I have no memories of my own, but every human being keeps records of things they have seen and heard and done. I've used my own such records to piece together the things I need to know, sometimes with Narcissa's help, often on my own. In the Manor, there are... encyclopedias worth. So much has been saved, it was like reading the script of a play.
I found... letters. Letters to Cissa. From me. I was still young, I could tell, because there is a gradual but visible change between the way I am and the way I was, no matter which direction you look. These letters were written during the first war. I was in some distant location I couldn't breathe a word of even to my wife, who was at home. Taking care of our newborn son. And --according to the letter-- I was doing everything in my power to keep my son from the Dark Lord's hands.
...This gives me hope, Draco. That whoever it is I was to torment you so, I had something in me of who I wanted to be. Someone who was not m--
No. Enough. That is... all I intended to say. Perhaps I cannot be a father for you. But I want -- I ask you to let me be, a brother even, or a cousin. Or a friend.