For the rest of the afternoon they stole through the forest, speaking little and walking as softly as possible, trying to leave no trace of their passage. Though he tried not to dwell on it, Harry couldn't help but think of all the dangerous creatures that he knew lived in the Forbidden Forest and while he thought they were probably some distance from Hogwarts, there was no telling what kinds of creatures might live in this place and time.

Not to mention that there could be other wizards who might try to harm them.

Every time a twig snapped or a breeze rustled the leaves, Harry and Snape froze and looked sharply about, but other than a few squirrels and a songbird they saw no other sign of life.

As the sun was setting Snape came to a halt. "We'll camp here tonight."

They were in a space...not really big enough to be considered a clearing...between several sturdy trees. The ground was covered with ferns and moss and Harry supposed it was as good a place as any, though he couldn't help but think longingly of his bed at Hogwarts. But then Snape flourished his wand and transfigured a couple of twigs into two plushy sleeping bags with pillows.

Harry was so delighted he almost forgot he was speaking to Snape. "Oh, that's brilliant, sir!"

Snape sneered at him. "Haven't you learned anything in five years of Transfiguration class, Potter? If it were up to you, I suppose we'd be lying on the hard ground and eating acorns."

Harry glared at him. Why did the man always have to be so hateful? What had Harry ever done to him? But at least Snape had transfigured a sleeping bag for him. He sank down on it with a weary sigh.

Snape gave him a contemptuous glance as he stalked about, twirling his wand in a complex series of motions and muttering incantations under his breath. It was almost a quarter of an hour later when the professor came to sit on his own sleeping bag.

Harry really didn't want to ask, but his curiousity got the better of him. "What were you doing, sir?"

Snape gave him a disdainful look. "Concealment and protection charms, Potter. I would prefer not to be attacked in my sleep."

"Oh."

He sat quietly while Snape conjured cups of water and a platter of meat pies. The Potions Master immediately began eating, but Harry hesitated to reach for one until Snape snapped. "Well? Are you waiting for an invitation, Potter? Or this meal too simple for you?"

It would be too embarrassing to admit that he had been uncertain about whether he was supposed to eat, too, so Harry just mumbled, "No, sir. It looks delicious. Thank you."

Snape looked at him suspiciously, as if he thought Harry's meekness were some trick, but he didn't make any further comments. When they had polished off the meat pies and drained their cups of water, Snape vanished the leftover utensils and lay down without a word, turning his back to Harry.

With a small sigh, Harry crawled into his own sleeping bag. It was early here, but he'd already had a full day at Hogwarts...his Hogwarts in his own time...and they'd been walking for the past several hours too. He was exhausted and, he had to admit, a little bit scared. Well, more than a little bit, actually.

He looked over at Snape. The professor's back was rigid and unyielding; his lank lay across his pillow. But Harry had to admit to himself that he was glad Snape was there after all. Snape could be a real git and a petty bully, but he was exceptionally clever and very talented. Harry thought that if anyone could get them through this and safely back to their own time, it would be Snape.

Exhaustion overcame him and he fell into a sound sleep.