"My lord, we are nearly ready." Bartimus Crouch Jr knelt before the chair upon which the dark Lord Voldemort was sat. "The only item to collect is-"
"Blood of the enemy..." Voldemort's snake-like voice hissed.
"Yes my lord."
"You know who that must be."
"My Lord, I am afraid there are too many people who view you as their enemy."
"But only one has defied me and lived!" Voldemort roared. "Bring me Severus Snape!"
"Day plan." Snape began, his tone not unlike the one he used while teaching. Placing a plate oftoast on the table. "At appropriately one fifteen, we will all Floo to the Weasley Residence. From there, Harry Ron and Hermione will depart alongside Mr Weasley. Gracie, you and I will remain at the Burrow until their return. Clear?"
"Crystal." Harry grimaced slightly. He was glad that his dad was letting him go at all, but he really hated the way he had to be so formal! He hid his frown by munching solemnly on a piece of toast.
"So what am I doing all day?" Gracie asked, her expression slightly grumpy as usually occurred when she was required to talk to others.
"I believe that Molly -Mrs Weasley- has decided that spending an afternoon baking cookies is necessary for you to partake in." The corner of Snape's mouth twitched into a slight smile.
"Ooh!" Gracie clapped her hands together. "Can I take my recipe book? I'm trying to get some nice things to make at home."
"If it's anything like that casserole, I'm not trying it!" Harry grimaced at the memory.
"That was one time!"
"I'm sure it will be lovely!" Snape interjected. "Now go and get ready! Get your coat, get your book, make sure you have your wands-"
"I'm gone." Gracie quickly walked out of the room.
"Ditto!" Harry grabbed a pair of trainers and ran out towards the coat rack.
Snape cleared the table with a flick of his wand, putting the plates into the sink. The plates immediately cleaned themselves and floated back to the cupboard.
Eventually, Gracie and Harry were deemed ready to leave the house.
"Side-apparition." Snape said simply. "If you both take my arm..."
CRACK!
The trio stood in front of the Burrow.
"Oh Merlin!" Gracie staggered and fell onto the grass. Harry looked rather pale.
"Are you alright?" Snape asked, genuinely concerned. "Side apparition often causes some travel-sickness like symptoms." He produced two small vials. "Here, drink this."
"What is it?" Gracie asked skeptically.
"A remedy for all the unpleasant side effects you may be experiencing."
"Cool!" Harry grabbed his vial and quickly uncorked it, swallowing it in one gulp.
"Indeed." Snape handed Gracie her potion. "Its relatively simple, I can show you how to brew it if you wish."
"Yes! I want to make potions again!" Harry positively bounced with enthusiasm. "Can I make something blow up?"
"Your enthusiasm for pyrotechnics troubles me. I fear you have spent too much time with Mr Finnegan." Snape could not disguise his smile as he walked towards the red front door.
