At the head of the table sat the elder Potters, Charlus and Dorea. Their eyes twinkle with the joy of having their family and friends around them. Lily was busy setting the table with James. On Sundays, house elf Minnie did no chores. Charlus and Dorea thought it was important to realize what house elfs did for us. Charlus and Dorea had already taken their seats. They were engaged in a lively conversation with Sirius.

Sirius, with his signature mischievous grin, gestured animatedly as he spoke. "So there we were, James and I, sneaking into Slughorn's party under the invisibility cloak. The plan was simple: transfigure Severus' robes into a bunny costume. But, it went a bit awry. Instead, we ended up giving him giant bunny ears and a fluffy tail. He looked like a rabbit gone rogue!"

James laughed, clapping Sirius on the back. "And the spell lasted longer than we expected! Poor Severus hopped around the party, trying to get rid of the ears. The whole Slug Club couldn't stop laughing."

Lily, who had been listening with a faint smile, suddenly frowned. "James, that wasn't just a prank. Severus was humiliated in front of everyone."

James' laughter died down as he saw the anger in Lily's eyes. "Lily, it was just a bit of fun. No harm done."

"No harm done?" Lily's voice rose slightly. "Severus was humiliated in front of everyone. It's not just 'a bit of fun. That was bullying, James."

An awkward silence fell over the table, broken only by the sound of Petunia shifting in her seat. She glanced at her sister, a mix of confusion and curiosity in her eyes. Surely Lily knew that Severus was a death eater, right? Had she not said they had a falling out as he got caught up in the wrong crowd? Why was she still protecting him?

Before anyone could speak, Peter Pettigrew cleared his throat. "Um, everyone? I have something I need to say."

All eyes turned to Peter, who was fidgeting with his napkin, his face pale and anxious. "I've been thinking a lot lately, and... well, I don't think I can keep fighting for the Order."

Gasps and murmurs of surprise echoed around the table. Sirius was the first to react, his eyes wide with disbelief. "What? Peter, we're Marauders! We stick together! Gryffindors are brave, we don't just give up. Things have been dreary, sure, but we have to keep fighting."

James put a hand on Sirius' shoulder, his expression serious. "Sirius, it's up to Peter. With how things have been going lately, with Gideon and Fabian... and the attack on Petunia, Willow, and Dan... I completely understand."

Lily, her anger from earlier dissipating, looked at Peter with concern. "How's your family been, Peter? How are they dealing with the war?"

Peter looked down at his hands, his voice shaky. "Honestly, Lily, they don't even know. My sisters and my mom... they're squibs. They don't keep up with wizarding news, and we thought it would only worry them. It was Dad's idea, and I've always been too meek to stand up to him. But lately, I've been feeling like they should know. It's been tough, acting like nothing's going on when everything's falling apart."

Charlus Potter nodded solemnly. "It's a dangerous time for all of us, Peter. Are you sure this is what you want?"

Peter's eyes darted around the table, landing briefly on Petunia, who gave him a small, encouraging smile. "Yes, I'm sure. I plan to tell the Order at the meeting tonight. It's not that I don't believe in the cause... I just can't keep putting my family in danger."

Petunia felt a swell of pride for Peter's courage. She reached out and placed a hand on his, squeezing gently. "You're doing the right thing, Peter," she said softly.

Peter looked at her, his eyes grateful. "Thank you, Petunia."

Petunia then looked at the treacle tart on her plate as her cheeks heated up. As the conversation resumed, Petunia found herself stealing glances at Peter. There was something different about him tonight. Peter had a quiet strength she hadn't noticed before. She didn't understand the flutter in her chest, the way her heart seemed to skip a beat when he smiled at her. Could she be falling for him? She shook her head, dismissing the thought. Peter was a close friend. She couldn't help wondering, though, if Peter would be able to come by if he went into hiding and if he even wanted to. It would be nice to play the piano and listen to him sing. He really had a very nice voice.

"Tuney," Lily said, giving her a gentle shove. Petunia had been staring at Peter, who was talking in a hushed voice with Charlus. "I was asking you if you could pass me some roasted potatoes."

"Of course," Petunia said, blushing as she noticed Lily's amused smile.