swell

"Expelliarmus!" exclaimed Peter, swishing his wand towards a certain Severus Snape. For the first time ever, the spell hit its target and Snape's wand flew into Peter's hand, who beamed proudly (Peter, not his hand).

"Well done, Wormy," smiled James, slapping his best friend on the back. "We'll have you trained up in no time, then we can all hex Snape together. What do you think?"

"That's an awesome plan." The first time that year, Peter swelled in pride.

He was now a few months older, and cautiously walked into a empty classroom to see his best friend, Remus, sitting on a chair and staring into nothingness. His face was wet with tears. Peter gently pulled up a chair and sat down.

"You good, Remus?" he asked quietly.

Remus nodded. "Yes- actually, no. I'm tired and annoyed of Sirius doing everything so recklessly. He could've had Snape killed!"

Peter put his arm around him. "Don't worry, me too. That was really reckless."

Both best friends stayed like that for a while, until when a few minutes later, Sirius walked in. "Moony-" he said, shocked.

Remus stood up, stiffening. "Sirius." He sighed.

"I- Moony, I'm sorry. I've been trying to tell you all this time, I was dumb and crazy and should've thought before telling him. I get it if you're still angry, but-" he couldn't get anymore out as Remus wrapped him in a hug.

"I missed you too, Pads," said Remus in a muffled voice. Sirius looked a little awkward, then returned the hug fiercely. A few seconds later, they broke apart.

"What gave you the sudden change of thought?" asked Sirius, smirking. Remus smiled.

"Well, it was all because of Wormtail here."

And for the second time that year, Peter's chest swelled. He was worth something.

He was now in Sixth year, working on the Marauder's map with Sirius. It had nearly been completed, and just needed a few checks.

"Whew," sighed Sirius, flopping back down on his bed. Then he sat up again. "We're missing something."

"Hmmm," Peter tapped his chin thoughtfully. "How about a code, so that not anybody can get in and discover our secrets?"

"Neat, Pete!" He paused. "That rhymes. But what should the code be? I am an awesome Marauder and solemnly swear that I shall use this only for pranks?"

Peter shook his head. "I think that's too long. But I like the 'solemnly swear' bit. What about..." He placed his wand on the map, muttered an incantation, and said, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Sirius's eyes lit up with glee. "I love it!" He beamed, dancing around the room like a seven-year-old on sugar. "Thanks a bunch, Wormy, I can't wait to show Moony and Prongs!"

And yet again, Peter swelled with pride. His best friends cared about him... and he wasn't a nobody anymore.

Two years later, a slightly older Peter Pettigrew made his way towards Malfoy Manor. His trademark nervous grin had been wiped off, a slight grimace taking its place. He walked in, and came to face with Lord Voldemort himself.

"Peter Albert Pettigrew," said the Dark Lord in a cold, unfeeling voice, "Do you swear that, as a Death Eater, you shall not reveal our secrets to anyone unless you are told, you shall do everything I say without a flinch of hesitation, and you shall endure any punishment given?"

Peter hesitated. He remembered all the memories he'd made with the Marauders, the fun, the laughter. But they had all left you in the end, hadn't they? An evil little voice whispered into his mind. And before he knew it, that voice had taken control, and he couldn't help it when he said "Yes."

Voldemort smiled (or was it a smirk?). "Then you are accepted into the Death Eater ranks."

Peter smiled back, and he knew it wasn't right, he knew that he was supposed to be working for the Order of the Phoenix, he knew that he didn't want to do this, but his chest swelled with pride nonetheless.

a/n: Hi guys! I have a kind of important announcement for you. I'm working on a long fic about the Marauders (first year through seventh year) and I'll need some beta readers to give me helpful feedback. Be ready for a long gap between chapters, but I'll try my best to send them off quickly. If you're interested, feel free to PM me, or reply as a review to this chapter! Thanks~