"Hello Severus," Emiko said. She was now standing in his office doorway.
"Emiko," he nodded and mumbled, "How did it go?"
"Beautifully. Kids'll believe anything these days."
Snape gave her a small smile. "I overheard a certain Mr. Malfoy's great enthusiasm when meeting you."
Emiko rolled her eyes. "Yes, well, there's one of those types of kids in every school."
Snape stood up from his desk and approached her. "So I trust your study will go well, here?"
"Naturally. Hogwarts students simply ooze competitive spirit. I was sure half the Slytherin common room was ready to jump me until you informed them of my sorting."
"Indeed," Snape nodded and took a step closer to her. "So, how have you been these past few years?"
Emiko sighed. She walked slowly towards a leather couch positioned in front of a fireplace and plunked herself down. "Well I'll tell you one thing, Severus, things have definitely improved for me since the last time I saw you." She paused, and began fiddling with her bangles. "My studies in the psychological mind set of young wizards are becoming more and more recognized. In fact, I'm not so sure if I'll be able to do undercover studies like this in a year or two, without at least one of the students recognizing me."
"That's wonderful," he said unenthusiastically, sitting down next to her.
"Not the answer you wanted to hear?"
"No, no not really. . ." Snape replied, trailing off.
After a long pause, Emiko took in a quick breath and said, "Sean and I broke up."
Snape sat up rather abruptly. "He did? I mean, you did? Why?"
Emiko gulped. She slid closer to Snape and whispered in his ear, "you know why, Severus."
He turned towards her and, taking her hands in his, pulled her into a light embrace.