A/N Seems not to follow the previous chapter but it will be explained.

Hermione rapped her nails on her desk. Watching them intently, wondering absently if she should have got a manicure.

"For heaven's sake Hermione, will you please stop doing that? It's driving me insane."

"If you're going to invade my office Harry, you're going to have to put up with what I do."

"You know why I'm here."

"There is no need to babysit me."

"You look dreadful."

"Thank you."

"I didn't mean it like that."

"Well you know a girl loves to hear that she looks dreadful. Remind me how long you've been married Harry?"

"Stop trying to change the subject Hermione. I'm your best friend; if you can't talk to me who can you talk to?"

"Harry, I've told you. I'm fine. Though if you keep badgering me I'll be forced to tell you that the problem is I'm getting murderous feelings for my best friend!" Harry sighed and leant forward, his elbows resting on Hermione's desk, his head in his hands.

"What happened to you? What took the fire from your eyes? You haven't been the same since you came here. At first I thought it was just the huge change and once you'd settled you'd be yourself again. If anything you've got worse. Why won't you tell me what the matter is?" The concern in his voice made Hermione's heart twist. Harry was the best friend she'd ever had, even better than Ginny. She hadn't shared her pain with anyone though, not even Severus, and he knew exactly what she was going through. Harry raised his head to look at her, he looked devastated, like she'd died and he was looking at her photograph. Had she really changed that much? Had her old self been totally eclipsed by her heartache? Either way she couldn't tell Harry. No-one could know. That was the entire point. That was the reason she'd totally changed her life, that was the reason she'd left Hogwarts, that was the reason she was dreading seeing Severus again.

"I'm so sorry, Harry. I can't."

"Snape? I'd like a word with you." Snape jumped and turned his head to the fireplace. Harry Potter's face looked back at him from the green flames. Snape rose and walked to the fireplace.

"Might I inquire as to what Mr Potter?"

"It's about Hermione." Snape's jaw tightened slightly. Harry continued. "May I come in?" Snape nodded and Harry stepped through the fireplace. "Good afternoon Professor." Harry held out his hand after brushing ash from his robes.

"Good afternoon." Snape took Harry's hand and shook it. While it was by no means a warm handshake in was a genuinely sincere one. Snape gestured to a chair then sat opposite it. Harry sat down slowly, unsure of how to start.

"What about, Hermione, Mr Potter?" Snape regarded Harry; he looked a little worried which caused Snape's heart to speed up. Had something happened to her?

"I'm not really sure what to do. Ever since she came to work at the ministry something's been wrong. At first I just thought it was the change but lately…" He trailed off and sighed. "Something's happened to her and I just feel so helpless. She won't talk to me, as far as I can tell she doesn't talk to anyone. It's like the spark's gone out of her." Snape swallowed, he had a feeling he knew exactly what was wrong with Hermione. He couldn't very well tell Harry Potter though; it was not his to tell. It was true he was involved, massively. He was surprised at how well he'd managed to hide his own pain, but it gave him no right to tell Hermione's side. If people had wanted to know what he had and was going through she'd never betray him and he loved her too well to do anything less.

"I fail to understand why you wish to share this with me Mr Potter. I am sorry that Miss Granger is not herself but I do not see how it concerns me."

"You're her friend too Professor surely? She did used to work here."

"That does not automatically make us friends Mr Potter. You of all people should know that."

"You wear a clever mask Professor but I noticed, as you apparently did not, that when I first mentioned her you called her Hermione. Do not pretend to me you were not friends." Snape clenched his jaw. Damn! There was no way out of this. Harry knew as well as many others that it was only when talking to his colleagues Snape ever used their first names.

"What is it you want Mr Potter?"

"Have you any idea, any at all, what happened to her?" Snape swallowed hard. He knew exactly what it was. He could feel himself start to shake. No. He willed himself. Keep calm, keep calm.

"Professor?" Harry's concerned tone made Snape open his eyes and look at Harry. He hadn't even realised he'd closed his eyes. "Professor, are you alright?" Snape swallowed again then sighed.

"I'm sorry. I can't help you." There was a pause.

"You know don't you?" Snape remained silent. "You should see her. It's almost as if she's not living anymore. There's no fire in her eyes anymore, it's just gone." Snape looked up sadly at Harry.

"I know. I watched it die."