That night at dinner, Professor Agontis waved to James, who was slightly astonished, but waved back anyway. Peter gave him a funny look.

"What was that all about?" Sirius grumbled, a black eyebrow raised, his lips pulled into a sneer.

"He's just being friendly," James replied, surprised by Sirius' callous words.

"James, James. What's happened to the old Prongs?" Sirius asked in disbelief, stabbing a piece of beef with his knife.

"I like the new Prongs," Remus butt in, pulling his nose out of his Arithmancy book.

"What?" Peter practically shrieked, causing a few odd glances from down at Lily's end of the long table.

"Shut up, will you?" Sirius hissed, grabbing Peter's collar. Peter squeaked in fear. "You've been driving me crazy all day! You idiot!"

"Leave him alone!" Remus snapped, smacking the back of Sirius' head smartly. Sirius winced, and released Peter slowly. James watched with faint amusement.

"You guys are so weird," Arthur Weasley groaned with laughter, wiping tears from his blue eyes.

"We know," Peter said, slightly shaken, but proud nonetheless. James rolled his eyes.

"Hey, Arthur, why'd you get Jamesy here in trouble?" Sirius asked Arthur indolently. Arthur sighed, and cast a sharp glance at James.

"You're my friend, but that was rather unacceptable, James!" Arthur scolded, wiping his glasses on his tie.

"I know," James shrugged. "I don't mind working with Professor Agontis."

"What are you, brainwashed?" Jack Jordan asked, laughing loudly.

"Sure, maybe," James laughed nervously. Jack was right; maybe something was getting to him. He had probably inhaled too many vapors from the potions.

James turned himself reluctantly into Professor Agontis the next day, after convincing himself the night before that he was off his rocker. Agontis greeted him cheerfully, handed him a list of potions to do, and James set to work instantly. He ignored the students that came through the class that day, thoroughly absorbed in his work. He even stayed a few minutes afterward, to discuss several of the more intricate potions with Agontis. James grudgingly felt himself gain respect for Agontis, who clearly knew his profession well. He knew every potion like the back of his hand, and understood which ones James had troubles with.

The next three weeks passed in a flash, and James felt regret on the last day, and genuinely wished that he had had a longer sentence.

"Professor, I want to say sorry for all those times I didn't pay attention in class," James said ruefully, shaking Agontis' hand. Agontis nodded wisely, his acute black eyes comprehending something James did not.

"James, I am proud of you. I cannot say that of any other Gryffindor student. You have grown up," Agontis said with a faint smile, placing a fatherly hand on James' broad shoulder.

"Thank you Professor, I had a lot more fun with you than I thought I would," James grinned, thinking about all of the amazing things he had witnessed.

"Likewise son, likewise."

"Thanks for everything Professor," James said as he started to walked out of the classroom he had gotten to know so well, glancing over his shoulder, waving. James could not help but feel a measure of finality, and he knew that he had taken another step in life.

Sirius and the gang had watched James transform from the Slytherin hating Marauder, to a tolerant, kind guy. They were stunned.

"What the hell has gotten into you?" Sirius asked angrily at supper. Remus shoved him.

"Don't say anything," Remus said, glaring at the aggravated Sirius. "There's absolutely nothing wrong with your change," he said to James, still grimacing at Sirius.

"Thanks Remus," James said softly.

"He should change too," Remus murmured crossly, shooting daggers at Sirius, whom merely shrugged them off.

"I'm fine the way I am," Sirius said, scowling at Remus.

"Have it your way then," Remus replied, pulling his Arithmancy book out of his bag.

A/N: I already have all of these planned out and I can't really lengthen the chapters.

Sorry. Thanks to everyone who reviewed!