Part of the 100 Word Prompt Challenge (word: significance), the Emotions Challenge (emotion: proud), and the Year Long Scavenger Hunt ([A09] word: certificate) on HPFC.
Comatose
James looked down at the piece of paper in his hand, examining it with the utmost care. "It looks real enough," he said at last, handing it back to Remus, "but it can't be."
Sirius looked over Remus' shoulder, reading the impeccable handwriting of Professor McGonagall.
Certificate for Outstanding Magical Achievement
Fourth Year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Recipient: Mr. Remus J. Lupin
With sincere congratulations,
Deputy Headmistress, Professor Minerva McGonagall
"Can't be right," said Peter, who had seen the certificate before James.
Sirius let loose a bark of laughter. Remus looked back at him, studying his face as if to say, 'What now?'
"Moony," said Sirius, grinning from ear to ear, "you got this award because the teachers at Hogwarts think your magic is so boring that it puts them to sleep."
Peter, James and Remus all looked at him as if he had just gone mental. Only James realized the joke and began to smile.
"Remus, mate," Sirius said, "you got the COMA award."
All the boys save Remus began to laugh hysterically, while Remus began a more thorough investigation of his award. After said investigation, he found that his friends were right. He didn't think Professor McGonagall would be privy to such an elaborate joke, so it must have been a very big mistake.
"You're just jealous," said Remus, "because you haven't gotten so much as a verbal affirmation of your wand skills."
"Oh, Merlin," James said. "Don't get Sirius started on 'wand skills'."
Sirius was about to speak when James laid a hand over his mouth. His expression fell from excited to annoyed.
"You may not be," Remus said, his chest puffed up a little, "but I'm proud of myself. Only a few people get this award, and I'm sure the title was just a blunder."
"We're proud of you, Remus," said James, who still had his hand over Sirius' mouth. "We just don't know how to show it. Pride is a sin, you know."
Remus' eyebrows fell into a frustrated expression. "You are all impossible."
Sirius finally pushed James' hand away. "At least we're not boring."