Title: Peter's Beginnings
Rating: K
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Peter Pettigrew
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 436
Summary: Peter wasn't always a rat.
Notes:

The Great Maze Chall/Comp: There's a round face boy up ahead with a rat face and beady eyes. You've heard how bad he can be but there must been a time when he was nice.

As Much As You Can Competition

Represent the Character II

Eleven year old Peter ran through his house. "When are we going, mum?"

Cecile Pettigrew laughed gaily at her son's enthusiasm. "Calm down, Peatie. We're leaving now."

Peter whooped in joy, jumping around excitedly. It was August and they were going to Diagon Alley to get Peter's school supplies. It wasn't his first time in the alley, but knowing the reason for the trip made it all the more exciting.

Peter was excited to be going to Hogwarts. He would be learning all about his magic and had to wield it. What wasn't exciting about it? He was also a little nervous, though. He was worried that he wouldn't have any friends. He knew he wasn't the smartest or the most athletic kid. He was also a bit on the shy side. What if no one liked him? What if he was an outcast? How would he survive seven years at Hogwarts if he was always alone?

Peter knew he could talk to his mum about it, but he didn't want to worry her. She has had enough to worry about with his dad's death two years earlier. There was no need to add to her worries.

When they got to Diagon Alley, Peter said he wanted to get the boring stuff done first. He got his uniform, potion supplies, and textbooks right away. Then he got his telescope and his wand. Lastly, he went to Eeylops Owl Emporium and picked out a plain barn owl; it was the only thing his mum could afford.

He looked around a bit in Quality Quidditch Supplies but didn't linger long. He didn't have any talent in the sport. "Mum, can we go to the ice cream parlour?"

Cecile laughed and nodded. He sat at the table while his mum went inside to get the ice cream. He was minding his own business when two boys came up to him.

"Hey," they said simultaneously.

Peter looked up, fearfully thinking this was prank. One boy had messy brown hair and glasses. The other one had black hair and gray eyes. "Hi," he mumbled.

The brown-haired boy sat down. "Are you going to be a Hogwarts first year?"

Peter nodded.

"Me too. I'm going to be in Gryffindor," he said confidently. "My name's James, by the way."

The other boy sat down. "I'm Sirius, and I'm going to be in Gryffindor, too."

As Peter began a conversation with them, he realized he may have inadvertently made some friends. It was then that he decided that he needed to be in Gryffindor. He didn't want to lose his new friends too quickly.