Chapter Forty-Five:

(A/N. Hiya everyone! Thanks so much for reviewing. All I want to say is trust me and everything will work out in the end! And don't worry the end isn't too close so PLEASE stop asking! Okay remember to review! They inspire me and trust me I'm in need of it.)

Tears slipped down Hermione's face as she stared at Draco's sleeping form. He looked so peaceful. She sniffled softly, sighing as she wiped away her tears. If his memory didn't come back, could this Draco learn to love her? Could she learn to accept that her Draco was gone, buried inside this stranger's mind? She reached out a tremulous hand and took his hand in hers, jerking back slightly as Draco's eyes snapped open. He turned and smiled at her slowly.

"I didn't mean to scare you…you're name is Hermione, right?" He asked and Hermione forced a smile despite the feeling that something was crushing her heart.

"Yeah, that's right." She said, her voice hoarse. He nodded and turned away, staring at the wall on the other side.

"I couldn't sleep. I kept dreaming of a man that looked just like me, raising a stick and pointing at me and then there was this bright green flash. I keep having the feeling like I should know who he is…but I can't remember." He said and Hermione's heart lept. Was he starting to remember? A million questions buzzed in her mind.

"Can I do anything to help you sleep? Get you some tea or something?" She asked instead. He frowned and she could see that he was digging through his fragmented memories. Then he smiled.

"Yeah, could you tell me a story…" He asked hesitantly and she nodded slowly giving him a reassuring smile.

"Sure, Draco, anything." She smiled and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Okay, once upon a time there lived a handsome prince. His father was an evil man and he locked the prince up in a high tower so that the prince would lose his humanity and become just like the King. The prince indeed grew cold and uncaring while all alone in his tower, blaming the world down below for his misery and pain. The hatred turned his handsome form into a monster, hideous and cruel. One day, a kind wizard decided to help. He took the beast and put him in a beautiful cottage far from the monster's tower and placed a beautiful princess with him. At first they could only bicker and fight, but slowly the prince's cold shell began to melt as the prince fell in love with the strong-willed princess and she with him. So, one day, the prince confessed his love for the princess and the prince's ugliness melted away to reveal a kind, brave prince beneath. The two lived happily ever after." Hermione narrated her voice soft and nostalgic.

"What did the prince say when he confessed his love?" Draco asked smiling cheerfully.

"'Marry me?'…Perhaps?" Hermione said hesitantly. Draco nodded wisely as if he had known the answer all along.

"Is that what you say to someone you love?" He asked and she nodded glancing down at their intertwined hands.

"Sometimes."

"Do you have someone you want to marry/" He inquired and she glanced awat feeling the pain in her chest again.

"Yes, but he's not here right now." She gulped trying to loosen the knot in her throat. Draco frowned.

"Where is he?" He asked and she looked back at him. How could she tell him that her beloved Draco was locked inside of his head?

"He did a great deed and was hurt in the battle, but he will get well soon." She choked out.

"And you'll live happily ever after?" He asked innocently and she stood up, dropping his hand. She was unable to bear it any longer.

"Yes, we'll live happily ever after. Now get some sleep, Draco." She whispered and she turned away, silent tears slipping down her face as her back trembled with suppressed sobs.