The trio found that wands were not necessary, however.
"Lower your shield."
Harry eyed Riddle. "Not until I get a magical vow that you will not hurt my friends. He didn't include himself, just in case.
Riddle sighed, but seemed to catch that as well. "I, Tom Marvolo Riddle, vow on my magic to not hurt Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley without reason." Harry frowned at the wording and the older man elaborated. "Because I made to oath to you, you decide what is within reason at any given moment." At this, Harry nodded, and lowered his shields hesitantly.
Immediately, the trio were bowled over and had a mouthful of platinum hair. "You bloody idiots!" Ron tried to ease out of his grip and stand back up while everyone stood there, gaping in a manner most unfit to a pureblood, but Draco wasn't having any of it. "I was worried to death! Even about you, you bloody redhead."
Ron grimaced. "Unfortunately, we were worried about you as well. Heard the Carrows took over. Is… is Gin okay? And everyone else?"
Draco's face softened. "I've been keeping as good an eye as I can on everyone. They're all a lot safer now they're home for break."
Harry let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding in and returned the blond's embrace. "Thanks, Dray. We really did miss you." He smiled, then lowered his voice. "'Specially Mione."
The blond blushed rather brightly and then rolled back onto his feet, helping the other three up. "Blimey, Potter, you're skinnier than you were with your relatives! Minsy!" An elf popped into existence, bowing low. "Bring these three some food, please. They haven't eaten in ages." Misny nodded her head excitedly and disappeared.
"What… Draconis, what on earth?" Narcissa Malfoy's voice demanded.
Draco looked sheepish, so Hermione stepped in. "Pardon me, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, we didn't mean to intrude quite so rudely. Especially me and Ron, I'm sure it's odd having us in your home. We are merely here for protection, and Draco is a dear friend of ours."
The Malfoys looked gobsmacked at her polite language, and Draco had a determined look on his face. "Mother, Father, these are my friends, and I may be in your house but I am an adult and I will not tolerate you insulting them. You either, Aunt Bella."
Lucius looked furious, but Narcissa touched him gently on the arm and glided forward to a stop in front of the four. "I trust you, Draco. Welcome to our home." She reached out and took Harry's hand, shaking it politely, and repeated the action with Hermione. She nodded at Ron, standing a bit further away, who returned the gesture politely.
"Protection? From what?" Bellatrix spoke up spitefully. "They must be lying, my Lord! What do they need protection from but you?" Her chest heaved as she raised her wand in Mione's direction. Before she could do anything, Draco, Ron, and Harry had simultaneously jumped in front of her and the Dark Lord spoke.
"No, Bella. You are quite right, I do not yet know their reasoning, but I can sense that they are not seeking protection from me in the home I inhabit. Lower your wand." His voice was calm but icy, and LeStrange all but dropped her wand as Minsy reappeared with a loud crack and a tray full of steaming food.
"Well, Potter. You owe me an explanation, so let's sit." Riddle gestured towards the collection of lounge chairs, and everyone took a seat.
Harry collected his thoughts. "I suppose our story starts about 17 years ago."