A/N: This whole story or whatnot is J.K. Rowling's business. I'm just here to corrupt it and make it special. And the image is by ~tina-lynn from DeviantArt.

Rise of the Fourth Marauder

Chapter Five – It's Lonely at the Pinnacle

I slowly became aware again of the passage of time, and began an uphill battle towards waking up. Doing so involved brushing aside an enormous amount of fundamental exhaustion. I got the feeling that the individual entity known as "Peter Pettigrew" had been very nearly wiped out as a result of everything that had gone on during the ritual.

Out of sheer willpower, I cracked open my aching eyes to the dampened light of what I assumed was the Hogwarts hospital wing. After I'd had a tiny moment to adjust them, I was assaulted by a face full of Remus. Er…that sounded wrong…what I meant was, an extremely relieved-looking Remus was in my face.

"Peter! You're alright!" he beamed, giving me a tight hug, causing me to hiss in response from the pain in my back. Things still felt VERY liquid back there.

"Stay away! Don't touch him!" I recognized another voice, one laced with snobbishness and false concern. That would be my darling mother, Caspia Pettigrew. Lovely. Just who I wanted to see after getting my guts ripped open.

I cleared my throat and tried to sit up, but a rush of panic stopped me when I realized things were sliding around inside my back – laying back down was clearly the safer course of action at the moment. Nevertheless, I said, with a gravelly voice. "A pleasure to see you, Remus, Mum."

"We're here, too, Peter!" A voice I knew far less well said in a warm, but worried tone. I strained my neck up a bit to see who it was: Remus's beautiful and quite caring muggleborn mother, Daedin. Her austere husband was also there, with his famously dapper moustache, though looking more unnerved than I'd ever seen him before. "I'm so happy to see you doing better," she said.

"I am quite sure that my son does not care one whit about your presence, Daedin," my mother said in a put-upon, yet still civil, tone.

I really didn't have the energy to deal with this right now. And I didn't know exactly what was going on, or what had been said thus far.

Fortunately, Mum's next few sentences shed some light on the turn things had taken. "Not after what your boy did to him. I know you and I have been friendly in the past, for the sake of our boys, but I do think it's time we put a stop to things, in light of this great tragedy." She gave an admirable performance of a concerned mother while she said this. I knew better, however – my family's house elves were the people who truly raised me at home, my family could never be bothered. They legitimately did not care about me except what I might bring to their political strategies…which, up to this point, wasn't much. My mother's presence here alone proved that she was here to further her political agenda.

Regardless, it seemed that, according to the story that my mother was manipulating to suit her needs, Remus was the instigator and cause of my injury. I wonder if he claimed he had a werewolf attack or something. At any rate, if I wanted to stop my parents from deluging the Lupins with a manufactured shit storm, I'd have to do some serious maneuvering of my own. While dying on a hospital bed.

"Oh Caspia, I'm so sorry to have allowed this to happen to you and your son," Daedin said. "If you think it's the only way, then we'll take Lupin out of school."

"I do think he deserves more than mere expulsion at this point," Mum said in an injured tone. "Wouldn't you agree, son?"

Everyone's eyes shifted to me and I tried to quickly think of a way to turn things around. I couldn't exactly mention the mostly-illegal ritual in front of everyone, but I certainly couldn't let Remus take the fall for me like this.

"No, I don't," I said. Remus gave me a warm smile, beginning to rub my shoulder gently. "Remus wasn't at fault…"

My mother gently laid a lotion-covered hand over my lips, ceasing my speech. "I'm certain Peter's under the influence of some powerful elixirs still, and isn't entirely in his right mind."

Daedin nodded. "Peter, you're being far more kind and generous than I could even imagine most Hufflepuffs being, were they in this situation."

I chuckled. That would be an insult were it not coming from a Hufflepuff. Both of Lupin's parents were from the badger house, however. Three guesses where MY parents are from…

"Peter is far too sweet for something like this to happen to," my mother said, crouching over me protectively. "When he's up against a wall, sometimes he can't see the right course of action to take." She turned to me and gave me a leer of warning. "So won't you let Mummy handle this, Sweetie?"

I leaned away from her, suggesting, "Why don't I speak with each party individually, so I can understand exactly what's going on. I AM the victim, after all. Afterwards, we can reconvene, and I'll announce my stance on what to do."

"A very reasonable proposal," Lupin, Sr. said, speaking up for the first time since I awoke.

Predictably, Mum didn't agree. "Peter, you have to listen to Mummy, alright? She knows what she's doing. You just lay back and recover. That's what's best for you."

I answered the disdainful look she gave me with a mild Legilimency strike, for silent communication. Mum, I have several ongoing plans right now, some of them involving Lupin. My mother straightened up immediately when she realized I was sending speech into her mind. I'd finally captured her full attention…probably for the first time in my entire life. I wish to discuss this with you in private so we can deal with the situation in a manner mutually beneficial to you and I. Is that understood? She blushed with faint anger before nodding her assent.

"Er…what's with the staring match?" Remus asked, still seated at my side.

"I…suppose I'll relent to my son's wishes on how to conduct things," Mum said, sounding as though doing so was completely what she wanted and that the thought of doing something different would be sheer madness.

"Great. Now, first, I wish to speak with Remus. Alone, if you'd please."

"Certainly," the bitch said, walking away with a regal air completely inappropriate for her social station. Such open disdain for those around them must always be the worldview of a born Parkinson.

"Thank you, Peter," Daedin said with a brilliant smile. "We appreciate you for taking such good care of our Remus all these years!"

"I can take care of myself, Mum," Remus informed her.

After the three adults had left our vicinity, I quickly cast a Muffliato.

"What did you just cast? You did it earlier, as well."

"A Muffliato."

"What on earth…?"

"I overheard Snape using it once whilst studying in the library…which is ironic, since the spell, once cast, prevents others from listening in. Pretty much the quintessential Slytherin spell, wouldn't you say?"

Remus shook his head with a tired smile. "The old Peter would have sooner sat on a Basilisk's tongue than admit to using a spell best suited to Slytherins."

I rolled my eyes. "The old Peter's away on holiday right now. And he's going to stay that way until the Dark Lord meets his end."

"You're…awfully focused on defeating this Dark Lord these days, aren't you?" Remus said, looking at me like one would a puzzle.

"No, really?" I mocked him. "Regardless, we can discuss this later – for now, we need to figure out what to do with this mess we've found ourselves in."

Remus's face softened. "What are you talking about? I'm getting expelled."

"Come off it."

He sighed. "I knew you were going to be difficult about this."

"Difficult? I'm being logical. There's NO way I'm letting you take heat for this."

"Peter – I'm a PREFECT. And I whipped all the skin and muscle FROM your FUCKING back. Couple that with the damage I dealt to several of your internal organs and…"

"Which organs?" I asked, curious. "Are they back now?"

"Your spleen and liver were completely decimated, and, yes, you should make a full recovery, thank Merlin," Remus said with concern. He wiped the sweat from my forehead affectionately. "I know you like to have it out with your mum, but I think she's in the right here."

"YOU'RE an idiot," I informed him. "I practically had to drag you to participate in the ceremony, kicking and screaming."

Remus shook his head. "That doesn't change the fact that I allowed myself to go through with it, though. I didn't…realize what I was even doing," he said, his face contorting with grief that was painful to behold.

Damn you, Moony. Now you're going to make me cry.

"You asshole," I said, face contorting as well.

Remus straightened up and tried to steel his nerves, blatantly embarrassed. "I'm, um…er…do you…know whether the ritual worked?"

"I haven't had the chance to try anything yet, have I?" I said. "But don't change the subject, mate. If you hadn't done that horrible ritual, I would've found someone else to do it. And no one else would have been better at doing it than you."

"But I still…"

"AND there's no point in checking yourself out of school NOW, since ritual's already done. I'll never ask you to do something like that, ever again. So it would be completely pointless to leave, except to beat yourself up out of a misplaced sense of responsibility. Or is it due to shame?"

Remus closed his eyes and stood still for a moment. "I…can see where you're coming from."

"Thank Merlin."

"But I never should have done what I did."

"Perhaps, but who's to say, really? I think that was an inevitable event, that ritual. Some of fate we can alter, Remus, but much is set in stone. I have a feeling that this was one of those pre-dictated events."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Eh, I had a philosophical discussion with the Headmaster once about such things," I said with a dismissive wave of the hand. "Anyway, let yourself off the hook just this time. For my sake, if you must. Please. You're my best friend, mate."

"If I'M your best friend, then I'd sure hate to see the state of the rest of them," he said with a gentle smirk.

"Now, go on, get out of here," I said, dissolving the Muffliato. "Let my mum know that I'd like to speak with her. I'll figure out something."

"Don't stress yourself too much, mate. For your health, if anything," he instructed me.

"Oh, I've got this under control," I assured him. Wait, I do? When did that happen? I tried to remember coming up with a plan, but no such plan was forthcoming. Oh well. I'll figure out something.

"If you say so, mister mastermind," Remus said with a slightly sarcastic edge, walking off towards my mother, who was sitting as far apart from the Lupins as possible.

I forced my mind into plotting mode. If I can just convince my mother to follow my lead, as though I have some overarching plan that requires Lupin's presence here, then that would be a great start. I can also attempt the tactic of reminding her that werewolves are dark, like she wants me to be, and that they can make outstanding allies in wartime scenarios. I could also lie and hint that I'm considering joining the Dark Lord's forces, like she doubtless desires for me to do. Lastly, I could remind her that the Lupins have very little power, money, or status to their name, anyway, and a publicity stunt against them could easily backfire and make us look like bullies or, worse, pathetic, for making such a big scandal out of such a small enemy.

Cool. I'm comfortable with those weapons of logic. I think this should go well.

Dear old mum glided up to me, her professionally styled auburn hair flowing elegantly, and adopted a seat next to my bed. I could see someone finding my mother quite pretty, but, as she was my mother and all, I couldn't really admire her beauty like I enjoyed doing with most other women. She was such a non-presence in my life, however, that I barely saw her as family, anyway. My root distaste for her was the fact that she was so constantly false and conniving. I truly hoped I wasn't turning into someone like her.

I raised my wand to cast the Muffliato charm, but my mother gasped, saying, "Wait!" Apparently she thought I was going to attack her or something…but why on earth was she acting like she was…afraid?

"Relax, Mum, I'm casting a privacy charm," I said, doing so. She blushed and straightened up, grasping for her dignity.

"Ahh, so that's why there was that weird static going on when you were speaking to the half-breed."

I didn't bother correcting her hate speech, as I wanted to get her on my side. "Yes."

"A very clever charm," she said approvingly. "I may just have to start employing it, myself. Now then, I was very surprised to feel you in my mind – wait, there's no way those dirty miscreants back there can overhear us, is there?"

"Correct, we can speak with utmost privacy."

She didn't attempt to hide her glee. "What a relief! Putting on appearances for so long is exhausting!" she whined. "Ah, excuse me for getting sidetracked. I believe I was about to touch on the subject of your newfound Legilimency."

"What about it?"

"So you've mastered it already?" she said, with awe and pride in her eyes that was honestly very flattering to see, despite it coming from such a disreputable source.

"I wouldn't use the phrase mastered, exactly, but I am well on my way to doing so, yes," I said, steepling my fingers together.

She nodded excitedly. "I've always wanted to be able to do that." She looked askance, clearing her throat. "Also, while you were in my mind, I think I felt your magical presence…or, at least, part of it."

"Er…"

"Don't interrupt," she scolded. "You're very powerful now, aren't you? I could feel a potent might emitting from your incision into my mind…much more so than your father and others that have done that to me before."

"Really? Interesting." I said. "Perhaps I just don't know how to mask myself very well, yet."

"Don't be so modest," she said, swatting me on the shoulder. "You're making me very proud, Peter. I mean, look at you!" She gestured to my bedridden body.

"Er…my being confined to a hospital cot makes you proud?"

"Well, clearly your intelligence needs a bit more adjustment," she said with a sneer. "I obviously implied that your body is radically toned and developed now. I can scarcely recognize you. You've done very well for your family."

Yes, Mum, because all of this was strictly for my family.

"You are too kind, Mother."

She shook her hair loose, stroking it. "Now then, I believe you wished to discuss the fate of your little werewolf friend."

"How long have you known he was a werewolf?"

"Why, just today, as a matter of fact. I will assume, for your sake, that you only found out after this attack, for I'd hate to think that you'd knowingly invite such an abomination into our home."

"You may assume whatever you'd like. Now then, I have made strategic alliances with several students in Hogwarts, in order to further my future plans."

"Oh? And those plans are?"

"Well, first and foremost, I wish to gain as much glory and power as possible, both for myself, and for our ancient family," I smirked. "I recently got in contact with our ancestors and they told me I ought to further the family's position, in fact."

"Ah, I see," she said, nodding. She seemed to be rising to the bait, thus far. "Then…you've succeeded in the family ritual in that grimoire I sent you?"

"I have, indeed."

"Oh, marvelous! I wonder what your father will say!" she beamed. "Now then, have you given any further thought to your position in the current, er…ongoing sociopolitical dispute?"

I raised my eyebrows. "I could see myself landing on either side." She frowned when I said this. "I believe the best strategy is to play both sides against the middle, anyway."

"How do you mean?"

"I am endeavoring to develop contacts and allies on BOTH sides of the spectrum. That way, when the proverbial excrement hits the Blasting Curse, I'll be sure to be in a position where I can benefit from the situation. That's what I'll be doing, regardless of what my personal feelings are on the debate."

"W-wow," my mom said, looking at me with a sense of awe once again.

"Er…what is it?"

"It's like your brain's been replaced with that of someone intelligent. No offense intended, of course."

I mentally rolled my eyes. "If you say so, Mother."

"I do. You're…truly my son still, aren't you? Did the ritual fundamentally change you or something?"

"Thank you for your concern, but I assure you I am very much myself. Ask Remus if you wish. I've become a much more serious scholar this year, long before the ritual."

"Oh, I wasn't being serious," she said, waving off my assurances. "I can still sense it's you. Mother's intuition or some such nonsense. So then – where does Remus fit into your political scheme?"

"Remus is one of my most useful pawns," I explained. "You see, his allegiance, being a Gryffindor, is with the liberals, who want freedom and equal respect for all life." I allowed my face to morph into a sneer, which my mother mirrored. "On the other hand, he's a dark creature, and so will be able to easily find a place in the Dark Lord's so-called Death Eaters, if he is so moved. I can place him in either group quite effectively, as I am an expert at manipulating him. He's very malleable AND a fearsome duelist."

"I see. How interesting," she said, twirling her hair as she considered. "And I suppose you would essentially lose him as a pawn if we blackballed him and his family from the Wizarding World."

"I would lose all influence with him, yes."

She sighed. "You're a piece of work, son. I never thought you'd logically trap me like this."

Hot sex. I did it!

"I apologize if I offended you by doing so," I said, inclining my head.

She laughed derisively, shaking her head. "Of course not. It has been thrilling to discourse with you like this." She laid her hand on mine. "You're becoming the son I always wished you were."

"Thank you," I said.

In the end, we reconvened and decided, much to the Lupins' visible relief (even Remus's, though he attempted to conceal his reaction) that we would, in fact take no action against any members of the family as a direct result of his alleged attack.

Once everyone finally left, I collapsed from sheer exhaustion.

By the time I'd finally grown a brand new patch of skin tissue, it was already time for the winter holiday. When I arrived back at the common room, lots of Gryffindors were lined up before the fireplace, waiting patiently for their turn to floo out.

I muttered and grumbled my way upstairs, discovering when I'd arrived that someone had transfigured everything in my trunk into various sex toys.

"Nicely done, fellas. Nicely done," I said, concentrating deeply and spending the next few minutes reverting everything back to normal. I shrunk down the rest of my plain belongings and looked around the empty room somberly. The others had clearly already left…things had assuredly changed between us. My heart panged when I remembered how we were an indivisible item of four for so long – none of us would have left unless the others will also ready.

I know everything falling apart is my fault, but I just feel so locked in to my current behavior. I have NO chance of slaying Voldemort unless I attain some ridiculous amount of power. Yes…there is nothing for it. It looks like, in order to save my friends' lives, I need to retreat from those friendships.

Sighing heavily, I levitated my trunk and guided it back out to the common room. I looked around at the shadowy places of the room, and, to my delight, spotted Tessa crouching behind her trunk in the corner, waiting for everyone else to leave.

Muttering well-wished and farewells to the other Gryffindors as I passed them, I waded my way through the crowd to greet my unhinged friend.

"Happy holidays, Miss Prewitt."

"Glad to see you back on your feet, Mister Pettigrew. Would you care to join me behind my trunk? It's a very nice corner, and we're currently serving refreshments!" she said, holding up a butterbeer to demonstrate.

"Well, tell you what. I've been thinking long and hard about this for a good two seconds…" I began.

"Uh-huh? Uh-huh?" Tessa asked excitedly.

"And I had this crazy idea that, like, I could put my trunk next to yours, to make our barricade against the crowdedness of society even bigger!"

"That's exactly the kind of proactive, genius thinking that gets you places in life, you know what I mean?"

"I do, in fact," I said, setting the trunk next to hers and enlarging it slightly to match the height. "There. Now we're safe."

Tessa grinned wickedly. "I don't think I'd necessarily use the word 'safe' when you're trapped alone in a small space with ME, of all people."

"Is that so?" I said, sliding down to sit next to her. "Well, I haven't had any problems with you so far."

"PSSSH, speak for yourself. I can't even stand you! I would pretty much love it if you just, like, dropped dead on the spot."

"I have a suggestion for you."

"What's that?"

"Go fuck yourself."

"Really? Right here?"

"Er…what? No…"

"Sorry, but I don't think we know each other THAT well yet," she said with a wink. "So…did you enjoy getting serviced by Madam Pomfrey for so long?"

"I did, in fact. As a matter of fact, we're going to continue seeing each other outside of work, in the future."

"Wow! How fortunate for you, that she's picked you out of all the other little boys she's seen naked!"

"THAT…went a little too far, Tessa, even for you. And I'll have you know that my little boy is actually rather large."

She snickered. "I do believe we'll have to put that to the test someday, Mister Pettigrew."

"Ew…I'd rather not put it to the test with you, of all people!"

"Merlin! Have some semblance of manners! I'll have you know I'm actually a very sensitive woman."

"Sensitive to the callings of insanity, perhaps."

We snickered together for a bit.

"So…would you like some butterbeer, by any chance?" she offered.

Despite my complaining, I definitely enjoyed being around Tessa – she was so actively disconnected from everything that she managed to make me forget about all my problems when I was with her. Of course, I could only take so much of her at a time without wanting to hang myself, but, such is life.

"Sure, why not?"

With a cheeky grin, she handed me the one she'd been drinking from. "Go on, it's still cold."

"Alright," I said, hoping she hadn't spiked it with anything hallucinatory. As I did, I quickly surveyed her outfit today – unlike usual, she wasn't dressed in pyjamas, but in a form-fitting, forest green sweater and her cute pair of tantalizingly-unzipped corduroy pants. Her hair also looked nicer that usual – it was still greasy, but it was done up, which gave it some flavor.

"See anything you'd like to take home for the evening, sir?" she asked in a deliciously teasing tone.

I winked at her. "If I did, I certainly wouldn't admit it aloud."

"Oh? Then you'd say so with your body instead? I'd best brace myself just in case, then!"

I chuckled and took another draw from the bottle. "Seriously though, you, er…" I swallowed and rapidly said, "You look cute today."

"GH!" she said, jumping away from me in shock. "D-do you really mean that?"

I shrugged. "Well, yeah."

Tessa crawled forward towards me, pressing her forehead against mine. My heart began beating really fast, despite it just being Tessa. I was pretty sure I felt nothing for her romantically, but then again, I also enjoyed her company more than I assume is normal to like that of an apparently mentally unstable person.

"You're lying," she whispered. I could feel her warm, beer-flavored breath on my lips. "You don't find me attractive."

"I didn't say I did, I just said you look cute."

Tessa pulled away, giving me a surprisingly angry look as she zipped her pants back up. "I apologize. It was my mistake."

"Er…what was?…What's gotten in to you?"

Tessa quickly turned her head away from me. "I thought you realized all our, er, suggestive banter was just for fun."

"…I DO think that. Or should I not? Just…tell me what's wrong! We can't put things to right if you don't clue me in here."

Tessa gave a strange little hiss, still looking away. "Just go. I was wrong to talk with you so often. I don't want to put things to right."

"Eh? What?" I gave a frustrated growl. "Are you kidding me, here? After ALL the flirtatious things you've said to me, when I tell you you're cute you get this mad?! How the hell does that work?"

"Stop yelling! You're drawing attention to us!" Tessa whined, sinking down onto the floor.

"Right, sorry," I said quickly catching myself.

"Look…if you'd just said it jokingly, it obviously wouldn't have been a problem."

"So, you had a problem with…me meaning it."

"Aren't you the sharp one?"

"Hey. It's FINE, Tessa. If you really don't want to be friends anymore, we can stop, but I honestly didn't mean anything beyond just making a friendly observation. Alright?"

Tessa heaved her shoulders and sat up crawling back over to me. "Peter…you didn't do anything wrong. It's my fault, I'm…I'm doing the same thing I always do, despite everything! Every time it's the same…dammit!"

"I am so lost right now, it's not even funny."

She giggled. "Okay, look." She picked up my hand and held it in hers. "We can try again. I'll behave myself more, and you have to PROMISE not to think of me in a, er…more than friends way."

"I didn't though, I -"

"I know, I know. I believe you. It was my bad this time. But I would like to be friends with you; I really like you," she said with a happy smile, one that quickly shifted into horror. "Son of a BITCH!" she cried, bashing her forehead violently against her trunk.

"Are you aspiring to the noble profession of the House Elf now, Miss Prewitt?" I grinned. She snickered in response, though she punched the trunk a couple times out of frustration. "I know you meant just now that you like me as a friend."

"Oh, good," she gasped, pulling away and shaking her hair out of her eyes. "That was a close one."

I'm starting to understand…well, not really…but I'm at least understanding what she wants at the moment – zero romantic associations. Perhaps that has something to do with her attempts to keep herself grimy and unclean. I'm not at all sure how she was alright with some of the things she's teased me about, if she has this attitude, but apparently dirty jokes are fair game as long as they're jokes. I won't press my luck today, though. I think she's broken.

"So, you were in the Hospital Wing for quite a while this term," Tessa said, snuggling up next to me. I instantly got an erection, one that I was careful to adjust so it was pointing away from her. "Remus wouldn't tell anyone why, though."

"Well, you know that ritual that I mentioned I was preparing for a ridiculously long time?"

"Ahh…"

"Yep. It was…significantly less that enjoyable."

"Pssh! You weakling!" she grinned, play-punching me. "A real man would've walked out of the Hospital Wing, entrails flapping behind him as he went!"

"Unfortunately, men as real as THAT tend to die extremely quickly."

"Mine," she said, grabbing the butterbeer from me and guzzling.

"I didn't backwash," I said, waiting a moment before adding, "Too much."

She abruptly spat it out all over us, laughing hoarsely. "That was mean!"

I sneered. "Says the person who just rejected my spit! I mean, c'mon! That hurts! I invested a lot of saliva in that bottle."

She winked at me and started sensually kissing the lid of the bottle.

"Er…you're not expecting me to drink from that again, are you?"

Tessa rolled her eyes, beaming. "Of course not; I'm not done yet!" She proceeded to continue seducing the bottle, going so far as start pumping it and out of her mouth.

"Oi! Stop it!" I said.

Her eyes danced with mirth, however, and she continued servicing the bottle.

I stood up and grabbed my trunk. "Well, Happy Christmas. Guess I'll see you later!"

"W-wait! Where are you going?" she asked quickly jumping up as well, hurt in her eyes.

"Um, home."

"Sorry, I meant, er…why so abruptly? I thought we were having fun!"

I gently put a hand behind her back and pulled her closer. "After what happened earlier, I thought it would be safe to call it quits now."

"Huh? What happened earlier, again?" she asked, cocking her head to the side.

I looked at her in exasperation. "That's quite a selective memory you have there."

She winked. "Well, as long as you're not mad, it's okay. Might I have a kiss for the road, good sir?"

"Uh-uh-um…" I said, quite coherently, looking at her full lips and heavily considering it. Before I could move, however, she held out her hand, palm down.

"I do believe it was proper etiquette five bazillion years for the knight to kiss only the wrist of a lady."

"You're not a lady. You're a moron."

"Oh, come here, Peter!" Tessa breathed, suddenly rushing forward and pushing her lithe body against mine and holding me tight. I gulped and tried my hardest to make my erection go away by thinking in great detail about Voldemort murdering James and Lily. I felt her wet breath on my ear as she said, "Have a good holiday, Peter. And, um, thanks for calling me cute, earlier. It was my bad for freaking out."

"Oh, n-n-no problem," I said, gently massaging her small back.

"Goodbye," she breathed, pulling her lips away from my ear to stopping right in front of my lips.

She's so CLOSE, I can feel her…the edge of her lips are scraping mine. I'm finally having my first kiss! I gently close my eyes and prepare to give in to some much-needed affection.

*WHACK!* A burst of pain impacted me in the face instead of her lips. I could only see white for a moment, but I could hear her laughing hysterically. She must have beaned me.

"Oh WOW! How stupid do you have to be to fall for that?" Tessa jeered. "You think I'd kiss you?! In your dreams, mate!"

I groaned, now plagued by a headache and a bleeding nose, and pushed myself up on my elbow.

"Aww, you don't look very happy," Tessa said with a smirk. "But it's good practice. Do NOT get your hopes up for romance with me!" she said angrily, poking me in the forehead. "You'll always be let down, except worse than this. Got it?" Hmm. She must have detected my attraction to her…most likely due to the fact that I'd had an erection pressed against her stomach.

I nodded, glaring at her. "I'm sure you could have made your point in a way that didn't smash my nose."

"Eh, no one's perfect. Well, I'll see you at the Yule Festival! Have a great next few days!" she sang cheerily, crossing the Common Room with three long leaps. Her mood swings are amazing! She's like a mood trapeze artist!

However, I couldn't help but feel a bit betrayed by her. I really wanted a friend right now that would reassure me and comfort me, and it seemed Tessa wouldn't be that person. I was so tired and sore these days…well…at least I'd be at home soon! Hopefully I'd get some rest there.

After I cleaned myself up from Tessa's irritating attack, I, too, flooed home.

Strange prickles crackled throughout my skin as I stepped foot into Pettigrew House. It was darkly lit, with neither of my parents there to greet me.

"Hullo? I'm home!" I announced, to the smothering silence of indifference. My parents were there; I could sense their magical signatures.

Giving up any hope of being noticed, I calmly called for Marlee, my personal House Elf. She apparated to me immediately, smiles on both our faces.

I was glad to see she hadn't been murdered on a whim by either of my parents, yet. They seemed to think continually disposing new House Elves was a sign of prosperity. I haven't the slightest idea why, nor would I ever condone such behavior, but I definitely didn't have the power to change that before.

"Master Peter! You's arrived! And you lookin' so handsome too!" Marlee sang. "How was Hoggy-hoggy-hoggywarts this time?"

"Thanks, Marlee," I said, canceling the Levitation Charm on my trunk and leaning down to embrace her in a brief hug. "It's been…a difficult year, I'd say. But I've come out of it stronger."

"Marlee's sad to hear about Master Peter's bad times. She wants to visit the Master when he in Hospital, but Mistress says no."

"Well, it's alright, I'm out of the Hospital now."

"Yes, you is!"

I chuckled and massaged her ears affectionately.

"Does Master Peter want Marlee to take him to his chamber? Marlee cleaned it all up for Master today, it looking very sparkly and pretty."

"Sure, I'd love to see it," I said, bracing myself for sidelong apparition. Marlee was getting better at it, but travel by House Elf apparition is still much more disorienting than even ordinary apparition.

Marlee, my trunk, and I popped into my chambers. Sure enough, it looked very well-cleaned, with my canopy bed and its velvet drapes looking very posh and elegant. Marlee's taste in room décor always mapped a little towards the feminine side, but she always clearly worked very hard, and it did look nice and welcoming, so I didn't have the heart to complain.

"Nicely done, Marlee," I let her know, which inspired her to dance in celebration.

"Marlee is so happy that Master likes it! Does Master want Marlee to unpack his things?"

"That would be excellent, thanks," I said, running my hand through my thin, sparkly purple curtains with a wry grin.

I reclined on the bed, taking a book of rare curses from my collection with me. After Marlee had organized everything to her satisfaction, she offered refreshments, to which I declined, and then left, saying to call if I needed anything as always.

An hour slipped by rather quickly until Marlee popped back in, bowing low. "Master Peter, Master Victor wants to see you, he does."

"Certainly," I said, setting my book aside. I wonder what he wanted? I rarely saw my father, as he thought me worth far less than his precious time. "Where is he?"

"In the third floor study, Master Peter. Shall I take you to him?"

"No thanks; I think I'll get myself warmed up by going on foot."

"As you wish. Be…careful. I do not think he wants to talk."

Ah. If it's a fight he's after, then he'll certainly get one. I fastened my wand holster to my wrist and walked out the door, ruminating on all the spells in my repertoire that might be useful in close-quarters combat.

I always enjoyed travel through Pettigrew House – it was structured rather nonsensically, which made it a bit of a pleasantly mind-boggling experience. It had a distorted layout, with three true "floors," but with many ramps and spiral staircases between them, which served to milk every square foot of each floor for various rooms, secret chambers, and passageways. A great many realms in the house were blood warded.

For my first two years at school, I often had Remus over to visit. Those were blissful memories…we'd race each other throughout the elaborate mazes, trying top one another in discovering the many pointless secrets in the house.

That was all before I got scared of him, due to his secret…while I never admitted it to him, the fact that he was a werewolf truly bothered me for a long while, which encouraged me to acquire an Animagus form as soon as possible (with James and Sirius's assistance, of course).

Things have never really been the same between Remus and I, but I'd like to change that – he's very useful and very trustworthy, and will be irreplaceable in my fight against the Dark Lord. Not to mention he's sweet and caring, and seemingly the only person in the world that I can unconditionally rely on.

I arrived at one of the secret corridors on the third floor, where my father's study was. The entire hall was constructed from mirrors, and several shrunken heads hung from the curved ceiling, thus lending it a very unsettling atmosphere.

As I neared the room, my father came into the hall, no doubt alerted by his foe glass. He regarded me silently for a moment, puffing his everpresent pipe, with his hands in the pockets of his robe. I met his gaze steadily.

After a moment, he opened his mouth, spewing fumes in the process, and said, "Your mother tells me you're a good deal more impressive this year. Finally seeking to prove your worth out of desperation, eh?" He ambled over to me, eyes keen and discerning. "Your face is still ugly, boy. Why is that?"

"I don't know, sir."

"'I don't know' isn't an answer, it's an excuse," he said snippily. "It's no wonder your star has fallen so far with a face like that."

"I wasn't aware my star had very far to fall in the first place, sir."

"Don't get fresh, boy. Listen – what's the first thing you think of when you hear someone's name?"

"Er…"

"Do you think of their build? Of their intelligence? Of their money? Well, the logically-minded might, perhaps, but the common witch or wizard will think first and foremost of the person's face." He puffed his pipe thoughtfully while he grabbed my rock-solid biceps and squeezed them. I answered by flexing back. "I see you've been attempting to rectify the general disgust people have for you. Yet, as always, you've failed to follow through on any count."

I held my chin up in offense, but responded, "It appears so, sir."

"You never think through anything, do you? Tell me, do you even have a plan? What is your end goal? What reason do you have to live? Tell me why I shouldn't slash you from the family tree right now. Tch! I so many waste precious resources on you that I could be putting to better use. Don't think for a second that I can't replace you as my heir, either."

I folded my arms. "I DO have a plan, father, but I will not convey it at the moment."

He sneered and shook his head in disgust. "I have nothing more to say to you. You're dismissed." I nodded and turned to go.

After I took a few steps, I immediately sensed him launch some curse at me. I'd been waiting for that, however, and nonverbally launched a countercurse in response. The two spells burst against each other, causing the hall to flash a vivid indigo.

The magics in the air between us crackled, surging to life in this hall thick with magical history.

"Masters, you musn't fight here," a House Elf said, popping in. "This house is very old, yes it is, and…"

My dad launched a Slicing Curse at her, which I quickly cancelled with a Shield Charm. Wide-eyed, the elf apparated away without another word.

"Those who waste time protecting the hopelessly weak are themselves hopelessly weak," my father lectured.

"I believe that having someone to protect actually serves to propel a wizard to greater abilities."

He smirked at me. "Let's test that theory, shall we?" He broke into a sadistic grin, launching a Severing charm, a Knockback charm, and a Cascading jinx in rapid succession.

I answered by erecting several marble stone pillars via my Transfiguration bracelet, and began launching Verdimillious after Verdimillious, arcing around them to pincer attack my opponent. I desperately wanted to test out my new family spells, but I didn't want to risk extensive destruction of my home, so I decided to stick to my typical assortment.

He apparently survived the lightning attack, for he then crushed through my pillars with a Reductor curse. I expected that, however, so I launched my prepared Glacius Charm, which summoned an unearthly, jaggedly-spiked glacier to rapidly spread down the hallway towards him. I could see the surprise in his eyes, but he magically propelled himself up and over them, quickly launching a series of wholly arcane dark curses at me. I cancelled them out with a superpowered Expulso, which finally nailed him with a clean hit.

I followed up with several more Verdimillious, which wracked his body with obvious agony midair, before using a summoning charm to hurl him downwards into my glacial spikes.

Despite moaning in pain, he wasn't down for the count, however, for he summoned an inferno of volcanic flames around him right before he hit, which melted the ice enough so he could land without getting razed. His body still gave a satisfying crunch, however, when he landed. Although I launched a smattering of hexes at him, he took the opportunity to launch his summoned flames at me, ferociously.

I thought fast, barely remembering the incantation for a Flame-Freezing Charm. As his flame attack fell apart, I hissed, "Serpensortia," but poured considerable power into it, so the snake materialized around his neck, fangs bared.

My father quickly tried to slice it off, but I transfigured the snake into a very tight, multiknotted noose, hanging from the ceiling. It was quite rewarding to see him sputtering and gagged, swinging back and forth.

I watched for a while, thrilled with my victory, before my mother suddenly appeared beside me, staring at her burnt, mutilated husband. "Peter! Stop!" She cast a Finite Incantatum, but my magic was overpowering hers by a strong margin. Panicking, she whirled to me. "Let him down this instant! You've won already."

I sighed, having wanted to torment him a little longer, but grunted in response and dissolved the noose. My father splattered towards the floor, but my mother quickly cast a Levitation Charm on him, barely stopping him from getting annihilated by the frozen spikes in place.

My hand twitched as he raised his wand up to me while floating in midair, but he grunted when he realized he was too weak to muster the energy.

"I…forfeit," he muttered before falling unconscious, wand rattling to the floor.

I grinned and began snickering. "Are you serious? That's all you've got? All this time, you've been a worthless shit? HAH! No wonder our house has lost so much power with YOU calling the shots!"

My mum gently levitated him to the magically transparent floor, laying him between us. "Do not speak to your father with such disrespect, Peter," she scolded me. "He has achieved a great many things in life."

"None of which are things I'm proud to be a part of," I growled. "When I take over our house, I'll make us great again."

She folded her arms and looked me up and down a bit. "You continue to surprise me, my son."

"That's what makes me dangerous," I said with a dark grin. My body was still aching to hurt and maim, adrenalin pumping through me from the fight.

"Well done today. I was monitoring your altercation from my bedroom from the start, you see."

"Ah. I see. Th-thank you," I said with a blush, having never been complimented by my mother before. Well, except for during that hospital visit, that is.

"See that you do not let yourself slip, and I predict you will make good on your promise to make our family name great again one day. But you must accept that your father is head of the family now, and as such, you must respect him."

"Respect HIM?" I asked incredulously, wand pointed at the smoldering body before us. "Why on earth would I do that?"

"Trust me when I say he's not completely worthless. His strength lies in political maneuvering and plotting. The two of you could accomplish much if you both put aside your egos and deign to work with each other."

I crossed my arms. "Very well. I can acknowledge that I could have a use for him so long as he keeps his backstabbing of me to a minimum."

"I think that's a given now," she said with a satisfied smile. "He wouldn't believe a word I said about your new potential, so I think this turn of events was inevitable. He should be more willing to acknowledge your existence from this point forward."

"I should hope so. I'll, er, see you at supper," I said, inclining my head to her and departing for my chambers. I heard her summon some House Elves to fetch supplies for healing him. As a professional medi-witch, I had no doubt that he would quickly make a rapid recovery.

Dinner was especially delicious that night, as, for once, I wasn't the subject of disdain by my parents but, rather, a cause of wariness. Neither of them mentioned the duel, but it was clearly heavy in each of our minds.

As I shoveled food hungrily into my mouth, I kept a constant watch on my very-bandaged father, who was getting fed by a very nervous House Elf. His potent humiliation was so apt and deserving that my chuckles almost got the better of me.

My mum spoke up after a bit. "Peter, we have something important to discuss with you."

"Oh?" I asked, wiping my face with my napkin and straightening up.

My father cleared his throat and said in a gravelly voice, "A few weeks ago, your mother and I decided to secure your future by arranging a marriage between you and a worthy witch."

My jaw dropped, eyes bugging out in disbelief. AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE?! I didn't have time to deal with something like that right now. The Dark Lord was actively destroying targets according to the news, after all, so there was very little reason for me to dally with something as time consuming as marriage.

Of course, if the deal had already been reached and was signed in blood, there was little reason to fight it. I'd best make the best of it.

"Close your mouth, Peter, that's unsightly," my mother scolded.

I blinked, realizing that my mouth had been hanging open for a bit. "Er, I apologize for my rudeness. I understand that arranged marriages are traditional custom and, as such, am ready to follow through with one if you think it would be beneficial."

"Good. Good. It seems there is some hope for you yet in the political realm, for you to react in such a way to a revelation you so clearly despise," my father observed, wincing from the effort to talk. I narrowed my eyes – I doubted that, even after our duel, my father would have deigned to compliment me for no reason. He must be buttering me up for some reason or another.

"If I may ask, who is the bride to be?" I questioned.

My mother looked away nervously while my father raised his chin slightly and declared, "A pureblood witch by the name of Alecto Carrow. Her family is very traditional and respectable and…"

"No. I refuse," I said before I could stop myself.

"Peter!" my mother scolded.

"What did you just say?!" my father demanded of me with a furious expression.

"Father…" I shook my head. "Do you honestly believe that a marriage with Alecto would BENEFIT my image? The Pettigrew family would get downgraded from being merely one of the lesser houses to being the laughingstock of the wizarding community if I was to marry her."

"How DARE you!" my father growled. "You question my political expertise?"

"I wonder, father; have you ever seen a picture of Miss Carrow?"

"No, but I can't imagine her appearance could possibly excuse such…"

"Accio Yearbook of School Year 1974," I cast, and, after a few seconds, I stood up to catch last year's yearbook as it rushed in to the dining hall. I flipped open to the Slytherin fifth years, (Alecto was now a sixth year) enlarged Alecto's portrait, and magnified the book so that her likeness floated in front of my parents. They flinched at her hideous appearance.

"Father, I am reasonably able to tolerate a certain degree of ugliness, being not at all good-looking, myself. But Alecto is infamous for her horrifying looks. I'm quite certain that tales of her being able to scare men into being homosexuals just by smiling at them have traveled beyond the walls of Hogwarts. Trust me when I say there is no one…wait, let me make certain of that…okay, yes. Excluding Dolores Umbridge (who recently won first place in Witch Weekly's top ten most unsightly persons), there is NO ONE I'd rather marry less than Alecto Carrow."

"Your personal preferences have nothing to do with it," my father said with a sneer, though he visibly gagged again when he looked at Alecto's floating portrait.

"Obviously," I said. "But social status DOES matter, doesn't it? The Carrows are not, in any way, powerful enough politically to cancel out the damage HER inclusion into the Pettigrew line would cause."

"I…think he's right, dear," my mother said to him. "Doing this would make a right fool out of all three of us."

My father stuck his nose in the air. "Well, I think you're both being short-sighted and sentimental. Once the Dark Lord seizes the ministry, families like the Carrows will be placed in new positions of renowned power."

I answered. "Even so, I doubt they'd ever rise high enough in the social ladder to escape the social embarrassment that is the existence of Alecto Carrow. No matter what, they'll undergo ridicule and contempt for her – such is the image-obsessed nature of society – and the same curse will spread to any family that bonds itself to theirs through marriage." I crossed my arms and smirked, glad I'd done some reconnaissance reading through Witch Weekly recently. Alecto was mercilessly mocked therein, which is rare for someone still in school. I would've felt some sympathy for her, but her family was also famously dark and sadistic. "It's just plain not a smart match, father."

My father bristled. "Well, it's already done, so you'll just have to deal with it, won't you?"

I slammed my fists on the table. "NO! I can't believe this! How could you be so blind?"

My father returned with, "Well, we didn't have much of a choice, Mr. 'I-Masturbate-About-Bellatrix-Black!'" My eyes widened. "Your reputation at Hogwarts is worse than pathetic, and you should be grateful that we were able to secure an agreement with any pureblooded family at all because of it! You speak of the harm that Miss Carrow could bring to the family, but you should fix your own behavior first! You are a curse and a pestilence to this house!"

I seethed. "The media has written nothing but slander about me! I would never admit to something that could mar the family name."

"I know you wouldn't, but you aren't doing anything to make people like you, either! For Merlin's sake! Whenever we'd propose a marriage between you and a possible pureblood girl, the parents would either flinch in disgust or start laughing. The Carrows were the ONLY family to even consider marrying you with their daughter, and even that took some bartering."

"Father, if I had simply known that you were up to this, I would have made much more of an effort to better my reputation at school. I've been focusing on gathering power all this time!"

"Having no brains, no reputation, and no future is not a worthwhile sacrifice in return for your power. Now, you are quite powerful for your age, I'll give you that, but you can't make your way in society through brute force!"

"What about the Dark Lord! All he's doing is wielding his brute force, and he's making inroads into society."

"Yes, well, he's unique, isn't he? That's why he's a Dark Lord! One cannot call oneself as such without the magical potency to back it up."

"I am aware of that," I growled, grinding my teeth.

"ENOUGH!" My mother interrupted, standing up. "Stop bickering, you two. Peter, this was supposed to be a surprise gift. You shame yourself by reacting this way."

I rolled my eyes. "If someone handed you a skinless horse carcass infected by maggots, would you accept it with a gracious smile?"

"Yes, because I always keep my social station in mind," she said snootily.

I rubbed my eyes. "So…what if both you and the Carrows agreed to cancel the marriage? Could we nullify the agreement that way?"

My father sighed. "Not usually, but yes. They did, in fact, demand the inclusion of an escape clause in the agreement. If you can convince them to retract their participation in this marriage, then, IF I retract my participation from it as well, you should be freed from the obligation to marry her."

I exhaled in relief. "Good. And you said they didn't want me to marry her anyway, correct? Then that should be easy."

My mother inclined her head. "They should be present at the Yule Festival this year. Perhaps you can request an audience with them there."

"Ah, good. I will do so."

"However, Peter," my dad said snootily, "I will not retract my participation from the agreement until you can show me proof that another proper bride is interested in you. The necessity for our family security remains a key factor here, you understand."

I nodded, mind whirling. Who could I get as a Pureblood bride? The obvious answer would be Tessa, my closest Pureblood female friend. However, she had made it very clear that she didn't want to pursue even a vague hint of romance with me. I didn't like her romantically, either, so it looked as though I'd have to go searching for someone else.

"Very well, I understand. I promise to deal with this mess to satisfaction, Father."

"See that you do. Now…I believe, at this same Yule Festival, there will be a broad selection of Pureblood witches." Aha! Good thinking, dad. "As such, you will need to go to great lengths to transform yourself into an attractive option. Because, for whatever reason, you most certainly are NOT a viable option at present, in most witches' minds, anyway."

"You make a good argument," I agreed. "I will do what is necessary."

"Peter? I think this situation calls for some shopping, don't you?" my mother said with a grin.

I mentally groaned, but I saw the necessity. I fully intended to do this, although not so much for my parents' sake, but for securing my own future, and hopefully for finding a bride I could stand to be around. I had overheard, from most witches, that arranged marriages aren't really their thing, however, so I truly had my work cut out for me in finding a bride.

A week passed, bringing the impending Yule Festival to the fore of wizarding people's thoughts. All wizarding families seemed keen to jump onboard and focus on an ancient tradition celebrating optimism and warmth, eager to forget the threat of the Dark Lord's steady approach. I couldn't really blame them – it's human nature to seek out comfort above all else, after all. However, it seemed extremely likely, to me, that there would be an attack at the festival, tonight. The Dark Lord would almost certainly take great amusement in seizing everyone's merriment for himself.

I certainly didn't consider myself to have reached the height of my potential power and knowledge, so I didn't want to put myself out there too much, if an attack occurred. Hopefully, in the mass panic, I'd have a chance to bag a Death Eater or two without drawing too much attention.

Thus, I found myself unshakably on edge at the Yule Festival, dressed in blood red, brand new dress robes that were a gift from my mum – the borderline naughty way that it hugged every contour of muscle around my body didn't help to put me at ease at all, nor did the fact that it was made out of fine, Chinese silk. I was wholly embarrassed, and really wanted to flee the premises immediately. But I was here to do two jobs – showing up the Death Eaters, and seeing if I could gain an audience with Carrow, Sr., to form some sort of deal to get out of this horrifying marriage concert I'm stuck in.

The festival was held this year on the luscious land of the Malfoys, on a gentle hill circling a glistening lake, gently dancing under the stars. The arcane, natural side of things, what the Solstice was really celebrating, seemed alive and beautiful today. It's a shame that human life never lives up to the trappings that surround it.

I felt somewhat forced by my contour-hugging dress robes into adopting stocky, strutting poses as I toured the premises, exchanging polite greetings and well-wishes to everyone who made eye contact with me, especially the ladies. I reminisced fondly of last year's festival, during which I spent almost the entire time in my rat form, scurrying under unsuspecting witches' dresses and staring in pure ecstasy at their underwear and the beautiful forms just barely concealed underneath. Those were truly happy days, upon reflection, but I remember still being unsatisfied, still wanting more out of life. How little did I know…now it's hard to milk enjoyment out of anything, for me. I suspect that, while goggling at knickers would indeed be still enjoyable, I think I would now recognize such excitement as being completely empty and unfulfilling…which it is. I don't want to be that person anymore. I have to be someone I like, now, since no one else seems to. That's the only way I can hope to cope with this mission I'm trapped in, now.

Abraxas Malfoy's sonorous-enhanced voice rang out: "To all respected witches and wizards here today, I bid you welcome to this year's Yule Festival. It is a time-honored tradition for us to gather together and celebrate the bountiful magic that floods our world on the Winter Solstice. We must treat each other with honor today, for we are one with the magic, and, thus, one with nature itself today."

Ignoring the rest of his welcome speech, I took a glass of Chardonnay from the serving house elf, sipping it as I cast my eyes around for familiar faces. Spotting James's untamable mop, I braced myself and approached them, trying to stow away my anxiety.

"Hey guys, Blessed Yule!" I greeted them, feeling wholly pathetic next to them…as usual.

"Blessed Yule, mate!" Sirius beamed. He and James were wearing matching Santa outfits, in blatant mockery of the festival. No surprise there, and they looked genuinely hilarious. "Are you…planning on teaching a fitness class, wearing a thing like that?"

"You look like you could use one," I returned with a good-natured barb. "Had a few too many firewhiskeys this week?"

"One for every woman I've bedded so far!" Sirius chuckled with a wink.

James, who had been giving me a condescending glare up till now, looked askance and asked me, "Wait…do I know you?"

I felt a drop in temperature as I stood there in silence, staring at him, trying to will myself not to get upset. James has always been a bit of a prick, and he's quite difficult to get close to. Clearly, I'd thrown away all established goodwill between him and I.

Sirius, realizing James wasn't going to make a joke of it, tried to clear the air, saying, "Don't take it personal, Wormy. James is just getting fed up with Lily these days. She's actually started sending him lists of all the things she hates about him."

James sighed, still not making eye contact with me. "It's true. I try to laugh it off, but I'm starting to think she actually hates me."

"You'll pull through, mate," I tried to encourage him. "At the very least, you're getting an emotional reaction! You know what they say – hate and love are actually very similar emotions, just slightly tweaked from each other."

"Indeed! Very well put!" Sirius said appreciatively, stealing my wine and taking a sip before handing it back.

James looked up at me coldly. "I'm pissed about her…but there's someone else I'm more pissed about."

"Hey Prongs…he came up and talked to us, the least we can do is give him a chance," Sirius said, in a clear effort to placate him. I felt wounded by his words, too, however. Of course they had the right to feel betrayed and abandoned by me, but I'd been hoping that our brotherhood could pull through. Sirius' wording seemed to suggest that he was secretly pissed at me, as well.

"Have a fun time tonight, guys," I said hurriedly, wanting to exit before I started getting emotional. "And, um…I'm really sorry about missing the full moon. I'll be there next time, if you'll have me," I said as I walked away.

I distinctly heard James snort and say, "Not likely."

"James…" Sirius admonished him, softly.

I stopped and turned around, fixing James with a cold glare. "You have no idea what I've been going through."

"Well, you've been doing well enough on your own so far," James said, looking back unblinkingly. "We don't want you with us, and you clearly don't want us with you."

I squared my shoulders. "Is that it, then? Five years of friendship, completely erased? Are we done, Prongs?"

James took a slog of firewhiskey and narrowed his eyes at me. "Oh yeah, we're done…Pettigrew. Not like you were ever worth your weight in shit, anyway."

Pangs and prickles seemed to erupt all over my body. Dammit! I HATE it when I can't suppress my emotions. It freaks me out.

Hoping to get away before they spotted my weakened state, I turned heel and marched blindly away from them, trying not to think about what just happened. I'm no longer…a Marauder?

I felt the tears rush out, and quickly emptied my mind and emotions of all things. I can't risk breaking down in the middle of all these people! I'd never be able to live with myself if I did.

I kept striding away, the demons of my emotions at my heels, until I narrowly avoided a condition with a woman with brilliant red hair.

"Ah, p-pardon me, Miss, my mistake," I quickly said, before realizing whose arm I'd just clubbed: Molly Prewitt, a graduate and former prefect of Gryffindor House, and one of my earliest crushes. My face burned with bashfulness at seeing her. She looked ridiculously gorgeous, as usual, with a rather revealing violet dress. I had to try with all my might not to overtly stare at her fantastic body.

"Oh! It's…aren't you…Peter Pettigrew?" Molly said with a wince.

I beamed, turning my head and blinking away my tears. "Yes! I'm surprised you remember me, honestly."

"Well, from what I remember, you weren't so…er…well-formed," her gentle voice said, betraying some amusement.

I jolted in surprise, looking to her in time to see her eyes swiftly skip back up from checking me out. I guess Mum really knew what she was doing when she bought this dress robe!

"Miss Prewitt, I do not even come close to matching your, er…mastery in that regard," I said, approaching something like suaveness.

Molly laughed, folding her arms under her bosom. "Blessed Yule to you, Peter." Oh, yes it is. Just LOOK at those melons! Wait – don't be a perv! Act naturally, self!

"Oh! If it isn't Mister Pettigrew," Tessa said, coming up and handing a glass of wine to Molly. Tessa, shockingly, looked completely bathed today, and she was even wearing makeup! I could barely recognize her. Her narrow, deep-green dress with a plunging neckline didn't really seem like something she would ordinarily wear, either. "And the first thing I see you doing is ogling my cousin's tits. Why am I not surprised?"

I felt myself reel with shame from that statement, unable to meet Molly's eyes. This night is NOT going well.

"That wasn't nice at all, Tess!" Molly berated her younger cousin. "Look, you made him want to kill himself!"

I chuckled. "Well, I'm not quite there yet. Close, though." I bowed my head (with eyes closed) to Molly. "I apologize, Molly, I was unable to stop myself."

"Oh, it's quite alright. It's a night of revelry, after all," Molly said, waving it away like no big deal. I like the way she thinks. I snuck another look at her yummy breasts and smiled in delight.

Tessa, seeming to be in a pissy mood tonight, took a long sip of wine. "So, how has your holiday been, Peter?"

"I wouldn't say it's gone exactly the way I would've hoped," I said quietly. "My parents saw fit to sign me into an arranged marriage with Alecto Carrow."

Molly gasped and Tessa spat the wine in her mouth all over me.

At Molly's look, Tessa huffed, "…What? That wine was some nasty shit! I totally spit it out on purpose."

"Anyway, I'm really sorry to hear about that, Peter. They're a dreadful family," Molly said with a frown.

"Yeah, your parents must really hate you. Or want to turn you into a homosexual," Tessa theorized aloud.

I grinned. "Right, well; I don't plan on giving up just yet."

"Oh, on liking men?" Tessa clarified.

"No, on going to put an end to this marriage."

"Is that even possible?" Molly asked.

"I'm pretty sure…that if you kill EVERYONE in the Carrow family, you'll be free!" Tessa grinned. "Need help?"

"Nah, I've got it covered…I hope…and, don't look at me like that, Molly, I'm going to talk it out with them."

"I'm pretty sure they won't listen to reason, Peter," Molly said sadly. "They'll dig their heels in and be stubborn for no reason other than pure spite."

"Interesting. I like a challenge," I grinned. "Now, I'm going to attempt to seek them out. I don't suppose you've seen them?"

"They're over by the yule tree," Tessa said, jabbing her thumb backwards. "You can't miss them…in fact, I daresay it's impossible to miss a herd of losers as ugly as that bunch."

"Awesome! Thanks for the help! Blessed Yule to both of you!" I said, waving and leaving to pursue my quarry.

Unfortunately, I barely stopped myself from colliding with Bellatrix Black, who stood in front of me in a shimmering strapless dress that made her look quite desirable. The two Lestrange brothers stood behind her. "Ooh, what is this, Pettigrew? Don't tell me your tastes have shifted to redheads now?"

"Er," I said intelligently. "I'm sorry about the whole fiasco, Bellatrix, I never wanted anything like that to happen."

Bellatrix gasped, putting a petite, gloved hand to her chest. "Speaking to me by name? How bold! Well, I am certain you know that I'm an easily annoyed witch, so I don't think you can blame me for wanting to seek justice for what you've done." She sneered, putting a wand against my neck before I could react. I sensed the two Prewitts come alongside us.

"Let him go," Tessa demanded. My heart soared for her. I saw the Lestranges arm themselves, behind Bellatrix.

Bellatrix gave her a teasing grin before whispering in my ear, her soft breasts smashed against my arm. "Unless you want to find yourself short one Prewitt, why don't you join me for a private chat at my Manor, Peter? I promise you'll enjoy yourself. What do you say?"

"Don't you dare touch them," I growled, uselessly fingering my own wand.

She just leered at me. "I was certainly honored to learn that you regularly beat yourself off to me! I mean, hey; if you weren't so fucking ugly, there's a chance I'd let you shag me."

Molly impatiently tossed a nonverbal curse, instantly disabling one of the Lestranges. Onlookers turned to her and gasped in amazement, as the Lestranges were quite feared wizards. "You don't know who you're dealing with, Miss Black," Molly warned. "We're Prewitts – not some undisciplined trash like you lot."

Bella whirled me around to face the girls, holding me against her chest, wand still tearing a hole in my neck. "Hold your tongue, woman, or your little man-slut here gets what's coming to him early."

Now able to make eye contact with Tessa, I gave her wink, to which she stepped forward and said. "You know, Bellatrix, I hear tell that the Dark Lord is recruiting. I don't suppose you might know how I could get in touch with his recruiting department?"

"Why the hell would the Dark Lord take a prepubescent, virgin bitch like you?" Bella taunted.

Tessa's eyes flashed. "Avada Kedra-"

I immediately felt Bella's arms loosen in surprise, so I quickly jerked free, nonverbally put her in a 24-hour coma, and disarmed Tessa. Meanwhile, Molly quickly shielded against the other Lestrange's attacks. Seeing that he was at a distinct disadvantage now, he growled and retreated into the crowd. Mild applause greeted our performance.

"I wasn't ACTUALLY going to cast it," Tessa said with a frown as I handed her wand back to her.

I grinned. "That's a chance I didn't want to take! You'd be much less fun in Azkaban." I then embraced her anorexic body with a quick hug, whispering "Thanks."

She squeezed back for a good five seconds before wordlessly letting go with a blush.

"Do I get a hug, too?" Molly asked with a smirk.

"Nope!" Tessa beamed. "Sorry. You had your chance but you blew it."

"Don't answer for me," I reprimanded her, before saying to Molly, "Sorry – I would, but I have a feeling I'd get my bits hexed off by a certain someone." I jerked my head towards Tessa. "Maybe next time."

"I'll hold you to that, good sir!" Molly grinned.

"Thanks for your help, both of you, I really appreciate it," I said one last time, excusing myself as the Prewitts began launching random jinxes at Bellatrix's comatose body.

I weaved my way hurriedly through the crowd, anxious to find the Carrows before they left or something. Before long, I realized I'd picked up a shadow. I prepared my wand just in case, but a simple look over my shoulder revealed my assailant to be merely Rita Skeeter, in a ridiculously slutty golden dress.

"Hey Peter!" she sang, waving merrily. "Blessed Yule."

"Blessed Yule, Rita," I said, eying her pad and quill anxiously. "Listen, I wish I could stay and chat, but could I get back to you? I have someone I'm trying to meet."

"Pettigrew seems skittish, as though he's hiding some terrible secret," she murmured aloud as she wrote.

"I'm sorry, but I really…"

"Peter, is it true that you are seeking to murder Rodolphus Lestrange to claim Bellatrix for yourself?"

"No, Rita, it's not."

She wrote some more, murmuring, "He denies everything, but his eyes say otherwise."

I held a hand against my eyes. "Fine, I'll say it with eyes covered – I do not have any affection for Bellatrix Black, and, as such, I have no desire to kill her fiancée."

"After being caught looking lecherously at the innocent, underage body of your honest reporter, he covers his eyes in shame."

"I'm the same age as you!"

"Ooh! How forward!" she murmured, winking at me.

I rolled my eyes, deciding to try and catch her off guard to see what would happen. "Rita, the truth is…I want to marry you."

She squeaked, looking at me with wide eyes. "Wh-what?"

"No one else will do, Rita. It's you. It's always been you."

"S-s-stop! Stay away!" she cried, pointing her wand at me.

I held up my hands in a gesture of peace. "Sure. Anything, for the girl I love."

She lowered hers, whimpering. "Y-y-you really…?"

"Yes, Rita. You're perfect."

"Uh…um…" she stared at me, cheeks blushing intensely.

"Well, it's getting late, and I have urgent business to attend to," I told her. "I've made my move, Rita. If you're interested, I heartily invite you to make yours. See ya!"

As I moved away, I felt a little guilty when she replied, "I-I will!"

Well…she IS a Pureblood…and, despite being duplicitous, untrustworthy, paranoid, backstabbing, and manipulative…I'm pretty sure I'd rather marry her than Alecto. I can always keep her in mind, I suppose, though I doubt I could ever love her.

Now then!

I made it to the Yule Tree, easily spotting the rotund figures of the Carrow siblings. I realized why they had hunkered down here – the refreshments were readily available for the taking in a giant booth.

My eyes greedily spied some truly scrumptious little cupcakes, so I ate three or four. The flavor was something awesome, and I felt myself grow aroused just from the taste.

Amidst my bliss, I noticed Alecto come up beside me, licking the icing off her own fingers. "Aren't these amazing?!" I asked her, unable to suppress my jubilation. "I should have been HERE all night!"

She chuckled, though she sounded a little nervous. "Heh, um, er…Blessed Yule, Peter," she said in a soft voice.

"Awwh, you don't have to be nervous around me!" I beamed. "We're mutual lovers of delicious food, are we not?"

She looked a little relieved, and nodded stupidly in agreement.

"Oh yes; Blessed Yule to you, as well, Alecto," I said.

"So, er…I take it that, seeing as you're talking with me, and you never have before," Alecto began, double-chin held high, "You've heard of the marriage contract."

"Your powers of observation do you credit, madam," I said, managing to pull myself away from the temptation of further engorging myself on cakes and sweets. "Well…it's true. I have heard." Hmm…I…SUPPOSE…I could give her a chance, if she really commits to staying in shape. Now that I'm talking to her, I don't find that I mind her personality all that much. I'm willing to stoop to bloody Rita Skeeter's level, after all, so why not?

"I see." Alecto held herself and swayed in place, shyly. "I know we've never talked before, but I have actually always found you to be a cutie, Peter…"

I chuckled. "Why, thank you."

"And I think we can make it work," she said. "I know it's not what either of us truly wanted, but that's just the way things are, so now we can make the best of it! What do you think?"

She seems WAY too upbeat about this. I'm starting to feel guilty.

"Er…" I scratched the back of my neck. "Okay…I'm still trying to process this myself, alright, Alecto? I am willing to…give it a shot, I suppose, but I want us both to really put forth our best effort to see what we think. Alright?"

"Eh! Stay away from my sister, you fucking Gryffindor shit!" Her brother Amycus spat, joining the conversation, icing fresh on his face. As he stuffed another cake in his mouth, I spied a Dark Mark on his forearm! Holy crap! One of my targets is standing right in front of me!

I cleared my throat. "Listen, I realize this is hard news for you to adjust to, but how's about showing a little respect for your future brother-in-law?"

"I'll cut off my balls and shove them down my mother's throat before I show respect to you!" he said venomously, icing and cake running from his mouth.

"Amycus!" Alecto hissed. "Are you seriously doing this to me right now? Have you no consideration for my feelings at all?" He hesitated to reply, so she looked back to me. "I'm SO, so sorry, Peter. And yes, you have my promise to always put forth my best effort for the sake of our marriage!"

"Well, we just might be able to make things work, then," I said, trying to force a smile.

"You just might be able to rape her, you mean," Amycus said, venomously. "You rotten bastard!"

I ignored him. "Well, in that case, have you ever heard of the Sexy Syrup, Version 7, before?"

"Hmm? I…don't think so," Alecto thought, cocking her head to the side.

"Well, it apparently works to mold your body quite quickly into being as attractive and fit as possible! Look – check out my ab muscles now! They're ridiculous! I…" I broke off, seeing a very hurt look on her face. "W-wait, I don't mean any…"

"Wh-what are you saying?" she cried, distraught. "Are you calling me fat?"

"You asshat! You made my sister CRY!" Amycus growled, continuing to showcase his intelligence.

I blinked. "Er…I'm not calling you fat, but…don't you think the polite thing to do is to make yourself as in shape as possible for your partner?"

Alecto let out an alarmingly loud wail of sadness, and I could feel many families' attentions turned towards me. "You think I'm fat! You think I'm hideous! Just like everyone else! I can't believe it! I thought I'd finally found someone who could understand and accept me, just the way I was!"

"W-w-wait, calm down, I don't…"

"Get away from me!" she screamed in grief. "Don't touch me!"

Amycus punched me in the face and spun me about to face him. "You're DEAD, Pettigrew."

"Is that so?" I said, raising my eyebrow.

"I'll show you how a real wizard handles things. Prepare to see Pettigrew House crumble from the shame I will bring upon you!" He grinned wickedly and pointed his wand to his throat. After casting a Sonorus, he said, "I hereby challenge Peter Pettigrew to a Wizard's Duel, for unforgivably insulting the glorious Carrow House! May he choose the time and place." A crowd oohed in interest, and several wizards and witches approached out of curiosity.

Feeling fairly confident, I cast a Sonorus myself and replied. "Right here. Right now."

The crowd gasped and immediately started discussing. If I knew James and Sirius at all, they were currently placing bets.

I twirled my wand and cleared the immediate vicinity of all obstacles and clutter.

Amycus sneered and concentrated, using an impressive display of Earth Magic to summon the strip of ground we were standing on to raise as one giant platform. "So everyone can see your dishonor," he explained with a wicked cackle.

I shook my head and smirked. "Very well. Shall we get started, then?" I quickly ran through my memories of the Pettigrew grimoire and its instructions for casting the two family curses.

"You fools!" Abraxus Malfoy said, floating up towards us. "How dare you sully our festival with your petty conflict? There hasn't been a duel on Yule for twenty-five years."

I heard a snicker from below and to my right. I peered down and saw a beaming Tessa Prewitt watching from close by. "Duel rhymes with Yule," she explained with a snort, causing several of her neighboring spectators to look at her like she was an idiot.

"Don't worry, Mr. Malfoy – this will be a BRIEF bout, and then you can get back to your peaceful merriment," Amycus grinned.

"With all due respect, we cannot stop now, or we risk dishonoring tradition," I said to the elder Malfoy.

He groaned. "Very well. I will serve as official for the match. Now…we will begin. Take your bows and proceed with the duel."

I gave a brief bow and looked up to find myself facing a torrent of illegal spells right from the start. As such, I quickly erected a Protego Horribilus, which is an extremely difficult-to-cast shield spell that nullifies all dark magic.

After the last spell of the torrent hit, I lifted my wand towards the heavens, calling forth all espers in my body and in the air. My vision turned hazy with violet energies. "Terra Erumpant!" I screamed in an inhuman voice, casting the Pettigrew Earthrending Charm.

All other spells headed my way were immediately nullified as the entire surrounding land area began shuddering. Suddenly, hundreds of enormous, shimmering spines of stone erupted amongst Amycus Carrow and his surrounding area. He never had any chance of escape. He didn't even have time to scream before he was ripped apart.

It was glorious. His blood spewed out as my spell mangled his body, and the red juices rained down on me. I welcomed it with outstretched arms, my head held back. The ritual had worked, completely. I was now a true, established, magical force to be reckoned with.

I looked up, wiping the Carrow blood from my eyes, and cast the countercurse. The bloodied spines retracted into the earth, leaving behind nothing but Amycus's shattered skeleton and pieces of his bloodied dress robe.

Everyone stood in shocked silence as I folded my arms, exhaling in satisfaction. How's this for publicity, dad?

"I…I name Peter Pettigrew as the victor of this Wizard's Duel," a blood-covered Abraxas Malfoy finally declared, staring at me in terror.

Yes I am.

A/N: Well DAMN. Although nothing else ever seems to go right for our hero, at least he's finally managed a few victories in battle. We'll see if his luck holds out, though!

Remember to review, and to share any positive or negative thoughts you had on the chapter. I don't really care if you can't think of anything particularly interesting to say – even the slightest peep from you will delight me. If you'd like, however, I always enjoy hearing about what parts of the chapter (and the preceding chapter) did or didn't work for you. I also always like hearing about what you'd like to see happen in the future.

Also, please talk to me about my OC, Tessa. Are you buying her as a character, from what you know about her so far? Are you enjoying her and Peter's conversations?

Next chapter: Peter, Tessa, Molly, and Remus attack Voldemort directly, curbstomping his Inner Circle and using their respective Ancient Family Curses to completely annihilate the Dark Lord's existence, once and for all!

Note – That chapter description just now was a complete and utter lie.

See you next time, all! The more reviews I get, the more I will be inspired to update quickly, guaranteed!