A/N – Alright so I decided to skip around a lot in this chapter, so hopefully you all follow well enough. This covers summer 69' – Christmas 69' with very little in each part. I am not exceedingly happy with this chapter but couldn't find a good enough foothold to expand on to make it into more than one good sized chapter. (4,000+ words being good sized) 1970, will practically be completely skipped in this story, so next chapter will start with James and Sirius Friendship then Hogwarts Letters.

Sorry about the long wait. I have ¼ of the next chapter done so hopefully it doesn't take me a full month.

Potter and Prejudice and a Very Marley Christmas

James Charlus Alexander Potter

June 20, 1969

Summer had come much too quickly for the likes of James Charlus Alexander Potter. The nine year old liked the fact he no longer had normal classes, apparently Dance Classes were still a must, but he disliked the fact Black was going to be around Marlene now. James knew something was up with his best female friend and the Black boy. Marlene was basically his baby sister and he had been told all the stories about the Blacks from the Prewett twins and other kids of his parent's friends. They were bad trectle tarts, every last one of them. Sirius was just the next in a long line of stuck up Slytherins. He would probably join that purest group that James kept hearing whispers about. Lead by Lord something or other.

"Jamie is something wrong. I thought you were going to Marlene's today." James' mom asked as she moved onto the back patio. James was pushing himself halfheartedly on the tree swing a few feet from the back porch. He huffed but turned to address his mother anyways.

"I decided not to since Black is going to be there." James said as he turned back to drawing in the sand with his once polished black shoes.

"Sirius is back with Alphard today?" His mother asked and James hopped off the swing. His own mother, a Potter, couldn't see Black for what he was, A sliming stupid sucky Slytherin. James Potter hated Slytherins, any and all. He had no real reason to hate Slytherins other than meeting one or two of the unpleasant ones such as the Lestrange brothers and a group of friends which consisted of bleeding heart Gryffindor's. Even Marlene and Peter came from lines of Gryffindors, even if Petey was a bit more Hufflepuff than the rest.

"James Charlus Alexander, you will stop right this minute." She said having been trying to get her son's attention since he left the back swing. Seeing as he was now in his room at the front of the second story it had taken a while. "What in the world has gotten into you child," Dorea Potter asked with a huffed breath James Potter crossed his arms and let out a huff. A worried glance from his mother made his arms fall and his face soften.

"I just don't want to go to Marlene's Mum. Can't I stay home for a day?" James asked his shoulders sagging hoping his mother would let it drop at that.

"You were excited earlier what happened." Dorea asked though she felt like she knew exactly what happened.

"Marely will be busy with Sirius; she won't even realize that I didn't show up." James explained and his mother nodded. James smiled and asked if he could go fly with a smile. A day without Black was a good day indeed.

Marlene Mary-Anne McKinnon

July 5, 1969

The worse part about Marlene's father's new job would have to be the security. A two aruors at the gate standing as if they were statues, never moving so much as to itch their nose, even if one used a feather to get them to do so, James Potter had tried and failed in that category. Four in the immediate property walking around in seemingly aimless patters, that after weeks of watching them Marlene realized they copied too often to be as aimless as they looked. However, that wasn't even the worse part. The worst part was the fact the Aurors had cut off Marlene's ability to get into the forest. In was an 'unsafe' and 'inappropriate' environment apparently. What was even worse was the fact they were so efficient it took them fifteen days to make sure a ten year old was good company for the 'Minsters Daughter'. Mrs. Pettigrew was finally given the okay yesterday and Sirius was coming over for the first time all summer. Mrs. Pettigrew even managed for the kids and herself to be allowed on an unaccompanied outing to the park a little ways away in a muggle village. Well, unaccompanied in the fact the groups' protectors would not be visible to the public. Marlene was as happy as she could be. It had been a long time since she had talked to Sirius and even longer since that conversation lasted longer than two minutes. The only thing that would make the day even better was if James would come. But apparently Perlington Palace, where the Potter's had moved after James's grandfather Alexander had died, was and oh so busy place this summer. James was so very busy, to the point he couldn't even answer any mail he got. Marlene would discuss this fact with him the next time she saw him. The floo flared from the next room and Marlene jumped to her feet to meet her friend.

"Marlene Darling, A lady does not run through the house like undignified farm animals." Came the shrill voice of Mistress Goyle, the finishing school teacher who spent Saturday mornings with Marlene to make sure the girl acted appropriately. Her favorite thing to say was 'Marlene Darling' and it was present in each and every one of her sentences. Peter had helped Marlene with many of pranks for Mistress Goyle to fall victim too. However, without James to push them none of these plans ever left the planning stage.

"Ryan!" Marlene called running to give her friend a hug. But Sirius shook his head and smiled bowing as introduction.

"Good Morn Mademoiselle McKinnon," His right arm brushed almost hitting his right shoe before he rose and held a hand out for Marlene's own. The gasp of approval from Goyle was enough to make Marlene join in on the act.

"Good Morn Monsieur Black," Marlene said with a shallow curtsey before raising her hand to be kissed. Sirius did as expected before offering and arm to lead her with. Mistress Goyle was practically gitty at the display.

"Peter wrote you," Marlene grimace under her breath.

"Oh yes, and I am loving this, Mademoiselle." He whispered back.

"Ta gueule." She groaned and Sirius let out a laugh but 'shut up' as he was asked to. Never was he more thankful for his birthday present from the Pettigrew's than he was at that moment. Maybe knowing French would be more fun than he thought. Mistress Goyle left not five minutes later and both children slumped out of their proper appearances.

"Is she gone?" Peter asked sneaking out of his room. Mistress Goyle was always trying to tidy up Peter and the boy was less than enthusiastic about said tidying.

"Yes, she's gone. But you are not safe yet Petey. You told Sirius about Goyle, and took away all my fun!" Marlene complained. It was quite true Marlene planned on throwing an unsuspecting Sirius under the bus so she could sneak away from Mistress Goyle's ever watchful eye but the boy had come prepared for such a tactic.

"Glad to know my possible embarrassment would have been fun for you Annie." Sirius quipped back.

"What, you said I should talk to him more. Mistress Goyle and our pranks was the only thing I could think about at the time." Peter said throwing his arms up in defense.

"I still blame you." Marlene said pointing to him with a stern glare.

"Marlene, we can point fingers later. Please go get changed into Muggle clothing. Sirius, Peter has some of James's things in his room for you Dorea sent over. The sooner we are changed the sooner we can leave for the town." Mrs. Pettigrew said as she whipped though the bottom floor of the house. Having hid in the classroom till Michin left, Mrs. Pettigrew and Mistress Goyle had met once, and Mrs. Pettigrew was really okay if she never met the shrill woman again.

"Is your other friend joining Marlene?" Mrs. Pettigrew called after Marlene as she disappeared up the stairs.

"Yes, but she is bringing another friends from school, so they are going to meet us at the park for lunch. Her mum said she knew where it was," Marlene answered.

"Alright dear, five minutes children." Was the next thing Mrs. Pettigrew yelled up the stairwell? Five minutes later saw the children in muggle clothing. Sirius took it quite simple with a tee-shirt and jean shorts he walked awkwardly in, explaining it took him long enough to figure those clothing items out. Marlene came down the stairs seconds after the five minute mark in high waisted jeans shorts and a worn red tee-shirt. Quite the change from her lovely blue dress she wore when Sirius arrived. Her hair which had grown since last summer now reaching a bit past her shoulders was pulled up into a ponytail. The smile on her face was unmatched and the others couldn't help but smile back. The group tucked dressing cloaks and flooed to the Leaky Cauldron. With a promise to stop by again another day when they can stay for some food when asked by the new Leaky Cauldron employee Tom who had recently began working at the restaurant.

Then the group of four was out into muggle London. Slipping off their coats and handing them to Mrs. Pettigrew the children took off in the direction of the park.

They stayed there for hours, playing on the equipment that seemed so foreign to them yet was so much fun. In that time they met the kids circulating though the city spending a few moments at the park and made some temporary friendships, It is not like any of the kids could owl each other after all. The favorite piece of equipment for the day was the merry go round. At first they all took turns running and jumping onto the edge but after a few times of that Peter suggested to all spin the circle together, 'then we can race to the middle' was his. Sirius won 7 present of every race, it was almost a clean split between Marlene and Peter made up the other 3 present.

At lunch time the group of four met up with Alice and her friend Nora at a local diner where everyone was pulled out of the booth to dance with the employees to a song they now could not stop singing despite not knowing any of the words other than it had something to do with sunshine and whose ever was singing's 'girl'.

Things like that always happened to Peter, and Marlene was always quick to save her friend embarrassment by embarrassing herself. Sirius had joined in and soon Alice and Nora were up tripping over their feet to try and do the odd muggle dance moves. Mrs. Pettigrew wished she had a picture at that moment. Then it was over to the beach where the five played for almost two hours before Alice had to leave with a promise to write more often threw out the next year.

The two ten year olds and one nine year old ended the day by chasing waves back to shore, a game they rarely won but really didn't want to. It took all of three times before Peter sabotaged Marlene's best attempt, then it was gang up time on who ever had the best chance. Mrs. Pettigrew just watched with a smile as the children wore themselves out.

That night, since Sirius was staying for a few days, was spent with hot chocolate and candy around the fire as they regaled the best part of their 'muggle day'. The smile on the kids face as they crashed right there in the living room was enough for Mrs. Pettigrew to know that they would have to do this again. Hopefully with James dragging along helping the boys tackle Marlene into the sand with howling laughter. She resigned herself to writing Mrs. Potter tomorrow before she retired to her room.

The rest of that summer went as followed, failed flying lessons for both Marlene and Peter courtesy of one Sirius Black and many aruors inputs. Many trips to 'educate' the children on culture by getting them out of the slowly suffocating environment the manner had become since January and running interference with the many extra people sent to make sure Marlene was 'educated' in ways the child would never even pay enough attention to understand. And pranks galore at the hands of Peter, Marlene and Sirius, thankfully often only pointed at whatever child had not taken part in planning said prank, Marlene being the most common victim. Marlene's ninth birthday came and went all too quietly and soon after Sirius went back home with a promise to see them the next summer.

James Charlus-Alexander Potter

October 1, 1969

After the new school year began James Potter learned how upset his friends where with his absence in no certain terms. Even after a whole month of school was done Marlene had yet to completely forgive him for the fact he stayed home all summer. Something that was only pushed further by the fact every main event James glared at Sirius like there was no tomorrow. James had tried to ask Mrs. Pettigrew what Marlene's problem was but thought better of it. Instead he had asked Peter, who in no certain terms told him he was being an ass for judging Sirius without talking to him. Deciding he needed back up on the theory that like all Black's Sirius was just a bad egg he went to his father, but even if that avenue did not go as planned for the boy.

"James Charlus Alexander, I know your mother and I have raised you to be a better person than that. To judge a person on no more than their lineage is a purest ideal. The ideal type you accuse Sirius of having." His father had said his voice not a yell but enough to have James shaking.

"But Dad, everyone knows…."

"Don't finish that sentence James Charlus- Alexander. You will go to your room and write an apology to that boy for you appalling behavior on this matter. Go," His father had ordered as an end of the conversation. When James didn't move his father repeated the last word again and James's feet were tripping over themselves to make it to his bedroom where he proceeded to throw a fit and pout or really do anything but what he was told to. A few hours later his mother went to check on him with a cup of pumpkin juice and a plate of freshly baked trectle tart.

"Jamie," She had called as she opened the door to see her son face down on top of his already made bed punching his pillow as if it had somehow wronged him. Dorea entered the room and sat her sons snack on his bedside table before sitting next to him.

"Jamie dear," She said leaning down to run her fingers though his messy hair.

"'eve' me 'lone," Came the muffled reply though the pillow odd breathing patterns and a cranky disposition told his mother that he was crying.

"Jamie darling, just tell me why you are upset?" Dorea asked her hand still carting through her sons hair.

"He's bad, I know he is. Marlene's just going to get hurt and then me and Petey are going to have to clean up his mess. Why can't anyone see he is going to hurt her?" James said moving to sit up tear tracks still on his face. Dorea reached to wipe them off and was met with a snarl. Even crying her baby boy was adamant about the fact he didn't want to be babied. Handing the rang over James wiped his own face.

"Who is bad dear?" Dorea asked though she felt she already knew the answer.

"Sirius,"

"James, just because his family is one way means very little…" Dorea tried to explain in words her son could possibly understand.

"It's not just his family. Well okay so maybe it has a lot to do with that but its him too. It's the fact he hangs out with the wrong people won't look at Marley unless everyone else is looking away. He is ashamed of her when he is around his other friends. So what happens in two years when he is sorted into Slytherin and Marlene's with me in Gryffindor. Gryffindors and Slytherins aren't friends Mum."

"There is most likely a lot more to the story than you understand. Have you ever asked Sirius why he doesn't speak to Marlene at events?" Dorea prodded and James went to defend his view point. "Let me finish dear, as for the sorting is probably quite possible you are right. That the sorting hat shall ruin the friendship they have. But, what is to say Sirius is sorted into Slytherin or Marlene into Gryffindor? Marlene could become a Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw, maybe even a Slytherin." Dorea tried to reason with the nine year old who scoffed at the last suggestion.

"Marlene would never be sorted into Slytherin. And if she did she would leave, she HATES green." James explained and his mother smiled.

"Yes that is possible, but the point is no one knows. Sirius may be the first Black sorted into Hufflepuff, or Gryffindor, or the two could set a president for Gryffindors and Slytherins showing that they could be friends. You know very little about Sirius and are judging him unfairly because of it. You need to write an apology letter as your father said and you need to apologize to Peter and Marlene tomorrow when you see them." Dorea said.

"But Mum,"

"I do not like buts dear." She said making James chuckle at the word but. "Now come along I brought you a snack."

Remus John Lupin

December 3, 1969

Remus John Lupin had caught the reading bug, his Mother couldn't name when it happened but his father could. It was from the moment that eccentric girl talked to Remus the end of last year. Suddenly there was a light back in Remus' eyes. It came from the fact someone other than his parents did not consider him a freak of nature, or a monster. It was because someone his own age saw him as no different than they were, a child. John Lupin would always be in the small girl's debt for that. Remus by the eight month of the year had torn through the first three years of Hogwarts materials John still had from his school days and understood it well enough that he could probably scrape his way by a third year exam. He read his mother's story books and penny books his parents found at thrift stores. He was still brooding and filled with a dark outlook on the world but he had a light in his eye when there was a book in his hands. He was happy and he was in his element. Neither John nor Hope had seen their son that way since before he was bitten. He had almost become a completely new kid on the surface. Though there were moments when Remus would go into himself, however, they became less and less as the days went on.

When December came Christmas fell in full swing at the Lupin residence. Filled with horribly out of tune Christmas carols sung at the top of little lungs and popcorn garlands that ended up more in the moth of those stringing them then on the string. December 3 however was a special day. It was the first time in years that Hope Lupin was going to bring her son with her on an outing, and outing into town to get a real Christmas tree. Having not told Remus of her plan it took quite a lot to convince her son to put on his winter cloak and join her outside.

The walk to town was filled with protests on Remus' part. The experts had told the Lupin's soon after Remus was bitten that large crowds and human blood in general would bring out the wolf in the boy and that they should keep him from people at all cost. They even had the audacity to suggest sending the four year old to a reserve. Needless to say they never went to that Doctor again. Despite a subtle jumpiness and gold rimming Remus's amber eyes Hope saw very little difference to her son in this environment. When they came across the trees the jumpiness and gold vanished and were replaced with aw. The trees stood as giants in the small cramped abandoned parking lot an artificial forest of concrete setting, 2.13 or 2.44 meters. Snow blanketed the ground christening the trees with an unblemished white. The pines were all huge and probably unable to fit in their newest cottage. Then there was one, hidden amongst the giants it was little and thick, perfect in Remus's opinion. He called his mother over to look at it. Hope Lupin smiled and nodded at her son, calling over a salesman to help with the sale, Even though the two Lupins' were already sold on their tree.

"Ahh, the dwarf, didn't think this one would find a home this season." He said as he helped wrap the tree in net. Hope moved to grab the tree after paying for it only to find Remus lugging the small thing with him. A smile on his face she wishes would be permanent. He carried the tree all the way back to the cottage and found a perfect place for it, in the living room. He then helped his mother put the popcorn garlands on and made many homemade ornament's. John Lupin received his best Christmas present in years when he came home that day. For he was greeted with his son running into his arms for a hug, John picked his son up and hugged him tight placing a kiss on his head.

"Da, we got a Christmas tree."

Marlene Mary- Annie McKinnon

December 24, 1969

The old grandfather clock in the hall across from her room mocked her with its slow ticking. One more minute, just one and here it was taking its sweet time. As if in one minute nothing monumental would accrue. As if tomorrow was not Marlene's first Christmas with all of her best friends. Finally the clock stroked twelve and Marlene bolted. She was at Peter's room before the tenth chime she jumped on his bed and climbed up to the head board shaking her very best friend awake. Peter's eyes opened and he groggily questioned Marlene's presence. He was met with a wide smile, something clicked in his brain and he scrambled to pick up the small badly wrapped present from his bedside drawer. He held it out for Marlene who held out her own. This was a tradition for the two every Christmas morn Marlene would sneak into Peter's room and they would exchange the most important present each would get. Usually it was a small sentimental knickknack for Peter and a blue piece of cheap costume jewelry for Marlene that she would wear maybe five times in a year. Peter opened up a snow globe with a miniature scale of London in it. Peter held it up for closer inspection before Marlene grabbed his arms.

"Shake it Peter," She said and he did the white powder from the bottom trickled to the top then fell back down. "Wicked" he breathed before pushing his gift into Marlene's hands. Marlene opened the poorly wrapped gift to find a small and thick square piece of gold with a blue gem in the middle hanging from a gold chain.

"Peter," She asked and he guided her hands to a small clasp then popped it open. The square opened into three parts with a picture in each. On the right was a picture of Marlene's parent's wedding. In the center was of Marlene as an infant with her Mother. Then there was one of her Peter, Sirius, Alice, Sonya, Mrs. Pettigrew, James, and his parents at her ninth birthday party. Second was her favorite, there were very few pictures of her Mother in the house. Marlene knew of none expect the painted one in the first floor ballroom no one was allowed to enter but she always went in anyways. It was her portrait, one that was never finished. Her mother looked so poised and fake in the picture. Nothing like the sweet voice Marlene remembered waking up to or the days spent in the yard walking the gardens. In this picture Marlene saw the woman she remembered. Her red hair was up in a bun and she wore a nightgown as she rocked a Baby Marlene to sleep. She began the picture looking down at Marlene before catching sight of the camera and smiling with the slightest shake of her head. "Peter," she gasped her voice betraying her.

"I thought you might like this." Peter said motioning for her to turn around. He then draped the necklace over her neck and smiled. The two then called on baby to bring them some cookies and ended up falling asleep not half an hour later. Mrs. Pettigrew checked on them late on Christmas morning and saw the two snuggled in each other's arms. Marlene using Peter as if he were a human sized pillow, she took a picture before shutting the door again. They would be up soon enough, and Christmas could wait until they were.

A/N - Alright lovely readers. I need a teeny bit of help. I am totally stuck on what Peter's middle name should be, which is why there hasn't be a part given to Peter. I have two options but can not decide.

The options are Peter Paul Pettigrew or Peter Blake Pettigrew, So if you have a preference or like neither please review or vote on the poll at my profile. It would help a lot. :)