Severus watched as Hermione left. He didn't argue, because he knew she needed time. But Merlin, did it kill him to not follow her.
"Severus," Minerva said from somewhere to his left.
"What?" he answered irritiably.
"She's hiding something. She refused to tells us who the captive is." She was right, and he knew it.
"Well," he asked, frustrated, "what do you want me to do about it? My wife won't even tell me the truth."
"Severus, can't you see the girl is scared?" Minerva's words were so reasonable, so true, but it didn't help.
"She should tell me... everything including what scares her."
"She's young."