"Peter," James said, all excitement and smugness in his eyes. "Sirius and I – we just had the greatest idea."
Peter looks up from his shoes, fidgeting nervously. "Well, you guys generally do have pretty great ideas," he admitted, jealousy raging within him. "Any particular reason why you're coming to me for it now? Need some scurrying services?"
James laughed. "No, man. Listen. We figured it out! How to avoid getting killed. Lily, Harry, and I – I really think we're going to make it."
Peter smiled, but not for the reason James clearly thought. He could do it! He could finally prove himself to the Dark Lord... no more inconsequential little rat for him, ohh no.
"Really?" he asked excitedly. "What? What are you planning?"
"Fidelius charm," James whispered. "And our secret keeper – you."
Peter stumbled. "Me? Why not Sirius? He's your best friend! Or even Remus! They're both far more competent than, than me…" Wormtail, get a hold of yourself. If the Dark Lord finds out you protested, he won't be pleased…
James's expression hardened. "Sirius and I did consider Remus, but… Voldemort supports werewolves. He's been using them to do his bidding. We – the leaders of the Order, and I – have been suspecting of there being a traitor among us for a while now. A few of the attacks were just a little too coincidental for there not to be. It can't be Remus, but we have to be safe."
Peter fidgeted a bit more, trying to banish all guilt from his expression. "But, Sirius? He is your best friend. Anyone would think it would be- oh!" He grinned as it hit him. "That's it, isn't it?"
James smiled again. "Exactly. We're spreading a rumor. Even Dumbledore and Remus think it's Sirius. The Death Eaters don't have a chance in hell of knowing the truth. I trust you, Peter. So much. I'm literally putting my life in your hands here. I mean, I could go with Sirius, though. If it's too much for you."
"I'll do it," Peter said before he could stop himself. "I'll keep you two safe, James! And the baby! I promise!"
James launched in for a hug. "Thank you so much. This will be brilliant! But you have to stay hidden, alright, mate? Don't get hurt. Okay?"
He nodded.
For two days, he battled the conflicting emotions within him.
They trusted you!
If you betray them, you won't survive it.
If you betray them, you won't let yourself survive it.
Peter, you were wrong! They are still there for you! You can still turn back!
They CARE about you, Peter!
VOLDEMORT WILL KILL YOU, PETER.
Ultimately, fear won the battle.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
A/N: Just something that popped into my head. I've always felt kind of bad for Peter. My headcanon is that he turned to Voldemort because he thought his fellow Marauders were abandoning him, looked down on him, etc. I imagine he didn't really see himself going anywhere in life, and was probably approached by the Death Eaters with this in mind, and ultimately gave in. So, when he was asked to participate in the Fidelius Charm, he got confused, started doubting what was right and what was wrong, and ultimately, this drabble was born.