The time had come for Harry to leave for The Burrow. After the morning crisis, when their rings had disappeared, they had spent a calm morning, and lunched in a sad, melancholy mood because they would soon have to part ways.

"It would be so nice if we could stay together all the time," said Harry.

Snape snorted. "Our relationship wouldn't survive a week together."

Harry stared at him, doubtful. "Tell me you're not going to miss me."

"I am not going to miss you."

"You're so impossible," said Harry, scowling.

"See what I am telling you? I do everything that you ask me to, and you become angry," complained Snape, pulling him near and embracing him fiercely. "It's only for two weeks. Then we will see each other at Hogwarts."

"Yeah. Where you will keep torturing me with those damn Potions classes."

"You crave to be tortured. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here."

Harry massaged Snape's back with tender movements.

Suddenly, a flash lightened the room, and a flickering of flames could be heard. With quick reflexes, Snape pushed Harry away, and turned to the fireplace.

McGonagall's face appeared in the green flames. "Severus."

"Minerva?"

"Oh, hello, Potter," said McGonagall. "Unfortunately, I don't bring good news."

"Spit it out, Minerva," Snape snapped.

"The Burrow has been attacked by Death Eaters."

"No!" shouted Harry, approaching McGonagall's face.

"Damn," cursed Snape, paling.

"Ron! How is Ron?" yelled Harry, in despair.

"Ron and Ginny were injured, but their lives are not in danger. However, Molly's condition is critical. The three of them are at St. Mungo's. Arthur wasn't at home when the attack occurred. And the other boys aren't living there any more, as you know."

Snape looked at Harry, who seemed very much in need of a hug right then. But McGonagall was there.

"I want to see Ron."

"He can't receive visitors yet. Tomorrow you will be able to see him. Has Potter learnt to Apparate, Severus?"

"Of course he has," answered Snape, smugly.

"So you should come to Grimmauld Place, Potter. You are going to spend the rest of your holidays here. We are calling all the members of the Order for a meeting here right now, Severus. Come with Potter."

Snape tried not to think of the unintentional pun implied in her command. "He will only have permission to Apparate after passing the Ministry tests, Minerva."

"You are his instructor; as long as you are with him, there will be no problem."

Ha. Another big irony, thought Snape.

As soon as McGonagall's face disappeared amidst the flames, Harry snapped, "I can't take it any more. I want to get out of this hell. That's enough. I'm going after your bloody Dark Lord and putting an end to all this."

"Be calm, Harry. Let's go and listen to what Dumbledore has to say to us."