An: The next few chapters will be written like this. Just the letters which Alice andAlyssa send each other. I thought this was fitting as the real story starts not until later so yeah...but not all of the chapters will be written like this. Sometimes there will be scenes with Alice and here friends back in the village. You'll see what I mean. Now have fun reading^^

10 September 1992

Dear Alice,

I have now completed my first week here in Hogwarts and I have to say that it's totally awesome. The subjects are really cool and interesting and even though the teachers look kind of strange they are very nice. Well most of them are. There is Professor Snape who is not very nice to any of the students. He also looks very intimidating...I hate it when he stands behind me while I mix my potion. And there is this very popular teacher Professor Lockhart. Every girl seems to fancy him but I just think he reminds me of our Uncle Herbert. You know, the German one who is really creepy. Oh and our Headmaster Professor Dumbledore is a really nice person. I like him, although he might be getting kind of senile. At least he seems to me that way.

Everything is so full of magic in this school – even the stairways move on their own. And there are ghosts Alice! Real live ghosts!

Oh and I was sorted into Gryffindor – the school is divided into four houses and Ginny says that Gryffindor is the best house. It's where the brave people go. Ginny is a friend I made. She even lives near us! She has six brothers, can you imagine that? Four of them are at the school right now and also in Gryffindor. There's Ron and Percy and the twins Fred and George. The twins always get into trouble with Filch the caretaker. Mind you Filch hates children so everyone could get into trouble with him but Fred and George love to play pranks on people so they get more detention than anyone.

There's also this boy in my house. His name is Harry Potter. Apparently he is really famous because he defeated you-know-who. (That's how they call this dark wizard because they are too afraid to call him by his name. I think it was Voldemort or something like that.) He was like the most evil wizard out there and he even killed Harry's parents (which is really sad) but was defeated by Harry when he was only a baby. He has now a scar that looks like a lightning on his forehead. He even showed it to me.

In the beginning of the school year Harry and Ron, who are best friends, flew to school with a flying car. Ginny told me. The craziest thing is: they were not expelled! Everything was fine! Oh but Ron got a Howler. Those are really scary. It's a red letter which screams the message right into your face. Everyone could hear his mothers shouting through the great hall.

Either way Ginny is really nice. She helps me a lot and explains things I don't understand. We are already the best of friends by now. She even told me that she fancies Harry but don't you dare tell anyone that I told you that!

Now enough of me. How are things going back home? I really miss you, mom and dad.

You would love it here Alice. I know you would.

Also I'm coming home for Christmas. Apparently I could also stay in school but I really want to see you.

Love,

Alyssa

15 September 1992

Dear Alyssa,

God you sound so excited in your letter, it must be wonderful at Hogwarts. I'm happy that you found a friend that fast. This Ginny sounds like a really nice girl to me. Even though her brothers, especially those twins, sound like nothing but trouble. But I think I might be right to say that Ginny must be used to trouble if she has six brothers. That's quite a lot. You'd still be better off staying away from those troublesome twins, otherwise you might get yourself wound up in things you don't want to. 

Either way it sounds good that Ginny lives near us, that means you two can meet up during the holidays. I'll send you some of your favourite sweets with this letter so you can share them with Ginny.

Hopefully you'll have no difficulties in doing your school work with those teachers of yours. If this Professor Lockhart is anything near like Uncle Herbert things could be getting a bit funny... Well I still think you'll get through it. Maybe he isn't that bad.

The story of this Harry sounds not good...maybe you shouldn't be near him as well? I mean...he even flew to school with a flying car! That's not something kids should do. Promise me to not get yourself into trouble Alyssa.

Mom and dad miss you very much too. It's now really quiet in the mornings. I miss your loud and excited talking while we had breakfast. It's different now... I miss you very much, little monster. Sometimes I don't know what to do with myself without you here. I mean when my friends have no time for me I'm mostly alone at home. It gets really boring sometimes.

Apart from that there's nothing exciting going on here. Mom bought me a new vinyl. It's one from the Beatles. You know how I love them and now I finally have all of their records.

But back to you. There are ghosts? Like real ghosts? Are they scary or are they, I don't know, nice fellows? I don't know how to imagine going to a school with ghosts in there. Might be interesting to see how I would react if one appeared right next to me...or maybe not...

You know you can always tell me anything so don't hesitate if something happens.

I love you very much,

Alice

Ps. I'll send the sweets with Cara. Seems a bit much to let Filou carry both I think.