Chapter 14: Pettigrew

Peter Pettigrew was living a good life as the Weasley Family's pet rat. Of course, it was degrading to live as a rat but at least he was fed on a regular basis and didn't have to worry about Sirius Black finding him. At first, learning that Sirius was released drove him worried but he eventually figured out Sirius wouldn't think of looking for him at the Burrow and the Weasleys didn't believe Sirius' claims of innocence.

Pettigrew's worries returned tenfold when Ronald Weasley brought him to Hogwarts and he realized Ron's year mates Harry Potter and Acquila Black are aware of his status as a Rat Animagus and probably learned enough dark curses from the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.

However, there was a line of hope. Thanks to his Dark Mark, he could feel Voldemort's presence at Hogwarts. Normally, he would stay hidden but the fear of being found by Sirius Black made him feel he had no choice. After managing to evade the Weasleys and Mr Filch's cat, Peter Pettigrew a.k.a. Wormtail scurried into Professor Quirrell's office. "Who's there?" Pettigrew heard his master's voice from under Quirrell's turban. "Reveal yourself!"

Wormtail resumed his human form. "Wormtail." The voice said as Quirrell removed his turban to reveal Voldemort's face under it. "I see the Blacks were telling the truth about that as well. And I was thinking Siriussss Black killed you and accidentally killed those filthy mugglesssssss."

Quirrell then turned around. "Peter Pettigrew? Alive?" He asked. "So Sirius Black really wasn't a Death Eater?"

"Of coursssssse he's not!" Voldemort angrily replied.

"Then who killed his wife?" Quirrell asked.

"I did." Pettigrew answered.

"Why?" Voldemort asked.

"She k-knew I was the real Secret-Keeper, My Lord." Pettigrew explained.

"Forget about her." Voldemort ordered. "I have something more urgent to solve and I fail to see how you can be useful."

"I preserved your wand, My Lord." Pettigrew explained as he showed his wand.

"Excellent." Voldemort replied.

End chapter.

Author's Note: Given some security issues regarding FFN, it's likely I'll post the next chapters at deviantart instead.