The Worst Betrayal Chapter 1

"Accio Glasses!" James said with a flick of his wand, summoning his glasses from the other side of the room. One of the ends hit him in the eye then fell onto the floor, shattering the lenses.

James sighed and picked them up. "Reparo."

"Not bad, Prongs. Maybe you should try summoning Evans next, see how that works out," Sirius said dryly. Remus and Peter both laughed out loud.

James turned slightly red but replied good-naturedly, "Why don't you give it a go then?"

"If my loyal audience wants a performance, then a performance you shall have," Sirius said, jumping up dramatically. Remus snorted sarcastically but leaned closer to watch just like the rest of them.

"Accio Shoe!" he exclaimed, flicking his wand with an elaborate flair. Instead of flying straight to Sirius's outstretched hand, however, it flew straight at Peter so fast that it felt like someone had just kicked him square in the face, knocking him over.

"Peter, are you alright?" James asked, looking at him with concern.

"Yeah. Yeah I'm fine," Peter said, rubbing his nose gently.

Remus made a strange strangled sound. Peter looked over at him and realized he was laughing.

"Sorry, Peter, but the look on your face was priceless!" Remus said, imitating Peter's face, eyes wide and mouth hanging open. Sirius and James soon joined in the laughter.

"Very funny," Peter said grumpily, standing up. "I'm going to bed."

"Wormtail! Hey, Peter, wait a second!" Remus called after him. But Peter ignored him and stomped up the stairs to their dormitory.

Remus sighed in defeat. "I didn't mean to offend him."

"We know, Moony. And he'll realize it too, when he gets a chance to think about it. Just give him time, he'll come around," Sirius said comfortingly.

"I just forget how sensitive he is sometimes. It's not a bad thing, it's just… you know," Remus continued.

"We all forget sometimes. Maybe we should stop teasing him, or at least cut back," James suggested. They both nodded in agreement, still slightly concerned for their friend.

Peter felt terrible. His friends were horrible whisperers; he had heard every word they said. He knew he was sensitive, that wasn't why he felt guilty. They were so nice to him, even though he was much less talented than they were, and infinitely less cool. He didn't deserve such good friends.

Someday, I'll be a great wizard. Then they won't have to take pity on me any more, and they'll respect me as much as I respect them. Someday, we'll be equals. With that thought, Peter drifted off into a fitful sleep.