The Day Lupin Celebrated His Birthday And Got The Most Rotten Presents From His Colleagues And Friends

It was very early in the morning of Remus Lupin's birthday. Lupin was decorating his office with guirlandes and other silly birthday decorations. He was going to celebrate his birthday, and everyone should know!

He had planned some games for his colleagues and friends, he had a huge amount of sweets and cake and he hoped to do some karaoke.

At breakfast, he was congratulated by most of his colleagues, except Snape, who appeared to have forgotten. When the mail arrived, he looked out for his birthday cards, and he got many, most from students.

'Dear Professor Lupin,' read one card, 'Happy birthday! We hope to be able to enjoy your classes for many more years to come! We wish you a happy day, many green dresses and support stockings - though no Boggarts! Greets, the Gryffindor third years.' The card was signed by Lavender, Parvati, Seamus, Dean, Neville, Hermione, Harry and Ron. Lupin beamed down at the card fondly.

The most remarkable card he got wasn't really signed. It was an odd card, just a piece of parchment, really, which was folded in half. On the cover was a clumsy sketch of a birthday cake and a few presents, inside it read, 'I know this doesn't make up for the lost years. Forgive me, I'll send you a real present soon. S.' Lupin gulped, put the card carefully away in his pocket and proceeded to the next.

Arthur and Molly Weasley had been kind enough to send him a present, too. It contained some self baked biscuits with chocolate covers and a pair of green with brown mittens. Lupin was very happy with them.

That afternoon, just after class, his colleagues came together in his office to celebrate his birthday.

McGonagall gave Lupin a book called 'How To Get A Proper Girlfriend', by Inez Sutton. Lupin grinned uneasily at McGonagall, who winked back.

Snape, even, had come with a present.

"Oh, a present from you, Severus?" squealed Lupin, who liked presents.

"Yes, from me," said Snape, pushing a small package into Lupin's hands. "Here you are."

Lupin tore the flimsy gift wrap off. "Ah, thank you," he said slightly disappointed, looking at his present. "A pair of purple socks, decorated with bright pink My Little Ponies. How very - nice."

"Severus!" exclaimed Dumbledore angrily. "I gave you those socks last Christmas!"

"Oh dear," mumbled Lupin, as a full blown catfight broke loose between the Headmaster and the Potions Master.

The next present came from Hooch, who gave him a miniature broom, which vibrated if you pushed on one of the varied buttons. Lupin was in ecstasy.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" he said, hugging Hooch closely to him.

As Lupin dashed off to get his guests some chocolate milk, Hooch assured McGonagall, "I really tried to find the lousiest present possible!"

As soon as he could get his guests away, Lupin Flooed the Gryffindor common room."

"Hi, Harry," he said gleefully from the fire. "Would you like to come and play? I've got a substitute for the old log!"