Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Foreword: I'm a little surprised with the reaction I have received in regards to this story. I had thought that the age difference and the fact that this new Hermione is a slightly different girl would put off several readers from continuing. Needless to say, I'm overjoyed that so many decided to continue reading after that prologue. Hopefully, I made everyone's expectations with the following chapter.

Chapter I

I'm Back

Hogwarts Castle was bustling with activity as the contingent of First Years followed after the stern-looking Deputy Headmistress; the young new students had already began grouping themselves with those they had sat next to on the Hogwarts Express. Each and every single one of them were eagerly chattering over the mystique that the magical school held as many – especially the muggle-borns – had never seen such fantastical displays of magic in all of their short lives. Even for those that were accustomed to nature of magic were in awe as portraits hailed them from their frames with welcoming greetings.

Hermione Hawthorne was one of very few new students whom had taken in the excitement in stride. While the others busily talked over their exposure to the grand experience of stepping into the castle for the first time, Hermione remained quiet and continued to watch with glee as something new entered her line of vision. Upon first glance, Hermione looked entirely like the kind of child too bashful to say a word. She was a mousey little girl with short, messy hair that looked entirely too wild to maintain properly. Her hair sported various shades of brown – from light to dark – and its bangs hung messily over the top half of her eyes. Resting loosely on the bridge of her nose were her dark, rectangular spectacles. The frame was large and too big for a girl her age. The glare from the lighting of the esteemed halls of the premier magical school in Britain was just enough to cover the brown eyes that she had underneath her broad eyewear.

Perhaps it had something to do with her upbringing, but Hermione hardly cared much for her appearance. She had not always looked the way she did. Several days before, Hermione had long hair that cascaded brilliantly down to her waist. Unfortunately, her younger brother had accidentally placed gum on her hair and she had decided to cut her hair herself. The glasses she was currently wearing had belonged to her grandfather's and she had taken to wearing it after she had misplaced her contacts the day before. Considering that she had the same prescription as her grandfather, it was only practical that she used his glasses. Nevertheless, her entire appearance at the present could have someone easily misconstrue Hermione as a male if it were not for the fact that she was wearing a skirt that belonged to the Hogwarts uniform female ensemble.

Funnily enough, it was entirely that misunderstanding that had led to her meeting her first two friends. In front of her standing side by side was her new friends, Dorian Drakul and Lianne Hayle. Their introduction into Hermione's life had been entirely humorous and just remembering it brought a smile to her face.

"Excuse me, do you mind if we sit here?" Dorian had asked her when he had opened the door to her compartment. When Hermione had first seen him, she was ecstatic that a girl had arrived. His smooth, pallid skin, aristocratic, good looks, and straight, long hair that stopped at the base of his neck had entirely given her the impression of a little girl.

"Of course." Hermione had said then. "Feel free."

"Great!" Dorian had shouted and then turned around to face another girl, Lianne. She was extraordinarily pretty. Her eyes were the iciest of blues and her hair was a silvery blond that fell down to her waist. She carried with her an aura of utter grace and elegance. "This boy decided to let us sit with him!"

"Dorian, I don't think that's a boy." She had replied, her tone even.

"You're a girl?" Dorian had asked with shock.

"You're a boy?" Hermione had equally replied back.

After that embarrassing first exchange, the three of them sat together for the remainder of the journey to Hogwarts.

"...Hermione?" Dorian's voice pierced through her thoughts.

Hermione, brought out of her reminiscing, stared blankly at Dorian's and Lianne's curious faces, his steel grey eyes and her icy blue ones gazing at her patiently. She blanched, "Oh, I'm sorry, Dorian. I wasn't paying attention."

Dorian pouted, a little disheartened, but repeated himself, "I asked what House you think you would be sorted into, Hermione. I'm not entirely too sure where I would go, I'm the first in my family to attend Hogwarts. My older brother and my father went to Durmstrang and my mother attended school in America."

"And I said that I wasn't sure." Lianne interjected. "My father was a Gryffindor and my mother was a Slytherin. Both of them want me to go their House."

"How about Hufflepuff, Lianne?" Dorian offered.

Lianne shuddered and sneered, "Heavens no. Anything but that."

As the two childhood friends bickered over the merits of being in Hufflepuff, Hermione took the time to contemplate. Although she had read – thank goodness for Hogwarts, a History – about the Houses, she wasn't exactly sure herself. Unlike Dorian and Lianne, her parents – as well as all her ancestors – didn't have an ounce of magic in them to be privileged enough to have ever attended Hogwarts. With that in mind, Hermione was not too sure what House she would be placed in. She didn't even know which House she wanted to be in to begin with.

"To be honest," Hermione began answering. "I'm not exactly sure. I don't really care so long as I'm in a House with one of you two. Wouldn't it be nice to be sorted into a House with your friends?"

Dorian and Lianne exchanged a brief look before smiling at Hermione. They both nodded in agreement. The three of them chatted some more as they hurriedly followed the brisk pace Professor McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress, was moving at. It was not long before all of them arrived at an empty chamber that was off the Great Hall. The students began crowding in, peering about cautiously as they grew nervous.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room.

"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.

"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting. I shall return when we are ready for you. Please wait quietly."

With that said, she left the chamber.

Next to Hermione, Dorian gulped. Among the students, the only two that remained relatively calm and collected were Lianne and Hermione. The two of them shared a patient expression as they glanced around the chamber at the rest of the students. One boy in particular, nearest to the wall, was boasting that Gryffindor would be where he would be sorted. The kids that were near him listened to him, more concerned with forgetting their own nerves rather than actually taking a word of what he said.

"So, why aren't you nervous, Hermione?" Lianne asked softly, "I thought you, of all people, would be more frantic about this, being a muggle-born and all."

Hermione frowned at the use of being called a 'muggle-born'. While it was not particularly insulting and was only meant to be a classification more than anything, it felt derogatory when she was referred as being one. Ignoring that, Hermione replied, "I'm not exactly sure myself. I just feel like I've been through this before. I really can't explain it."

Lianne simply shrugged and that was the end of the conversation. However, Hermione still continued to ponder over her feelings. She could not explain it, but Hermione never felt more peculiar in all her life. Ever since she had taken her first steps into Hogwarts, Hermione felt as if she was reliving a memory she remembered not having. With every step she took, more and more she saw the image of beautiful, young girl moving hastily along the corridor alongside a boy who had the warmest smile. They were only flashes, but the entirety of the vision felt so vivid. It puzzled her to no end.

"Move along now," said a sharp voice. "The Sorting Ceremony's about to start."

Professor McGonagall had returned, "Now, form a line and follow me."

The Sorting Ceremony had begun.

For all of its grandeur, from the flickering, candle lights floating high above them to the bewitched night sky that made up the Great Hall's ceilings, Hermione could not bring herself to be as excited or in absolute admiration like the other First Years. She acknowledged the beauty of the impeccable presentation shown to them and the welcoming feel it exuded, but Hermione felt as if she had been through this several times before. As she pondered over this, the peculiar Sorting Hat had finished its song and the Deputy Headmistress was already calling in individual First Years' names to be sorted.

"Drakul, Dorian!" Professor McGonagall shouted, Hermione's stream of thoughts broken as she heard her new friend's name.

Dorian jumped excitedly as his name was called. Before rushing off towards the stool, he briefly turned to Hermione and Lianne, "I hope we get into the same House!"

He quickly sauntered and sat the stool. Professor McGonagall placed the withered hat atop of his head. After several seconds, the Sorting Hat bellowed, "SLYTHERIN!"

Polite applause rang throughout the Great Hall from all four House tables and the Head table. Hermione noticed that the Slytherin table in particular were more energetic in their cheers; they were actually whooping with excitement as another student was placed into their ranks. As she watched Dorian took a seat at the table, sitting close to the other First Years that had been sorted there previously.

"Unexpected." Lianne said next to Hermione. "I had pegged Dorian to be a Hufflepuff. He is far too nice for his own good sometimes."

Hermione stared at the blond girl curiously. She remembered being told that the two of them had been close friends since they were toddlers. Hermione had to laugh at how polar opposites the two of them were. Whereas Dorian was sunny and a bit timid, Lianne was able to silence anyone with an icy gaze and was quick to make the other party timid instead. Their dynamic was interesting to say the least.

Hermione wished she had close friends she had known since childhood. Her family moved often when she had been younger, causing many of her friendships to be short lived. Her older and younger brothers were too far from her age to actually want to do much with her and her father was far too busy trying to make end's meet to cater to her whims. These slew of events eventually helped develop an independent streak within Hermione that so far had done her well. Hermione was perfectly fine if she was ever by herself. Regardless, Hermione preferred the company of others if it was available.

"Do you think you two would be together?" Hermione asked.

Lianne shrugged, "Who knows? My parents were childhood friends as well and despite being in different Houses, they still maintained a close friendship during their years here. Oh, get ready, Hermione. It's almost your turn."

As soon as Lianne finished her statement, Professor McGonagall immediately called her name, "Hawthorne, H-Hermione."

Curiously, Hermione noted, the Deputy Headmistress stumbled at her first name. There was also less impact in her tone than when she had called out the previous names. Hermione wouldn't begrudge the older witch for it. After all, Hermione was somewhat difficult to pronounce on account that it wasn't a common name and the Deputy Headmistress was practically shouting out names nonstop since the ceremony began without a bit of rest.

Calmly, Hermione strode towards the tool with as much confidence she could muster. She could feel the eyes of the other students on her back and it was a tad bit unnerving. It felt like they were boring holes into her body with their gaze alone! Nervously, Hermione took a seat on the stool. She briefly glanced at Professor McGonagall whom smiled at her gently gently before placing the raggedy hat atop her head.

"Hmm," whispered a voice within her ear that was obviously the Sorting Hat. "Interesting! Very interesting! Making a second round again I see. Well, shall I place you in the...oh! That wouldn't do at all. While suited, you won't do much in Gryffindor. Perhaps, dangerous as it may be, that you shall be placed in that House..."

Hermione was confused, what in blazes was the hat talking about?

What do you mean 'second round'? I don't understand! She thought frantically.

"Oh, don't mind me, dear. You will find out soon enough. Well, since Gryffindor is out, and with Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw not being the best of choices, you're better off in SLYTHERIN!"

The Slytherins cheered loudly again, having another addition to their House. The raucous noise made of her sorting made her blush. Professor McGonagall removed the Sorting Hat from her head and ushered her to take her seat at the Slytherin long table. She hastened to sit next to Dorian, the young boy grinning from ear to ear as she sat down next to him. The older Slytherins who sat close by smiled or smirked at her, welcoming the young girl into the fold. However, Hermione was unable to bask in the welcome as she heard Professor McGonagall calling out Lianne's name. After all, Hayle was right after Hawthorne.

The long-haired blond strode confidently up to the stool. The hat was barely above her head before it shouted, "RAVENCLAW!"

Hermione turned to Dorian whose face blanched as he heard the result of Lianne's sorting. She felt sorry for him. From what she had seen and told so far, they had been practically inseparable until now. Hermione gently patted her new friend and Housemate on the back, "It'll be alright, Dorian. Lianne said her parents were still good friends even though they were in opposing Houses."

"Yeah," Dorian agreed, though his voice was still morose. "I guess it can't be helped. Lianne had always been scarily smart. I think she sort of expected this to happen."

Hermione nodded, not really knowing what else to say. It wasn't like she had much experience about the subject. As Dorian took his mind off his misery by watching the rest of the Sorting Ceremony, Hermione took the time to question the bewildering words that the Sorting Hat had said. There was something off with everything that thing said and it unnerved her. On top of that, it had placed her in Slytherin of all places. From what she had read, Slytherins were known for their cunning and ambition. Granted, she can be cunning and ambitious, but she wasn't normally described as such. If anything, she felt more suited for Hufflepuff. She admired their loyalty and determined nature and she wanted to emulate it.

Sighing, Hermione knew that she wouldn't get an answer just thinking about it. There was just too little information to make a viable theory. She turned her head and her gaze rested at the High Table where several of the faculty sat. Now that she was no longer standing at the other end of the Great Hall with the unsorted First Years, Hermione was able to look at the staff with more detail. Her eyes first fell on the old man who sat on the golden throne in the center of the table. Immediately, she recognized who the man was. He was none other than Albus Dumbledore, easily one of the most well-known figures in magical society. Considering his long list of achievements and positions, Hermione would have to have been foolish if she didn't know him.

However, curiously enough, Hermione could not bring herself to look at him in awe. While she felt admiration for the old Headmaster, there was something – or rather someone –else at the High Table that had caught her attention. Sitting directly across the Slytherin long table from the High Table was a black haired man with the deepest, green eyes she had ever seen. His eyes gazed aloofly at the Slytherin table, scanning them with a brief glance. Hermione knew who he was. He was Harry Potter and from what she had heard from the whisperings at the table, he was also the Potions professor and the Slytherin Head of House. He looked absolutely intimidating with the way he watched everyone. However, when his eyes settled on her, she felt herself drawn to him rather than shying away. But as their eyes made eye contact, it was then that the gates opened and a torrent of memories immediately flooded into her mind.

As I watched Harry drink the potion and entered to face Quirrel, I immediately regretted not finishing what I said earlier. I was trying to say 'love' Harry...

When I was petrified, I was scared. Everything was so dark and cold. I felt I could never leave. But every day, I would hear Harry's soft voice and feel his warm touch against my hand, and I knew that he would be there waiting for me once I'm freed.

As Harry and I huddled together within the time-turner, I felt Harry's breath tickle my ear. When his arms enveloped themselves around my waist as we traveled back through time, I felt my heart beating rapidly and my heart fluttering wildly. What is this feeling?

I watched with a frown as the others coldly stared at Harry in the common room. They were so imbecilic! Harry would never have entered his name into the Goblet of Fire! In fact, Harry wouldn't even have been able to do it anyway! I edged closer to Harry and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. He looked up at me and smiled. I promise you, Harry, I would always be there to support you.

I don't care if my parents would be angry with me, Harry needed me now more than ever. I rushed through Grimmauld Place and charged into Harry's room. I didn't care if anyone was watching, I went to him and fiercely wrapped my arms around him. I clutched Harry tightly against my body, attempting to convey all I could to him with that single action alone. Right now, nothing else in the world mattered but the well-being and comfort of the boy in front of me. Harry, you have me. You don't have to worry.

I rushed towards Harry as I saw him fall to the ground on his knees. Next to him, Neville laid sprawled on the floor clutching the bridge of his nose. I'm sorry, Neville, but I can't help but be more concerned for Harry. However, as I moved closer, I suddenly felt a surging pain shot through my chest. From the corner of my eye, I glanced to find a small flame pass through me at the area where my heart beat. My mouth gaped open and I crumpled onto the stone flooring. Was this it? Was I dying? I felt myself short of breath and my world blackening. Before the darkness settled completely around me, I saw Harry cast a spell towards to whomever had attacked me. Good for him. I'm so sorry, Harry. I was too careless and I was too sick with worry to have been more cautious. Please don't blame yourself.

I love you Harry. I wish I could have kept our promise...

Hermione Hawthorne continued to stare at the man as she remembered more and more memories of who she had been before. She loved Harry Potter, the man with the most brilliant green eyes, in her past life. She had been Hermione Granger, a bright and warm girl, and she and Harry were the best friends anyone would be lucky to have. Hermione Granger loved Harry Potter, but she died at age sixteen, killed by a Death Eater.

"Harry," Hermione softly whispered. "I'm back."

Afterword: I know I promised that each chapter would take place in one year. However, I thought it would be counter productive if I had one long chapter with unrelated scenes in each one. So I decided to separate each year into three chapters. I don't know how this would affect the story, but I felt that it would be better if I did it this way. Hopefully, you enjoyed this chapter! I hope no one didn't mind with the way I sorted Hermione this time around. Being a muggle-born, she is going to have an interesting challenge being in Slytherin.