Chapter 15:

Summer on Her Own

The following morning, Tom, the owner of the Leaky Cauldron, helped her get officially settled in. He grumbled a bit when learning she didn't have much money with her, but seemed to lighten up when he realized she just needed to make a trip to the bank.

Tom led Jessa to a back corner of the inn and tapped a few bricks, out of her reach. She stared in amazement as the whole wall opened up to reveal a long road full of colourful shops.

Pointing to an older building rising above the others straight ahead, he wished her a 'good day', and reminded her of the payment due upon her return.

It was overwhelming. Vibrant and full of life with magic happening everywhere.

She began walking towards the bank first. The odd workers there eyed her suspiciously, but when she was able to prove who she was via something called a "magical signature", she was permitted into her family's vault. Jessa gaped. When Harry had said their parents had left them money behind, he hadn't mentioned this. There were piles and piles of neatly organized coins.

No more hand-me-downs, no more feeling utterly second-rate. Of course, she knew better than to spend a lot at once, but after all that she'd been through, to know she could now afford (girl's) clothes that fit. It felt good.

Upon returning to the Leaky Cauldron, she paid Tom the barkeep for the next two weeks' worth of nights, plus use of two owls. She thought about getting her own, but decided against it for now. She could just imagine Uncle Vernon's expression if there were two owls in the house.

So instead, she simply borrowed two owls, sending them into the evening sky with messages for her friends.

Draco looked up as a grey owl tapped impatiently against the sitting room window. He didn't recognize it, but let the animal in all the same, taking the scroll from its leg.

Draco –

I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron for the rest of the summer. I was sent a letter from the Ministry of Magic for underage magic. But it wasn't me! It was Harry. Do you know of any way I can get it reversed?

I hope your summer is going well. I can't wait see you again.

– Jessa

Well, that explained why he didn't recognize the owl. Why was he not surprised she had been blamed for her brother's problem?

He quickly wrote back, a rare, soft smile coming onto his face as he did so.

Not even two weeks later, her Hogwarts letter arrived. Jessa was thrilled at the validation that it hadn't all been a dream…or worse, was about to be taken away from her due to Harry's mishap. She packed her new, small purse to carry her essentials and the following morning, swung it over her shoulder and met the Puecys in the Leaky Cauldron dining hall.

"Jessa!"

She turned and embraced her friend. "You're doing alright, yeah?"

Jessa nodded before her eyes slid behind Taryn.

"You remember my brother, Adrian, right?"

She looked up at the taller boy, a few years ahead of them. Now that Taryn was officially introducing him, she did remember the Chaser.

He stepped forward to shake her hand. "You're the girl who subbed for Malfoy last year."

"I am. Jessa."

"And is there a surname to go with that?"

She looked up to where Mr. and Mrs. Puecy stood behind their children.

"Potter. And yes, I am related to Harry; he's my brother," she replied, albeit a bit coolly as she once more learned to ignore the surprised glances.

The parents pushed past the children, moving to lead into Diagon Alley.

"Well, c'mon Jessa!" Taryn said, gesturing to her friend. She smiled and excitedly joined her in walking into the various stores for the second year's supplies.

Granted, Taryn had many of the items, thanks to her older brother…but then again, so did Jessa. The two didn't truly need as much supplies as they did time to catch up, so they ended up rather quickly at Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. She continued to be amazed at the flavour variety.

She ended up getting a vanilla bean and cinnamon scoop. It was delicious.

"So how'd you end up staying at the Leaky Cauldron, anyway?"

She sighed. "My brother blew up our aunt like a balloon. She floated away. However, I got the letter for improper use for underaged magic."

Taryn winced. "Sorry to hear that. But I wouldn't worry about it."

"It's just…frustrating to be blamed for Harry's mistake."

"I understand that. I've been blamed for Adrian's mistakes multiple times. It's a sibling thing. But that doesn't explain what you're doing at the Leaky Cauldron."

"I – er – may have ran away after it happened," she admitted.

"What? Jessa, why? No offense, but you're not exactly old enough to live on your own."

"Well, I couldn't just stay there. Between the mistake with Harry and my relatives being…well, them. It's not a pleasant experience and I felt I'd be safer not living there."

"I'm sorry it's not a good situation for you."

"Hey. Mum and Dad want to leave. Are you almost done?" Adrian asked, coming up to their table.

"Come with us," Taryn said, looking directly at Jessa. Adrian's surprised expression matched Jessa's as they replied at the same time.

"Excuse me?" / "Sorry? I – no. I couldn't – "

" – why not? We have the room, and it's only for two weeks. Besides, doesn't it beat staying here, on your own?"

"Hang on, you're staying here?" Adrian exclaimed. "Why?"

"It's – er – complicated."

"C'mon Jessa, our parents won't mind," Taryn said.

"Because they were so welcoming to me earlier."

"They were just surprised at your last name and placement. It's nothing," Adrian explained. It wasn't as if he – along with, well, anyone who knew the Potters, let alone Harry Potter, would have had a different reaction. Especially given their parents' alignment during the first Wizarding War.

"Jessa, please?"

She looked between the siblings, before groaning. "Fine, yeah, okay. If you're sure you don't mind, that they won't mind."

"They won't. Let's just grab your stuff. Adrian can help carry it."

"Gee, thanks for volunteering me," he mumbled, but when he caught his sister's friend looking back at him, he nodded at her, trying to show he didn't mean it badly.

Jessa gaped as she stepped through the fireplace. She had to steady herself – it certainly was an odd way to travel.

She stopped to look around the foyer.

"It's not much, but – "

" – it's amazing."

"You'll stay in Taryn's room. I hope that's sufficient."

She nodded. "Yes, Sir. Thank you for letting me stay with you."

Taryn jerked her head towards the stairwell. "I'll show you where my room is."

Eagerly, Jessa followed her friend. "Seriously, Taryn. Thanks."

Taryn shrugged. "What are best friends for?"