For the second consecutive year, The Vampire Diaries will kick off a new season by fast-forwarding through the summer.

But that's all The Vampire Diaries Season 6 will have in common with The Vampire Diaries Season 5. 

Whereas last year's opener found Damon and Elena in a very happy place, this year's premiere will find the latter in mourning, starting her second year of college under the belief that the love of her life is dead.

13 Memorable Moments from The Vampire Diaries Season 5

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How much time will have passed since Bonnie and Damon sort of blew up on The Other Side? How is everyone coping with their departure? And where the heck is Stefan?!?

The CW has released the following synopsis for "I'll Remember," The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 1. Check it out now and let the countdown to October 2 begin in earnest!

After spending the past four months coping with the loss of Damon in an unconventional and potentially dangerous way, Elena has returned to Whitmore College for the start of sophomore year.

Unable to move on, Caroline is desperate to find a way to reverse the anti-magic spell the Travelers have put over Mystic Falls and grows frustrated when her calls to Stefan go unanswered. Tyler, who is human once again, has a run-in at a football tailgate that tests his ability to control his anger, while Matt worries that Jeremy is dealing with the loss of Bonnie in a self-destructive way.

Alaric, who is struggling to adjust to his new life as a vampire, finds himself in an awkward situation when he meets Jo, a beautiful doctor at the university hospital.

Last, while everyone believes Stefan is off tracking a lead to get Damon and Bonnie back, Elena is shocked when she learns the truth of what he has really been up to.

Looking to catch up before next month? You can always watch The Vampire Diaries online.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.