To Harry's surprise, Hermione was actually very interested in Slughorn's amusing stories-which Harry thought were really just boasts about how many famous people he had taught-and listened with relish.
Every so often, when Professor Slughorn mentioned a wizard who had achieved great things in some field of magic, she even gave a quiet gasp.
This reaction undoubtedly pleased Professor Slughorn immensely. Harry could feel his spirits rising, and even the look he gave Hermione grew friendlier.
Hermione found it interesting, and the other young wizards seemed to be listening eagerly too.
Harry, however, found it terribly boring. After lunch and then afternoon tea, he simply could not take it anymore and told Professor Slughorn he had to leave.
Professor Slughorn looked very surprised, unable to understand why Harry wanted to leave when things were going so well-at least, that was how he saw it.
"I'm missing my girlfriend a little. I'm going to see her," Harry said.
A ripple of quiet laughter immediately went around the room, but everyone looked understanding.
Professor Slughorn smiled and nodded repeatedly too. "I see, I see. That's certainly understandable. Young people, after all. Hmm, come to think of it, your father James was just like that back then. He loved sticking close to Lily. All right, I won't keep you. Off you go, off you go."
Although Professor Slughorn was visibly reluctant to let Harry leave just like that, Harry's reason was simply too compelling. He could not refuse at all and could only agree to let Harry leave.
Harry had not been asking him in the first place, merely informing him.
Of course, since the man readily agreed, that was naturally even better. Harry nodded, then turned to leave.
But when he opened the door to leave, he unexpectedly found a girl outside.