June 19, 1972

Peter rocked aimlessly on the dark walnut rocking chair. The boredom of summer was starting to kill him. Of course, there had never been children his age around his home so this was exactly how he had spent most of his childhood. However, then he was a caged bird that had never tasted the thrill of freely flying. Now, that he had friends and a taste of life beyond these four walls, Peter had trouble adjusting to his dull life. His inner thoughts were interrupted by a scratching noise on the window. Peter coughed as pulled back the dusty curtains and opened the window. A brown owl flew inside and dropped a envelope with the Hogwarts seal on it. It landed on Peter's shoulder and pecked at him.

"I'm sorry. I don't have any treats for you." Peter said apologetically to the bird.

The bird assessed its surroundings with a slightly incredulous look on its face as if asking, "Who the hell doesn't even have treats?" before chirping sadly and flying out.

Peter ripped open the seal and pulled out his marksheet:

FIRST YEAR MARK SHEET

Mister Peter Pettigrew,

You have been promoted to second year material at Hogwarts School of Wizardy and Witchcraft. Any concerns regarding your marks must be addressed to the respective professor and the Headmaster before the end of the week.

Astronomy - E

Charms - E

History of Magic - A

Flying - A

Transfiguration - E

Potions - A

Herbology - E

Defense Against the Dark Arts - E

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

"Mum, I got my marks! I passed." Peter yelled as he ran to front of the shop where his mother was taking inventory of stock. "Look." He said breathlessly as he handed her the letter.

"There's no need to run through the halls like a hooligan." His mother chided him as she wiped her hands on the front of her outfit. She took the paper from him and frowned. "You have no O's?" Peter swallowed. He should've known that even his best wouldn't have pleased her.

"I did my best." Peter began. His mother's face sharply turned towards him. "I'll try do better." He amended as he saw his mother's expression.

"No, you won't try to do better, you will do better." She instructed sternly. Peter flinched at her tone before pointedly looking at his feet, willing the lump in his throat to disappear. His mother's face softened as a tear fell to the floor. "Peter, if you want to get a good job and be able to support yourself, you have to get better grades." Peter wiped his eyes and sniffed quietly

"I'm sorry." He finally said weakly before turning to trudge up the stairs. He went up to his room and closed the room before letting the remaining of his tears flow down his face. "I'm sorry." He mumbled repeatedly in choked whispers. Exhausted, he fell asleep against the door.

"Ready, one, two, three." Severus and Lily handed each other their school letters.

"Urgh! You beat me in History of Magic!" Lily pouted playfully. Severus smirked as he looked at her grades.

"It seems I beat you in Astronomy as well." He smoothly pointed out.

"Yeah, but I beat you in Charms." Lily stuck out her tongue at her friend.

"Still, I won." Severus said smugly as he handed her grades back. Lily pouted.

"I'll win next year." She promised.

"Sure." Severus said as he sat down, wincing slightly as he leaned against the tree. Lily sat down next to him and stared at the ground. Although she looked happy, a few negative emotions flashed across her face from time to time. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Lily said dully. Severus raised an eyebrow and waited patiently. She'd tell him eventually, she always did. Lily sighed before looking up at the tree. "It's Petunia. She hates me." Lily whispered the end as tears threatened to spill out of her eyes. Severus glared at the grass. He's always hated Lily's sister, and each year that hatred only seemed to grow.

"Don't pay attention to her. She's just jealous." Severus offered.

"She's not jealous." Lily defended her sister. "She's just…." Lily gestured hopelessly before her shoulders slump. Severus watched her for a few moments. It annoyed him to no end that even after all the horrible things Petunia did, Lily still defended her.

"She's jealous." Severus insisted. "And her jealousy is hurting your feelings. Admit it." Lily just stared blankly at the tree.

"What if she isn't jealous? What if she's right?" she whispered to herself silently.

"She's not right." Severus argued vehemently.

"But what she says is true. I'm not normal. I am a freak!" Lily cried. Severus flinched at her last word.

"You are not a freak." He enunciated slowly. Lily blinked. "If you were, what would that make me?" He questioned. Lily slowly wiped away her tears. He sighed before moving slightly and hugging her tightly. "We're not freaks Lily. We're special. More that you know." He whispered.

"You sound like you're trying to convince yourself." Lily pointed out.

"Maybe I am." Severus replied truthfully. She gave him a watery smile before shaking her head.

"Okay onto less depressing topics." She declared.

"Alright." Severus said softly. "What are you plans for school?" He asked.

"Well" Lily tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I'm going to beat you, and become the brightest witch of our age." She stated seriously before grinning.

"Please." Severus rolled his eyes playfully. "As if I'd ever let you or anyone else beat me." Lily laughed. Her green eyes sparkled as she faced him.

"Then we'll come to a compromise. We'll become the best wizard and witch of our age. No one can beat us. What say you sir?" She asked.

"Whatever the lady wants." Severus replied in an equally playful tone eliciting a laugh from Lily.

"Lily!" A familiar annoying voice sobered Severus immediately. He stood up and glared at the form of Petunia Evans.

"Hello Tuney." Lily greeted her sister with a smile. Severus could tell it was guarded as if she expected to be hurt.

"What do you want?" He asked coldly.

"Still hanging out with the town charity case are we Lily? Truly your generosity knows no end." Petunia looked at her sister with fake wide innocent eyes. "Oh no, did I hurt your pet's feelings?" She asked as she watched anger flash across Severus's face.

"Why do you have to be so mean?" Lily asked.

"Go home freak." Petunia said to her little sister with a sneer. Lily's face crumpled.

"I'm not a freak." she whispered quietly.

"Leave us alone horseface." Severus finally said, before turning away. "Or do you want me to turn you into the slimy ugly toad you are?" Petunia's face turned into a nervous frown.

"But you can't do magic outside of school." She said doubtfully.

"Try me." Severus drawled as he reached into his pockets. Petunia's eyes widened as she watched his hand. Spinning around, she turned and ran. Lily and Severus watched as the brunette disappeared from view.

"Are you okay?" Severus asked without looking at Lily.

"Fine." Lily answered hollowly. Severus turned and faced Lily, forcing her to look at him too. She smiled at him sadly. "Do you think it's bad that I'm getting used to her calling me a freak?"

"Maybe. I don't know." Severus sighed. "I have to go to Malfoy Manor for a couple day."

"What? Why?" Lily asked, her eyebrows furrowing together. "He isn't forcing you to go or anything right? Tell me you'll be careful. I haven't heard the best things about the Malfoys."

"It's for Andromeda Black's wedding." Severus responded. "And I'm not stupid, of course I'll be careful." He promised her. She raised her eyebrow.

"Promise?" she asked as she held out her pinkie.

"Promise." Severus said as he squeezed her pinkie.

June 22, 1972

"Sirius! Regulus! Time to head to the Black Manor!", A deep male voice yelled.

The boys paused their game of chess before running down to meet their father.

"No running...down the stairs," their father muttered off-handedly as he looked at the approaching boys. Orion Black cut a handsome figure with his broad shoulders and slightly up-curved lips. He was not by any means an imposing personality like his wife and often just let life runs its course. His eyes also held a deep sadness...not that anybody ever noticed it.

"Father." his eldest greeted him.

Orion gave a curt nod. "Behave yourself for these few days and avoid your mother...she isn't at her best."

Sirius tried not to roll his eyes as he and Regulus followed their father to the Floo. That is all his father ever said and honestly Sirius didn't need a reminder that his mother was Merlin's beard crazy.

Once they stepped into the Black Manor, they were greeted by the sight of at least five women arguing over a rigid, tired and over-dressed Andy.

"Mother, Siri and Reggie are here. I think these dresses look amazing. May I please spend some time with them?"

"You can greet those boys later. Now stand up straight young lady."

Andy gave an apologetic smile to Sirius who gave an understanding nod and mouthed "Later". He then followed Regulus to greet the other members of the Noble Black family