Waiting outside the headmaster's office Severus had knocked three times before he was told to enter. However as he looked towards the sky he guessed it was now far past midnight, the meetings were lasting longer and longer.

"Ah, come in Severus," Dumbledore said cheerfully "sit down won't you?" The old man answered the door himself clad in a ruddy old nightshirt and his dark blue robes. Severus entered and took his usual seat opposite Dumbledore's desk.

"Headmaster I…" Dumbledore stopped him abruptly "Lemon drop?" A large glass jar full of candy was produced before him. Snape sighed "No thank you, I never take them and I never will." "Well then you must have a cup of tea..." Snape waited impatiently as the headmaster conjured up each new refreshment and then politely took it away before saying "Please Albus I have some news."

Dumbledore sobered up immediately "Of course."He sat down and looked intently at Snape. "Now the dark lord has proposed a test of some sort, I have told you of our resent failures?" Dumbledore nodded politely, "Well he suspects that some of the death eaters in his inner circle are no longer faithful to him."

"And is this true?" Severus looked thought full for a moment "There are some who would suggest that but I believe that he is simply panicking."

The room was eerily quiet as Severus explained all he knew, which wasn't much. The conversation only became serious when Snape finally mentioned what he had been meaning to say all along, "Albus he plans to kill anyone who doesn't pass."

Severus had expected a larger reaction but apparently ignoring his comment Dumbledore said softly "And when will this test take place?",Severus sighed "Tomorrow night I'm afraid, which is why I'm asking permission to take off tomorrow, to prepare myself."

"Of course my dear boy." Dumbledore smiled, it was a warm smile but a very tired one.

An awkward moment passed as the two sat in silence. Finally Dumbledore asked "Severus do you think you can do this?" Snape scowled and looked him in the eye "I have no choice." He said.

Dumbledore couldn't help but agree, he patted Severus' shoulder but this was the only real comfort he could give him. "Well then I wish you good luck." Snape nodded and left the room.

Dumbledore shook his head as watched him leave and only hoped he could prepare himself enough, for whatever this "test" may entail.

Sorry, the original first chapter felt too weird so I switched it out with this one. (: