Dear Diary,

I'm sorry, in all my excitement, I've splotched ink over everything. But it's a rather exciting thing when you discover that magic is real. Not just abracadabra and waving your mum's wooden spoon everywhere when she's not looking (and getting it taken away for your troubles). But real, genuine magic!

I've never really had "bouts of accidental magic," like the Professor explained last night (I'm sorry, Diary, I simply can't remember her name). At least, I don't think so. Oh, things have happened that were a bit...odd. But really, doesn't that happen to everyone? So it was more than a shock to have a random owl turn up on my doorstep, and even more of a shock to have someone in funny black robes follow shortly thereafter!

It was a really cute owl, too. Very fluffy. Kept nibbling my fingers and hooting at me, in the most reassuring way I've ever heard. I keep begging mum and dad for an owl of my own, but they aren't sure yet. I'm sure I can wear them down before term starts, though! Think of how useful an owl would be. I'd be able to write to them, and not try to rely on the postal service. After all, I'm...not entirely sure that the postal service can even go to Hogwarts. It seems unlikely, considering the Professor said that the castle looks like a wreck when Muggles see it. (Muggle is such a funny word! Apparently it means "not magical." I don't like it much, though. I don't like separating people out like that.)

I only have a few concerns, Diary. I really, really hope that I don't end up in the girls' dorm. Or the boys' dorm, for that matter, that would be worse! Do you think Hogwarts might have a spot for a non-binary, genderfluid person like me? Oh, I hope so. I would hate to find out that it doesn't. It's been bad enough in regular school. And regular society, really.

You know my other concern, don't you, Diary? I'm sure you do. I'm bringing my forearm crutches with me to school, because otherwise I can't walk, but I'm afraid that people will laugh at me. And I'm afraid people will make fun of me if they learn I'm autistic. And that I have other learning disorders. (Not to mention my other mental illnesses.) I'm still intelligent. I just don't always understand properly. I take things too literally. Do you think the professors will understand? I'm too scared to tell them. Maybe I'll feel braver once I reach Hogwarts!

The Professor gave me a book to read, until I can make it to Diagon Alley. It's called Hogwarts, A History. It's fascinating. There are four Houses in Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. I wonder which one I will be Sorted in? I would like Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. I wouldn't mind Slytherin, either.  I really hope I don't end up in Gryffindor, though. I can't see myself being happy there at all! It sounds like such a loud House. I don't like noise.

Well, Diary, I confess I am utterly exhausted right now! I hope you don't mind if I decide to turn in now. Tomorrow I will have to practice using quills. The Professor said they're encouraged. I cannot see this going well, considering how bad I am with regular pens and pencils (life is not kind to the left-handed!). 

Until later,

Faelyn