Petunia Evans sat in the cozy living room of Potter Manor. The soft hum of a summer breeze drifts in through the open window. She glanced at the piano in the corner, feeling a pang of frustration. Her sister Lily and her husband James had been there earlier. But their visit had left Petunia feeling more isolated than ever. They had spoken in vague terms about the wizarding war, the order, and the dangers they were facing. And they had skipped over details and facts. It was as if they thought she and her parents, Willow and Dan, couldn't handle the truth.

Petunia sighed, running her fingers over the keys of the piano. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice Peter Pettigrew enter the room until he cleared his throat.

"Petunia," he said. "May I join you?"

Startled, Petunia looked up. "Oh, Peter. I didn't hear you come in. Of course, sit down."

Peter took a seat next to her on the piano bench, his shoulders slumping. There was a tired, haunted look in his eyes that Petunia recognized all too well.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

Peter hesitated, then nodded. "I've been feeling a bit out of place lately. With the order and everything."

Petunia turned to face him, sensing that he needed someone to talk to. "I know what you mean. Lily and James barely tell us anything. It's like they think we're too fragile to understand what's going on."

Peter's expression softened. "I don't think you are fragile, Petunia. Everyone else in the order, and you and your parents as well—you're so brave, so sure of yourselves. I can't help but feel... inferior."

Petunia's heart ached with empathy. She knew what it was like to feel overshadowed, to feel like you were never good enough. "You're not alone, Peter. I feel like that all the time."

Peter looked at her, surprised. "Really?"

"Really," Petunia confirmed. "I've always been the odd one out, the one without magic. And now, with everything going on, I feel even more useless."

Peter smiled weakly. "It's comforting to know I'm not the only one who feels this way."

They sat in silence for a moment, then Petunia reached for a sheet of music. "Do you want to sing something? It might take our minds off things."

Peter nodded eagerly. "I'd like that."

Petunia began to play a soft, haunting melody, and Peter's voice joined in, filling the room with music. For a while, they lost themselves in the song, their worries and fears fading into the background.

Just as they finished, the door opened, and the rest of the Marauders—James, Sirius, and Remus—walked in.

"Hey, what's going on here?" Sirius asked, grinning.

"Just a little music therapy," Petunia said, smiling back.

James ruffled Peter's hair affectionately. "Good to see you smiling, Wormtail."

Peter's smile faltered, and Petunia saw the shadows return to his eyes. She squeezed his hand reassuringly under the piano bench.

Later that evening, after the Marauders had left, Peter stayed behind. He seemed reluctant to leave, as if he needed to unburden himself further.

"Petunia," he said quietly. "I have to tell you something."

She turned to him, her expression encouraging. "What is it?"

"I regret joining the Order," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm scared, Petunia. I'm scared of what I've gotten myself into. Scared of backing down. And I'm worried about my family. My sisters, my parents—they don't know what's really going on. They think I'm safe."

"Don't you think they deserve to know?" Petunia asks. "I know how I don't like being kept in the dark. I would rather know, Pete." Peter gave her an unsure smile. "Besides, knowing might help keep them safe." Peter sighed, looking torn. Petunia's heart went out to him. "Have you told anyone else how you feel?"

Peter shook his head. "No. They wouldn't understand. They're all so... strong."

Petunia took his hand in hers. "You're stronger than you think, Peter. Admitting you're scared doesn't make you weak. It makes you human."

Peter looked at her, tears glistening in his eyes. "Thank you, Petunia. For listening. For understanding."

She hugged him tightly, feeling a bond forming between them. For the first time, Petunia felt better, knowing that she wasn't alone in her struggles. And she vowed to be there for Peter.