Black Rose

7 ~ Birthday

October rolls around and so does my birthday. A few gifts arrive from my family but other than that I don't really plan on celebrating. Besides, I've got classes to go to still, so really it just feels like any other day.

Classes are alright, some are interesting, some are dreadfully boring. The last class I have in the day is Remus' class.

He asks me to stay after class.

Once everyone has left the room, he motions for me to follow him through to his office.

"First of all, happy birthday," He says, handing me a wrapped package that he had picked up from his desk. "And secondly, your parents are going to be here after dinner."

I smile a little.

"Cant wait."

"So, how has your day been?" He asks.

"Alright I guess." I shrug. "Boring mostly."

He chuckles. "Yeah, going to school on your birthday sucks. Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?"

"Probably just relax in bed, read a book," I answer. "Nothing interesting really."

"Alright, well have fun reading," He says, pulling me in for a hug. "I'll see you here after dinner."

I nod. "Bye."

I walk out of his office and then out into the hallway.

"Hi," Luna says, startling me as I didn't expect her to be waiting for me.

"Hey," I respond, smiling at her as we begin walking together in the direction of the common room.

"What's that?" She questions, looking at the wrapped present.

"Birthday present." I shrug.

"It's your birthday?" She questions and I nod. "Why didn't you tell me? I would've got you a present."

"It's not a big deal," I insist. "You don't need to get me anything."

She is silent for a moment, looking deep in though before asking another question.

"Why is Professor Lupin buying you a birthday present?"

"Oh, he's my uncle," I answer. "Well, not technically, he's my dad's best friend, but he lives with us and I grew up with him, so I've always thought of him as my uncle."

"Ohh, so that explains why you talk to him a lot."

"Yeah, I'm just now realising how weird that probably looks from an outward perspective."

"I doubt anyone else has noticed," She assures me.

"I sincerely hope not," I chuckle.

We talk idly for the rest of the walk to the common room.

The moment we walk into the dorm, Marshmallow walks over to me, rubbing against my leg. I smile, leaning down to pet her for a second before sitting down on my bed.

I unwrap the present Remus got me and smile when I see it's a book. I read the blurb and I'm already excited to read it. I manage to get through a few chapters before dinner.

Then after dinner, like planned, I head to Remus' office.

"Hey," Remus greets me when I walk through the door. "I was just about to make tea if you want any."

"Yes please," I respond, sitting down on one of the chairs in the office.

"Your parents should be here any minute now," He says, pouring hot water into two mugs.