A/N: I didn't get any reviews for the last chapter but I'm posting this anyway to keep up with other sites. If you're reading then please review – I love reviews!

3: I'm a Man on a Mission

He found himself holding his breath as his body was squeezed almost unbearably tightly and, just as he was starting to feel ill, his feet found solid ground. Swaying slightly, he straightened his glasses to see Sirius grinning at him.

"You look like you're going to be sick!"

"Thanks for the sympathy, Padfoot." James replied dryly, "I still haven't got used to it yet – it's not the most wonderful experience in the world."

"Ah, you'll get used to it," Replied Sirius, waving his hand to dismiss the matter, "C'mon let's go."

As the two boys rounded the corner, Diagon Alley finally came into view; a mess of clashing colours radiating from the hundreds of witches and wizards. The buildings added to the effect, some painted such vibrant colours that they stood out violently in the vast street, some leaning so haphazardly over the cobbles that they looked as if they were about to collapse. The shoppers beneath these buildings, however, carried on their shopping uncaringly, chattering in small groups, sharing sneaks at purchases and laughing under the umbrellas outside the various cafes.

James smiled to himself at the sight and he and Sirius slipped into the crowd, looking for their friend. It wasn't long before Sirius spotted him sitting alone at a table outside Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, a large ice cream Sunday in front of him.

"Moony!" Exclaimed Sirius jovially before tugging on James's sleeve to move him in the right direction.

"Hi guys." Said Remus as James and Sirius pulled out chairs on either side of him and sat down.

"Indulging yourself?" James grinned, indicating the Sunday.

Remus gave a half shrug and smiled, "Well you know… how've you been?"

"Great!" James and Sirius replied at the same time, causing all three to laugh.

"You been alright?" James asked when they had recovered.

"Pretty much." Remus replied before exclaiming in mock indignation and Sirius deftly stole some of his ice cream.

"What?" Said Sirius innocently, whilst licking his fingers.

Remus shook his head but decided against commenting on the ice-cream and instead went down a different tack, "Anything new with you two?"

Sirius began to shake his head but stopped halfway, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he looked at James.

"What?" Asked Remus, a bewildered expression on his face as he looked from Sirius to James who was scowling slightly.

"Jamesey here has some news." Sirius announced triumphantly.

"What?" Repeated Remus.

"Yes, thank you Sirius, I'll tell him myself." Said James standoffishly.

There was a pause.

"Well?"

Sirius looked at James with a grin before turning to Remus and blurting out, "You're sitting next to the new head boy."

James let out a little huff and Remus turned in his seat to look at him properly.

"You're kidding!"

"No." Replied James, trying to look put out at the amazed expression on Remus's face, "Padfoot didn't believe me either 'till I showed him this." And he deftly pulled the Head Boy badge out of his pocked and handed it to his friend.

Remus turned the badge over in his hand, his eyes slightly wide, before handing it back to James.

"Wow. Well… congratulations!"

"Thanks." James replied, looking like he wasn't sure whether to be pleased or annoyed.

"Don't worry, Moony," Said Sirius, leaning in conspiringly and dropping his voice, "He'll still be doing you know what."

He looked so serious that Remus chuckled.

James waved his hand airily, "Never doubt it. Now, Moony; what's your opinion on how this new found position of mine may affect my favour in the eyes of our favourite red head?"

Remus laughed, "Is this a sort of last ditched effort… it's our last year at Hogwarts, I may not see her again so time to pull out all the stops?"

James nodded, looking serious, "I'm a man on a mission, Moony."

"Poor Lily." Smirked Remus.

"Oi!"

"Joke, Prongs!" Said Remus hurriedly while dodging the punch that James threw at his arm.

"Hmm… well, what do you think then?"

"About what?" Asked Remus.

"Me. Head boy."

"Oh. Well I suppose if you play your cards right it may actually prove very helpful. You're going to be shouldering some real responsibility, Prongs, use that to show her that you've actually grown up a bit." He paused before adding; "and whatever you do don't mess it up."

"Just what exactly is that supposed to mean?" Spluttered James indignantly.

"Even you have to admit that you tend to get an acute strain of foot in mouth syndrome whenever Lily's around."