Series: Harry Potter
Category: General
Rating: PG
Character: Peter
Warning: Angst, very slight implication of Sirius/Remus
Author's Note: Peter is one of those characters in Harry Potter I feel nothing for. I don't hate him, but I don't specifically like him, either. But I do think that he was just as much of a Marauder as James, Sirius and Remus where. And this is his story.
Disclaimer:
Harry Potter belongs to J. K Rowling. If I had written the series, Remus would never have left Hogwarts.
Archive: Abstract Reasoning.
Summary: Peter reflects on his three friends.

To Become More


He remembers James's laughter, the low ring of his chuckling. He remembers the black hair, always sticking out and never surrending to neatness, the confident smile upon his face and in the eyes. He remembers wanting that laughter, that courage, the way James could smile back at those who laughed at him.

He never gained.

He remembers Sirius's wicked smile, the playful sparkle in his dark eyes. He remembers the way Sirius made Snape blush with anger with a nasty remark, the way Sirius made girls swoon over every step he took, the way Sirius took Remus's breath away. He remembers wanting that smile, that charisma, strength of mere existence.

He never gained.

He remembers Remus's kind eyes, the silent sadness that fell over him like a shadow. He remembers the soft voice, full with quiet wisdom that always seemed out of place when looking at the youthful face, how that voice deepened into a frightening growl whenever the moon shone. He remembers wanting that kindness, the way the gentle lamb could turn into a raging beast.

He never gained.

He remembers walking behind his friends, wanting so much to be like them. To be brave, to be strong, to be wise. He wanted to be like James, Sirius, Remus, wanted to become them.

He never did.

So he turned to /him/. The Dark One.

He remembers all the promises the Dark One made. Promises of things better than courage, strength, wisdom. Promises of power and respect, power and respect he deserved to have. Promises of dark light in which he could stand, overshadow everybody else.

He remembers the price the Dark One set for those promises. Price for power, respect, fame. All that would be his, he remembers being told, in exchange of friendship he had treasured so. The friendship he had needed to be a person worth of noticing.

He remembers agreeing.

Almost gaining.

1. January 2003