Dreaming;

Peter wasn’t amused. He knew that his friends had a streak of signing him up for things, but when Sirius had said he wasn’t doing this alone he thought he would ask James. 

He didn’t think he’d be up for auction. It was a lot of attention that he wasn’t sure he wanted, but he also wasn’t going to back out now. Instead he sighed half way amused and half way tired of the shenanigans. 

“... Did Marls sign you up, or are you here willingly?” Peter said finding a familiar face in the area leaning on a pole with a slight smile on his face. “I really thought this was just a carnival. Sirius should be somewhere around here, and I don’t know if any of the rest of us are in this shindig. ” 

Well. Christmas was over for another year. It went all too fast, and it was now that weird time in between christmas and new year. Alice was in Diagon Alley, deciding to have her lunch hour there today. She rarely left the office during her lunch hours, and tended to just annoy Frank. Of course when she did that they did tend to spend all of their time together, but she adored spending time with her husband. Today though, she’d decided to head into Diagon Alley. She didn’t need any shopping, after all Neville had just been treated during the holidays. But she just felt like stretching her legs.

She smiled to herself as she paused outside of the book shop, and had a quick look into the window. She’d say she was only window shopping, but she really could never resist a good new book.

Peter was rarely late to work. It wasn’t that he was concerned about being late -in all honesty he doubt anyone would notice- but he liked being at work. He liked books and reading and doing quiet unassuming work. It made sense - much more sense than everything else. 

So when he had overslept he did end up running in the end and without thinking almost collided with someone standing outside of the very shop he was rushing to get to. 

“Oh - Merlin I’m sorry are you okay?” Peter said as he barely doged the other. 

…

James gave a shrug of his shoulders, rocking back and forth on his heels. “What can I say, I guess I’m just an honest man,” he chuckled, that being only half true. He would lie for anyone else and with ease, especially if it would keep someone safe or out of trouble. 

“Pesky things, books can be sometimes. Love them now, of course, didn’t so much back in school.” Magic came naturally to James when it came to studies, but cracking down on books and information? That was always a bit boring, for his taste. Now of course he enjoyed reading, especially when the topic wasn’t just for the sake of passing an exam.

Peter’s excuse made sense, though still, James wondered if there were ulterior motives. He would hate to assume the man was avoiding him on purpose, and took his word that it was merely to make extra money for the holidays. “Thirty minutes?” James dramatically checked his watch and nodded his head. “Yeah, I suppose I could wait that long,” he teased with a laugh, picking a book up out of the stack to glance over. “Fortunate that there’s plenty here to kill time with.”

..

“Hm,” Pete said his eyebrow going up a little before he bursted out into a laugh. “I’ll let you have that one.” 

“I remember,” Peter said with a chuckle. It had annoyed him a little how easily magic came to his friends. Honestly it felt like a lot of his professors had thought he was incompetent, but it was more so that it took Peter longer to learn. Reading bits and essays had always come easier even if they did take as long for him to do. Still, Peter couldn’t seem to resent his friends. It was just how it was. 

“Only thirty minutes. If you’d been thirty minutes sooner it would have been an hour. And go ahead if you don’t want to follow me around - that books an interesting read if you’re looking for something. If Louise comes by just let her know you’re waiting for me and she’ll probably giggle and let you keep reading. She keeps asking about you lot so I’m sure she’ll babble to you.” 

“Also you got any ideas for a ten year old who likes magical creatures? I thought about getting him a book on it, but I’ve got no clue which ones he’d already have.” 

Evan would never outright say it, but Peter’s politeness was something the younger man needed to work on. Manners were important and valued, but these were house elves they were talking to. He was showing them the same kind of respect that one might show another person. It wasn’t right. Evan couldn’t outright teach him unfortunately, it wasn’t his place, but perhaps if he hung around more the expected etiquette might rub off on him.

“Of course you can.” Evan replied, stepping in to answer even though he’d have no part in the process. He shot a glance at the elves, before turning his attention back to Peter. To anyone else the glance didn’t have meaning, but the Rosiers had had the same help for years. They knew the quick, direct look meant to go quickly and, even though they were all in the kitchen, to try not to be heard. Usually the glance also implied not to be seen, but in this situation that wasn’t possible.

“Nonsense. I can walk you out and they can have the soup ready at the door.” Evan smiled at Peter and began guiding him towards the front entrance, not bothering to address the house elves before he left. It was expected that they would just pick up on the instruction.

Evan didn’t know everything about Peter’s background, but he knew enough from casual talk and what Liza told him to know that he didn’t grow up the same way Evan and Liza had. If everything went their way that would change though, at least to some degree, and Peter needed to be ready for that when it did.

“How are things going down at the store? Any new publications that a worth a read?”

Peter blinked slightly at Evan answering, but figured that maybe how he had phrased it was rude. After all, house elves were good at their jobs. Maybe it would be rude for him to ask if they could. 

Peter nodded slightly at the other not really able to say thank you to the house elf as he past - although seeing how Evan reacted maybe he shouldn’t have anyway. Maybe it was a pureblood thing that Peter hadn’t realized and over stepped on. He’d have to work on that even if the thought made his stomach twist. 

It was just another reminder that, at the end of the day he could be the same level as that house elf. They were of different stations, only because of his parents. That was all. 

Still with the question Peter’s attention snapped back with less confusion on his face  as he said, “Oh pretty well. We’ve been getting a lot of new books in that I haven’t been able to keep up with all of them. There’s a new history of magic book about the history of Hufflepuff which is pretty neat. I think the author is working on the one for Slytherin next. If you like fiction we’ve just got a new series about the first Tri-Wizard tournament. It’s pretty good too.” 

It was good to see Peter. Even if it had been awhile. Even if it was unexpected (maybe that made it better). Being an adult made friendships a lot harder – the war even more so. He grinned back at Peter. “I’m electing to ignore the sarcasm and pretend I’m not predictable.” He totally was though, and he knew it. Peter knew it. Romulus, his cat, knew it.

Remus snorted, closing his eyes briefly before shooting Peter a wry look. “No plans,” he said. “Unless you count a book and chipped tea mug as plans, but those can easily be rescheduled. What are you feeling? And please don’t say pub food.”

.

“Sarcasm? When have I ever been sarcastic.” Peter said although he couldn’t help the laugh at the end.  “To be fair adult life has drained at least some of the unpredictability  out of most people’s lives.” Although to be fair, Peter was hardly leading a predictable life now. 

He wasn’t going to comment on that though. How much he wished there was a routine, or at least a safety in familiarity. It wouldn’t make sense to Remus and he was trying to push down a lot of those thoughts anyway. 

“Oh those are plans I would think, I just think I’m slightly more interesting than them - at least for the moment.” Peter said. “I was not going to say pub food. I was wondering if you wanted to go to a twenty-four hour diner I found in muggle London. It has milkshakes if that’ll persuade you. I’ve gotten some pounds so its on me.” 

Peter’s answer actually made Bertram laugh. Of course, just because he shifted careers and found himself more often in the spotlight, it doesn’t mean that the people around him would start to care more. In all honesty, Bertram appreciated Peter’s answer. The little things like that kept his feet on the ground. “That sounds about right.”

Bertram had too much pride to look embarrassed after Peter saw his intention behind his words, but he did look away. He didn’t know whether to give his condolences. So instead, he kept his mouth shut. “And what have you been telling them?”

He shifted in his seat. Bertram might not like Potter at all, but he’d rather not add himself into the equation. “That’s okay. I don’t think that would be necessary. But for what it’s worth. I am sorry that it happened. Nobody deserves that.”

.

Peter’s mouth twitched up at the other’s laugh and he said, “Well I’m glad you aren’t offended at the very least.” 

At the question Peter sighed and said, “The news covered everything and James and Lily are devastated. I wouldn’t ask them any questions you wouldn’t want to be asked in their situation.” 

Peter nodded slightly and said softly, “No. I don’t think any parent would want to outlive their child. But incase you were wondering - and I know you probably aren’t but - I’ve never seen two people lose something that precious and still be kind and caring about the other people around them. Both of them looked in the face of tragedy and didn’t collapse which would have been enough, but neither of them lashed out either. I don’t think they’ll ever be okay again but I do think they’ll get through this. If only for the fact I don’t think either of them could bare to not get through this.” 

Barty let out a deep breath. The problem with showing vulnerability was that it always leads to more questions. Questions that even he doesn’t know the answers to. If he let down his walls, even for just a short while, others would take it as an invitation to probe his thoughts even more. “It’s just… because of the precarious place that we found ourselves in, maybe. If Buchanan’s situation proves anything, it’s that we can’t mess up.” Barty won’t pretend that he knows everything about what happened to Isaac, but what he knows for sure was that the other man fucked up.

He raised his eyebrow ever so slightly. “Do you really think that’s the better fate?” The Death Eaters did have their own people planted in the Ministry too. Barty, himself, was the best example of that. Not that he could do anything if the Ministry did manage to apprehend Isaac first.

“That’s mostly it,” Barty lied effortlessly. He wasn’t worried about Isaac leaking information as he was worried about ending up like Isaac. But he wasn’t about to tell Peter that. Instead, Barty decided to turn the question around. “What would you do? If you were Buchanan?”

. (see tw below)

Peter didn’t want to press. It wasn’t really his nature, and it seemed as of late he knew too much. He had too many secrets floating around in his head he doubted most people would suspect. He didn’t need anymore skeletons or ghosts haunting him. 

Still he nodded slightly at the idea. “Don’t think we ever had the option to mess up to be fair.” 

At the question Peter knew the answer right away - a sharp memory he didn’t want to dwell on. “Yes. Yes I think it is his best option if he’s smart. He’s high profile enough that if he was in custody no one would get to him.” 

If Peter didn’t think he’d die before he could turn himself in he might have done it himself. Still, he wasn’t high profile. He’d be taken maybe by the man in front of him and dealt with before he could even be protected. 

Still he supposed Askaban was it’s own type of hell too. Still Peter didn’t think that the old adage was right about going with the devil you knew.  He knew what the Dark Lord would do, and Peter knew there wasn’t anyway to endure it. 

Peter nodded not believing it but not willing to push it either. At the question he thought for a moment. It was a dangerous thing to say, but most death eaters weren’t under the impression he was here out of loyalty anyway.   “I guess I don’t plan to be in his position. I would never disobey as badly as he did. But If I was him though, I would have turned myself in. There’s nothing waiting with - you know. There’s much worse things than to die.” 

 He didn’t want to think about the last time the dark lord got angry. He wasn’t loyal out of love after all. If he could disobey he would have by now. He would have left this all but he couldn’t. 

“Askaban may be hell, but there’s things worse than that place too.” 

who: @peterxpettigrewx​ where: Leaky Cauldron when: November 30th, 1982

Marlene and James were both busy. By extension, that meant Lily was busy too, and with that Sirius was out of options. He had other friends, people that he loved and that cared about him, but whoever he reached out to right now he felt like he was bothering, and he couldn’t do that to Mary or Remus or anyone else. Marlene and James were the siblings he’d never had, and over the years the same feeling had been extended to Lily. He could bother them without second thought, but he wasn’t willing to put that on anyone else.

So, to distract himself he went out. At home his thoughts would only end up spiraling to a place he knew he didn’t want to go, so instead Sirius surrounded himself with strangers. Even if they weren’t helpful, the atmosphere would keep his mind occupied. Here things were constantly changing, with people flowing in and out and overheard conversations taking what attention he could give away. However, after ordering his second drink, a better distraction walked in.

“Hey, Peter, over here!” Sirius gestured to the open seat next to him.

.

Peter wasn’t exactly an introvert, but he didn’t like being out as much as he was. Still, keeping up appearances and hearing what people said - that was part of the job that he was forced into. Being a wallflower at home wouldn’t give him anything that would help, and although he wasn’t sure he wanted to find anything he still had to appear. 

That’s why Peter was at the Leaky Cauldron. To observe and inspect what was happening. It’s also why when he heard a voice call out he almost jumped until he realized it was Sirius. 

That would at least give him a cover. After all it would make sense that they would be around each other. Still he would have to be careful if he found anything if he wanted Sirius to be able to stay out of it. 

“Hey. Fancy meeting you here. “ Peter said with a slight laugh and a smile slipping into the seat. “Gave me a fright you bastard I’m supposed to be the sneaky one. How are you?” 

👻 …someone my muse considers a best friend.

“I will not start this argument again. I refused to pick through them when I was in fourth year, and I refuse to do this again. I’m not about to start this again.” 

💋 …someone my muse used to date.

“Oh no I’m not bringing my exes names back into circulation. I would like not to get an howler again.” 

send  🙈  for  our  muses  to  stay  up  waiting  for  santa .

To be fair Peter didn’t think they’d be able to wait up and see the house elves bring presents into the room but James had been insisting all week that it was actually Santa and, Peter couldn’t stop the bet if he had wanted too. 

It had been a weird year and his plans to visit his dad had been cancelled and his mom had already left to visit family a month ago. He could have insisted on coming with, but he’d never did. It just seemed like it was her thing. 

So here he was with his friends being taken in again. Leaning on the back of the couch has he sat on the floor in front of the fire place. He was fairly sure James was a sleep - he was too quiet to be awake now if he was honest but Peter did want to see if he was right. 

And he was. He saw the little pitter patter of house elves as they thought he was asleep putting down presents. He almost woke James but - didn’t. 

The next morning Peter just simply said they’d both seen nothing and so the wouldn’t know if it was Santa this year or house elves. It was stupid, but it kept the bet going a little longer. 

send  ❄️  for  our  muses  to  be  caught  indoors  due  to  a  snowstorm .

Peter wasn’t pleased being stuck with Rabastan, but in all honestly it could have been worse. There was always going to be fear people would connect him to death eaters but he was also pretty sure most individuals wouldn’t connect the dots. 

That and he could always say that he didn’t know the other, which was true enough.  Even as he was staring out the window he shrugged slightly and said “Think we’re going to be here overnight or at least until the snow stops. You want a blanket or something? I think I found some in the other room.”

😉 …someone my muse has had sex with.

James could lie when it came to his friends. If a professor asked why one of them was late to class? Well, that was easy. But lying for himself? James was terrible at. He often relied on the others to cover for him, because he would give himself away. So when Peter had called him out, there was really no use in pretending. “Alright, you’ve caught me,” he chuckled, shaking his head. 

“At least you’ve gotten away unscathed. No paper cuts?” James teased, pointing his wand at the stack of books and levitating them back into a nice neat pile. There was no need to lie in the answer to the next question, especially since Peter didn’t run away or try to dismiss him quickly. “Actually, I wanted to know if you were free after your shift. You’ve been working a lot lately, or so I assumed, since you haven’t been around.”

. 

Peter shook his head slightly and gave a fake sigh that turned into a smile. “You really need to get better at lying for yourself James.” 

He watched the other do the magic and started to pick the top book to slide into place. Even if James was there, he was supposed to be doing his job anyway. Besides, he’d loose his place if he wasn’t careful putting these books back. 

“None from that incident. Got a good one earlier on the back of my hand though. Don’t know how I managed that,” he said with a laugh.

 At the inquiry he sighed a little and said, “Yeah. Wanted to get my little siblings some cool treats from the UK you know. I’ve been picking up extra shifts so I can get the package to them before Christmas. Takes a long time for all of it to get there you know, and my dad’s already spoiled the surprise a bit so I got to deliver. I’m not going over there this year at all so - you know got to do something good.  I’m free in about thirty minutes if you want to wait around.” 

…

When she heard the door to her shop open she looked up, startled by the diminishing light.  What time was it?  Had she eaten anything?  Or drank any water?  She wasn’t sure – but it didn’t really matter.  There were some frozen burritos in her freezer she could pop in the microwave when she got home.  That had protein and cheese in it, didn’t it?  Just like twenty more pages and… her eyes drifted back down to her paper, but when she heard footsteps she jerked back up, remembering why she got distracted in the first place.

“I’m back here!”  She called, from her normal, sturdy table.  “Cookies?  What sort of cookies.  Of course I do – I want like six if you brought that many.  Come sit with me for a few minutes.”

.

Peter followed the voice carefully avoiding plants he didn’t want to disturb to get to where his friend was sitting. He was pretty sure she probably hadn’t moved in awhile, and that might have been concerning if it wasn’t Gwen. It wasn’t exactly healthy, but what was he supposed to say? 

“Chocolate chip,” Peter said taking out the container from his back and pushing them to her on the table while finding his own stool to sit on. “There’s at least a dozen in there so go ahead. Have you eaten any dinner? Because these aren’t a dinner replacement to be fair. I did think you might want some though so I’m glad about that.” 

James had been feeling that as of lately, Peter was avoiding him. While he had no solid evidence, it was a gut feeling that he couldn’t shake, and thus, he wanted to test the theory himself. Sure, showing up at your mate’s place of work wasn’t the most subtle, but honestly he hadn’t known where he would see Peter more easily. 

He hadn’t wanted to disturb him, as he understood that Peter was working, though rather he hung around the shop and waited for a prime opportunity to speak with him. However, when he saw the stack of books beside the man topple over, James couldn’t help but feel badly. 

“No… no,” he fibbed, shaking his head, pretending as though he had only just noticed. “Do you want some help? I could lend a hand. Or a wand,” he chuckled, spinning his wand in his fingers much like he used to do when they were younger as a bit of a party trick.

.

Peter raised an eyebrow not believing a word of the other. Although he probably shouldn’t throw around accusations he just shook his head slightly and said, “You’re a bad liar James Potter.” Even as he said it he. couldn’t help but his serious face to turn into a slight turned up mouth. He as trying to act serious but he was failing at the absurdity of everything. 

At the question Peter laughed and said, “Sure. I apparently can’t be trusted around books anymore so your help will probably at least maim the least amount of books. Where you in here for a title or just wanted to pop in and say hi?”