A/N: I don't own the rights to any of these characters, settings or anything to do with Wizarding World. This is a work of fiction based on
the universe created by J.K Rowling.

CHAPTER SEVEN – PETER
May 1977

Peter watched a group of Hufflepuff's squealing and running along the grounds, the bright sun shining from a cloudless sky. A small Hufflepuff girl fell to the ground as the others shot water at her from their wands, Peter chuckled to himself and looked back down at Marlene. They had taken refuge under a vast tree, it was a particularly hot day and Peter was grateful for the shade cast around them. Peter's back had begun to feel stiff and he shuffled slightly careful not to move Marlene too much, whose head was resting on his lap. She was reading aloud to him, another one of her Muggle literature books. Peter didn't care for them but he enjoyed the sound of her voice and the way Marlene would lose herself in the pages.

Lately Peter had found himself wondering if he was falling in love with Marlene, or perhaps he already had? It was raining when Peter told Marlene he loved her. Peter remembered the way the little drops of water ran down her face and the laughter that escaped her lips as she ran through the rain. Once they had reached the front doors of the castle Peter grabbed her hand, pulled her back to him and kissed her. And then he told her he loved her. Peter wasn't sure what he expected to happen, but Marlene simply smiled at him and pulled him inside the castle with her. That was two months ago, he never said it again and Marlene never said it either. Yet his stomach still flipped every time she walked into a room, her voice made the hairs stand up on his arm. When he held her in his arms it felt like he was holding the world and lately he felt like he was holding on to it with all his might.

Peter frowned down at Marlene and ran his hands through her hair. A smile spread across Marlene's face and she continued reading.

"I knew no living thing in flesh and blood was by; but, as certainly as you perceive the approach to some substantial body in the dark, though it cannot be discerned, so certainly I felt that Cathy was there: not under me, but on the earth..." Marlene let the book fall on to her chest and she sighed.

"What is it?" Peter asked.

"This story. Can you imagine loving someone so possessively like Heathcliff does?"

"I think it's all a bit too creepy for me."

"God, he just loved her so much he had to hold her in his arms one last time... It's morbid, it's twisted and it's beautiful."

"It's disgusting if you ask me."

Marlene chuckled and looked up at Peter, "So you wouldn't go digging me up if I carked it like that?"

"No chance!" Peter laughed. "You wouldn't cark it like that anyway... We've got an edge over the Muggles."

Marlene frowned and sat up, "What do you mean?"

"Well, I mean. She was a bit stupid, Cathy. Leaving the windows open and catching her death" Peter replied, rolling his eyes, "I mean we've got potions that would fix that right up. It's things like this that make me grateful I'm a wizard."

"So you think you're better than Muggles?"

"I didn't say that... But now that you mention it. Yeah, I guess life is better with magic."

"Muggles have a great deal of worth too. They don't have magic but they're still out there creating all sorts of wonderful things!"

"Like what?"

"Cars, airplanes, microwaves, television, film... So many things Peter."

"Why would you need a car or an airplane when there is apparition, broomsticks and Floo Powder?"

Marlene snapped her book shut and got to her feet. "Unbelievable."

"What?" Peter asked and got to his feet too, "I'm just saying, we're pretty advanced."

"Sounds like something a pureblood fanatic would say!" Marlene snapped.

"Stop overreacting Mar, I'm not a fanatic."

"I'm overreacting am I? There are people out there being killed because of beliefs like that!"

"I'm not killing anyone!"

"Not yet!"

"Are you joking? You really think I would be one of them. I'm proud to be a wizard okay. And yes I think I'm better than Muggles and that's okay."

"No, Peter, it's not."

"You honestly believe you're not better than Muggles?"

"I think they're just as important as us."

"Then you're stupider than I thought."

Marlene slapped Peter hard across the face, "You think I'm stupid? Seriously?! That's a bit rich coming from you!"

"Calm down, I didn't-"

"If I'm so stupid why am I always helping you with your homework huh? Why am I getting better marks than you? Why don't my friends have to dumb themselves down for me like yours do?"

Peter felt heat rush through his face and he clenched his fists, "They don't dumb themselves down for me!"

"Oh please." Marlene said and rolled her eyes.

Peter stepped closer to her, "What is your issue today? Your acting crazy for no reason."

"I'm crazy now too am I? Unbelievable. You know that I have Muggle friends and family. My best friend is a Muggle Born and you stand here and have the audacity to say these things to me."

Marlene turned to walk away from him but Peter grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him. Marlene's eyes widened as she twisted to get out of his tight grip.

"LET ME GO!" Marlene screamed and squirmed.

"What is this really about? Are you just looking for a reason to pick a fight?" Peter demanded.

Marlene pulled herself free and glared at Peter, tears swimming in her eyes, "Don't be thick, Peter. And don't EVER touch me like that again!"

"Do you love me?" Peter asked and Marlene threw up her hands in anger.

"You're asking me this now? After you just manhandled me and berated Muggles?!"

"Answer the question."

Marlene began to cry and pushed Peter away from her, "You're not who I thought you were."

Before Peter could respond Marlene turned and ran towards the castle. Peter remained under the tree breathing heavily and clenching his fists. He looked up and noticed the Hufflepuff's had stopped playing their game and were now staring at him. Great, Peter thought to himself, now they think I'm mental. Peter snatched up the blanket from the ground and stormed off towards the castle. He found himself raging as he crossed the grass, ignoring the students around him.

"Peter! Oi Peter!"

Peter recognized the voice immediately but he didn't have the energy for Yaxley today. He strode along the grass and kept his head down. Peter heard footsteps approaching and whirled around to find Yaxley and Snape.

"Hey Peter." Snape said, "Everything alright?"

Peter narrowed his eyes and shoved Snape away from him, "Sod off, both of you!"

Peter stormed off before either of them could retaliate and ignored Yaxley calling after him. He wasn't in the mood for it today. Peter crashed through the front doors and collided with Edgar Bones.

"Sorry Peter!" Edgar said, steadying himself.

"S'alright Edgar." Peter responded and ran his hand down his face.

Edgar smiled at Peter, "Fancy joining me for lunch?"

"I'm not hungry." Peter replied and began scanning the students in the Entrance Hall for Marlene.

"Well come along anyway, everyone is outside in the sunshine so I could use some company." Edgar said, eyeing Peter carefully.

Peter sensed Edgar wouldn't give up, so he shrugged and nodded. "Alright."

Edgar beamed at Peter and led the way to the Great Hall, Peter followed along quietly and sat down with Edgar at the Hufflepuff table. Edgar began helping himself to sandwiches and poured both he and Peter a glass of Pumpkin Juice. Peter grabbed a sandwich and began picking bits off it looking around the Hall for Marlene and her friends.

"How are you feeling about exams?" Edgar asked, "I started studying a few weeks ago but I'm thinking perhaps I should've started much sooner than that. Especially with Charms, it's not my strongest subject. It took me so long to master nonverbal spells. How about you? Did you master them okay?"

Peter shrugged, "I've been studying a bit."

"Of course. They've really been putting the pressure on haven't they? Do you think that's standard for sixth year or is it just because of the war?"

"Who knows."

"You're right, who knows. What are you hoping to do after school?"

"I'm not sure."

"Me either. I'm going to join the Order though. I may not be top of the class but when it boils down to it I can defend myself. I don't think I could live with myself if I just buried my head in the sand you know? If I didn't do anything to help..."

"Yeah."

"Is everything okay Peter? Have the Slytherin's been giving you a hard time as well?"

"What do you mean?"

"They pick on me a lot... Hex me, taunt me, that sort of thing."

"Yeah, they taunt me too. When the others aren't around."

"Don't let them get to you... They're destined for a bad end, that lot."

"I'm not so sure."

"What makes you say that?"

Peter didn't respond, his attention was now on the group of girls who entered the Great Hall. Marlene was sandwiched between Alice and Lily, her eyes red and swollen. They headed towards the Gryffindor table and Peter found himself suddenly on his feet staring at Marlene across the Hall. Lily caught his eye and shook her head, smiling at him sadly.

"Peter?" Edgar said, "Peter, are you okay?"

"I'll see you later Edgar." Peter responded.

Peter walked towards the Gryffindor table and Lily rushed over trying to block him from Marlene.

"Peter, it's not a good time. Just let her cool down." Lily pleaded but Peter pushed past her.

"Marlene," Peter said, his voice hoarse, "Marlene, can we please go somewhere and talk?"

Marlene looked up at Peter and shook her head, "No Peter. I need some space right now."

"Marlene, please." Peter said.

"Leave me alone." She whispered and began to cry.

"I can't. I'm sorry for the things I said and how I behaved. I was angry I shouldn't have... I shouldn't have hurt you like that. I never should have said any of those things..."

"But you did say them. And you hurt me."

"Marlene... Please."

Marlene stood up and turned to Peter, "I can't do this."

"Okay, okay. Let's just go somewhere and talk about it. I love you. We can fix this."

"I don't want to go anywhere with you. There's nothing to fix."

"Mar..."

"I can't be with someone who treated me the way you did."

"It won't happen again. I promise, I promise you Mar. I love you."

"STOP SAYING THAT!"

Marlene's voice echoed around the Hall and Peter suddenly became aware that everyone was watching them. His face felt hot and his hands began to shake. Marlene began to cry harder and Lily stepped forward and wrapped her arm around her.

"Maybe you should go." Lily whispered.

"I just need to know that we can fix this." Peter replied and tucked his hands into his robes.

"We can't." Marlene said, shaking her head, "I... I don't want to see you anymore."

Peter stood there for a moment trying to find the right words to respond before Marlene walked away with Lily. Alice got to her feet and followed them shooting a glare at Peter. Peter began to breathe heavily again, his chest tight and his fists clenched. He felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Come back to the table Peter, let's finish our lunch. It's going to be okay." Edgar said.

"Edgar back off!" Peter snapped and stormed out of the Great Hall.

Peter ran along the corridor, desperate to get away from everyone before he gave in to what he was feeling. His chest burned and his vision began to blur when he found an empty classroom. Peter slammed the door behind him, pointed his wand and locked it before he fell to the ground. His body began to convulse as the sobs escaped his mouth. Marlene had helped him believe he was worthy, worthy of being loved and worthy of being anyone. Now she was gone. Peter's body shook and he clenched his fists in tufts of his hair, pulling at it in anger.

He wasn't intelligent.

He wasn't brilliant.

He wasn't good looking.

He wasn't brave.

He wasn't anything.

The thoughts continued to rattle around his head and Peter sobbed louder. He had ruined his relationship, he took something that was pure and good and he twisted it all out of shape. Is that who he really was? Was he destined to tear down everyone around him? Panting, Peter pushed himself back so he was leaning against the wall. He stared at the cupboards opposite him and tried to calm his breathing. Hours passed before his breath was steady again. But still, Peter sat in the empty classroom with no one but himself to blame.

Peter found himself thinking of Marlene; the hours they had spent wandering the grounds, the moments they spent curled up by the fire together, the way she read to him, the sweet sound of her laughter, her smile, her eyes, everything. Peter sat there until the room was dark and his body was aching from stiffness. He shakily got to his feet and unlocked the door. He heard a collection of voices down the corridor, it was dinner time now. He had spent half the day in that classroom. He turned from the direction of the Great Hall and headed towards the kitchen, he'd rather eat alone than be surrounded by people laughing at him.

Peter neared the kitchens when he heard voices ahead. He froze.

"Did you get some stew? He loves stew."

"Yes and some crusty bread rolls as well."

"What about dessert?"

"I got a few apple pies and treacle tarts."

"Oh he loves those!"

Peter remained frozen as James, Sirius and Remus came round the corner clutching armfuls of wrapped up food.

"Peter!" Remus said and rushed forward, "Just in time."

"Spot on actually, we just got everything we need for dinner." James said and winked at Peter.

"We're eating in the dormitory tonight, are you coming?" Sirius asked and cocked an eyebrow.

"I... I was coming to eat down here." Peter said.

"Nonsense, I won't hear of it." James said and continued along the hall, "We eat together or not at all!"

"Mate, I'm not going to starve! You cannot seriously expect me to forgo food? I'll be bones by the morning!" Sirius called out after him.

"Settle down there Drama Queen." Remus said.

"How dare you! I am not a Drama Queen!" Sirius responded and Remus chuckled.

"Ha!" James laughed, "Who was it that levitated all the furniture the other week because of a spider?"

"I didn't know where it went okay! I needed to make sure it was out of the room before I went to sleep." Sirius said.

"Drama Queen." Remus said and winked at Sirius.

"So are you coming Peter?" James asked.

"Marlene broke up with me." Peter blurted out and Sirius nudged Peter.

"We heard." Sirius said and handed a bread roll to Peter, "So we made an executive decision to eat our meals anywhere but in the Great Hall."

"Hell, we don't have to ever eat there again. If that's what you want?" Remus said.

"Lads! We could make it our mission to eat in every room of the castle before we graduate!" James said and Sirius shook his head.

"Just promise me we'll eat!" Sirius cried.

"We'll eat..." Peter said and smiled at them, "Let's go to the dormitory.

Sirius cheered and hurried along the hall stuffing a bread roll in his mouth. James strolled along next to him and they laughed together, their voices carrying along the corridor. Remus walked alongside Peter and smiled at him gently.

"I'm not going to press you for details, but if you need to talk about it I'm here." Remus said.

"Thank you." Peter replied and they followed James and Sirius up to the dormitory.

Peter felt a little lighter as he climbed the stairs. The misery that held him captive all afternoon was still lingering but at least now he felt like there was a way through it all. He may not be brave, intelligent, good looking or brilliant but he had the three greatest friends anyone could ask for. And that had to count for something.