Hermione stared at her nightstand clock; the digital numbers were taunting her. The dim red light was not bothering, but her eyes were getting irritated by the lack of blinking. It was like watching her own personal reality show.

Another memory altered.

She saw in her mind as it corrected itself to when Professor McGonagall came to visit. Her first memory was becoming blurrier the harder her mind strained itself to remember it, the excitement was washing away, replaced with the anger and smugness that she now had.

This time around, her mood was tainted by Tom. It's been interesting, to say the least, watching her memories being replaced and her childhood taking a drastic turn. School was her priority, always was. But now, her younger self was falling for the very charm that Tom used to climb his way to the top at Hogwarts.

Hermione never thought she could be so foolish. But then again, she was alone during her childhood. It was a goal to give herself a redo during her young life as well. Having one friend has made a slight difference but has now changed her views.

To have Tom at her side during Hogwarts along with Harry, how drastic of a change is she in for? Hermione frowned as she remembered her first talk with Harry and Ron. They weren't very inviting. It wasn't until the encounter with the troll that they made a silent pact.

Having a near-death experience repeatedly with the same two people blurred one's judgement about them. There was a lot altered at this point just with Harry's past alone. She wondered what she was in for. Maybe having a friend who cared about school as much as she did and did everything to stay on top would be a better fit.

Wouldn't it?


There were so many people at King's Cross station. The Grangers were weaving in and out of the crowd, going towards platforms nine and ten. Hermione was looking around, making sure Tom didn't happen to pop up there as well. She made her parents wait till as close to the departing time, so Tom had no chance of seeing her.

"Honey, are you sure you don't want your father and me on the platform?"

Hermione shook her head immediately. The Gaunts might be there, and Hermione didn't want her plan ruined.

"No, mum. I told you already; I'm trying to surprise Tom."

"Right, right. I just—" Mrs Granger paused to wipe her eyes. Hermione was growing impatient. The train ride was so long; she couldn't wait to get there.

"I will write every day; at least try to." Hermione hugged her parents. They held their embrace for a bit and then Hermione was wriggling out their grasp, turning to push her cart.

"Remember, right between nine and ten." Her father motioned his hand in a straight line in front of her. She nodded and bit her lip.

"Bye, honey, we love you."

Hermione ran towards the wall and felt her heart skip a beat, scared that this was all a lie. There was no platform nine and three quarters. Relief washed over her the second the cart went through the brick wall, and she was now on the platform.

Then suddenly, she remembered everything. Hermione was frozen in her step, seeing several memories start to pour in her mind. She frowned and jumped at the sound of a student telling her to move out of the way.

She followed the crowd for a bit and then walked to the loading dock. There was a lot of kids with their parents, but Hermione was keeping her head down and hood up. She didn't need to be noticed. The memories were still appearing, her anger blossoming along with it.

Three years. These were dating back to when Hermione first told Tom about her magic and excited to learn that he, too, had the secret. How in the world did he manage to keep this all locked away?

Tom was standing with his parents and several other people who met up on the platform. He was already thinking about Hermione and wondered if she was alright starting her new school. They had dinner with the Grangers the night before, and Hermione hardly spoke to him. She seemed irate, but he was expecting nothing less.

"Tom, did you get to say goodbye to Hermione this morning?" Macie asked, seeing his face in a sort of sombre expression.

"No, they were already gone." He replied.

"Is she talking about Granger?" Draco asked, and Tom glared at him. Draco smirked and shrugged, "Just a question."

"Where is Theodore?" Lucius looked around for the Notts but was having no luck spotting them in the sea of people. "We should have used our floos."

"Draco wanted the full experience. Don't start complaining now." Narcissa told him.

The whistle blew, the kids started to hurriedly say their goodbyes and Tom smiled at his parents excitedly. This would help him with perfecting magic; he gets to go to a magic school. Hermione couldn't beat him at Hogwarts. Being on top was all his.

"Let's go in here; this cart is empty. Theo can find us." Pansy suggested, and they all walked in, claiming their spots on the benches.

They watched the other students coming in and then Ron peaked into their cart and waved.

"There you guys are, mum said you guys would already be on." He sat next to Pansy, and she smiled at him. Draco scoffed, and Tom just shrugged. The next two were Crabbe and Goyle.

Despite knowing Hermione was at her new school, Tom kept hoping he would catch a glimpse of her in the crowd of students going by. He looked in the other direction out the window to stop expecting to see someone that would never appear. His parents were waving, finally catching his attention. He waved back, and the whistle blew again, warning the bystanders that the train is moving.

"I guess Theo flooed to the school?" Pansy asked, and they all agreed, shrugging.

Hermione was sitting in an empty cart looking out the window when she heard the door slide open. She looked over and saw a boy standing there.

"Mind if I sit here? Everywhere else is full."

Hermione nodded and looked back out the window. She wasn't interested in other friends yet. Her task was too important.

"What's your name?"

"Hermione." She replied. From the corner of her eye, she noticed him lean forward with his hand extended to her.

"I'm Theo Nott."

"Pleasure." She didn't grab his hand, and he smirked at her attitude.

"It isn't that cold in here. Why the hoodie?"

"Just want it on," Hermione replied dismissively.

"You know I met a Hermione once before. She was a muggle, so obviously, you're not the same one. But quite an interesting name." He mused.

Hermione looked at him again and finally recognised the name. Tom had spoken about him before, Theo was smiling as she looked him over. Hopefully, he doesn't ruin her plan. The only way she would be able to keep him out of Tom's reach was to engage with him.

"I don't know anyone else with my name, so that's interesting." Hermione sat up and looked towards him. He nodded, and she smiled.

"Yeah, she was friends with another friend of mine, Tom. He brought her to Malfoy Manor. Not the brightest wizard, but what can you do?" Theo shrugged, and Hermione couldn't help but giggle. Tom would be furious that Theo thinks he's not intelligent, especially if they're friends.

"I managed to get a giggle." Theo teased. Hermione rolled her eyes but kept her smile in place; he didn't seem that bad.

The rest of the train ride, the two talked. Hermione was intrigued by Theo's life, especially the parts where he hung out with Tom. At first, Hermione didn't believe he was at all cold or mean. But as Theo spoke more, it made more sense.

Tom was different around everyone. For example, with the school teachers, they completely adored Tom. It was one thing Hermione couldn't do. He seemed to be entirely in tune with other's feelings despite hardly showing any of his. Being a teacher's pet was something Tom surpassed her on. Hermione didn't care for approval just good grades.

To hear he's some snobby, mean rich boy wasn't too surprising but she couldn't imagine it. Also, blood status is essential. Theo explained to her what it meant. She couldn't help but feel low.

"It doesn't matter." Theo saw her demeanour change after the blood talk.

"Well, of course, it doesn't matter to you, you're pureblood."

"At any other school, it would matter. But my mother made sure I came here to be with all kinds of blood." Theo shrugged, "It doesn't matter to me, I don't like having to be in a secret society."

Hermione smiled, sincerely. Her mind was recalling that Theo was one of her favourites. It was the others who were a bit more snobby about her. But they dared not say anything fearing Tom's wrath.

"We should start changing," Theo suggested checking this watch. He stood to grab his things from above. "I can wait outside and then once you're done changing, we can switch."

Hermione nodded, and he let the sliding door close behind him. His back was resting on the glass. She stood up and started to change quickly, leaving her hoodie on. She needed to keep herself concealed until the sorting.

Theo and Hermione waited until the crowd thinned out, getting off the train. He opened the door for her and led them off. Hermione was nervous now.

"FIRST YEARS!"

Hermione looked up at the booming voice, and her eyes widened at the overly large man holding the lantern, waving at the small children.

"He's so big!" Hermione let slip and Theo chuckled at her reaction.

"Probably half-giant." He told her, and her mouth fell open.

"Those exist? How do they even… mate?" Hermione's cheeks flushed at the thought of it. Her mother was not one to hold back during their birds and the bees talk.

"You're going to be fun in class, aren't you?" Theo smirked.

Hermione shook her head, clearing the disturbing thoughts, and they continued to follow the crowd towards the boats.

"Oh, look! It's Malfoy!" Theo pointed in his direction and Hermione immediately recognised Tom's head of hair next to his.

"I'll be fine by myself." Hermione smiled, and Theo hesitated but then took off weaving in between the other first years.

She tried to stay in the very back, her head bowed. The students in front of her were talking excitedly and loudly. It was almost hard to hear what the man was saying in the front. Usually, she'd be front and centre. But the surprise was a little more critical.

"Hermione?"

Her arm was pulled back, and she panicked as she knew no one else attending here. Pansy was pulling her hood off, and she gasped, seeing it was indeed Hermione.

"What are you doing here, muggle?" Pansy snapped. Ron raised an eyebrow towards Hermione, looking her up and down.

"And you are?" Hermione acted confused. Parkinson and Weasley were part of the inner circle. She had to pretend she didn't know them to keep up with playing coy with Theo.

"Missed Tom that much you broke in?"

"I don't know who you are. Are you friends with Tom's?" Hermione raised an eyebrow, trying so hard to not laugh at the appalled look Pansy was giving her.

"Wait, you still have your lock on?"

"You're that Muggle-born he brought to Malfoy's, aren't you?"

Hermione continued to look as if they were insane, "I seriously have no idea who you two are. Sorry."

"Do you come here to Hogwarts?" Pansy demanded.

"Yes, I was offered an acceptance letter last month," Hermione responded.

"Does Tom know?"

"No, I was planning to surprise him."

Pansy eyed her sternly, Tom's parents put her memories away, and it seemed to be working. Tommy wasn't going to pleased Hermione was there. It wasn't going to do well with their image. Hermione continued to smile. She was either playing stupid really well, or she really doesn't remember. Ron was waiting for Pansy to say anything.

"Students, please make your way to the remaining boat."

The three turned and realised they were the last ones. They hurried to the water and climbed in. Professor Flitwick jumped in as well, and they silently rode the boat to the school.

Hermione was in awe of the silhouette of the place. It finally dawned on her; in all her rush of getting to Hogwarts, it would be the first time she was away from her parents for an extended period. Guilt bubbled in her as she recalled that she didn't correctly say goodbye.

"So, are you trying to surprise your boyfriend?" Pansy smirked, and Ron snorted.

"He is not my boyfriend." Hermione rolled her eyes. She would happen to get stuck with the least likeable of Tom's group.

"Well, whatever he is, he's going to be upset that you kept this secret from him." Pansy shrugged.

"Why would he be upset? We're just neighbours." Hermione crossed her arms. She knew that she was more in trouble than he would ever be with her. Tom didn't like secrets he wasn't a part of. But to play stupid, it was harder than she thought.

The boat docked and they got out, following the remainder of the crowd into the school. Pansy and Ron were walking ahead, and Hermione stayed behind, putting her hood back into place.

"Good luck with Tom. I'm sure he's going to love your surprise." Pansy sneered.

"Oh shut up." Hermione finally snapped at Pansy, and the pair took off to the front of the students, pushing them to the side out of their way.

Professor McGonagall appeared, and Hermione couldn't hear everything she said. It didn't matter since she already read multiple books about the school. Every student walks up and sits on a stool while some magic sorting hat placed you in your house.

Hermione wondered which one she was most suited for. With the reputation of each house, there was no doubt in her mind where Tom and his followers would end up.

"Now, students, follow me into the Great Hall."

Lots of excited chatter came from the group. Hermione was impressed with the decorations, and she looked around at the tables; there was Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor.

"Just fan out here, and I will call names out one by one in alphabetical order."

The only other time Hermione ever felt this level of nerves was when she accidentally made a book fly from across the room in front of the class. They all stared at her horrified, and she stood there, not knowing how to explain. It was the worst and most nerve-wracking time of her life. Standing there as she waited for her to get sorted into a house was a close second.

"Black, Amanda."

Hermione recognised the last name but not the blonde who walked to the stool. She was sorted into Slytherin. The process seemed easy enough; it relieved some of her nerves.

"Crabbe, Vincent."

This one she remembered from Draco's house. He sat clumsily on the stool and the hat sorted again to Slytherin. Several more students went and then the dreaded one was next.

"Gaunt, Thomas."

Hermione bent over to tie her shoe, the only sensible thing she could do without making herself visible. The hat yelled out Slytherin and Hermione smirked, knowing it was exactly where he would go. When she stood back up, there was a tap on her shoulder.

She turned and saw an older student with a pin on. She read Prefect, and he was trying to get her attention.

"You're not allowed to be wearing that." He informed her.

"I was cold. Are you seriously telling me I can't wear a jacket?"

"It's against the dress code. You should have read the book before coming to school. I am Ravenclaw's Prefect; my name is Percy Weasley."

"Weasley? As in Ron's brother?"

Before he could answer, they both heard someone clearing their throat.

"Miss Granger, is there a problem?"

The blood drained from her face; she missed Professor McGonagall calling out her name. She removed her hood.

"No, Professor, no problem at all."

"Then, would you mind?" Professor McGonagall motioned towards the stool. Hermione felt like an idiot. She hurried up the steps and didn't have enough time to scan the room to look at Tom's reaction. The hat was placed on her head.

"Oh, what a brilliant mind!" It cooed, and Hermione sighed relieved. It recognised her ability despite her blood status.

"Where to place you? You would be a great addition to Gryffindor, the spunk in you is high. But I can't ignore the intelligence. Where to put you?"

Hermione briefly thought about Slytherin only because of Tom. The hat chuckled.

"It doesn't work like that. I can't place you in a house simply for feelings. I sort according to what you truly are. And therefore, I'm placing you in, Ravenclaw!"

Hermione smiled, knowing it was the house known for its brains. The hat was removed, and she looked out to the room, the Ravenclaw table was clapping. She looked to the right, catching Tom's glare. He was not happy, and it only made Hermione more upbeat.

She sat down, and some of the older students introduced themselves along with another girl who was sorted before. There were several giggles with the next name which made Hermione cringe. She didn't have a charming name, either.

"Longbottom, Neville."

Professor McGonagall smiled at the last name, knowing the sweet boy already. She knew this day would come as she scanned the next two names on the list.

"Lupin, Amelia."

McGonagall was pleased to hear the hat sort her into Hufflepuff. If this girl was anything like the soft natured Marauder, she was sorted in the right house.

"Lupin, Remus." He was sorted into Gryffindor, Professor McGonagall's smile grew. She didn't expect anything else.

"Malfoy, Draco."

Hermione paid attention to him as he walked up, confidently and sat on the stool. The hat didn't even stay on his head for two seconds before it shouted Slytherin.

"Nott, Theo."

She was secretly hoping to have him in Ravenclaw for a close friend but became disappointed when he too was sorted into Slytherin. The next recognisable name was Pansy and Hermione didn't even have to guess where that brat was going.

"Potter, Harry."

She started to mess with her robes waiting for the sorting to be over. The next student spiked curiosity throughout the older students.

"Snape, Elliot."

"That's Professor Snape's kid?"

She looked towards the dark-haired boy who sauntered to the stool and sat down. It grew quiet, and the hat was pondering of a bit.

"Ten galleons he's in Slytherin. Anyone that is the spawn of Professor Snape is definitely a snake."

To everyone's surprise, the hat shouted out Ravenclaw, and he came towards the table plopping down beside Hermione.

"Hi," Elliot smiled towards her, and she took it. He frowned at her, confusion, "I'm Elliot."

"I'm Hermione." She smiled, trying not to become excited that she knew someone in her house. Technically, she's not supposed to know anyone but Draco Malfoy, the one person who visited Tom at home from time to time.

"Weasley, Ronald."

"Let's see where the hundredth Weasley goes to." A girl was poking Percy in the shoulder, and he responded that he was probably a lion. It took a moment longer, and the girl was saying he might be a hat still.

"Slytherin!"

Percy's mouth fell open as his baby brother jumped up from the stool and made his way to the Slytherin table.

"Zabini, Blaise."

This was the last of Tom's friends from Malfoy Manor, and Hermione immediately felt left out as he too was sorted into Slytherin.

Dumbledore got up and started his speech, introducing the new professor teaching Potions. Some of the girls whistled as they laid eyes on Regulus Black.

"Now, let the feast begin!"

Hermione filled her plate with food and ate quickly. She was trying to avoid the glare from the next table over, but she finally looked in Tom's direction. He was not letting go of his concentration, and she smiled at him, only making him angrier.

"So, Hermione, where are you from?" Elliot broke her concentration. She looked at him and swallowed the bit of food in her mouth.

"I live in London. How about yourself?"

"The same, my father is that miserable looking man up there." Elliot chuckled, trying to not be offended that she was acting like they didn't already know each other. Hermione looked towards where Elliot pointed and caught the gaze of the man sitting at the table.

"This year should be interesting."

"I bet it will be." She smiled and took another bite of food.

Their dinner ended, and she was ready for bed. It didn't seem like a very stressful day, but she felt relieved after revealing herself. She knew whenever Tom got within five feet of her, she was going to get it. Hermione was no stranger to his anger, and for the first time, he might direct the wrath towards her.

"Prefects, you are to escort the first years sorted into your houses to their dorms."

Hermione stood and recalled she was already in a bad place with her house Prefect. She would have to mend that later. She followed her house out of the Great Hall and towards the tower.

Tom saw Hermione exit before him and in a different direction as he was being led to the dungeons. He was fuming thinking how Hermione lied all this time. How could she keep such a big secret from him? He already knew, but he didn't realise she relearned again.

"So, that was interesting, seeing your muggle friend sorted." Pansy sneered, and Tom glared at her.

"We saw her when we got separated from you guys," Ron continued, "she doesn't remember us."

"She was on the train; I didn't know she was the same Hermione," Theo shrugged.

"You all saw her and failed to tell me she was here?" Tom snapped. They all looked at him nervously and followed as he stormed in front of them.

"Well, mate, at least you won't have to miss her." Draco mused. The group chuckled silently as they continued to follow behind.

Tom had a few words for his dear friend Hermione. She was in for it.


The next morning, Hermione dressed correctly this time round in her uniform and pulled on the robes that were now blue. It was the start of the year, and the first day she would take in becoming first.

She made her way to the common room and spotted Elliot in an armchair, reading a book. He was always a good friend to her, so it wouldn't be challenging to start over. She hadn't seen Elliot since their incident at the Manor.

"Hey." She greeted. Elliot looked up over his book and shut it as he saw her.

"Are you ready for breakfast?" He asked, and she nodded.

"Hopefully, we don't get lost." He smirked, and they walked down the steps.

They followed other students they assumed were also going out for breakfast. Hermione was telling him about the friend she might have upset.

"So Gaunt is your friend from home?"

"Yes, he was my neighbour." She explained.

"And why is he going to be mad?" Elliot asked. Something was off, the way Hermione was speaking about Tom was utterly different.

"Because—"

"Granger."

She froze at the sound of her last name. Tom only ever said her last name when he was utterly upset.

"Gaunt." She retorted.

"You have so much to explain." Tom looked at Elliot, who was sporting a confused expression. "What are you doing with her?"

"Come on now, we can start over here." Elliot sneered, extending his hand knowing well Tom would not shake it. Tom eyed the hand extended towards him and became angrier as Hermione pushed it down.

"He doesn't shake hands." She said softly. Elliot shrugged and stood there waiting.

"You can leave now," Tom growled.

"He can stay." Hermione snapped.

"We need to talk." Tom countered.

"Why are being so hostile?" she softened her tone. She's not supposed to know anything about the last three years.

Tom took a beat. She was staring at him confused, her tone was offended. Was the lock really still working?

"I'm just shocked you're here and never told me. Is this why you ignored me during the last few weeks?"

"Because I caught you in a lie about an all-boys institute? Absolutely. I figured our friendship wasn't important enough since you didn't tell me what Hogwarts really was. Imagine my surprise when I was given an acceptance letter."

"If I knew you knew, I would have told you the truth," Tom replied, trying to stay in line with the memory lock. She must have been dealing with her magic all over again on her own.

"I see Draco is also a wizard. You have been lying for years."

"You really don't remember anything? What happened?" Elliot was catching on that her memory was completely gone. That explained yesterday.

"Doesn't matter, half-blood. You can leave." Tom snapped, trying to remain as calm as he could. Elliot scoffed at the name calling as if Tom was able to hurt him here.

"Half-blood?!" Hermione outbursted, "you have some nerve to be calling him that. Do you know I'm a mudblood?!"

Students were stopping to look in at them, Tom glared at her, the snakes behind him started to whisper. It became tense as Hermione looked at him angrily. She was finally getting a taste of his snobby side.

"If you can't accept him, then clearly, you shouldn't be talking to me since I'm muggle born." Hermione snapped and walked away. Elliot shrugged towards Tom and smiled, turning to follow Hermione.