Alyssa saw the students appear at Hogsmeade one by one through the portkeys and wondered why they had to do that. Well at least it looked like no one had splinched yet. What had happened to the Hogwarts Express?

She hadn't got on the train with them at King's Cross Station. In fact, she hadn't even been sure that she would be going to Hogwarts this term. But she had been given the 'seal of approval' from her grandfather and since she always stayed active, healthy and fit, had recovered quickly from her surgery.

She stood hiding behind one of the walls with her mother who had apparated her here. She knew that she should go up and greet her friends but something made her feel apprehensive. She looked at her mother and shook her head. She still wasn't ready to join the rest yet. Maybe after everyone had made their way to the castle and were being sorted or enjoying the feast, would she quietly enter the castle and sneak up to her House Common Room and just go straight up to the Girl's Dorm.

Already she was missing Evan as she held the locket he had given her. Alyssa sighed. It would be at least 4 months before saw him in person. But then she remembered and smiled, they would still be able to see each other through their magical two way mirrors.

Alyssa picked up her luggage and following her mother, made her way to one of the seats hidden from sight, and waited for everyone to leave.