YES I CAN HEAR YOU.

Now STOp writing in my journal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Journal,

I plan to ignore this Molly person. What could possibly have possessed you, dear journal? A demon, maybe? A ghost? A spell performed by a certain Draco Malfoy? I don't like this, it is an invasion of my privacy. And this Molly person thinks that I am a MALE. I am a GIRL. Tyne is a FEMALE name. What a knucklehead.

I am going to ignore her. Ignore her, and write about my arrival to Hogwarts. I suppose I shall mark this page somehow- drawing or something. For I suppose that it is an important event. There, do you like the crystal ball I drew up there? Smashing, isn't it? I am quite pleased. Alright, now I shall tell you of my train ride and arrival.

Father and I left for the station at half past ten, and arrived there at ten thirty. Since the train left at 11, we were able to buy some things he thought I might need from the "Do You Need…Magical Items you might have forgotten" shop by the tracks. Paper, quills, and a tiny travel book that is somewhat like a dictionary- I ask it something, and it will give me information on it. ( I asked about Swampwash, and it gave me 7 pages of information on the school. It sounds rather like Hogwarts)

Then, who should appear but Mr. Malfoy and Draco, who was sporting new robes and a wicked grin.

"Ah, Magnus, Tyne, how nice to see you." Mr. Malfoy said, and my father returned his greeting.

"Excited about going to Hogwarts?" Draco asked me while our fathers talked.

"Rather. About time I got away from home, isn't it?" I asked "Are you excited?"

"Of course I am. I can't wait to be sorted into Slytherin. Won't it be great, Tyne, we can take over Hogwarts!" he cried. I looked at him rather unbelievingly- Draco has some pretty big ideas about things, he always has. I got into trouble with him on New Years once when he convinced me to help him interrupt the dinner party where our parents were. Dad gave me such a talking to, and banned me from doing anything fun for a week. Draco was worse off- I don't know exactly what Luscius Malfoy did, but it must have been horrid.

But back to my previous topic. The station was filling up, and I saw Draco sneer as some red-headed boys came through the wall. I grinned. It was the infamous Weasleys, no doubt. Draco loathes them. Mostly because of his fathers hatred for their father, but also because Ron Weasley once beat him at a muggle two legged race, and Draco is a sore looser. I elbowed him, and asked if he was going to go say hello, but just then Father swooped down on us, and told me goodbye. I reached to hug him- I do love my father, you know, dear journal- but he backed away. I was confused, and hurt, and maybe father saw it, of he handed me a small satchel of coins and told me to use them wisely. I think he meant use them to bribe an older Slytherin to get me things from Hogsmeade. But anyway, Draco was going through something similar with his father, but looked as though he expected it. Then we went towards the train. I don't think I had ever realized until then that my trunk really was very heavy. I pulled and pulled, but it budged only a few inches. I looked towards where father was, but he had vanished. I felt rather angry at him, for abandoning me, mostly, but also for giving in to the presence of Luscius Malfoy and not hugging me.

"Do you need help?" someone asked, startling me. I looked up and sat a boy with winged sort of glasses, red hair, freckles, and already in robes, with his house badge on them. A Gryffindor House badge. I nodded, and he grabbed the other end of my trunk. This certainly made lifting it easier, and he helped me carry it up the steps to the compartment that Draco had gone into. Then he must have realized who I was, because he put it down, and left without waiting for my thank you.

"Tyne, was that a Gryffindor?" were the first words out of Draco's mouth when I entered..

"Probably" I told him, flicking my hair behind my ear as I sat down.

"Don't you know better than to associate with them?"

"Obviously not, mummie." I sneered, opening my travel book to it's center, I said "Radcliffe."

"What?" Draco demanded

"Looking up my ancestors in my book, Draco, to see if you're my real mummie, or if you've just taken that role because mine happens to be a ghost…let's see…nope, Malfoy, Draco doesn't seem to have married into the Radcliffe family in the past 10 years."

Draco gave a short laugh "Your hilarious, Tyne. Really funny." He said, advancing to grab the book.

"Nuh uh, I know you too well Draco Malfoy!" I cried, jumping up onto the cushioned seat to hold the book over my head.

"Tyne!" Draco cried, and attempted to pull me down by the dangling sleeve of my robe.

"Your cheating!" I exclaimed, dancing out of his reach. Before he could say anything, there was a grunt, and Draco's minions, Crabbe and Goyle, entered the compartment.

"Uhh…Tyne." Goyle said "Why are you up on the seats?" his voice is really low, and rather hard to follow, so I blinked, then realized what he was asking.

"To get away from Draco." I told him, jumping off so that I could stand on the ground. Everyone was looking at me as if I had sprouted another head, and was drooling.

"Oh, come on now, don't' tell me Slytherins can't have a little fun?" I asked them.

"We aren't Slytherins yet. And after this little display, I think you may well belong in Hufflepuff." Draco informed me. I seethed.

"A Hufflepuff? Why, that makes you one two, Draco, seeing as how you were behaving the same way!" I said, rather loudly. Draco turned pink.

"Take that back Radcliffe."

"Never, Malfoy." I snarled, balling my hands. Draco jumped, and in a minute, we were fighting. Crabbe grabbed my collar, while Goyle grabbed Draco's, and yanked us apart.

I grinned at Draco. "Your lucky Malfoy, I might have hurt you." I told him. Draco grinned as well

"Yeah right, Radcliffe, I'll bet." He said, then looked at Goyle "Put me down you dolt!" Goyle obliged, and Draco held out his hand.

'Friends, right Radcliffe?"

I shook it "Right Malfoy. Whatever you say."

The train ride was peaceful, if not somewhat boring after that. Draco and his goons talked, and tried to include me, but frankly, their talk does not interest me. After an hour, I got up, and told them I was going for a walk. They waved me away, and I slipped out, fully aware of the fact that I was about to begin at Hogwarts. This is the school, dear journal, that dad went to as a boy. More importantly, this is the school mum went to. Mum, who makes no sense because she's half insane, went to this school, and she was a prefect, and people knew her.

But enough. I m supposed to "forgo silly sentiment" that's our family's unofficial motto. Our real motto is Vis Vita, Fragilitas Mors, which means "Strength is Life, Weakness is Death." And our crest is gold, and on it is a red snake, whose jaws are open to display huge fangs. In the snake's coils is a wand. I have it painted on my trunk.

Back to the original topic: I went walking down the train, looking into open compartments, and smiling at some people I knew- all potential Slytherins. Then I came to an open compartment that had two boys in it. I would have walked on had I not seen the boy with black hair lift up his fringe and display his scar- yes, dear journal, this was Harry Potter. I blinked, and backtracked until I was standing just before their compartment. There, I listened in on their conversation, which was rather dull because the red-haired boy- probably a Weasley, if I am to judge by his red hair- was explaining to Harry Potter about the wizarding world. Perhaps I would have heard more if Draco had not spied me and called out "Tyne, what in the world are you doing?" at which I had to bolt past the compartment and down the hall.

"Tyne! For heavens sake!' Draco yelled after me, until he passed the compartment with the two boys. There, he stopped, and entered it. I turned around, and walked back towards where he was standing, just in time to catch him say something to the Potter boy about choosing the right people over the wrong people. Then Draco stalked off, and I ran to catch up, cursing myself for following him- again.

"Tyne, you ought to get over your silly obsession with Harry Potter." He sniffed, while Crabbe and Goyle snickered.

"Go suck a gargoyle." I told him

"It's true though- you ask too much about him, and you were spying on him. As Slytherins- future Slytherins- we do not like Potter. Are you forgetting that he overthrew the Dark Lord?" his voice lowered to a whisper "A man both of our fathers were faithful to." He hissed

"My father was not!!" I exclaimed, pushing him out of my way as I burst past.

I refuse to believe that Father had anything to do with You-Know-Who. He can't have. He's not a bad man, journal, we all know that. Well, you and I know that. Everyone says he did stuff- stuff like the Deatheaters did. He's not a killer, and although he doesn't love muggles (they are, after all, inferior to the magically inclined) he would never kill anyone. He's not violent, he's kind, and caring, he loves me, and he loved my mum. I can't believe that people assume he's evil just because he is friendly with Mr. Malfoy. Really, the idea is absurd.

But back to my story. We got back to the compartment, where I changed into my robes, while they waited outdoors. Then they changed while I waited. We bought some snacks from the old witch with the trolley, and I read up on "Potions and Charms for the Young at Heart." Then we arrived. My stomach began o bubble, and my hands itched, and I grabbed Draco's sleeve and whispered. "We're here!" rather feverently, so that he was forced to shake me off and say

"Of course, Tyne, where else would we be?" although he looked just as excited.

We stood around, feeling strange, until a voice called out "Firs' years over here!" and we gladly followed the sound of the voice until we came to a very large man (he must have been half giant, or full giant) who was grinning broadly.

"That oaf is Hagrid, the grounds keeper." Said Draco next to my ear "Big, and about as stupid as they come."

"Oh, is he related to Crabbe and Goyle then?" I asked nonchalantly, and heard Draco laugh.

"Probably." He said.

Hagrid instructed us to get into boats (no more than 4 to a boat) and hold on. Then the boats glided across the lake, and I sat, ready, like everyone else, to catch a glimpse of Hogwarts Castle.

Oh, but it was beautiful. Huge towers loomed in the distance, shadowed by the setting sun. It looked formidable, it looked grand. Oh journal, but I was excited!

Our boats were moored, and we were directed into the main hall, where a stern looking witch greeted us. She informed us where we would wait, and left again. Draco and I exchanged glances. Many of the first years suddenly gasped, and I looked up to see two ghosts float into the room. I chuckled scornfully; because mum's a ghost, I've gotten used to her sudden appearances and even her poltergeist behavior (that is, as you know, when she has her fits, and snarls and throws thing, just like some kind of wild animal)

Draco laughed as well, and shot me another look. I was about to say something, when the doors opened and we were lead into the great hall.

I must admit that even I was nervous, and tried to blend into the group, quite happy that my hair is dark brown, and that I am not very noticeable, as Draco and those red-haired Weasleys are. The stern woman (whose name, by the way, is Professor McGonagall) called us up one by one, and we had to sit on a stool, putting the patched hat (which first sang a rather strange son, about which house we would belong to if we fit such and such a trait. I hope that I am cunning and will do anything to achieve my ends. I know father certainly would, which explains why he was in Slytherin..) on our heads. I watched as many frightened first years tried the hat on on, then leapt up to join their house tables. I clapped cheerfully as the first Slytherin joined the house table. Draco was called up, and sat on the stool, sending another glance in my direction. I grinned wickedly, and raised my eyebrows, as if to say "Scared are we?" And he pulled the hat over his eyes. In the next instant, he became a Slytherin, and grinned at me as he took his seat. After him, the other person of interest was Harry Potter. When his name was called a hush fell over everyone, then they all started whispering. The Potter boy had the decency to look embarrassed, as he put the hat on. And of course he was in Gryffindor. For where else would he be? He needn't have even tried the hat on. Finally, the Professor called out

"Radcliffe, Tyne" and I walked to the stool, trying to look as tall and proud as I could. I am quite lucky that my face often remains expressionless, and rarely changes color, no matter how embarrassed I am. For I was quite frightened, and embarrassed that everyone was watching me. I pulled the hat on, and it fell over my eyes. Suddenly, a voice said.

Well, well, another Radcliffe. I remember your parents. Your mother was the hardest to place. So noble and brave, yet quite intelligent as well. Your father was easier, he was quite determined to be in Slytherin to please his father. He could have been a Gryffindor if he'd wanted.

And where shall I place you? You have the smarts for Ravenclaw, the cunning for Slytherin and some deep down bravery as well. I'd almost say Gryffindor, but that's not what you want, is it?

"No" I thought to the hat " I'd rather be in Slytherin if it's all the same.."

Of course it's not all the same. You could be a great Gryffindor… the hat trailed off, and I almost thought it had sighed, but then it seemed to regain it's thoughts Very well, if it is truly the house you want, you'd best be in SLYTHERIN

The name of my house was shouted, and I got up, handed the hat to the Professor, and went to sit beside Draco, who whispered "What took so long? You were there for a good 5 minutes."

"We had a nice little chat." I told him, sneering. Then I sat down to think about what the hat had said. A Gryffindor? It must have been confused. I am no more a Gryffindor than You-Know-Who. And that's saying a lot. Besides, father would murder me. Mother would be proud, thought, she always speaks of that house quite fondly, although I am not sure why.

Father says that mum was more a Slytherin anyway, but I am not so sure. She sure seems to love muggles. Whenever she could, she'd slip in tiny hints "Tyne, pure blood doses not mean better blood. Or "Tyne, just because someone's blood is pure, it does not mean their heart is." And nonsense like that. Everyone with a grain of sense knows that pure-blooded witches and wizards are much more superior to mudbloods! It is the first lesson any good parent teaches their children. Father says so, and I believe father more than some ghost, I

I am afraid I had to stop there for awhile, before finishing. Blaise Zambini had just come into the room to see if I wanted to go exploring. I said I would love to, and off we went. We didn't get very far, of course, because Marcus Flint, Quidditch Captain, and Prefect, stopped us. He demanded where we were going. I am glad that Blaise answered, for she is such a quick thinker. She told him we were going to the owlry, to mail a letter to my parents. Flint suggested he accompany us, and so we had to go, and then I had to write a quick note to father explaining about my day and such. I mentioned which house I was in. He will be so pleased, I know. But back to what I was telling before, because I ought to have finished with it before coming to what I just wrote. But never mind.

Back to my story.

After everyone had been sorted, the Headmaster, who name was Dumbledore, stood up and made a short and strange speech (I missed it because I was busy examining the crest that hung over the table, as well as the one that had appeared on my robes when I was sorted. They were lovely and I couldn't help smiling at mine, and running a finger over the lovely embroidery. It is almost like our crest at home. The Slytherin crest is a silver snake on a green background (the Slytherin colors) the snake is cleverly coiled into the shape of an S, although sometimes it is a backwards S. The whole affect is quite lovely, and I intend to copy it into my journal at once. If you give me a minute, I shall do so.

There. Keep in mind that I did not draw that. I used a few spells from a book that I borrowed from Blaise. She really is a nice girl. Long blonde hair cascades from her head to below her waist, and she is tall and skinny, with rosy cheeks. She is quite pretty, as has been pointed out to her several times when I was with her. The msot intriguing thing about Blaise is her ability to be unnaturally cruel. Already I call her the Ice Queen in my head, for when she is angry, she is quite emotionless, and strikes as quickly as a snake. She also does this to people of other houses. We were walking to class, and a small, squat Gryffindor boy bumped into her. She turned around, called him and oaf, and an idiot, chastised him, and flung his books down the hall. Then walked on as if nothing had happened. I must admit, I felt quite bad for him. He is in our potions class, and looks to be a nice person- even if he is a Gryffindor. His parents are the Longbottoms, of course. The fools who defied a death eater and paid the price of eternal madness. But the boy is clumsy and appears stupid, and thus I pity him.

I have been having a strange time here. Blaise is quite good at getting exactly what she wants from people, and quite often she gets me to do things I would not otherwise do. Such as play cruel pranks on other students, especially those in our dorm. Blaise detests Pansy. She thinks that Pansy looks like a pug who ran into a wall. She also does not like Millicent Bulstrode, whom she says is frumpy and stupid. She does like Draco, whom she says is good looking and intelligent. And she likes me, because I am intelligent and know things that even she does not. Or so she says, although Blaise knows a great deal more than me in some areas. Draco is already throwing around his weight, impressing the older Slytherins by picking on the other houses. And myself…I am not sure. I still wonder why the hat thought I could possibly belong in Gryffindor, so I have checked to make sure that I am not going soft. But we shall see, dear journal. My first lesson is tomorrow, and we shall see.

Until then

Tyne Nyoka Radcliffe

Add on: do you like my rose? Drew it for no reason a few minutes ago, while Blaise talked on and on about Draco. I think she is quite smitten with him. But she has left now, and I really should go to sleep.