Dear Diary,

I'm so sorry that I haven't written in you for ages! I've been so busy. Magic is fascinating, and the wizarding world even more so. Even if they do seem rather behind the times in some way. Did you know, they've never heard of electricity? Someone said the people at Hogwarts are more up-to-date on "Muggle" things, but fancy that! There were candles and floating lights everywhere in the shops. Seems a dreadful fire hazard, if you ask me.

Anyway, I'm sure you'd love to know all about my visit to Diagon Alley. It was fantastic. We went to Gringotts to exchange our money. Magical money is so funny. Galleons and Sickles and Knuts, I swear, my head is still swimming. And Gringotts is run by goblins. I didn't know they were real! I couldn't help staring a little, but I felt so embarrassed. After all, I know how that feels. People kept staring at me with my forearm crutches, and that was dreadfully awkward. My face turned red as a sunrise.

Ollivander's was our first stop, and that was quite a treat. I'm the proud owner of a wand now! It's a lovely wand. 10 3/4 inches. Elder wood, and a phoenix feather core! It's apparently destined for amazing things. I only hope that my wand will take me along for the ride!

I may have gotten far too many books at the book shop (including one on Ethics, but how could I avoid that one, Diary? I implore you!), but mum and dad didn't mind, thankfully. They're used to having a bibliophile in the family. I even managed to get an owl! It's a gorgeous little one, with very fluffy feathers and the most reassuring golden eyes. I've named her Phoebe. I like the name Phoebe. It suits her.

Anyway, I shall have to tell you about getting to Hogwarts. Platform 9 3/4 is quite an...adventure. I was sure I was going to smack right into a wall. And it was so noisy. I am not ashamed to admit I had a sensory meltdown, Diary. But mum was brilliant, helped me get to a quieter corner and calm down a bit. Even if people did stare. I'm not ashamed to be autistic, Diary, but I am ashamed of the reactions I get sometimes. Bad enough to have someone's dad ask me why I was crippled. As if it's any of his business!

The train ride was lovely, though. I spent the entire time sitting with a French girl. Her name is Alysee Sang, and she's lovely. She told me that she has a very hard time with English, but she sounds fine to me, if a bit old-fashioned. She's coming to Hogwarts because her family's determined, apparently. Not very happy about it, but what can you do? At least she's in the same House as me.

Oh, right! I should tell you about the Sorting, shouldn't I? I was expecting something much more dour, but all it turned out to be was trying on a funny old Hat. It told me that I'd have quite an adventure at Hogwarts and thought that despite my loyalty to friends and everything, I'd probably be better off in Ravenclaw. I'm so excited. I was terribly afraid I'd end up in Gryffindor, and then I'd be miserable.

Alysee ended up in Ravenclaw, as well! And well, quite a lot of people, actually. The names all blurred past me, though. I hope I remember them soon. It's so embarrassing when you don't know your Housemates' names.

I didn't tell you the best part, though, Diary! You remember how concerned I was about ending up in the girls' dorm? Hogwarts apparently anticipated it, and I'm in my own dorm! It's a little hidey-hole under the stairs, and I don't know if I'll end up with anyone else, but it's lovely. 

Well, I'm exhausted, Diary. I'm afraid I'll have to talk to you tomorrow.

Until later,

Faelyn