The next evening, Harry met with Dumbledore and his group of scouts. He learned that he would be accompanying Professor McGonagall, Alastor Moody, and another former auror, a serious looking middle aged woman named Lisa Krux. They had a route mapped out, flying to a designated location and then continuing on foot to an isolated area that had, reportedly, had an unusual number of portkeys keyed to it.
Harry enquired after Professor Snape who, he had heard, had been absent from Potions class that day. After some hesitance, Dumbledore explained that Snape had anticipated being ordered to declare his allegiance to Voldemort. The man was called to a Death Eater meeting the night before and, it was safe to assume, had shown his loyalty and agreed not to return to Hogwarts.
"Do not say anything about this to anyone, Harry, not even your friends," the headmaster implored. "We cannot afford panic. We cannot have parents pulling their children out of what is currently the safest location for them."
Harry absorbed this information for a moment, contemplating the gravity of the situation. "Not a problem," he responded with false levity. "It's not as if my friends care where Professor Snape is."
Professor McGonagall stifled a laugh. "Alright, Harry," she said. "I want to make one more thing clear. I understand your reasoning in coming with us, and I agree with it to an extent. By that same token, though, it is vital that nothing happen to you. I expect you to adhere to all possible safety precautions and remain at the base camp that we will establish once we have arrived. Do you understand?" She tilted her head forward to gaze at Harry over her glasses.
"Yes, Professor," he responded, meeting her eyes.
Once the others had left, Dumbledore went over the arrangements again with Harry.
"Pack lightly," he advised. "You will only need clothing and hygiene items. The others have already established who will organize and carry food and magical items. I would ask you to include this in your bag." The wizard handed Harry a small wooden box, the symbols upon it were impossible to make out, and it occurred to Harry that it had probably been shrunk for the voyage. "Be careful with it. It contains potions from Professor Snape's private stores. They are mainly of medicinal use."
Harry took the box and, acknowledging Dumbledore's nod of dismissal, made his way back to the Griffindor common room. When he arrived, Harry filled in his friends to the best of his ability, without disclosing any information that he considered "top secret". Harry had turned this into a running joke, making exaggerated hushing gestures and hissing "I can't say it's….top secret", in an attempt to take some of the sting out of hiding things from Ron and Hermione.
The week passed in this manner, with Harry attending classes during the day and meetings at night. Harry, Ron and Hermione stayed up late in to the night discussing the coming adventure. When Saturday came, Harry swiftly packed his bag, securing the wooden potions box in the midst of his clothing. He said brief and awkward goodbyes to his friends. Everyone struggled not to make his departure seem long term or significant. Harry made his way to the headmaster's office to meet with the others.