~Author's Note; Alright, so I'll keep the note short...This is my first time EVER writing a Harry Potter fanfiction. In the past I've written for the anime, InuYasha, and y'all know I've done a bunch of How To Train Your Dragon. But after a Harry Potter marathon with the kiddo, I've had...Ideas. So this is my first HP fic and I hope you'll like it. Now, onto the story!

It was funny how time flew by. The words stood true that blinking could make someone miss it. Another year gone by, bringing an end to Harry Potter's fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Currently, Harry James Potter stood on the busy platform, his trunk faithfully beside him as he waited in a large group to board the Hogwarts Express. A train that took the students to and from Hogwarts, it would take them now back to Platform Nine And Three Quarters and from there; students would break off to return to their families. For Harry, he was returning to Privet Drive; the home where his Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and cousin Dudley lives. It had been a long and hard year; ending on a sad note. As it had been like the last three years; things happened. Harry recalled his first three years at Hogwarts vividly. His first year and second years were filled with facing the man who killed his parents, James and Lily Potter. Voldemort. Everyone called him he who should not be named, but Harry didn't care. The dark wizard was very much alive. The last battles had been Harry's victory, but it was never a defeat. The dark lord managed to escape him his first year as Harry learned Voldemort couldn't touch him due to love; a powerful gift he obtained through his mother's sacrifice for him. In his second year, Harry faced Voldemort's younger self that had been preserved in the pages of his own diary; Tom Riddle, a former Slytherin student from year back, who turned out to be Voldemort. Harry beat him by destroying the diary.

However, Harry's third year didn't involve facing Voldemort. Instead, Harry learned a man who escaped Azkaban, a prison, was a murderer. Sirius Black. Harry also learned that Sirius, who was an animangus, was innocent, betrayed by another follower of Voldemort; Peter Pettigrew, who had been living as a rat with Ronald Weasley's family for twelve years. Sirius, and his friend, Remus Lupin, a werewolf, uncovered the truth and Harry learned Sirius was also his godfather. All in all, Sirius was now in hiding until he could be proven innocent from things. Pettigrew had vanished. This year was hard. It was the Tri-Wizard Tournament, hosted by Hogwarts. They competed with two other schools, and instead of there being three competitors, of course, there were four and Harry was the fourth. It was dangerous, and Harry hadn't wanted to be part of things; he had been set up to compete. Three tasks; the first was fighting a dragon for a golden egg. The second, being underwater to save a friend. The third, a dangerous maze; the competitor to reach the championship cup in the middle would be named winner. Harry managed to save one person who got overtaken by the magic in the maze, then he saved another and because they were both from Hogwarts; the two decided to take the victory together. The moment their hands touched the cup; it went horribly.

The cup was a portkey, it took them to a graveyard. Harry watched helplessly as his friend was immediately killed with an unforgivable killing curse. Harry then could do nothing as he watched Voldemort be brought back to life. The two battled and Harry managed to escape with his friend's body back to Hogwarts. It was tearful and hard. Upon returning to the school people cheered for the victory, but soon learned of the death. Harry discovered someone put his name in the goblet of fire, which is how he became a competitor in the tournament. Harry hated that people were being hurt and killed over Voldemort's obsession with destroying him. In his second year, his friend Ron's little sister, Ginevra, or Ginny Weasley, had been overtaken by the diary. Third year, Sirius had hurt Ron to get his attention and reveal the truth. But this year had been the worse, by far. A death. And Harry couldn't do anything to stop it.

"All fourth-years, line up to board!" Called a voice. Harry grabbed his trolley and prepared to get into line to board. Harry had his eyes closed as he moved among the students, so he shouldn't have been surprised when he crashed into someone head on and immediately fell to the ground upon losing his balance.

"Watch where you're going, Potter!" Shouted an all to familiar voice. Harry looked up to find himself across from none other than Draco Malfoy.

The two of them had been rivals the last four years ever since Harry refused to be the boy's friend when he insulted Ron during their first year and had only just arrived. Malfoy, as he was commonly referred to as, was a pure-blooded wizard, sorted into the Slytherin House four years ago. Draco seemingly hated Harry, and Harry didn't really care; he couldn't make everyone happy. He was pretty famous as the boy who lived, the only person to ever survive against Voldemort and he did it as a baby. All he got out of it was a lightning bolt scar on his forehead; it often warned him of danger in the form on burning or stinging sensations. Draco had a slim figure, white-blond hair and gray-ish eyes. A pale complexion too.

"Sorry, Draco…" Harry apologized; he knew it was his fault they had collided with one another. Curse his not paying attention. Normally, Harry would just call him Malfoy, but he did feel bad for their collision.

The Slytherin boy, now fifteen years of age, got to his feet quickly, brushing off his robes. He looked down at Harry readjusting to get himself up and noticed the far off look in Harry's green eyes; the sadness. Draco felt a little bad; he knew Harry didn't have a good year with Cedric Diggory's death and the formal return of the dark lord. Come to think of it, Harry didn't have a good first or second year at Hogwarts either. Rolling his eyes, Draco bent a little and offered his hand to Harry to help him up. Harry eyed him curiously, but decided not to make a fuss as he put his hand in Draco's as the male pulled him up on his feet and then let go of Harry's hand to return it to his own side.

"It's fine, but maybe be more alert in crowded places." Draco remarked calmly. Harry nodded as he fixed his cart upright and stood in silence. "Why would you think it's a good idea to walk around with your eyes closed?"

"I've got a lot on my mind…" Harry replied with a sigh.

"I can only imagine with…What happened this year," Draco said. "I'm…Sorry for the loss of your friend…" He muttered out.

Harry looked down, eyes closing again to take a breath, then brought his eyes up to the Slytherin's. "Yeah…I'm sorry too. And I'm sorry about crashing into you…You're right, bad place to get lost in my thoughts."

"Apology accepted, Potter," Draco informed. "Where are Granger and Weasel. Isn't it Granger's job to keep you out of trouble?" He joked with a smirk.

"Guess I've worn out your niceness," Harry stated.

"Niceness?" Draco asked.

"Yeah. I crash into you and you end up helping me to my feet and giving condolences to Cedric's death? What else do I consider that as if not you being nice?" Harry wondered.

"I suppose." Draco shrugged. "Don't get used to it."

"Come on. Seriously, Malfoy…Do we have to keep this up? The rivalry? It's so four years ago. We're not first-years anymore." Harry told him. "Is it like, a Slytherin oath to be mean to everyone? Or are you just mad at me that I didn't accept your friendship?" He questioned. "I only didn't take it because you came off as an arrogant, better than everyone else kind of guy."

"No, there's no oath in Slytherin about how we treat others, but more than a few of them have the opinions about the muggle and half-muggle blood thing." Draco said.

"And you? Do you still believe pure-bloods are better than everyone?" Harry asked.

"It's how I was raised." Draco told him.

"But do you believe it, Malfoy? Honestly? Sure, maybe when you were growing up; that's all you had to go on. But look around. Hermione is a muggle-born witch and she's one of the brightest. Ron's a pure-blood. I'm a half-blood. We all get along great…Just because you were raised the way you were doesn't mean you can't have your own opinions about things." Harry informed.

"I…Guess muggles and half-bloods aren't so bad…" Draco admitted. "Tell a soul of what I said just now and I'll hex you. I don't believe we're all equal, but I'll admit they're not bad either." He warned.

"I won't say anything," Harry smiled.

"Good. If you keep that to yourself…I'll agree to a truce and end our rivalry," Draco looked at him, a smirk forming. But nothing that rang danger to Harry. "Deal?"

"Deal," Harry agreed.

"That being the case," Draco offered his hand, a mirror image from four years ago. "Maybe be friends? Quietly, for now. No need to make it a big deal with everyone, right?"

"I'm sure we can work on it," Harry extended his hand and shook Draco's. "To starting over."

"Starting over." Draco replied. "We'll talk over the break. I can fire-call you, right?"

"Uh…Not exactly. I live with my aunt and uncle, in the muggle world. So…You'd have to stick to letters, or just drop by maybe. My guardians are pretty…Well, let's just say I'm not their favorite person and they really dislike anything magical." Harry told him.

"Wow, so some muggles don't like us as much as we don't like them. Good to know," Draco chuckled a bit. "Well, we better be off before the train leaves without us. I'll owl you, or pop in with proper warning in advanced. I've always wanted to see the muggle world." He confessed.

"Right. See you around, Malfoy." Harry waved.

"Bye, Potter," Draco waved.

From there, the two went their separate ways to wait in line and board the train. Soon, they would be on their way home. Harry was glad for the truce with Draco, even if they were still going by last names for talking; it could change as they become friends. Harry understood Draco wanting to keep quiet about things; it would cause quite a stir among Slytherin and Gryffindor houses. Besides, they only had a truce and might talk over the holiday until fifth year began; they weren't totally friends yet. Harry found a compartment on the train and sat down to wait for Ron and Hermione.

. . .

Only two weeks had passed since Harry returned to his aunt and uncle's home, and as he expected; it was right back to the normal. Granted, not as bad, but Harry was still expected to cook and clean as chores. Things differed in the way his aunt and uncle didn't ban him from getting letters from his friends as they remembered Harry's second year of school, when his friend Ronald and his two older twin brothers Fred and George showed up to rescue him in the flying car. Today, Harry had finished his work early and was able to go out for walk. Harry wandered to a playground about ten minutes from the house and took a seat on the swings to relax a bit.

Harry closed his eyes to enjoy the somewhat cool breeze before hearing familiar sounds of an owl coming his way. Harry looked to see a gray owl that he didn't recognize flying towards him with a letter. Harry instinctively put out his arm as the bird landed and ruffled its feathers.

"Hi, there," Harry greeted the new bird. "Who might you be?" He wondered, not expecting an answer. The bird gave Harry a letter addressed to him in a fancy black envelope and silver writing. "Thank you." Harry smiled as he looked over the letter a bit more, flipping it over to see a familiar M on the back; it was Draco Malfoy's seal. Harry knew Draco wore a ring with the same letter. Then the owl must be Draco's. Harry opened the envelope and pulled out the parchment to read whatever Draco had sent.

Potter,

Hope this letter finds you. How's your holiday going? Sorry my letter isn't much. I'm not one for really doing this. I wasn't sure where to send this, but I've given Ulysses instructions to locate you and only you. I normally don't use owls for messages, other than my mother sending me things while I'm at school. So if you want, we can continue to just use my bird, or you can have yours follow mine to know how to reach me. Respond so I know you've received this.

Signed this day, the 29th of June 1995.

-DLM

Harry chuckled at the message. Hey, at least Malfoy was trying small conversation. Harry would write back tonight to him; he didn't have his things with him to respond now. So the owl's name was Ulysses, good to know. Harry folded the letter and set it back in the envelope before transferring it to his pocket., then he relaxed on the swing. Harry was surprised Draco sent something only a week into the summer holiday; he truthfully expected Draco to forget. Harry would have Hedwig follow Ulysses for the sake of knowing. Harry now just wanted to relax and enjoy the day. There was only about seven weeks until school was back in session, so Harry was excited about that. Harry hung at the playground for several hours, then returned to where he was staying. He would be expected to make dinner and clean up from it before he could relax in his room and start writing replies to friends since he knew messages from Ron and Hermione came earlier that day during breakfast.

It was about 7:00 pm when Harry finished the dishes and then went to his room quiet. Ulysses was sitting on the roof, as instructed so Uncle Vernon wouldn't become upset about there being two owls present in the home. Harry sat down at his desk and pulled over his parchment and quill to reply to his messages. Ron and Hermione first, now it was onto Draco. Harry considered what he would say. Finally, Harry put quill to paper and began writing. It was nothing massive as he didn't want to bother or annoy Draco with his ramblings. After a few sentences, Harry set the quill aside and let the letters dry before putting them in their respected envelopes. Harry only labeled Draco's as D. Malfoy. It was simple, and technically not needed since that letter was going with only Ulysses back to Draco. Harry relaxed a bit, reading his spell books to be familiar with last years work since he didn't have his books for fifth year yet. Those lists got sent two weeks before school started, and as agreed; Harry would be going to the Burrow to see Ron and his family. The family and Harry would be go to Diagon Alley together to get their school things. Hermione usually came too.

Harry gave Ulysses the letter for Draco. "Can you take this to Draco, please?" He asked gently. The bird chirped a bit and headed off quickly. "Hedwig, follow and then after you find Draco's place; return to give these letters to Hermione and Ron." Hedwig rubbed her face to Harry's then followed the gray bird. Harry yawned a bit as it was now about 9:00 pm. Why stay up? Harry got comfortable in bed and drew the covers up, soon, he was fast asleep and anxiously awaiting to return to Hogwarts in September.

. . .

In the Wizarding World at Malfoy Manor; Draco Malfoy had just prepared for bed and reading a book to wind down for the night. The boy was relaxed as it was about 10:00 pm and the 3rd of July. Soon, it would be the 4th. The male heard sounds outside his window and saw Ulysses tapping on the glass; he set his book down and went over to open it up. His owl flew in and perched on his desk with the letter down. Next, Draco was surprised to find white owl with black spots sit on the window sill with letters under it's claws. Draco peeked quickly to find the top one revealing Ron Weasley and under that, the Burrow. Draco could only assume the second letter was for Hermione and this white owl was Harry Potter's. Draco went to his desk to get the letter from Ulysses; he popped the envelope open and pulled the letter out.

7th of July, 1995
Malfoy,

Great to hear from you. I realize we never exchanged information on where to send letters. Ulysses found me fine on a walk around. I'm sure you've noticed upon his arrival was a white owl, her name is Hedwig. She'll probably only stay the night to rest and then head off the next day to deliver the letters I have for my other friends, so don't be alarmed if she takes off. Also, don't try to touch her without some kind of snack; she'll peck at you if you don't bring offerings in the form of food. My holiday has been alright, bit boring, but mostly using the time to try and stay busy until school comes around again. Hard to believe we're going to be fifth-years in September. How is your summer been going? Hope to hear from you again soon.

-HJP

Draco was somewhat relieved Ulysses was able to reach Harry. Now there was no worry of letters going elsewhere. Also, Draco had to chuckle at Harry's warning about not touching Hedwig or he'd be pecked. It seemed fair, but he was sure Hedwig would warm up to him if they saw one another frequently. Maybe he'd go visit Harry soon, but he'd need to find where Harry lived to do that and also how he'd get there since he couldn't floo to the muggle world nor could he apparate without training, which was not even allowed to be taken until 6th year, and at that; not take the test until he was seventeen. Draco had to admit he was kind of glad he decided to help Harry that day at the train platform; they made a truce and were working towards friendship; it was nice, but he wouldn't tell anyone yet. It would cause some problems to just reveal out of nowhere that he and Harry were friends after four years of fighting. Besides, he and Harry weren't friends just yet. They were on a truce and supposedly getting to know one another.

It was late now, so Draco would reply to Harry in the morning. Draco had Hedwig come in a bit more, then he closed the window and left some food for both of them as he climbed back into his bed to finish the chapter he was reading. Not long after, Draco left the book on his nightstand and laid down to drift off to sleep after his lights were out in the bedroom.