Several minutes later, Professor McGonagall knocked on the Potion Master's classroom door.
"Professor Slughorn? May I see Mister Potter please? It's quite urgent."
"Certainly, Minerva." He gestured toward Harry. "Off you go, Harry. I'll see you later then."
Harry smiled. "I'll see you later, Professor." He grabbed his belongings and headed toward Professor McGonagall.
The two of them found a fairly secluded nook in the hallway. "Mister Potter," the Professor trilled with a smile that she rarely flashed. "You are being excused from all classes for the rest of the afternoon."
Harry shook his head, thoroughly confused. "The reason being?"
Professor McGonagall beamed. "Some things are more important than schoolwork. There is a beautiful young witch that is expecting you at the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer. You might want to change into something more suitable first."
It didn't take long for Harry to put two and two together. He fled to his dormitory to grab a quick shower, and changed into a deep purple dress shirt and black trousers and black loafers. He squeezed a glob of hair gel into the palm of his hand and rubbed it into his shock of black hair.
He bolted for the Three Broomsticks as quickly as he could could. As soon as he opened the door, a blur of grey hurtled towards him, almost knocking him to the floor.
"Harry!" The grey figure cried out, wrapping her arms around him in a tight, impassioned hug. Her bright pink lips planted multiple pecks all over his face.
"It's good to see you too, Hermione," gasped Harry, clearly taken by surprise. He looked her over and smiled. "You look absolutely stunning. I haven't seen you look this beautiful since the last Yule Ball," he said.
Hermione blushed deeply. "You look rather handsome yourself." She gestured with her head. "I have a table for us."
The two of them made their way to the table and took their seats. Hermione gently took Harry's hand, her warm brown eyes meeting his brilliant green ones.
"Harry, I almost left Hogwarts today. I felt so bad for you, how you were supposed to be groomed to be a weapon against The Dark One. How they treated you like a machine, without regard for your own feelings, your own problems, your own life really." Her eyes stung as they started filling with tears.
"I spoke with Professor McGonagall just a bit ago. It probably was the amazing tea that she gave me, but she convinced me to stay at Hogwarts. We talked about you, and how special you really are. And how much you really mean to me."
She squeezed his hand gently. "We've been through a lot together, Harry. I remember our first meeting on the train. We became close friends after we worked together to knock out that hideous mountain troll. However, I realized that I loved you when we fell into the trap door, and showed me how brave and resourceful you were when you took on Professor Quirrell and The Dark Lord by yourself."
She gave Harry the most radiant smile that she could manage. "You really are a great wizard, Harry."
Harry returned the smile. "Not as good as you."
Hermione giggled. "Oh, Harry." She leaned over slowly and her lips met his, in a very passionate kiss.
"I love you with all my heart, James Harry Potter. I always have, and I always will."
Harry was taken aback by this revelation, but somehow, it felt right, like it was just meant to be this way.
"I love you with all my heart, Hermione Jean Granger. You are the most beautiful and talented witch I've ever had the honor of knowing."
Hermione blushed even more deeply this time. "Nothing makes me feel safer knowing that I'm loved by you."