So the next few weeks went by very slowly and just as Harry said passing Defence against the dark arts will not be an easy thing to do. It really did seem as though Snape was singling out the Gryffindors to fail. The Slytherins seemed to have no problem with the work but everyone else did. Even Hermione was having trouble with the class and if thats not proof then I don't know what is.

"You really need to do your homework Harry" I heard Hermione say to Harry as I walked into the library.

"What's the point in doing homework, Snape's just going to fail me anyway" Harry replied sounding utterly depressed.

"Harry, really you sound as if the world has totally caved in" I said walking to the back of his chair. "Well it kind a just has in away" he said whilst I was playing with his hair. You see I always play with the back of Harry's hair when hes upset it always seemed to calm him especially during our first year at Hogwarts.

"You know that hair thing you do to Harry could you do it to Ron to because some times he really needs to cool it" Hermione laughed. I heard Harry chuckle at this too. "Wow, you actually laughed. Congratualtions Hermione he hasn't laughed in weeks" I said.

"So Steph did you finish your homework for Defence class?" Hermione asked.

"Yes Hermione I did, but I doubt whether that matters with Snape" I mumbled.

"Great now your starting to sound like Harry".

"Hey Mione, Harry, Steph" and with that Ron walked into the room. "I can't believe the Defence home work Snape gave us, there is no way that I am going to complete it" Ron stated.

The next day we all sat in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom waiting for Snape to arrive. I leant over to Hermione and said "Snape will be here in 3...2...1" and on cue he arrived. "He's never late" I smiled.

He walked to the front of the classroom and turned to us saying "We are going to continue our lesson on Vampires today and you will finish the essays that you started. If they are not completed and handed in by the end of the lesson house points will be taken and detentions will be given. Now take out your quills and parchement and continue your essay whilst I come around and collect in your homework" with that said there was a rustle of paper and quills and everyone got to writing. As he said Snape walked around the classroom collecting in everyones homework. When he had it all he went back to his desk and looked as though he was marking them. "I am so failing on the homework" I heard Harry whisper to me. "So am I. I don't think anyones going to pass to be honest well no one except the Slytherins" I mumbled. When I looked back down at my work I saw the words 'No talking in class or house points will be taken' written on my paper. I looked up and saw Snape looking at me with a stern expression. I mouthed a 'sorry' in his direction and started writing. The class went by quite fast and a few minutes before the end of the lesson Snape got up and said "I marked the home work you all handed in and you will recieve it back fully marked now." So after the homework was given back he called "class dismissed" and there was a scurry of students.

"Told you I would fail" Harry mumbled.

"Me too" Ron said numbly.

"I did okay"Hermione said to us. "Well Steph. How did you do?" Hermione questioned.

"Not good" I murmered. "I have to go I am going to be late for Herboligy".

"Bye."

Herboligy went by quickly as I enjoy that lesson and I knew what I was doing. However, all the time I was reflecting back upon my grade in DADA it wasn't good at all and I knew I had to do something about it. So as soon as Herboligy was over I went down to the DADA classroom to see if Snape was there.

When I reached the heavy wooden doors I sighed and knocked three times. "Enter" was all I heard.

I pushed the doors aside and closed them behind me after I entered the classroom. I walked up to Snape's desk and waited for him to look up at me. When he did he said "Yes, Miss Ravens?"

"Professor I was wondering if I could talk to you about my grade in you class?" I asked politely.

"Ah, your grade. It's not good at all"

"Thats why I feel the need to speak with you about it. I was wondering whether you would... erm... well allow me to have some remedial lessons to try and bring my grade up?" I asked looking up at him. He then stood up and circled his desk so he was now but a few inches away from me.

"Remedial lessons? I am not sure whether I should. These lessons are going to have to be in your free time meaning that they would be in my free time also." he said looking as if he was decideing whether to do this or not "Very well. I will give you remedial lessons. However, this is in my free time so I expect you to be on time and to work hard and if I do not see an improvement in your grade the lessons will stop" he finished looking at me.

"Thank you Professor I promise you I will work hard" I said happily.

"One more thing you do not tell anyone about these lessons Miss Ravens" he said clearly.

"Why not, sir?" I asked very confused.

"Well Miss Ravens if the students find out that I am giving you extra lessons then many of your other fellow students will want extra lessons too and with many of them I do not believe I will get the hard work I am looking for from them" he paused "Now if that is all I am very busy. Your lessons will be after dinner on wednesdays and fridays and also they will be held at noon on saturdays and sundays as I am busy other days. Is that understood?" he finished.

"Completely understood, sir" I replied.

"Good, now leave" he said motioning towards the door. And with that said I left.