The tension lingered when they all woke the following morning. Soft sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. Jazz sat in a booth by the window, jotting down 'potions ingredients' on the parchment in front of her while sipping her coffee. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air, creating a comforting ambience despite the unease from the night before.

Harry came down, fully dressed from his shower, and took a seat opposite her. He waited until she looked up and almost burst out laughing when she startled. "Didn't mean to scare you," he teased, a grin spreading.

Jazz rolled her eyes, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "If I had my wand, I'd have hexed you for that."

Harry's laughter was short-lived as he noticed the dark circles under her eyes. "Rough night?" he asked gently, his brow furrowing in concern.

Jazz sighed, rubbing her temples. "You could say that. Danny just doesn't get that Phantom..." Her voice trailed off, and she shook her head, looking down at the list and pushing it away. Changing the subject, she continued, "It doesn't matter. I need to replenish my stash of potion ingredients, and we can get yours and Danny's ingredients as well. Professor Snape prefers it when students have the necessities. Where is my little brother anyway?"

Harry shrugged. "Probably still asleep. He did mention his sleep pattern being ruined last night."

Jazz frowned but accepted it, sipping her coffee once more. "First time out of America, I can imagine it. I was the same when I started Hogwarts. The first few nights are horrible, but he'll get used to it."

As she spoke, Harry read the list she'd written and frowned slightly as he felt his scar twinge, bringing his hand up to scratch it. "I guess."

A man looked over as the students conversed at Harry's short hiss of pain before going back to his drink and newspaper. The din of the early morning patrons began to fill the dining area.

Harry couldn't shake his curiosity about what Jazz had been about to say. He looked at her intently as he brought his hand down. "Jazz, what did you mean about Phantom?"

Jazz hesitated, her fingers tracing the edge of her coffee cup. "It's just... my parents think Phantom is dangerous. They're always talking about how he's a menace to society."

Harry leaned forward; his eyes wide with interest. "But do you think that? I mean, he's just trying to help people, right?"

Jazz's expression softened, and she sighed. "I don't know, Harry. It's complicated. My parents think he's a threat, but they don't see what I see. When you're a kid, you see things differently. Sometimes, I think Phantom is just misunderstood, not to mention he was probably still a kid when he died. I mean, he's saved Amity Park quite a few times, one of them being when the entire town disappeared into the Ghost Zone… but he's also held the former mayor hostage and he's also stolen. But he's always claimed he's been innocent."

As Jazz spoke, Danny came down the stairs quietly, overhearing the conversation. He hesitated on the last step, unsure whether to reveal his presence or continue listening.

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "I guess it can be hard to know what's really going on when you're not in someone's shoes."

Jazz sighed again, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Yeah, exactly. And Danny... he just doesn't understand why our parents are so obsessed with catching Phantom."

At this point, Danny decided to step in. "Morning," he mumbled, trying to act nonchalant as he approached the table. "What's for breakfast?"

Jazz looked up, slightly startled. "Morning, Danny. We were just talking about getting some potions ingredients today."

Harry smiled at Danny, sensing the tension between the siblings. "Yeah, we'll get everything we need for Professor Snape. How did you sleep?"

Danny shrugged, avoiding eye contact with Jazz. "Not great, but I'll be fine."

Jazz took a deep breath, trying to keep the peace. "Don't worry, Danny. You'll get used to it. Hogwarts can be overwhelming at first, but you'll find your rhythm."

Danny gave a small nod, still looking a bit sullen. "I guess."

The rest of breakfast was spent with Jazz trying to strike up a conversation with her brother, only to be met with stony silence every time. Finally, it seemed to become too much for Jazz to handle as she got up from the booth and returned upstairs, leaving both Harry and Danny watching her retreat before they exchanged a look, both unsure of how to proceed. The silence between them seemed to stretch, only filled by the hum of the dining hall around them.

Harry, finishing off the cup of tea he'd ordered with his toast—a choice that seemed to disgust Danny if the look on his face was any indication—decided to try a different approach. "You know," he said, keeping his tone light, "I bet Professor Snape will be insufferable if we show up without everything on that list. We better get ready to get this stuff."

Danny managed a faint smile at that. "Yeah, probably. Better get it over with."

Later, as they walked through Diagon Alley after exiting a shabby shop that looked like it had seen better days, slimy, smelly packages in hand, Jazz couldn't help but look at her brother and sigh, "Danny, about last night..."

Danny looked up, surprised by her tone. "It's okay, Jazz. I know Mom and Dad mean well, but... it's just hard, you know? Being away from home…"

"You can always talk to me, little brother." Jazz smiled softly, looking to Harry on her other side, "You too, Harry."

"Thanks, Jazz," Harry piped up. "Right now, I just want to get used to being… this."

"It's easier after a semester at Hogwarts. Remember, you won't be the only ones who've found out you're wizards recently. There's bound to be plenty of muggle-borns." Jazz chuckled softly and took the packages from the boys, putting them in a shopping bag before pulling out a list. "Right, I believe we still need to get your cauldrons, potions equipment, and telescopes for Astronomy."

Danny perked up at the mention of the subject. His eyes seemed to come alive as she looked at him specifically and grinned, ruffling her brother's hair and ignoring the protest he gave. "Jazz, get off."

Jazz laughed but relented, letting go of Danny's hair and walking ahead, calling back, "Let's go get your potions equipment."

She led the way to Potage's Cauldron Shop and disappeared inside, Danny following behind. Harry paused to admire a gold cauldron in the window display but froze as he heard someone say his name.

"Potter?"

Harry turned, surprised to see Piers Polkiss standing there, looking very out of place amidst the bustling magical shops and wizards. Piers's usual confident demeanour had faltered, replaced with a look of confusion and unease.

"Piers?" Harry said, astonished. "What are you doing here?"

Piers scowled, trying to recover his bravado though he held up what looked like a Hogwarts letter. "What do you think, Potter? Came to see the sights."

Harry looked from the letter to Piers, who kept a scowl on his face. "You got a letter?"

Piers nodded, clearly frustrated and confused. "Yeah, but this place is bonkers. I didn't think any of this was real until now."

"But you made things happen, things you couldn't explain, right?"

"I guess, but they always seemed to happen around you too."

Harry looked back at the shop, wanting to keep Jazz in sight before Piers muttered, "Yeah. Back in primary school, there was that firework that went off in class. Almost set the room on fire."

Harry remembered that. He'd gotten a fortnight in the cupboard for that, even though he'd protested that he hadn't been in the room at the time. Uncle Vernon hadn't believed him and neither had Aunt Petunia when the door had closed behind him and locked from the outside.

"I remember." Harry turned away to go into the shop, sensing that Jazz would probably start looking for him if he didn't show up, pausing to say, "I also remember getting the blame for it. Uncle Vernon wasn't happy that day. I also remember being chased by you, Malcolm, Steven, and Dudley every day. I don't want it to happen at Hogwarts either, Piers."

Harry's words hung in the air as Piers shifted uncomfortably, his bravado slipping away. He looked down at the ground, the weight of Harry's memories pressing on him. After a moment of silence, Piers took a deep breath and met Harry's eyes, Harry having turned to face the bully once more.

"Potter... Harry," Piers started, his voice unsteady. "I... I didn't realize how bad it was for you back then. I thought we were just having fun, you know? But I see now that it wasn't. I'm sorry for everything. For the chasing, the bullying... all of it."

The sincerity in Piers's voice took Harry aback. He hadn't expected an apology, and for a moment, he didn't know how to respond. He studied Piers's face, searching for any sign of insincerity, but found none.

"Thanks, Piers," Harry finally said, his voice softening. "I appreciate it. And... well, this place can be a fresh start for both of us, right? Let's leave the past where it belongs."

Piers nodded, a small smile breaking through his uncertainty. "Yeah, a fresh start sounds good."

"Harry?" Jazz's voice called, causing Harry to turn. She and Danny were approaching, and Jazz had a questioning look in her eyes.

"This is Piers Polkiss. We went to primary school together. He's also going to Hogwarts," Harry explained, introducing Piers to the group. "Piers, this is Jazz, and her brother, Danny. They're both students at Hogwarts. Danny is gonna be in our year."

Jazz extended a hand, her smile warm. "Nice to meet you, Piers."

Piers shook her hand awkwardly. "Yeah, you too."

Danny gave a hesitant nod. "Hi."

Seeing the lingering tension, Harry decided to take a chance. "Piers, why don't you join us? We're getting our school supplies. It'll be less overwhelming together."

Piers looked hesitant, his eyes flicking from Harry to Danny to Jazz and back again. "I'm waiting for Professor McGonagall. She's just in that white building over there," he said, pointing to Gringotts.

Harry nodded, remembering the daunting experience of his own visit. "At least you haven't been in the vault area. The cart ride is something I don't recommend. You may as well wait with us."

"Okay, I'll join you. Until my mum comes out of the bank."

Yeah, I... I decided to include Piers Polkiss to the Hogwarts Alumni...

Sue me, I had to. I'm also thinking of redeeming Draco when the Battle comes up. I hate that they didn't include a scene from the Battle of Hogwarts.