Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter... do you think J.K Rowling would sell it to me?

Hermione Granger woke up the morning of September 1st excited and sad all at the same time. She was excited because it was the day she went back to Hogwarts to start her 7th year, especially since she had been appointed Head Girl, and sad because her former Headmaster would not be there.

Albus Dumbledore's death had been a shock to the wizarding community and devastating for the fight against the Dark Lord. This great loss had been exceptionally hard on those who had been close to him, like Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Surprisingly, the Death Eaters had not yet attacked, which calmed the community, but was distressing for Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They knew that the Death Eaters abstinence meant that they were either planning something horrible, or this was a really good battle tactic, or possibly, even both.

It had been a great triumph for Hermione when she finally convinced Harry to go back to school, and to not kill Draco Malfoy, who had finally come out of hiding. She knew Harry was worried that the Death Eaters would attack when he was stuck at school, and she shared this fear. She knew though, that they had a lot to learn before they could really be helpful in the fight against Lord Voldemort.

This year the Golden Trio would not be taking the Hogwarts Express to school this year. Not only for security reasons, but also because they were scheduled to have a meeting with the new Headmaster, Minerva McGonagall. She had temporarily taken of the Charm preventing apparation in her office, from 11-4. Even though their meeting wasn't scheduled until 1 p.m, Hermione was there at 11:30.

McGonagall was not there of course; she was probably not expecting any of them to come so early. Hermione was in her office alone. She sat down in one of the three chairs in front of Mconagall's desk and looked around. Not much has changed, Hermione thought, looking at the old magical tools that were once Proffesor Dumbledores, which were still in the same places, unmoved.

She then looked at the previous' headmasters portraits, who were now animatedly chatting with each other. Proffessor Dumbledore's portrait was not yet up. It was still in the making. She knew Harry could not wait, because the Proffessor's portrait would have a second home, in Number 12, Grimauld Place.

Hermione eventually became tired of sitting down for so long, and decided to take a look around the office. Just as she got out of her chair, Ginny Weasley burst through the door.

"How'd I know you'd be here so early?" asked the red-haired girl, smirking.

"Oh very funny." Hermione told Ginny. Ginny just laughed. "Anyway, what are you doing here? I thought the meeting was just for Harry, Ron, and I."

"Don't worry, I'm not barging in on your exclusive meeting with McGonagall," Ginny laughed.

"I didn't mean it like th-" Hermione was cut off,

"I'm just kidding." Ginny reassured her. "There are a few of us here in the castle. We were asked to help bring the first years across the lake. Extra security."

Hermione nodded. "That's all that Hogwart's needs. An attack on defenseless first years." She added sarcastically. Ginny nodded, and Hermione went back to looking around the office. Ginny did the same, apparently having the same interest to do so.

A few minutes later, Ginny let out a cry of awe. Hermione walked over to where she was standing and too, let out an almost identical cry.

Standing before them, was a huge mirror. The frame was golden, with what looked like carved signatures of the four founders, Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin.

Ginny and Hermione found themselves drawn closer to the mirror. Ginny, however tripped over a small sneakoscope on the floor. Hermione tried to grab a the girl, but her robe slipped out of her hands. Hermione closed her eyes and braced herself for the loud noise of Ginny hitting the glass, but the noise never came. Hermione opened her eyes. Ginny was gone. Hermione looked around the room, but Ginny was nowhere to be seen.

"Ginny?" Hermione cried out. No answer. Hermione looked around to the back of the mirrorto double-check, and Ginny was not there. Hermione put her fingers up to the mirror, expecting to feel hard glass. Her fingers went through it. Hermione jumped back, astonished. She realized what she had to do. She took a deep breath and ran through the mirror.