A/N – They go to Hogwarts next chapter yey! Oi and thanks to All4TheBest and JadedLights07 for your vote on Peter's middle name, PETER BLAKE PETTIGREW FOLKS! Anyways on with chapter seven.

Chapter 7:

HOGWARTS LETTERS

James Charlus Alexander Potter

June 11, 1970

His feet dangling from the stair railing as he rested his head atop his hands while his elbows dug into his thighs James Potter sighed in contempt. 'Fresh Start' that is what Sirius Orion Black had suggested in response to James's apology letter. A fresh start, during parties Sirius would acknowledge James's presence with a nod or a smile but other than the one or two letters exchanged James had very little contact with the other boy. His mother in all her splendor decided to invite both Sirius and Peter over for the night seeing as she felt she needed to keep a close eye on James and Minister McKinnon had invited house guests for dinner that night.

Peter had already come though the floo and disappeared into the kitchen where he was most likely eating some pie that had been made for lunch earlier. The boy originally had tried and talked to James but after a few minutes of not being answered he decided to let his friend broad and left in search of food.

The floo flared and James practically jumped to his feet. Sirius stepped out of the floor and sent James Potter a smile and raised his hand for a hand shake. It was a small gesture truly but created one of the greatest pranking friendships of all time, it also created their greatest target before they entered Hogwarts. Peter Pettigrew learned one thing that day. Never be the only person not on James' and Sirius's team when in prank wars.

When he came home the next day blinking red and gold and smelling of dung bombs his mother did not even question it, other than suggest that Peter tell Marlene of the new pranking alliance. Then warding her room after her son went to take a shower. She knew the children would be around the manner a lot and with a prank war on the her son she needed to make sure she was neutral ground so she didn't end up becoming the only target without someone to watch her back. As it so turned out she ended up paring with her son when Sonya Safiq ended up spending the majority of the summer at Marlene's due to her Father being away on business and her Mother's dislike of the 'weird' child.

Sirius Orion Black

December 17, 1970

When the tawny owl flew through the open window of the belonging to the recently turned eleven year old that had not gotten a lick of sleep last night the sigh of contempt it was met with was an odd indeed. The thick envelope with his name written in green ink was commonly met with a shriek of joy not a sigh of sorrow. Sirius Black however, was unaware what to feel when he got his Hogwarts letter. Happy he was getting away from his parents, Excited he would get to see James, Peter, Marlene and Frank more, Scared he wouldn't get into Slytherin. Scratch that not scared terrified, What if he was sorted somewhere else, what if he wasn't slytherin enough. What if he didn't want to be slytherin enough? Bloody hell he had to be slytherin enough. Every Black as far back as forever was Slytherin enough. He had to be. His parents would be right pissed if he wasn't. He tucked the letter on to his pillow and slipped from his seat before taking out a fake bottom in his drawer and pulling out his letters from old letters Marlene with a few from James thrown in over the past few month. They were mixed in the drawer in no particular order so it was always a mix bag of what he would find when he opened the envelope. The first was from the beginning of last year. The first time Marlene wrote to him about her school work.

Dear Ryan,

Ms. Pettigrew took Me, Pete, and Jamie to a MUGGLE TOWN TODAY! Like a real muggle town. Not just any muggle town though we went to London! LONDON! Don't you live near London? Anyways, we got to see Buckingham Palace, which is really cool. Muggle royalty lives there, like King Math in the Conical of Prydain, or so Ms. Pettigrew says. She said that the queen is named Elizabeth and she has four kids, one of them is Pete and Jamie's age his name is Andrew or Charles, maybe it was Edward, oh I don't remember but James and Peter and me tried to see him with a pair of Omnioculars James brought with him. Ms. Pettigrew saw them and took them from us.

We even ate Chinese, DID YOU KNOW MUGGLES ATE CHINESE! It was actually quite good but that is not the point. Why would they eat things from so far away? I much prefer a nice England ham to the stuff I had today.

Then we went on a train underground. It was really cool. I love riding on trains so does Peter, James said he didn't like being under people. Then Ms. Pettigrew told him not to worry because the Hogwarts Express travels over country not under cities. Did you know that?

Last we saw a movie, it was a cool movie with a weird name, ducky lucky boom boom something or other but it was so cool. It was like a ton of pictures that talked and everything, I loved it

Ms. Pettigrew said the trip was expanding our culture or something I don't remember. She said my father told her too, I doubt that though, Father does not like muggles all that much he thinks they're weird with their phellytones and veletisions.

I hope you are good.

Mary- Anne! :)'

He remembered he responded with some question about muggles eating each other, he flipped through the letters, stopping on one James wrote about an epic prank they had to pull at Hogwarts, before continuing until he found the next one she had sent. Finally he found it and pulled it out to read.

'Dear Ryan,

First Peter sends back the high five, secondly and more importantly I fear you have been lied to. Muggles do not eat each other nor did they try to eat Me, Peter, or James. I also did not eat any person as you seem to believe. Seeing as you are so concerned about this I have enclosed some pictures I took of muggle London. Do you have any more stupid questions?

Quite Annoyed,

Mary- Annie.'

Yup, he was probably pretty right with that assumption. A part of him moved to look for the pictures before realizing they were gone. Kreacher had found the pictures and Sirius got quite the beating for having treacherous materials, and those were just pictures. Imagine if he was sorted into Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff, or worse Gryffindor. His hide would be so sore he wouldn't sit right for a year or more. But, the letter was not what would tell him where he was sorted. That wouldn't happen for a few months. He looked back at the letter before hearing his mother shrill call for breakfast. He grabbed the letter and brought it down stairs offering it to her as some sort of peace offering. It was Walburga Black who opened Sirius' letter and nodded to it before placing it out of the boys reach.

"Guess not even you can mess up a Hogwarts letter boy." She quibbed and Sirius nodded into his food not even thinking of taking in her gaze. Walburga nodded and then carried on with her day. No birthday wish was given for her eldest son. And Sirius found he liked that.

Remus John Lupin

March 10, 1971

Remus Lupin mood had only gotten better since last Christmas. His Parents now could see the son they lost instead of a boy waiting for his monster to appear. Around the full moon he would get a bit touchy and want to be left alone but other than that he was a normal child. That was one reason that the parents allowed one Headmaster Albus Dumbledore to talk when they saw him seated in their shabby living room talking to their son about transfiguration while playing an old worn out game of exploding snaps that more like hiccupped instead of exploding. It was also why they did not ask the man to leave when he mentioned Hogwarts. What both parents seemed to think was a distant and lost possibility for Remus to go to any magical school Albus Dumbledore saw as right for him to attend Hogwarts. Each possible issue brought up was placated by the man's gentile nature and an expression of

"I assure you it shall be safe." They ended up with an agreement, near the end of the summer Remus would decide if he wished to attend the school but only if there was no question about the safety of his transformation. John and Hope did not even care if their son came home for each transformation, as long as he was safe. Albus left with that and Remus' good spirits doubled, no tripled. Especially when he realized both of his parents had left to get him a small chocolate cake and a paperbound book missing its cover. He devoured though the book in one night. The cake however took a bit longer eating small pieces to save it as long as he could.

James Charlus Potter

March 27, 1971

Running down the hall way then sliding down the banister James Potter ripped though his home toward the fireplace with a letter in his hand and a grin on his face. His mother called asking him if he had eaten breakfast yet to witch he answered he would eat at The McKinnon's and jumping though the floo on his way to show off his letter to his two younger friends who had not gotten theirs as of yet.

"Did you get it?" He heard Marlene's voice as soon as he stepped out of the fireplace and James showed the letter in all its glory. Peter ran into the room and slipped between Marlene and James grabbing the letter to read himself.

"Defense for the Defenseless by Grudgen Rigby," He read looking for the one thing he was most interested in. Alice and written and told Marlene of the changing Defense teachers and so the three kids created a bet. Whoever guessed the level of defense teacher right got to choose the groups Hogwarts compartment. Peter had said the teacher would be good, James said medium, and Marlene said horrible like the past two Alice had written about. Apparently one was Bulgarian and spoke little English and the one they had now was so disorganized it was more like defense against loose papers from the teacher's desk. Marlene grabbed the list and ran to the 'classroom' on the first floor. It was really an empty bedroom that had desks and supplies for the children to learn Marlene ran to Ms. Pettigrew's desk and placed the paper down.

"Ms. Pettigrew," She and James called as Peter called the word "Mum" the woman looked up and nodded for the three to continue. All three took this as a go ahead and started explaining the situation in different ways at the same time.

"Hold," Ms. Pettigrew said and they all stopped speaking.

"Marlene what is happening," She asked and the red headed girl smiled at the boys in a told you so way before beginning.

"Well you see, Jamie got his Hogwarts letter," She began.

"Congratulation James and Happy Birthday," Ms. Pettigrew intercepted.

"And we have a bet going on how good the defense teacher will be," Marlene continued.

"You all shouldn't bet," Ms. Pettigrew chastised.

"It is only for Hogwarts Express compartments Mum, nothing else." Peter clarified.

"Anyways Peter thinks the teacher will be good." Marlene continued.

"Dumbledore wouldn't hire a niffer," Peter interjected.

"Headmaster Dumbledore Peter and language" Ms. Pettigrew corrected.

"James thinks the teacher will be okay." Marlene jumped back in not missing a beat.

"And Marley thinks he will be horrid." James and Peter said together before making expressions like Marlene was crazy.

"He will be, anyways, we wanted you to tell us if the defense book is good or not," Marlene said with a proud look on her face.

"Because that is how we are going to decide." Peter decided to add.

"So come on tell us how mediocre the book is." James said leaning over to rest his elbows on the desk.

"Or how good," Peter challenged leaning forward as well.

"Or horrid," Marlene said lastly before jumping to sit on the edge of the desk taking the paper from Peter and handing it to Ms. Pettigrew.

"Alright, so let me see this list Defense, defense, oh that's an old book for History of Magic, I wonder if Bins is still teaching." Ms. Pettigrew said as she searched.

"Mum!" Peter exclaimed as James and Marlene said "Ms. Pettigrew,"

"Ah here it is, Defense for the Defenseless, um Rigby is not a bad author but far from great, however, this is one of his better books. I agree with James, who ever decided on this book would be an Okay teacher." She said setting the paper down and James pushed himself away from the desk twirling in the center of the room before jumping up with a whoop.

"Yes, I knew it." He yelled as Marlene and Peter groaned.

"Man!" Marlene said slipping off the desk.

"That blows," Peter interjected.

"Language Peter," Ms. Pettigrew sighed.

"I have to tell Sirius we won." James said moving to run out of the classroom.

"Sirius," Peter questioned wondering what the older boy had to do with anything.

"You had a cohort." Marlene accused.

"Of course, he told me what the book was when he got his letter and I asked my dad. I get to choose the compartment! I get to choose the compartment!" James said in a sing song tone.

"No fair," Peter said crossing his arms.

"Yeah, you cheater," Marlene Added

"I just used all resources available you both are just sore because you didn't think of it." James said as he continued to sing his tune of 'I get to choose the compartment'.

Peter Blake Pettigrew

April 2, 1971

At eleven fifty nine April 1 Ms. Pettigrew shook awake her small ward that smiled up and grabbed Ms. Pettigrew's hand as they walked out of the room before stopping to wake up James who had stayed the night. In James' hands was Peter's present from him, Ms. Pettigrew held a small cage that normally held Peter's present from, a rat he wanted to bring to Hogwarts, as Marlene tried not to scream as the small little hands of said rat ran up and down her arms. She had no qualms with rats and really did not mind them, unless they crawled on her, which felt exceedingly weird in Marlene's opinion, for they had little hands that looked just like human hands and felt like creepy crawlies. Opening the door to Peter's room Ms. Pettigrew charmed the lights on and some confetti to fall on to Peter's bed. The boy woke up and smiled as Marlene ran into the room while singing the Happy Birthday song. She placed the rat on his bed and Peter squealed jumping to give his mother a hug. Marlene's gift for the boy was hidden quite well under his bed and she went to grab it. Last year on his birthday Peter had found Marlene's hiding place in her room so Marlene figured the best place to hide his present was in his room. She then held it out to him with a goofy grin on her face. Ripping off the paper he smiled at Marlene before turning it around to see what it was. He looked up at Marlene and then back at his present Marlene smiled and took to explaining it.

"It is a memory game of dates and events in History of Magic, like goblin rebellions and all that stuff. It said it helps people study for O.W.L.S but I asked your mum and she said we knew the majority of it and could learn what we didn't with a cheat sheet she made for us." Marlene explained before giving the best part of the present. "She said we could use it for History of Magic lessons today and every Friday until school starts." Marlene said and Peter jumped to give her a hug.

"It's wicked thank you Marlene," He said Ms. Pettigrew smiled James handed off his present next witch was a detailed picture book version of Hogwarts a History which Peter also loved. The four ten made their way down stairs where they played Peter's new memory game for almost thirty minutes before the three fell asleep against each other on the couch. Ms. Pettigrew smiled as she took a picture to add to her collection. She would have to cohort one of Peter's dorm mates into taking pictures for her in the next seven years as this was the last birthday she would get to spend the morning with her son when he was still a child. With that thought she let the children sleep as she put the finishing touches on Peter's birthday cake. Around seven o'clock the tawny letter came in addressed to Peter B. Pettigrew and she smiled placing it on the table to be read when the children awoke.

Marlene Mary - Anne McKinnon

August 31, 1971

"I am sorry Marlene but you have out grown your governess, Black's in this house I shudder at the mere thought." Her father said as he read a paper on the desk of his rarely used study. Marlene sat across from him pleading for her governess to return so she would not have to go to Hogwarts alone. Ms. Pettigrew had been released less than gently two days ago and Peter along with the majority of Marlene's friends had been forbidden from the ball that had been thrown in her honor. The only child she was friends with at the ball was James and she barely got to say two words to him before someone like Francis Heartz, and older gentleman who smelt of cabbage, or worse Barty Crouch JR. who despite being stepped on by Marlene had yet to take the hint the girl did not wish to be betrothed to him. James had sent her a sad smile but his hands had been tied in the fact since he was the only friend she was allowed to have presently upsetting the Minster may result in his own exclusion from the events leaving Marlene without anyone.

"But Daddy," Marlene whined.

"Are you eleven or seven Marlene really, if you cannot speak like an adult I have not time for you." Her father cut her off in a cold tone.

"Father," Marlene's voice was slightly whiny making her father raise his eyebrows but Marlene fixed it with a clearing of her throat.

"Father, you have never met Ry- Sirius. Why would you pass judgment on him before meeting him? Do you judge him only on his last name?" Marlene asked and her Father's quill stopped.

"Marlene I am unaware how Ms. Pettigrew allowed you to act in this house but you shall understand one thing now. I need not explain myself to you." He said before there was a knock at the door.

"Enter,"

"Minster McKinnon you are needed at the Ministry there was an attack at the Abbot's." The Auror who Marlene couldn't name said peeking his head in the room. Marlene twisted at the name, she knew of Mr. and Mrs. Abbot they were an older couple that went to events and would smile at her or offer her an extra cookie when no one was watching. She knew they had a son who worked as a higher up in the ministry, doing what she did not know, and a daughter who was just finishing up school this year as a Hufflepuff, Alice talked about her in some of her letters. Her Father ran a hand through his hair with a soft huff.

"Take Marlene to the Potter's have Charlus brought up to speed we will most likely need him to come in tonight. The press will be having a field day, where there any causality's."

"None sir said there wasn't many there, rookies Moody thinks, Mr. Abbot fought them off, he is however in rough shape can't cast like he used to." The Auror said stepping into the room more fully. "Sir if I may," The auror said as an afterthought with a softer tone.

"What Wesley," Mr. McKinnon asked with an annoyed edge to his voice.

"Tomorrow is September first, Sir." The auror said his voice no more than a whisper but Marlene picked it up.

"Something's take precedence, Marlene your trunk it shall be moved for you later tonight; you will go with Auror Wesley now. I have work to finish." Her father said shooing her from the room after brushing papers off his desk and to the dust pin in a swipe. Marlene snatched a daily prophet that read the word 'WAR' from the pile hoping it had the information she needed and stuffed it into her robe pocket thankful for the fact the pocket itself existed as the man ushered her out of the room.

"I am sorry for this Miss. McKinnon," He said being one of the first times in the past few days one of the Aurors has spoken directly to Marlene since her father practically ordered them not to.

"It isn't your fault Sir," Marlene shrugged keeping her head down.

"No but it isn't yours either. Every child should have a parent see them off to Hogwarts." The man said and Marlene shook her head softly.

"Some things take precedence." She echoed her father as she stepped into the floo with a shout of "Perlington Place", as she stepped out of the floo her eyes fell on a worried looking Mrs. Potter who opened her mouth to question the girl's presence but instead was met with an arm full of Marlene as the girl crashed into her.

"Marlene dear is everything alright." Mrs. Potter asked as she ran a hand through the perfectly placed curls Marlene wore for her birthday party.

"Mrs. Potter, My name is Auror Wesley I am sorry for the intrusion." The man said nodding his head for introduction.

"Not at all, has something happened." Mrs. Potter asked as the door to the kitchen from the living room opened and Mr. Potter and James walked into the room.

"Yes ma'am there was an attack." Auror Wesley said reporting his facts once again.

"An attack, an attack on what," James asked turning to face his father knowing that he would know what was going on.

"Not now Jamie,"

"But Da,"

"Not now, Dorea please take Marlene and James upstairs and put them to bed, I will tell you afterwards. I feel Marlene shall be staying with us tonight. Auror Wesley yes," Mr. Potter said not ever really being one to keep names straight.

"Yes sir," The Auror said.

"Follow me please. Some things are better discussed in a study." Mr. Potter said leading the man out of the room in the other direction. James turned to Marlene to get answers.

"Marlene what happened?" He asked before his mother chewed into him about obeying his father. To this James explained that his father had not told him 'not' to ask Marlene just to go up to their beds. Mrs. Potter did not answer that as she did as told. She moved to take Marlene into the guest room the girl sometimes used when Marlene asked if she could instead stay with Jamie.

"Please, we will go right to sleep Mrs. Potter."

"Yeah we promise Mum please."

"Fine, but go to sleep." Ms. Potter relented tucking both the children into bed after having taken the pins out of Marlene hair and having her change into one of James' extra pair of pajamas that where red and had snitched flying all over them. Being smaller than Jamie the pajamas swallowed her whole but the girl did not mind as Mrs. Potter kissed both children on the top of the head and wished them sweet dreams.

"We're not really going straight to sleep are we?" James asked and Marlene placed her hand over his mouth motioning for him to be quiet. She then slipped from the bed and walked over to the door opening it ever so slightly. Hearing the undefinable mumble of his parents down stairs Marlene went to grab the paper from her dress robes she then climbed back into bed next to James.

"War in the Wizarding World," James read the papers title with a questioning tone. "Marlene you don't think this is true do you." He asked Marlene shrugged.

"The auror told my father that there was another attack, meaning it has had to happen before." Marlene explained.

"People get attacked at the time Marlene," James said in response.

"I think this is different, my father seemed upset at the news." Marlene tried to explain.

"Maybe he knew the family?" James suggested.

"It was the Abbot's he knows them but he's not close to them, he also asked if there was any causalities James." Marlene said.

"Well that could be a common courtesy thing, information he needs or something that could mean nothing." James tried to rationalize.

"Jamie what about all the whispers we hear at the events," Marlene asked.

"They are just that, whispers, it's not real Marlene," James said once again holding tight to the belief that the world he grew up in was safe. He turned on his side and closed his eyes ignoring her. Silence passed for a few minutes and James wondered if Marlene had in fact fallen asleep.

"What if they aren't just whispers Jamie?" Marlene asked before she settled down into the bed and turned on her side as well. They both fell asleep without exchanging any other words.

A/N - I wish you and yours a happy New Year and hope you all had a Siriusly amazing 2013, I know I did. :)