A/N: The premise of this story is an AU where Peter Pettigrew didn't betray the Potters, but was acting as a spy for Dumbledore in the Dark Lord's Death Eaters. He has recently returned from an 11 year mission in Romania, where he was hunting down and infiltrating underground groups of the Dark Lord's loyal servants. Now that he's returned, he is unhappy to see that Sirius has been framed for the murder of his friends, Remus is being persecuted for his "condition" and Harry has been leading an unhappy life with the Dursleys. The story turns AU some point during the third book, when Peter appears and begins working to help his friend's son and keep those he loves and cares for safe.

There won't be any Dumbledore bashing, and there will be some good guy!Snape. I apologise to anyone who dislikes this fic because it isn't completely cruel to Pettigrew, but I had this idea and it wouldn't leave me alone.

Oh, and some things I'm afraid I didn't make to clear in this short Prologue: 1) McNair was the one who killed the Potters (which will be explained later). If anyone finds something unclear, just let me know.

This is my first fic in Harry Potter, so please don't be too cruel. But do read, review, and leave constructive criticism. : ) Thanks!

Prologue: Part One

Present Day

When Peter Pettigrew first returned from the furthest reaches of Romania, he had expected to see a young, happy thirteen year old Harry Potter, possibly with the last vestiges of baby fat clinging to his cheeks, and a ready smile for the world. What he found, upon his return to the UK and Hogwarts, instead, was a thin boy with haunted green eyes tinted with suspicion of the world and everything in it.

Part of Peter ached deep inside for the child that Lily and James could have had- the one Harry could have been- if they'd lived.

But mostly he felt rage and anger at the way Lily's own sister had treated her only nephew. And anger towards himself, Sirius, and Remus for being unable to take care of Harry themselves.

"I can't believe," he snarled at Remus, who was sitting across from him in the Three Broomsticks, "that Lily's own sister would hold such a grudge that she would take it out on a helpless child."

"You know that she and Lily had a rocky relationship once Lily got into Hogwarts and she didn't. It also didn't help that their parents praised all of Lily's achievements so much. Petunia felt neglected, and became jealous." The werewolf tiredly lifted his glass to take a sip.

Peter sighed. "I know. I just thought that Lily was finally starting to patch things up with her."

Remus shook his head, slowly turning his Firewhiskey on the bar. "I think she never stopped trying, after she got into Hogwarts. But once she and James were forced into hiding, I think that stopped any continued efforts on her part."

After a short pause, where Peter continued to fume silently, Remus finally added, "Have you talked to Dumbledore about-"

"Yes. He actually seemed amenable to the idea. I don't think he was any happier about leaving Harry with those damn Muggles."

"He didn't say anything about McNair being on the loose and the Ministry still looking for Sirius?"

"He felt that we should go ahead and take Harry, worry about catching McNair later. Said that staying at Grimmauld Place might be the best bet to keep both Harry and Sirius safe, until Sirius is cleared. Though that bastard McNair will be mine."

"No, not yours," corrected Remus. "Ours. We'll get him for what he did to Lily, James, and Sirius together."

Peter smiled wryly into his glass as he raised it to Remus'. "Together, then."

That's it for now, but there will definitely be more coming shortly, along with explanations to clear up any questions. I know it's short, but I just wanted to go ahead and get something out to get the story started. The next bit will DEFINITELY be longer. Hopefully it'll be done sometime tomorrow. Please read and review! Any flames will be used to roast marshmallows. : )