1 September 1991.
That's what Minerva's calendar said and what Hermione has read when she woke up.
She dreaded the day she would have to be in Hogwarts with other people her age. With people who will see her face and whisper. Gossip. Judge.
She didn't want that.

Quietly, she left the room dressed in new clothes except for her robes she was supposed to wear. She knew she should've worn them, but chose not to, because she had a plan. One that she thought would work.

"Meow"

Hermione jumped in fright before she realized it was only Mrs. Norris and not Minerva.
"Oh, hello there, Mrs. Norris" greeted Hermione.

"Meow"

Hermione continued and went to Dumbledore's Office met by no other distractions. Except more meows of Mrs. Norris following her.

"Come in" came the Headmaster's voice before she even knocked.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, I was wondering if I could get sorted maybe earlier or later, perhaps?"

The old man sighed as he got up, revealing the light purple pajamas he was wearing with golden unicorns spread out on them, moving their hooves every so often on their own.

"I understand that you are worried about them seeing that scar but it's nothing to be ashamed about" Dumbledore tried to reason.

"But they'll all stare at me and they won't be nice at all" thought Hermione.

"I understand your concern-"

"Then let me get sorted at a different time!"

Dumbledore went around his desk, and, with another sigh, he looked to the corner of the room with the ancient Sorting Hat.

"Mister Sorting Hat, you are needed a little earlier than expected," called Dumbledore.

The hat on his shelf, the wrinkly brown accessory with a face, opened its eyes and smiled at them.

"May I still sing the song I've prepared?"

"Of course, you can"

The hat cleared its throat, if it had one, and started to sing:

"Oh you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

Hermione smiled and clapped for the hat.

"That was great, Mister Sorting Hat" acknowledged Hermione.

"Well thank you, Miss no-last-name" the hat responded.

"Now you may put on the hat, Hermione," instructed Dumbledore.

She followed his directions and placed the hat carefully on her head.

Hmm... You do have loyalty to those close to you, but you also have ambition to not be the center of attention. You have a strong bravery to protect anyone and everyone you care about, and you also have enough wit to know what goes on around you before anyone else. Well it's a tough decision, but I have to say you shall be....

"Gryffindor!"

Hermione sighed and somehow her clothes, the tie at least, changed to the colors red and gold, the colors of Gryffindor house.

"Congratulations, Hermione" said the Headmaster.
"Thank you, Headmaster" she responded.

She walked out of that office, proud to say she wouldn't have to go through the Sorting with the other first years. She should tell Harry!

When she was roaming the halls to the place she remembered Harry saying he'd be at, she heard a strange noise. Like a dog, or three, and coming from somewhere in the castle.

She looked down to Mrs. Norris who was still following her. She didn't seem to hear anything, and she was the best at finding things in the castle that shouldn't be.

"I believe you are looking for Mister Potter, yes?"

She gasped at the sudden noise she had not focused on and fell backwards in surprise. It was only Professor Flitwick, the charms Professor.

"Yes, sir. He told me where he'd be already. I've got exciting news to share with him" she explained.

"Really? Well, if you don't mind me asking, what is the exciting news?"

"I asked the Headmaster if I could be sorted already, and got into Gryffindor House"

"Really? That's excellent news, indeed. I assume Minerva is aware?"

"Well, not yet. I will tell her by breakfast, though" she assured the Ravenclaw Head Of House.

"Alright, then. Goodbye now" he said before continuing his walk, and Hermione hurried to find Harry and tell him what house she was sorted into.

As she was walking, though, her ears picked up a noise. A conversation of some sort that dealt with the occupation of the Defense Against The Dark Arts.

"Wait, so Miss Poppins has declined the job? What are we going to do? They need a professor to teach them how to defend themselves"

"Yes, well we already have another candidate for the position. Quirinus Quirrell"

"I guess that'll have to do. When were you informed?"

"Just a few minutes ago, with the Headmaster. By the way, have you any idea how that child is going to behave around the other students? I'm worried for her"

"I just hope she can make some friends to get along with. That might help her with maintaining confidence"

"I hope so as well"

Hermione looked at the floor as she turned her direction and headed to her secret hideout only a single soul knew about.

"Care to join me cry?"

"No, I can do it alone Myrtle" said Hermione politely, but tiredly as she was so upset to always hear professors, ghosts, and even portraits talk about how she acted and her condition.

The girl went towards the stall farthest, away from the young ghost's own stall. She locked herself in, even though it was pointless to do so. Her eyes shut in guilt and the thoughts she told no one of.

As several unkind and cruel things she made of herself filled her head, tears started to silently pour down her face, and she only starting to sob audibly when she took a breath of air.

She knew to much of time has passed when she finally had decided to leave the stall, but didn't think it mattered. Why would anyone worry or care about a monster such as herself? She was only a threat no one wished to have around.

She looked in a broken mirror at herself and stared shamefully at her scar across her face, and ignored the puffy cheeks she got from crying.

"Myrtle, did you ever get picked on?"

"Loads of times. Mostly Slytherins. A few Gryffindors. No one in Hufflepuff, maybe a bit of Ravenclaws. That's partly why I was here when I died forty-nine years ago. I was upset with myself" explained the ghost in her normal monotone voice.

"Wonderful. Who knows what'll be in store for me? Probably every Slytherin, every Gryffindor, half the Ravenclaws, and I don't think Hufflepuffs would do anything unless their friends are" thought Hermione.

"You'll find out soon. The Sorting ceremony starts in a short moment I think" informed the young spirit.

"Really? I better get going to bed. See you tomorrow, I guess"

Hermione left sadly out of the haunted bathroom and to where she had woken up from earlier that day. She would not want to go to Gryffindor tower and enter the common to be around normal beings. They wouldn't accept her. She wouldn't want to scare them away so soon. Her appearance will do it tomorrow during breakfast.

As she was walking, she heard Harry being sorted into Gryffindor and half smiled at the thought of sharing the same house as him.