Sorry this part took longer then I thought it would. I was really busy all week and didn't have time to write. I'll try and get parts out more frequently in the future.
Some information in this part was checked using Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as well as the webpage "Harry Potter Lexicon" which can be found at this address: http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon/index.html
Disclaimer: I don't own any part of Harry Potter, his family, or the Marauders. I do own Peter's mother and family. They are of my own creation.
A Rat's Tale:
The Feast
I walked towards the Gryffindor table in blind stupor. The hat had specifically said that the Gryffindor folk were brave, something that my mother had told me was one of my poorest qualities. All those times that I'd ducked her blows, all the times that I'd hidden from her screaming, she'd yelled at the top of her lungs that a brave child would stand up and accept what he had coming. I'd always justified my actions by telling myself that my safety was more important then bravery. Had I really been brave to stand up to her like that?
Somehow, I'd made it to the table. Sirius was already sitting there along with Remus and two girls who were clearly first years. James had run up behind me and sat down at the table before I'd gotten there, obviously excited to be sorted into the same house as his best friend. The two girls watched as the last few first years were sorted, then continued to talk amongst themselves. They were obviously the only female first years at the Gryffindor table. No other boys were sorted into Gryffindor either. It seemed that Sirius, Remus, James and I were the only Gryffindor first year boys. I let out a small laugh. Funny how all their names ended in a 's' and mine didn't.
"What's so funny?" the darker-haired girl of the two asked me. I was surprised that any of them had actually heard me laugh or had even noticed that I was there.
"Nothing really," I said. The girl gave me a funny look and turned her face to Dumbledore, who had stood up at the staff table. The whole Great Hall had suddenly become silent. The older students hushed the occasional first or second year voice that drifted through the large room.
"There is a list of items not allowed in the castle in your common rooms. Please look over it, as you will receive a detention if caught with one of the items. A reminder to the older students and a warning to first years that the Forbidden Forrest is off limits to those who wish to remain alive. A warning to all students that a rare Whomping Willow has been planted on the Hogwarts' grounds. I am advising all students not to go near this plant without a staff member because it has been known to cause severe bodily harm to those who approach it wrong. As I see that you are all very hungry, I leave you with this: Bon Appetit!"
The entire Great Hall once again broke into a low roar of chatter. I looked in front of me to see dishes piled high with all sorts of mouth-watering foods. I'd never seen so much in my life. I tentatively grabbed the spoon in the dish of mashed potatoes and put a small spoonful on my plate. The smallest piece of chicken soon followed the suite, along with a small serving of salad.
"You conserving food or something?" I heard Sirius ask me from down the table. I looked up to see that everybody had large portions on their plates. Sirius himself was holding a chicken leg in each hand. "You on a diet?"
"No," I said. I picked up my fork and started to eat. It had always been take what you can get and don't ask for more at my house. I wasn't about to push my luck. If I took too much, then somebody would tell me in a loud voice and embarrass me. Now playing it safe wasn't even a option anymore. I tried to push my mind off of food and turned to the dark-haired girl who was sitting next to me. "I'm Peter, what's your name?" The frank and slightly demanding tone of my voice surprised both of us.
"Arabella Figg," she said. She motioned towards the girl sitting next to her. "Do you know Lily Evans?" The red-haired girl smiled at me. "We're the only two first year girls."
I smiled at her. I don't really know why I did, but it just seemed appropriate for the situation. I'd never been good at making friends and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to learn. "I guess I'm one of four. James, Sirius and Remus are my roommates." Lily and Arabella nodded, then continued on in their own conversation.
"Hey Peter, up for the Forbidden Forest tomorrow?" Sirius called. I could tell that he was annoyed at my lack of emotion to the comment he had made earlier. I wasn't surprised that he was already suggesting the Forbidden Forest. Across from me, Remus was shaking his head and James was rolling his eyes. It was obvious the two had already declined the offer.
"No thanks, unless you're up for your third detention before the first day of classes," I responded, stressing the word 'up'. Remus broke into silent laughter, but James didn't contain himself. The older students looked towards him, then continued their conversations. Sirius grunted, as if this were a common occurrence, and continued to eat. The other slowly followed his example, pausing only to refill their plates every once in awhile.
I absentmindedly picked at the food on my plate, not eating it, but not ignoring its presence completely. I thought back to the Sorting Cap. I hadn't been listening when it had been placed on my head and had been examining my thoughts. I still didn't quite understand why I'd been placed in a house with these people. Sirius had already proven his nerves, standing up to the staff before he'd even been put into a house. I hadn't done anything like that, it wasn't natural for me. I tended to try and avoid tough situations on instinct. Getting into trouble always led to more pain then it was worth. Sirius seemed to relish in it. I didn't.
I lost myself completely in my thoughts and barely spoke for the rest of the feast. I barely noticed when the desert course appeared or when the entire meal vanished into thin air. I do remember getting up and following the designated prefect to the Gryffindor common room. It was very nicely furnished, the couch and chairs a bit worn, but cozy. The prefect directed us up the boys staircase and to the third floor up that had been designated "First Years." I found my trunk and opened it, finding my unfolded pajamas stuffed into a corner. I tossed the wrinkled clothes onto my bed and watched as the other three took clean, folded pajamas out of their trunks.
"Who packed for you?" I heard Sirius ask in amazement. I quickly slammed my trunk shut. My mother hadn't packed for me. She'd just thrown stuff towards me, occasionally dumping a load of clean laundry on my floor. My half-sister had wandered into my room after an hour of trying to fold my clothes and had started to throw them everywhere. My mother had left the room, the silent cuss under her breath, taking my sister with her and not coming back, leaving me to fend for myself. Folding had never been one of my strong points.
"I packed for me," I answered, trying not to sound too annoyed. "I suppose your parents packed for you?"
"Nope, I did." Sirius said, obviously proud of himself. His mother had probably spent hours sitting next to him, discussing whether he would need six pairs of jeans or seven to last him the long winter. She'd most likely folded each article with pride, placing it in her son's trunk while Sirius sat next to her directing where to put it.
I sat down on my bed and pulled the curtains closed. It was the nicest bed that I'd ever seen. The comforter alone was most likely worth more then I'd ever held in my hands. Money wasn't an issue around my house, however my proximity to money was. I pulled off my shirt and put on the pajama top. It smelled.
After I'd finished changing, I opened up the curtains to see the other three standing together next to the water jug, talking between themselves. I quickly left the room and found the bathroom. After brushing my teeth, I walked back up to the room. Sirius, Remus and James hadn't moved from the water jug. I quickly grabbed Quidditch Through the Ages out of my trunk and lay down on the bed and continued to read. I don't know when I slipped off to sleep, but I know I did and I know that my roommates were still talking by the water jug when I fell asleep.