Dear Diary,

I'm sorry, I have forgotten about you because you were hidden under my bed. I was afraid someone would find it and read about Hermione. I have just returned home for Christmas break and instead of greeting me with a hug when I got home, my father shook my hand. Are all fathers like this?

My mother was a bit better; she hugged and kissed my face at Platform 9 ¾ and told me she missed me. I love my mother. I think my father is getting worried about him, but mother says he is stressed because of work. I don't think so. I found out today that Father was a great supporter of him, but claimed to be under an unforgivable curse when he disappeared. He donated large amounts of money to the ministry one day. I'm not stupid, I know it's because he needed to buy his way back into the ministry's good books.

I am in my room tonight, with only Helios for company, because my father ordered me to stay there for a week. I suppose I'm grounded, but I've already been beaten this afternoon. My school report arrived today, and my father approved of my scores- of course, that was before he found that Hermione (a muggleborn), had beaten his own son in every subject. I got a huge flogging that my mother had to rush in and cry for my Father to stop. He put her under the cruciatus curse for interrupting my punishment. I will try and please my father next year.

The morning was fun; after breakfast I went flying on my broom in the gardens and grounds of the manor. It was a great site. I know how my friends' parents don't allow them to fly alone. Their parents are always on about how they could get hurt. Blaise complains a lot about this, but secretly, I wish my Father would care just a little bit about me, and not about our reputation and name.

I noticed Hermione was staying at Hogwarts for Christmas, because I overheard the three Gryffindors talking about 'checking the library again' for something. She is very dedicated to her studies, and I love that about her. She is one of the smartest girls I know, though I'm careful not to show that I like her. Father speaks of her often, though it is often very rude or mean. I just nod. I wish I could stand up for her and tell my father he is wrong, but I don't want my Father to be mad.

Christmas is coming soon; I love Christmas, I get very good gifts. They're never what I want, because my father never gives me anything that isn't expensive. He says that 'Malfoy's never settle for second best'. I don't have any toys, only expensive clothes. I wonder how it is to live in a loving family like the Weasleys.

I can't stop thinking about Hermione. I am constantly thinking about her, and I know I have a crush on her. I wish I could stop thinking about her; I am frightened about what father would think if he ever found out. He would be very mad of course, and he would probably give me another round of the cruciatus curse. It hurts terribly, and I would rather die than be put under that curse again.

I sometimes dream about Hermione. Last night I dreamt of her chocolate brown eyes. I want to go back to Hogwarts to see her, but I know it is impossible. I wish she knew that I don't really hate her, like I pretend to.

Sincerely,

Draco Malfoy