Author's Notes: This story is really hard for me to write -- Harry Potter doesn't come naturally to me anymore. Harry Potter writing has died for me . . . so don't be too harsh on this! - Raye


Chapter 3: An Ink-and-Paper Friend

When she got home, Ginny trudged past her brothers and dragged her cauldron into her room. She was unloading the new books Harry had given her – she hugged them closely, as they were gifts from him – when she noticed the ratty book that Harry had certainly not given her.

When she opened it, nothing happened.

Frowning, she dug through her new school supplies to find her quills and ink. Dabbing the quill in the tiny flask, she opened the diary to a blank page and wrote, August 18th, 1992.

Dear Diary,

Today we went to Diagon Alley and Harry used the Floo powder wrong. He got off at the wrong gate.

Her quill scratched unhappily against the rough paper – Ginny realized just how old it was.

Mum freaked out a lot, but Fred, George, and Ron were jealous because Harry ended up in Knockturn Alley and Mum never lets them go there.

She paused, wondering what to write next.

I think I like Harry. Like, as in like like. Not just a silly crush. He's got the most amazing green eyes, and he's a super hero, too. Not like the Muggle kind you hear about in the comics Ron used to read – the kind with capes and silly symbols. But Harry saved the wizarding world! He made Lord Voldemort disappear, at least until last year. But now he's gone again. I bet Harry'll save the world every time.

Love,

Ginny

She was about to shut the book when she looked back and realized nothing was on the page.

What? Had the ink bled through the pages? She flipped to the next page to see, but the page was as black as the one before it.

She looked back at the first page, and black letters appeared.

Hello, Ginny.

Ginny's breath caught in her throat.

My name is Tom Riddle.

A slow grin spread across her face. Awesome! A talk-back diary! Like a little ink-and-paper buddy!

Hello Tom!

Her grin was infectious; she couldn't stop it.

So, who is this Harry you speak of?

In her excited chatter, she didn't even realize this comment might be a bit weird.

Come on, Harry Potter – you're saying no one's ever written in here before?

Even in the diary, her words came off as surprised.

No, no Harry Potter has ever been mentioned. I'm just a charmed diary – there's a lot I don't hear. Or, more likely, see.

That makes sense, Ginny replied.

It would, replied Tom, but to Ginny, it didn't seem mean, but a sarcastic-friendly. So, Ginny, tell me about yourself.

Ginny was not at all hesitant to go into a full-blown story. She was still incredibly excited – she didn't even need any friends now, she had the diary! A bit of pressure was relieved from her shoulders.

Well, I've got six brothers. Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, and Ron. I'm the only girl, and I'm the youngest. I'm going to Hogwarts in September, and it'll be my first year. I've got really, really bright red hair. I'm nervous about going to Hogwarts, though.

Nervous, why?

Ginny sighed. I don't want to be lonely. Sure, a lot of my brothers are still in school, but I'm not in their year. I'll be alone.

What about Harry?

He doesn't even acknowledge my existence, Tom! How do I get him to notice me?

Are you any good at magic? You could show him some beautiful magic.

Ginny frowned. I'm no good at magic. I'm no good at anything.

Sure you are, Ginny. Maybe you just haven't realized it yet.

Ginny smiled, her day brightened. She bowed her head and kept writing, her quill scratching the paper.

Thanks, Tom. I know you'll be a great friend when I need one in school. I was worried about being lonely, but now I'm not. I doubt many people have friends that are made of paper and can talk back, right, Tom?

Yes, Ginny, I doubt anyone has a talking piece of paper friend.

Ginny looked back at the page of paper, but their conversation was already gone.

Warmly, Ginny said her goodbyes and went down to dinner. Never had she felt so lighthearted about anything – except maybe when she first saw Harry.

Grinning, Ginny thought, Tom can take a place on my favorites right next to Harry.

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