Harry, Ron, Hermione and Sirius packed what little belongings they'd had with them in a matter of minutes. Snape and Lupin had nothing with them to bring; within half an hour they were tracing an all but indistinguishable path through the dark woods in silence. Harry wished someone would hurry up and explain what was happening.

"How far is it to Hogwarts?" enquired Ron, panting slightly after a particularly steep bit.

Sirius looked at him. "A day – maybe two," he answered flatly. Ron's eyes bulged.

"And we can't – can't apparate?" he asked wistfully.

"You know we can't. Not with you three, anyway."

"Well why don't you and Professor Lupin and Snape – "

"Professor Snape," hissed Snape.

"Why don't you apparate and then send us… I don't know… a hippogriff each or something? We'll take forever walking like this. Isn't it dangerous?"

"Not as dangerous as what you're foolishly suggesting, Weasley," answered Snape grimly. "If we were to apparate, Voldemort would be here in an instant and we wouldn't be here to protect you. Though of course, I forgot," he added nastily, "You think yourself above protection. You have no need for us – maybe I will…"

"Don't be a fool, Severus," said Lupin sharply from the rear.

"Will someone tell us what's happening please?" asked Harry, eager to divert a potential argument. Ron and Hermione nodded. Sirius turned to look at them.

"Harry," he said seriously. "We have to get to Hogwarts – now. Dumbledore has asked me not to tell you why – and I am sure he has his reasons. I'm sorry… but just believe us that the situation is deadly serious, and trust us. Is that OK?"

"Fine," muttered Harry, secretly infuriated at being kept in the dark. He could see equally dark looks on Ron and Hermione's faces. Dumbledore had never excluded them from business that concerned them before – so why was now so different?

"But why – " tried Ron.

"It isn't that we don't trust you," Sirius interrupted, ignoring Snape's twisted smile. "Please, Ron. I'm just doing what Dumbledore wants, and if he thinks it's better that you don't know, then… well, I'm not going to tell you. He says in his letter that you will be informed as soon as we reach Hogwarts. I think… I think he might want to tell you himself. And I honestly think he's in a better position to explain than me. So, the sooner we get to Hogwarts, the better…"

Ron took the hint, and started walking again.