Chapter 10: Birthday Wishes

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Gen woke up early on the first Monday of April. She didn't do it of her accord, but wasn't very upset about it either. As soon as Georgina began to stir Gen got out of bed and got dressed. Though the days had passed on whatever tension that was between the boys the day she heard them had been pushed into the background, Gen had to physically stop herself from thinking about it. She couldn't tell if she was upset any longer or not.

She smiled at Georgina when she pulled out her mirror, and received a dazzling smile in return. Georgina was truly gorgeous, and she was fantastically confident in that fact. While she was a hard working student and loyal friend, her most defining quality was indeed her physical beauty. Apparently, she had been one of the first Gryffindor girls Sirius had chased, but she simply wasn't interested.

Gen changed and left the tower by herself. The sun was out for the third day in a row, and Gen wanted to spend as much time outside as she could before she was sucked into the library and study rooms to prepare for her finals. Her first class that morning was Care of Magical Creatures, so she wanted to get some extra time before breakfast.

The ground was still wet from the snow and rain and Gen didn't dare sit, but she enjoyed the blue sky dotted with the fluffiest clouds she had ever seen. The charmed ceiling in the Great Hall would have a challenge today to match the beauty she saw now. The air was still chilled but invigorated her the only way a crisp and fresh morning could.

Why doesn't he want to tell you? her mind interrupted. She sighed, and couldn't decide if she should ask Remus or not. How would he react? 'Hey sweetheart, is there anything that your friends think you should tell me that you're not? Because I agree with them…'

Yeah, that'd go over real well.

She rolled her eyes at her thoughts and was stuck with the only resolution left: if he wanted to tell her, he'd tell her. The sun escaped from behind a cloud and fell directly into her eyes. She didn't shield them away but turned her head up and tried to ignore her grumbling stomach. Deciding that she should probably eat, she headed back into the castle. She didn't feel as settled as she hoped she would, and she knew she wouldn't until what Remus was hiding come out into the light.

When she reached the Great Hall Remus stood from the table and walked quickly to her. She smiled in a confused manner, but he didn't smile back.

"Where were you?" he asked, sounding anxious.

"Outside," she answered. He looked relieved for a moment.

"Why?" he asked.

"Because I like being outside," Gen answered, as if it was rather obvious. "Are you all right?" He flashed a ready smile.

"Yeah, I was just worried," he replied. She laughed.

"Why?"

"Because you weren't anywhere. All Georgina said was that you left early by yourself," he answered. He took her hand and began to walk back towards the table.

"Remus, really, you need to chill out," she said. "I just wanted to get some fresh air."

"Get some thinking done?" he asked, smiling for real. He resumed his seat and she sat down next to him, grabbing some fruit.

I wish.

"Yep."

"Come to any good conclusions?" he asked, taking a bite of eggs.

"No, not really," she said before she could catch herself. She laughed and stuffed the grapes in her mouth.

"Gen, you need to talk to him. You've been distracted all day," Alice said as they headed to Charms.

"I can't, Alice. If he doesn't want me to know I'm not meant to find out," Gen reasoned, a sound of resignation in her voice. "Besides, that wasn't even what I was thinking about."

"Of course not," Alice said, teasing, "you were thinking about your upcoming birthday." All Gen could do was smile.

"And this year it's on a Friday!" Gen said, and Alice gave an excited squeak. She and Gen started laughing, slipping through the door to the classroom.

"I've already got your present," Alice said, grinning.

"Alice, you didn't have to get me anything," Gen said.

"Yes I did. You'd be bonkers if I didn't," Alice remarked, a smirk on her pretty face. Gen rolled her eyes and gave her a small push before taking her seat.

"Alice," Sirius called, "I thought I told you Proctor was already bonkers."

"Black, shut your pie hole!" Gen said back, putting her bag down with her books in hand.

Charms class was rather successful for Gen that day. They were perfecting their Impervius charm, and her goblet remained completely dry no matter how many times Alice tried to fill it with water, make it rain on it, or charm her own book into a pale of water. The goblet simply floated on the top of the water, like a water strider. Gen was rather pleased with herself, and laughing at Alice as she failed to get a single drop of water on the thing.

After getting 10 points for Gryffindor for having cast the best charm she and her friends walked back up to the Common Room. She and Alice were chatting the entire time, mostly about how Georgina had received a detention with McGonagall because she got caught making out with Alex Wood.

"She's absolutely incredible," Alice said, a tone of disbelief in her voice. Gen laughed as they walked through the portrait hole. Gen walked to her favorite coffee table and plopped her bag down on the floor, flopping her body down in the adjacent chair.

"Hey sweetheart," said a familiar voice. Gen smiled instantly and pushed her chair around to see him. He was leaning back in his chair, his books pushed aside, apparently taking a break. He looked rather well, and the easy air that was hanging around him, though rare for Remus, suited him. She was undeniably attracted to him – and that attraction he grown tenfold from when they first kissed.

"Hi," she responded.

"How are you doing?" he said. His face was bright and clear – clearer than she had seen in weeks.

"Good," she answered, "how are you?" He leant forward and reached out to touch her hand.

"Great," he replied. She smiled and he tugged her fingers, beckoning her forward. She leant over her lap so her face was near his and he gave her a tiny kiss on the tip of her nose. She giggled and she pulled away so she could look into his eyes.

"Is that all I get?" she asked, quietly.

"Of course not," he answered, leaning forward again and planting a kiss firmly on her lips. She smiled when he pulled away, and put a hand to his cheek.

"Miss me?" she joked with a chuckle.

"Hardly," he answered. Gen scoffed.

"Rude." He laughed and touched a finger to her chin.

"I can't tell you the truth or you'll think I'm silly," he said. Gen smirked and rested back in her chair.

You don't tell me the truth about anything, apparently. She chided herself for thinking such a thing.

"It's all right, I know you missed me more than there's water on Earth." She gave him a quick wink.

"Aren't we sassy today?" he jested, and Gen giggled, blushing.

"I'm never like this," she said, shaking her head.

"Must be your company," he said, giving her a meaningful glance. She put her hand over the side of her face, trying to cool off her skin. He was near her again, his mouth near hers. "It's not use. You're completely adorable for trying though." His breath was hot on her skin and goosebumps formed on her shoulders. She let out a short breath and her hand slid away from her face.

"Remus," said an exasperated voice, "work her up in private, in the name of Dumbledore." Gen looked to see James smirking.

"No one needs to watch you put the moves on her in the middle of the Common Room," Peter added. Gen's mouth dropped open, completely mortified.

"Oh dear God," she breathed, grabbing her bag and opening it, desperate to find something to occupy her with. She stole a glance at Remus to find him equally embarrassed. She sighed and silently cursed James and Peter while she pretended to find something to work on.

Remus' birthday had been awkward between the two of them. Gen had gotten him some books he had wanted, but the Marauders had kept him mostly to themselves because it was his 17th birthday. Only Peter was younger, and seeing as he often annoyed Sirius, Remus' birthday was a grand affair for them. Gen and Remus were exactly one year and one month apart in age, and in that month their relationship had grown. Despite the fact that there was something he wasn't telling her, Gen was growing quite fond of him. She could tell him anything and he would always listen and actually respond with good advice. He wasn't after just one thing, and they were becoming best friends at the same time. The only other boyfriend she had been with, John, had been while she was at Salem. They were both fifth years so it wasn't even a real relationship, and they were both quite foolish. The entire time she knew that she was too young to have any of their hand holding mean anything. She and Remus, however, seemed to be heading in a different direction.

She smiled when Remus' hand timidly found its way into her lap, and she always tucked her fingers into his palm.

When April 10th came along Gen was rather happy all night. Alice woke her up excitedly, and all her roommates started to sing happy birthday. They gave her their gift – which was a box filled with inordinate amounts of candy.

"Jesus, guys, did you buy out Honeydukes?" she said, laughing as she stared into the box of sweets.

"Basically," Catherine said with a laugh. Gen took out a chocolate frog and put it into her bag for later. She hung back with Alice as the other girls left, having to finish brushing her hair. Alice pulled out another box from under her bed.

"Alice, really," Gen said, wishing she hadn't.

"Gen, just open it. I already bought it!" was her firm response, which sounded like Gen didn't have much of a choice. Gen tugged at the green bow and unraveled the paper to find a brand new Gryffindor scarf with a matching hat and gloves.

"Wow, Alice! Oh, they're so soft!" Gen said, pulling them out of the box to admire them.

"And," Alice replied, placing specific emphasis on the word, "they're water proof." Gen looked at her and burst into laughter.

"Oh Alice, you're downright hysterical," Gen said in exaggeration through her laughter, folding the scarf neatly and putting it away.

"I know. C'mon, I'm dying to see what Remus got you," she said. The two left their dormitory and when they reached the bottom of the stairs were greeted with loud cheers.

"Happy birthday!" people cried.

"Sweet Caroline," Gen groaned, "please stop."

"Welcome to adulthood, Gen!" James said loudly, coming over and clapping her on the shoulder.

Wow, didn't expect that to be such a guy moment, Gen thought with a smile, rubbing her bicep.

"Thanks, James," she said. The crowd that the boys had no doubt amassed just to embarrass her disbanded, and she waited to see if the boys started to hand out galleons.

"Proctor! Happy birthday," Sirius said, greeting her with a pleasant smile.

"Could you please stop calling me that? Just for my birthday?" she asked, basically pleading.

"You know my deal, Proctor. And I don't have to do anything for you today – you're not my girlfriend," he said. Gen felt a kernel of her hatred for him come back.

"Well congratulations, you're officially the most unbearable person I know," she said smartly. He laughed, picking up his bag.

"You can't be attracted to everyone," he said. She made a face at his use of her own words. She decided not to linger on him. Remus found her and gave her a tender kiss.

"Happy birthday," he said, hugging her to him.

"Thank you," she murmured, taking in his scent – fresh shirts and hints of old books and chocolate.

"Snog alert!" cried James, dashing towards the portrait hole. Peter was heard laughing all the way down to breakfast.

In Potions, Remus couldn't seem to take his eyes off of her. Gen didn't notice until Alice brought it to her attention, which brought her Forgetfulness Potion to a miserable screeching halt. Alice thought it was hysterical. Flustered and trying to salvage her potion, Gen felt a sense of panic – what if he was worried about what she and Sirius had been talking about earlier? Had he heard any of it? Well, she guessed it wasn't that nice, so he probably wasn't thinking about that.

"What do you think he got you?" Alice whispered. Gen shot a look at her, but briefly, afraid to take her eyes off her potion.

"Miss Proctor, what is going on in your cauldron?" Professor Slughorn interrupted, a look of muddled confusion and disappointment on his wide face.

"Uh, I – I'm not sure, Professor," Gen stammered. She heard Slughorn tut and shuffle away, and she shook her head at herself.

"Don't worry, Proctor, I'm sure they'll keep a bartending job open for you at the Three Broomsticks," hissed Avery. Gen turned on her quickly, and was met with a haughty sneer.

"Oh, thanks Avery. At least I'll be able to spit in your sippycup," Gen shot back, narrowing her eyes.

"How original. That still leaves you working in a shithole," Avery said, her pale skin twitching into what Gen assumed was a smile.

"So now I'm working at your house? I don't think that's for me, thanks for the offer though," Gen said, trying to keep her composure. Avery turned nasty then, hand clutching around the edge of her desk.

"How dare you talk about my home that way you -"

"What? Little mudblood? Taking after your pal Snape over there? Wait, that's right," Gen went on in a lowered voice, "I'm supposed to be just like you. Minus the ugly friends and the broom up my ass. Just do yourself a favor and shut the hell up, Olivia." Gen shook her head and turned away, adding a few more snake fangs in hope of it settling the boiling brown liquid in her cauldron.

She flashed her eyes over at Alice, who was glowing with pride.

"Did I ever tell you that you rock?" she whispered. Gen fought a laugh but couldn't stop from smiling. When class finished, though her potion was a miserable fail, Gen left the room feeling more accomplished than she had in a long while.

"Bloody hell, Gen," she heard James say as they caught up with her, Alice, and Frank, "you really know how to give it to them." Gen laughed and shook her head.

"It was unfair, really. I'm so much smarter than her," Gen gloated. James, Peter and Remus laughed as Remus slung an arm over her shoulder.

"That's right," he said, "you are." Gen smiled down at the floor and felt a reassuring squeeze on her shoulder.

"Thank you," she said, trying to be gracious. They walked on to their Transfiguration class, and Gen received a warm "Happy Birthday" from Lily.

"Thanks Lily," Gen answered slightly surprised.

"Did you find last night's study group helpful?" Lily asked and Gen nodded.

"Yeah, actually. Edmond helped me study for my Care of Magical Creatures exam," Gen answered, reflecting on their study session the night before. Edmond had been most encouraging in their studying, and she made a promise to help him next month – not that he would need it; the guy was in Ravenclaw.

"Good. I find it easiest to have all of us there since we're all friends. And there isn't anything one of us wouldn't do from the other," she continued. Gen nodded again, wondering where all of this was going.

"Yeah, I think it's excellent," Gen stated, noting Remus' silence. Apparently, Lily had noticed it too.

"Know what the best part is?" Lily asked, rounding on the couple to focus on them. Her green eyes that were always so emotive focused on Remus. "That none of us have any reason to keep anything from one another. All of us are so…open-minded and friendly and caring."

Oh here we go.

Gen stood in semi-stunned silence and Remus' arm fell from her shoulder.

"That is the best part, Lily," Remus answered stiffly. Lily made a thin line out of her mouth and she turned again in the direction of McGonagall's class. Gen looked up at Remus and asked the question before she could stop herself.

"What was that all about?" Remus returned her look and took in a breath before answering.

"I'm not sure, love," he answered. Gen also couldn't help but think he was lying.

Classes went by without anymore mishaps or events, and Gen and Andrea ran back up to the Great Hall to get their dinner. Professor Grubbly-Plank had kept the entire class after their exam to try and start a new topic. Needless to say, the students had been very impatient with her and she dismissed them grumpily.

After dropping their bags and heading back down to the Hall, raving about how hungry they were, they finally took their seats as the tables filled themselves. They grabbed seats at the end of the group, sitting across from one another and very focused on getting food into their mouths.

"There's the birthday girl!" cried Georgina from up the table, next to Catherine and Peter. Gen waved awkwardly, her mouth already filled with a piece of brown bread. She occupied herself with the giant bowl of broccoli that Andrea had finished with, careful to avoid drawing anymore birthday attention.

"Any gift from Remus yet?" Andrea asked, her eyes locating him a few people away. Gen shook her head. "Well enough, he probably wants to have you to himself for a second before he gives it to you." Gen laughed and took a slice of pork loin.

"It's not a big deal if he gives me one or not, I'd settle for a few minutes alone with him," she replied, cutting up her food.

"Oh la la," Andrea teased, puckering her lips at Gen. Gen snorted with laughter and shook her head.

"Go make out with Peter," she jibed. Andrea looked like she might be sick, which encouraged Gen's laughter. She shook her head, continuing with her dinner, when she noticed that Alice and Frank were sliding down the bench, away from her. They were making room for Remus, and Gen felt a smile inching over her face.

"Hi," he said, setting his plate down on the table as he sat. Gen looked at him and felt the smile come forth, brightly.

"Hey," she greeted.

"Sorry I didn't save you a seat, I thought maybe you weren't coming," he said.

"Unforgivable," Gen answered, taking another bite of pork. Remus smiled at her and knocked her elbow so that it went into her food. Gen glared at him, which only encouraged his laughter. "Jerk."

"Aww, sweetheart, don't be cross," he said, his hand snaking around her waist. She smiled in spite of herself, continuing to eat.

"So, what'd you get her?" Andrea asked, breaking up her roll.

"Get who what?" Remus asked.

"Oh, you're being so cheeky today!" Gen chided. He chuckled at her.

"I can't tell you, Andrea," he said. "Then it won't be a surprise for whats-her-face." Gen nearly spat out her food from laughter and surprise.

"Right, gotta keep it away from any blabbermouths," Andrea agreed.

"I'm not a blabbermouth," Gen objected, dropping her fork loudly.

"Love, calm down, no one was even talking about you," Andrea cooed from across the table. Gen laughed again, leaning away to the side and covering her mouth. When she came back to her proper upright position Remus kissed the side of her head.

"You're absolutely beautiful," he whispered in her ear. She looked at him, still smiling.

"You're actually really good looking yourself," she teased, reaching up and tugging on his ear.

"Actually? As in you didn't notice my devastating good looks before?" he asked, pretending to be offended. As Gen and Andrea laughed he smiled and added, "Oh right, that's Sirius."

"God no," Gen groaned, rolling her eyes. It was Remus' turn to laugh.

"I guess they mean it when they say American girls are picky," he chortled, fingers gripping her waist a little more firmly. She smiled.

"What can I say? We know what we like," she said with a shrug.

"I just don't believe you," Andrea said, between bites. "Sirius Black is the best looking guy at Hogwarts. I'm not one of those girls that takes cute boys lightly but he's…downright dreamy." Her voice altered into a softer sigh as she said the last part, and Gen was surprised. She didn't know that Andrea swooned over anybody, let alone Sirius Black.

"She's right, Gen," Remus added. "I'm a guy and I know a good looking bloke when I see one. Sirius is really good looking," he said honestly. Gen huffed and looked up the table at Sirius.

So he has that ridiculous hair, but I guess he has a good bone structure. I suppose he'll probably age well because he'll never have to worry about a goddamn thing, prissy little…

"Meh, I dunno," Gen said aloud to stop her negative train of thought. "I guess he has a good nose. But he's got the worst attitude ever. Maybe that's why I think he's repulsive." She said it firmly and returned to her food.

"You just need to give him a chance," Remus said, taking another bite. Gen laughed shortly, a sharp smile coming over her face.

"Funny story about that one, I asked Sirius if we could just be civil towards one another and if he would stop calling me 'Proctor' and do you know what he said to me? What his only condition was?" she asked, dropping her fork again and glaring up the table.

"What?" Andrea asked.

"He told me that I had to tell him he was 'remarkably handsome'," she answered, her mouth turning down in disagreement. Remus and Andrea, on the other hand, burst out with laughter.

"Oi, what are you two howling about?" Sirius called up the table. His eyes met Gen's, and she turned away with a haughty look.

"You, Padfoot," Remus said, still laughing. "You told my girl she had to say you were remarkably handsome for you to be nice to her?" The rest of the group started laughing, Catherine clapping her hands in amusement.

"In all fairness, mate, you two hadn't started out yet," he said with a grin. "So, Proctor, do you admit it? Tell me how dashing I am!" Gen looked up from her plate and plastered a sickeningly sweet smile on her face.

"Oh Sirius Black," she began, leaning forward over Remus and pushing her hair off of her face. She held his gaze and tried to be as flirtatious as she could be, "I can't believe I've been holding out on you. I think you're just the most revolting thing I have ever laid eyes on." She continued to smile as they laughed again, and then returned to her food.

"That's my girl," Remus whispered. Gen smiled up at him.

When everyone had climbed back up to the tower and Alice had presented Gen with a birthday cupcake complete with a sparkler candle there was a final chorus of 'Happy Birthday.' As the hours passed by their calm gathering broke apart, and Gen bid most of them goodnight as they climbed off to bed. When she sat down on the couch next to Remus he could only say one thing.

"Finally," he breathed. She giggled and he put his arm over her. She rested back against his chest, bending her knees so her feet were on the cushions.

"I know, I feel like I haven't seen you in days," she said, letting her head lay back on him. His chest rose and fell steadily, and he wiggled his fingers to signal that he wanted to hold her hand. She took it and draped his arm over her chest, so that their hands fell in the small cavity between her stomach and thighs.

"Just wait until the summer," he said softly. His chest vibrated with his voice and she smiled.

"Yeah, it'll be fun," she said. She tucked her free hand under her bottom to keep it warm and stared up at the ceiling, enjoying the last of her birthday.

"All right, it's birthday time," he said, tapping her stomach with his fingers. She chuckled and moved off of him so he could get into his bag. He pulled out a medium sized box that had a large yellow ribbon tied around it. He held it out to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek when she took it.

"Happy birthday, Gen."

"Thank you," she said, turning her body to face him. She tugged on the tail of the bow and it fell undone, freeing the lid to be lifted. Peering inside a smile instantly spread over her face. Inside the box was a small tree sitting inside a crystal bowl. The bowl was no larger than her palm, and the tree stood no taller than the length of her hand. There were bright pink flowers blossoming on it. Gen picked it up, marveling at how tiny it was, but how incredibly beautiful.

"Wow, Remus," she said, holding the plant in her cupped hands, "it's gorgeous." He smiled at her.

"I know how much you love being outside, and in Massachusetts it's already spring so I thought this would bring you some peace," he said. Gen smiled and gently placed the tree back into the box. She then scooted forward and gave him a hug.

"Thank you so much, it's fantastic," she whispered. When she went to break away he refused to let go, and instead pulled her forward up off her butt and into his lap.

"You're welcome," he said when he settled her there, finally releasing her. Gen, trying to keep a feeling of awkwardness at bay, touched his cheek. She gave him a small kiss on the lips and stroked his skin with her thumb. "Oh no, I can't settle for that when I haven't seen you in days." He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her again, intensely this time. She felt her heartbeat quicken and her fingers slid from his cheek into his hair. He pulled her against him, both hands on her lower back, and her feelings of awkwardness succumbed to matching his intent.

When they gradually broke apart Gen wasn't sure either of them wanted to stop. She kept her eyes closed and took in a deep breath, resting her forehead against his.

"Wow," she said finally, making the two of them laugh. "I wasn't sure you were capable of that." Gen moved away from him some and took her hands from his hair and neck.

"I'm just full of surprises," he said. Gen laughed again, softly, and rested her back against the arm of the couch. Remus put his hands in her lap and began toying with her fingers.

"Not a bad thing," she said, winking at him in an obnoxious way. He rolled his eyes at her and sat up straighter. "It's late," she continued, taking his adjustment as a sign of discomfort. To her surprise, he grinned.

"It's Friday," he said, moving towards her again. She grinned back and touched her nose to his.

"Remus John Lupin, what has gotten into you?" she breathed, pulling up her legs and scooting off his lap so he could move. He put an arm on either side of her and their eyes locked. This time his gaze was different, more intense that Gen had ever witnessed. His lips twitched up into a smile that Gen noticed in her peripheral vision, but could barely react because she was held by his gaze.

"Not sure, maybe it's a birthday thing," he said softly. She smiled once again as he kissed her cheek. "Or maybe I just missed you." She put a hand to his shoulder and he kissed her once more.

When Gen finally made it upstairs to her room she carefully placed her tree on the floor next to the window. She stared at it as sleep took over her eyes, thinking about how lucky she was.

Sorry guys, I had to find a new computer charger! But, I have four more chapters written out that just need to be typed so plan for an awesome weekend of reading!

Thanks to Terrafina (hope you don't mind the nickname) for my review! I hope that your mom is feeling better! Still waiting for your story hun, can't wait to read it.