Chapter 37-

Potions again was simply, create a mood potion from the first class, and a written exam. Lars and Montague again sat close and watched Slughorn give out the grades. Both Lars and Remus also had done well. Lars seemed an expert at Potions, like Transfiguration, but Montague Lars noticed was also good in Potion, but Lars knew Flitwick favored Montague in Charms.

Severus had been very quiet the last 2 finals. Not even speaking to Montague. Though James had been very loud, always talking about his grades, and gloating about his smart brain as James called it.

Lars had gotten towards the end of the finals. Only Charms and Defense against the Dark Arts. Montague had started his final first, as Flitwick had insisted they start when they want. They were simply told to fix certain glass, and to place it back up. Montague was the quickest, and Flitwick just laughed when Montague finished first. James and Sirius did so before Lars. Severus was the last one to finish doing so. After that, they all received their grades. Montague got an A+, Lars a B, the rest of Lars' friends all B's also. They had one last final, then the Slug Club party a few days later.

Professor Pendelton waited for Lars to arrive to start wishing the students luck. He also announced he will not be fair to his family, and he would not be returning the following year. Lars nodded, and knew it would be tough to find a professor, but always possible.

They all had to defend themselves against the power of a flame spell, the flame wouldn't burst, just vanish into thin air, and after 3 the students would be graded.

Lars and James went first for Gryffindor, as Montague and Severus went first for Slytherin. Lars fended off 3 quickly, but James was better. Montague and Severus both were very quick also, but not quicker than Lars. Everyone else watched, as Avery and Mulciber, and Remus and Sirius went next. After everyone was finished, Professor Gerity looked at every student. Thanked them all for letting him do his job, and gave them all their grades.

Montague got a B, Severus had gotten a B-, Lars had gotten an A, and James and Sirius both received B's. The finals were near completion. Everyone except the Hufflepuff's was done. Lars got out, and almost celebrated, though the Gryffindor's planned to party anyway. James had planned to set up the party equipment.

The next day finals were over, and Lars and his friends knew that they were headed to their second year, with the Slug Club parties waiting. Lars headed back to the Gryffindor common room, as Professor Dumbledore came walking down the stairs. He caught Lars and Remus going back to the common room. Dumbledore coughed, basically getting their attention.

"Congratulations," Dumbledore smiled at them. "You all have done well," Dumbledore pointed to the dungeons. "Lars, I feel Professor Slughorn would like to see you," Lars then ran off, letting Remus walk back alone.

On the way, Lars ran into Montague, almost literally knocking him down. Not realizing it was Montague, Lars apologized. Montague just laughed.

"Better enjoy yourself," Montague laughed. "Next year," Montague started. "Trust me, we will be a lot different," With that, Montague headed off to the Slytherin common room, where Lars saw Avery waiting by the door. Avery smirked at Lars, which Lars ignored.

Lars entered the dungeons. Waiting there was Lars' friend from the train, Katie. She was discussing her A in Potions. Lars' realized that in the O.W.L's you get graded differently.

Lars waited, and got a hello from Katie. Slughorn got excited at the late sight of Lars. Lars just thanked Slughorn, and Slughorn pulled him to the side.

"M'Boy!" Slughorn yelled. "You did great!" Slughorn looked at his normally empty table, with all party stuff all over. "I got a gift for you and Lily!" Slughorn was very proud to say that, and walked over to the door. "Well, enjoy your last days before we leave," Slughorn beamed. "See you soon!"

Lars ran on his way. Excited he got through his first year. But, after all, everyone else he known had.

The Gryffindor common room was all set up for the party. Professor Slughorn had been notified that the year ended earlier, so he made sure to do his Slug Club soon after the meeting with Lars.