'Dear Draco,

You're the only one I'm getting mail from. Maybe Ron and Hermione are busy... Or maybe I shouldn't have told them about the Dursleys.

Maybe they don't want to be friends.

Harry'

"That's not right," Draco muttered to himself, frowning. What could cause Harry to not get his friends' letters? Did something happen to their owls? Both of them?

It was unlikely but it was also possible... Draco would have to write and reassure Harry that everything was okay. With his past, it was understandable why he was so anxious. He'd also write Ron and Hermione, see if they respond. It didn't seem like them, to stop writing out of nowhere.

Right, he'd make sure to send those letters out today. Probably before he got lost in trying to figure out just what the Heir of Slytherin mess was all about. "Dobby," he hummed. Once the house elf appeared, he nodded. "Stay here a moment, will you? I'd like you to take some letters to Fay."

"Certainly, Master Draco." Good, Draco could at least count in Dobby to get this done. Draco smiled and nodded. He got to work right away on his letters before handing them over.

"There. Now, the top one is to Harry, and the bottom two are to Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley." Draco scoffed, shaking his head. "Thinking he hasn't got any friends. I'm his friend."

"Dobby will make sure they are delivered," Dobby smiled, exiting the room after giving an odd little twitch.

With a nod, Draco returned to the diary he'd been keeping at his side. He just felt...drawn to it, really. Probably because Riddle seemed to be the only one to really understand. But then, Harry was eleven, and Draco hadn't told anyone else. 'Have I told you about Harry? Honestly, grew up with MUGGLES! Can you believe such a thing? I can't imagine it...' Hang on. Riddle wasn't a pureblood name.

'I can, rather easily. I grew up among muggles myself. It... They weren't the best of times, so I can sympathise with your friend and his plight.'

'You...certainly don't speak with the same vulgarity and impropriety as some muggleborns I've met.' He spoke like a pureblood heir might, actually. Perhaps he was like Blaise, and was raised by his magical family- But, no. He said himself he had grown up among muggles. So what...

'I did spend six years of my life around Slytherins. I only went back to those muggles for the summer, never anything more. I... I never fit in there, anyhow.'

Draco rose an eyebrow. Finally, a chance to get more information out of him... But he'd have to be subtle. 'I understand that. Harry feels the same way.'

'You haven't told me much about your friend, only that he's destined to defeat some great evil. If he's being raised as such, are the muggles he lives with really so bad? He would live with his parents, wouldn't he?'

'I suppose it depends on what you see as bad,' Draco wrote, skirting the question. 'What are the muggles like that you live with?'

'Lived with,' Riddle corrected, and, really. It was incredible how the words felt amused. 'I'm just thoughts left behind, now. But when I lived, I grew up in a muggle orphanage. They...weren't the nicest of people.'

'Really? Is that so? I've only heard a couple stories about muggle orphanages. Something about hard lives, and tomorrow, and redheads.' He couldn't remember where he had heard that. Blaise, probably. It seemed like something Blaise would tell him about, muggle orphanages.

'I'm not sure what stories you've heard, but I can tell you that in my times the hard life bit was particularly true. I was in my teens in the late thirties into the early forties of the era.'

'Bloody hell. I knew you were old, but I thought you were only fifty, or something! It's 1992, right now!' Huh... He supposed this version of Tom Riddle would know what it meant to time travel - although whereas Draco had gone back, Tom seemed to have gone forward. Very, very far forward.

'Has that much time truly passed... Being how I am, I don't feel the passage of time, I suppose. For me, yesterday alone was when I was created and last used.'

Draco nodded to himself, as he wrote. 'That makes more sense, how you knew grandfather Abraxas.'

'He was three years above my grade. As I said, he enjoyed tormenting first years, beyond that, however, I didn't know him much.'

Huh... He was learning just a little more about Tom Marvolo Riddle.

::

"There is a limit as to how many books one can carry at a time. I thought you learned this during your exams." At the familiar voice, Draco poked his head over the pile of books in his arms.

"Oh! Uncle Sev!" Draco grinned, making sure the diary was hidden in the stack. "What are you doing here?" For a moment, Severus looked startled before smiling softly.

"Merely visiting Lucius on a matter about the school. What are you doing with all those books? Surely your other teachers didn't give you that much homework."

"Well, actually, sir, if you were to say that each of our professors assigned us foot-long research essays for over the summer, at the very least, and we have seven different professors, then really, I'm only scratching the surface."

"Mhm. You are aware you don't have to call me sir or professor when it's the holidays." Oh, right. That... That was a habit, in his defense.

"Well... You are technically still a professor, so it's respectful!"

"Trying to earn bonus points when the second year hasn't even started?"

Draco beamed. "Is it working?" That got a quiet laugh, and a ruffle to his hair that felt warm and familiar. Really, it felt nice to have his family back, untouched by what Voldemort would do in the future.

"Perhaps. You'll simply have to find out next year. Exam scores were sent out today, by the way. You should be getting them tonight, by the very latest. Knowing you, there's at least one or two bets going on your grades."

"Why! I never! How dare you accuse me of betting on academics!" Draco huffed, shifting his books closer. If exam results came out today, then it would take another day or two for him and Hermione to compare scores. Not that he needed to see hers to know he had won.

"Of course," Severus shook his head, ruffling Draco's hair again. "If you have yet to finish your Potions essay, your second year text will have far more information on the potion and ingredients than the first."

"Oh, yes, how riveting. A second year book," he drawled, feeling more and more like his old self. It wasn't his fault he outgrew all those books ages ago! Although he should probably be careful about acting too much like his old self. Severus was quick to notice things.

"While I was here, I was meaning to ask you... How is Harry doing? Has anything new happened since he went back with those he lives with?"

"Not really, although he said recently that Granger and Weasley stopped writing him. I highly doubt it, so I sent them letters to ask after it, as well as sent him one of reassurance."

"A wise move. It's possibly their letters simply didn't get delivered due to a multitude of factors. More likely, if Ms. Granger went through muggle post like I suspect she might. It's also possible his guardians are stopping any mail from getting to them, but I doubt that if owls are being used. He recievers yours well enough, from what you've said."

"Up until recently, we've all been in close contact- Did you know there are two other Weasleys?! There's seven of them! No wonder I always thought there was a million!"

"Oh, there's far more than seven," Severus snorted, shaking his head. "Their family is one of the largest - especially when it comes to purebloods. I believe there's a few dozen scattered about, here and there."

"What?! Bloody hell! Where are they hiding all of them?!" Draco laughed, following Severus until they got down to the Potions Lab. It was the same floor as the dungeons, but you had to take a different route as it was all separate. Thankfully.

"I don't think they hide very well, considering how much they stand out." Hm... When was the last time Draco had actually watched Severus make a potion in his free time that didn't involve school or Voldemort? "How has your summer been? Narcissa said you seemed to enjoy your late birthday, well enough."

"It was alright. What are you making? Can I help?" Hm, possibly something for Lucius or Narcissa. Maybe Pomfrey? Draco knew that Snape made quite a few potions for Pomfrey.

"I was planning on restocking the potions in the infirmary before school begins again, as well as the ones here at Malfoy Manor. Due to your father's ridiculousness when it comes to showing off, I'll be starting on the potions meant to cure hangovers." Draco snorted at that, laughing wickedly.

"Maybe make one for me. I plan on drinking my weight at the first opportunity." That got a small slap to the back of his head, and, right. He had only just turned twelve.

"Save it for sixth year, at the earliest. You wouldn't believe the amount of potions I have that go 'missing' around celebrations each year," Snape snorted, flicking his wand and letting the cauldron set itself up. "And yes, you can help if you wish."

"Perfect! So, lavender for calming, valerian sprig to act as a cheering item, can we add some roses so that the potion is more smooth?" Sighing heavily, Severus nodded as he started getting the ingredients out.

"One day you're going to tell me where you learned so much about potions."

"Reading." Hah. Right. Hey, Uncle Sev. Just thought I should tell you I've already taken seventh year potions, and that I went back in time! That would go over so well. Honestly... He'd probably end up in St. Mungo's, if he told Severus something like that.

"Mm... Still not going to tell me what you've been hiding lately, then."

"But sir, I'm always hiding something." Technically not untrue!

"Go get the ginger roots," Severus 'frowned', a twitching of his lips giving him away. "And your rose petals while you're at it, as well."

"Yes, sir!"

::

'Draco,

Did I do something wrong?

Harry'

What the... Draco frowned, looking over the letter and flipping it over. Nothing else to give any clue as to what Harry meant. Hadn't he gotten Draco's letter? If Hedwig managed to get here, Harry can obviously send and receive letters, so that couldn't be it. Although the strange sticker on the front was a little odd, it didn't seem there was anything too out of the ordinary... Ron and Hermione had mailed back and said they were sending their letters but not getting any replies...

Maybe the muggles were doing something to interfere with his mail. That would make the most sense, wouldn't it? Especially after all he had been told about them. Draco frowned before heading down the stairs of the house to the living room. "Mother? I think something's wrong."

"Oh?" Narcissa looked up from where she was writing a letter of her own, small frown on her face. "What's wrong, darling? Something with one of your friends?" Slightly shaking, Draco handed over the letter.

"That's it. And- And he never sends muggle mail. He said before that he stopped getting Ron and Hermione's letters, and- I think it's those awful muggles he lives with." As Narcissa looked over the letter, her frown deepened even further.

"Draco, I want you to write back. If the next letter he sends you doesn't seem to be in accordance with what you wrote, we'll know for sure his mail is being kept from him and we'll be able to do something to remedy the situation."

"What if he doesn't send a letter back? I would think he'd know if his mail was being kept from him. They tore up his Hogwarts letters in front of him!" The more he thought about it, the more worried he was getting. Was Harry being mistreated even worse than before? Was all of Draco's interference in his life making it worse?

"If he doesn't respond by the end of July, I'll be visiting his place of residence myself to inquire about him. If they dare try to lie to me, well... Let's just say young Harry won't have to worry about them much longer."

"But mother," Draco whined, slumping into the seat next to her and leaning against her. "That's two weeks away." Plus the end of July would be Harry's birthday. He deserved more than just waiting around expecting the worse.

"Yes, but I wish to be certain that something is wrong. It could just be something happened in his life that he didn't feel like fully explaining. We'll get to the bottom of this, Draco, and help him if need be."

Draco sighed, giving a small nod. "Yes, mother." He would have to go write to Ron and Hermione and give them an update on the situation, just so they didn't do anything rash or foolish. He'd tell Harry, but... If the muggles were keeping his mail, they might be reading it, as well.

Rushing back to his room, Draco wrote his letter out to Harry quickly. He held it out a moment later before pausing. Wait. He should be certain this gets there. Turning to Merlin, he smiled. "Hey, boy." Merlin gave a ruffle of his feathers, looking over to Draco before hopping over curiously. "I need you to take a letter to Harry."

At Harry's name, Merlin puffed himself up before sticking his leg out, looking very important about the matter. Draco smiled and handed it over. "It's very important. I need it there as soon as possible." Merlin looked very serious as he nodded, taking the letter carefully and then flying over towards the open window. At least Draco was sure this letter would get to Harry. Merlin had never once failed in delivering or receiving anything, and Draco was sure he wouldn't, this time. Draco smiled slowly as he watched Merlin leave.

The smile started to fall as he looked back to the letter Harry had sent him. Did... Did the child really think they would abandon him all that easily? After all they had been through in the last year together? They had saved the school and fought Lord Voldemort, together! He couldn't really believe... Well. Maybe he did believe it. He had mentioned that Draco had been his first friend, and he only spent time with the three of them. If he suddenly had no contact from any of them... He really hoped Merlin got that letter to Harry, just to let the child know they were still there for him.

Draco looked to his nightstand before frowning and shaking his head. No. Harry's situation was his to tell. He wouldn't tell Riddle without Harry's consent. Harry no doubt would find the idea of a diary that writes back interesting, once Draco told him. If he told him. For some reason... Riddle felt like something that needed to be kept a secret. Ah. He was a Slytherin. He could keep one measly little diary a secret. Besides, there were still things he didn't want to tell Harry, quite yet. Or ever.

Maybe after this was all over, but for now... There was a lot he couldn't tell Harry. Maybe not ever. Really, how did you tell a kid he had part of Voldemort's soul in him and was destined to die in battle? No. Draco wouldn't be telling Harry that. And...he didn't want to tell Riddle, either. He... Draco didn't trust him. Not entirely. Not the way he trusted Harry.

It was nice to tell a few of the secrets he had been hiding, but there were some that he wouldn't be telling anyone. Not for a long, long while... Sighing, Draco tucked Harry's letter away alongside the other's the boy had sent. One year down and six more to go... He really wished he knew what he was doing. Or at least knew better ways to help than just...nudging them from the side. They needed to stop Voldemort rising. This past year hadn't stopped it. Just delayed it till fourth year.

Right... He couldn't keep stressing over what was going to happen in the future. That would get him nowhere. He just needed to take a breath, relax, and keep looking into this whole Heir business. He knew it had happened once before... Maybe Riddle knew something about it? He was in the school around that time. Hm... Draco walked over to grab the diary, opening it. 'What do you know about the Heir of Slytherin?'

'How could you know about that? The Headmaster said the details of the event would never be released or told?' Oh, now that was interesting.

'I've my sources. What do you know?'

'Only that the Heir of Slytherin was said to control a monstrous beast that lived in the Chamber of Secrets. I played a part in stopping the Heir, myself, but... If I truly did, then there's no way you should know of any of this.'

'Really, Tom, you're much too full of yourself. I have ways of getting information, when I want it. I am a Slytherin, after all.' Hm... Strange.

'The Heir was a student who attended alongside me, a few years younger than I was. I don't think they knew what they were doing... I don't even think they were the true Heir. I believe they saw this creature and thought they could help it, unknowing of the death and danger it brought. The student was expelled, but we never found the beast.'

'What's the name of this student?' Someone from the thirties? Then how could the Heir of Slytherin be back, this year? It made no sense. A descendent, maybe?

'Rubeus Hagrid.'

Draco scoffed aloud at that. 'You're kidding, right?' There was no possible way for it to be Hagrid. In fact- He remembered revelling when he was taken from the school. Didn't...the attacks continue after he left?

'As I said, I don't think he knew what he was doing. He was only a third year at the time, and his Gryffindor bravery tended to get him into trouble. I don't think he meant to hurt anyone, but before I could voice as such, he had already been expelled and I was told to keep quiet.' Hmph... Draco pulled over a piece of spare parchment, and wrote on it. He didn't believe that for a moment- Hagrid was a bit...much, when it came to those creatures of his, but he was harmless. Relatively speaking. 'How do you know of Rubeus? If the year is as you say, he could be in his sixties, at this point.'

'You know, you would think that the Heir of Slytherin would BE a Slytherin. A pureblood, even.' It was the only thing that made sense, the only thing. Pah, Hagrid as the Heir. Ridiculous.

'Perhaps, I don't know everything that happened. Only what I discovered.'

'And how did YOU discover all of this?'

'Students were being petrified and a girl had died. They were ready to shut down the school and I... I didn't want to lose my home. Not the only one I ever had. So I started searching until I found something. It wasn't easy, but... As I said, I couldn't lose my home.'

Feh. Preaching to the choir, he was. 'How had they been petrified? Was there any sort of magic in their systems? How were they found? Who was the girl that died? Were the students cured of the petrification?' There was a long moment of nothing before the words started coming through, as if thoughts transcribed instead of full sentences.

'Not sure, none that was found, lost in the hallways or rooms, the girl who died was in the bathroom, Myrtle, all students cured from Mandrakes.'

'Moaning Myrtle?' She'd... She'd died from the Heir of Slytherin? Then no, it most definitely couldn't be Hagrid. He probably wouldn't be able to live with himself if he'd been the one to kill her.

'What? Oh... Oh, yes. She came back as a ghost, didn't she... She would be one of the Hogwarts ghosts, now, I suppose.'

'She mentioned something about Olive Hornby, and everyone just adoring her.' It was meant to comfort him, in sixth year. She'd been comparing Hornby to Potter.

'Ah, a rather popular older student, I believe, that enjoyed getting her way. Myrtle was a Ravenclaw, so I didn't know much of her, but she was fiercely bullied from what I heard.'

'She was. Incredibly so.' Hearing tapping at his window, Draco looked up, beaming. "My Hogwarts letter!" The diary was abandoned at once as Draco ran over to accept the letter, the owl giving a polite little hoot before perching on Merlin's usual stand. Probably to await his response and acceptance for the coming year. Draco took it gratefully before nodding. "My response will be along shortly."

The owl gave a soft hoot, heading back out of the room with grace. Really, the school owls were more pretentious than Merlin and Hedwig combined- Actually... Now that he thought about it, Draco had never seen Hedwig deliver a letter to him. Which was strange. How had Harry gotten the last one back to him? Had it gone through the muggle post? But they didn't even have a proper address!

Huh... He remembered vague mentions of the Ministry handling things like that. Wizard mail getting lost in the muggle post and then re-sent to the proper address. Had Harry known that, though? It seemed unlikely. Well. In just a couple weeks, they would be stopping in. Because honestly. His mother had lost her mind, if he thought that he wasn't going to be coming with her. He had to make sure Harry was alright!

He had better be alright... If those muggles hurt him, then Draco was going to be changing quite a bit this time around. Especially if it meant giving Harry a safe home.