Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling and am not profiting by writing this story. No trademark infringement is implied nor intended. It is written for purely entertainment purposes.

A/N: This is my response to the "Getting to Know You" challenge at WIKTT.

Challenge requirements and URL are in Chapter Six. Enjoy!

"Day by Day"

By: WNG

( WiNyGo@hotmail.com )

Part One:

Good Luck and Goodbye

May 1998

It was the day she had both looked forward to and dreaded for the past six years. In a matter of hours, Hermione Granger would be a graduate of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

All tests and assignments had been turned in. Hermione and her fellow seventh years had had a week to relax and enjoy their scholarly freedom. She currently stood alone by the lake. There were no actual thoughts running through her head; she just wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Gryffindor common room.

Seamus and Lavender had decided to throw a party for the graduating Gryffindor class. The excited chatter and laughter had given Hermione a headache. In fact, much of the Gryffindor class had given her headaches at one point or another.

Watching over Harry and Ron, trying to make sure they stayed out of trouble…

Tutoring Neville and protecting him from the Potions Master…

Just living in the same dorm room with Lavender and Parvati had given Hermione a constant headache. Migraines on some occasions.

She chuckled at that thought. But she wished the girls (as annoying as they may be) the best in the future. Her future was already set: the following week after graduation, she would be meeting with Agent Bode at the Department of Mysteries. With Voldemort still on the loose, very few graduates would attend University in the fall. The war effort needed them immediately.

Hermione sighed. She had been looking forward to having a higher education. Not the end of the world though. I could always go after he's gone…

"'Mione!"

She whipped her head around to look at the newcomer.

"Hello Harry."

Harry walked over to Hermione and pulled her into a light hug.

"C'mon love. We have to start getting ready for the ceremony."

With Harry's arm still around her shoulders, Hermione could only say, "I'm going to miss being here, Harry."

A small squeeze in agreement was the only reply she received.

********

Almost four hours later, a newly graduated Hermione Granger walked over to the group of teachers assembled at the back of the Great Hall.

"Professor McGonagall?"

Professor McGonagall set down her drink and collected Hermione in a warm hug. Pulling back enough to look at her face, she said, "My dear, we are so proud of you. Congratulations and all of us look forward to hearing of your accomplishments in the future."

Hermione looked behind her Head of House's shoulder to see many teachers nod their head in agreement.

"Thank you Professor… I… just thank you for everything."

McGonagall smiled and moved out of the way for Professor Vector to say goodbye to one of her favorite students.

After shaking the hand or giving a hug to nearly every teacher she had had, Hermione found herself in front of her Potions teacher.

Severus Snape regarded the witch in front of him for a moment before holding out his hand.

Hermione shook it lightly and he held on briefly.

"Miss Granger. Good luck in the future."

With a courteous nod and a dramatic sweep of his robes, Snape took leave to Merlin knows where.

********

Not long after, Hermione's breath was knocked out of her by Harry and Ron running full speed into her.

"Oof… guys. What was that for?"

Pulling the three into an awkward three-way hug, Harry said, "We're free… we're free!"

Ron chimed in with, "No Potions! No Divination! No more tests and essays! Thank the Gods we're free!"

The ex-Gryffindor Three laughed and hugged each other…

It was the start of the future for them.