion ingredients. Another night, he'd asked her to marry him. She had looked shocked, but said it was possible that one day she might take him up on it, hinting that it would only happen if Ron never asked her.

But then, on a night only two months ago, he had tried to make love to her. Actual love. He had hidden himself in shadows, touching her gently, holding her closely. They didn't actually do the deed, but they had kissed and caressed enough for him to feel confident in himself and in the possibility of them. He became bolder, trying different things, and at one point nearly raping her. And then the nightmares began. They always started the same, with her running from him. No matter how many different scenarios he planned for them, she would sense him taking over and her subconscious would reject him.

Oh, how he had tried! He wanted her, not just physically, but to touch her soul. To literally make love to her and have her be his forever. He never wanted anyone so badly and the fact that it was one of his best friends only made it worse. He knew he could be himself around her and she wouldn't judge. He just had to convince her, once and for all, that he was the one she needed to be with…then the pitiful aching he felt all the time would disappear.

That's where the Room of Requirement came in. A day or two ago, Harry paced the hallway, thinking I need a place where I can make Hermione mine. The door appeared and he entered the room. Inside, there was a huge four poster bed with silk sheets and overstuffed pillows. There was a table, set for two people to have a romantic dinner. Soft music was coming from an enchanted harp in one corner. Candles lit up everything. There were bouquets of flowers everywhere. And, there was an emergency box which contained velvet ropes for tying a struggling body to the bed, a gag to keep screams from being heard, and a little vial of potion whose properties were unknown to Harry.

The thoughts of forcing Hermione to do anything killed him. But, if she left him no choice…he had to do something soon. He peeked into her mind, hoping he wasn't too late. She was smiling at Ron, who smiled adoringly back. He didn't notice anything unusual so he went back over the troubling memory.

Harry had seen Ron in the dormitory earlier, in one of his brief interludes without Hermione. He had been showing something to Seamus and Dean. When Harry had stepped over for a closer look, Ron had smiled at him and showed him eagerly: it was a ring. Harry had swallowed past the lump in his throat and looked Ron square in the eyes.

"Are you going to ask her to marry you?" He hoped and prayed his friend- and adversary- would say no.

Ron laughed. "Not exactly." He looked down at the small white gold band that had hearts etched into it. "It's a promise ring. Like an engagement for an engagement." His smile was wide. "I want to marry her, but I want us to be together for a while first. I've loved her for so long, Harry. I can't stand the thought of being without her."

Harry had congratulated him and wished him luck, then ran straight to the very room in which he currently stood. He knew exactly how Ron felt, though he also had guilt: guilt over wanting the woman his best friend loved and guilt over torturing her so maniacally the last few weeks. He had one chance, just one more shot to make things right and get her back. He just desperately hoped it worked…

A/N: Was that at all helpful? I hope so…I don't know if I can make it any clearer, but I can sure try if I have to! :D R/R! ~Nelli~