Chapter 3
Sirius hadn't resisted James much longer. By the third week of September, they had already planned various pranks concerning Snape, an unpleasant at best Slytherin, and his housemates. Peter didn't know why Black's behaviour suddenly changed, but he wasn't happy with it.
As the weeks turned into months, Peter's first year at Hogwarts brought about significant changes in his life and relationships. James and Sirius's friendship had blossomed, and it was evident that Peter was gradually being left on the sidelines. It wasn't that James was trying to exclude Peter, but the lure of Sirius's charisma and their shared pranks was too strong to resist.
Peter often found himself sitting alone in the common room or in the library, studying, reading about magical creatures, or nurturing his growing interest in herbology. The world of plants was a sanctuary for him, providing solace and a sense of achievement that he was lacking in other fields.
Despite his determination to learn, Peter was aware of his limitations. His magical abilities were undoubtedly below average compared to his friends. Even though he diligently attended classes, he often struggled to perform spells, and his Quidditch skills were far from impressive. The sense of inadequacy weighed on him, especially when he saw his friends excelling in various areas.
Peter and Remus had become close, with Remus dedicating his time to helping Peter with his studies. It was something that Peter deeply appreciated, and his grades began to improve under Remus's guidance. Lily, too, often sacrificed her time and knowledge, helping Peter understand what they had been doing in classes.
Marlene, who had been the best at Quidditch in their year, was a constant source of inspiration for Peter. Her courage and determination in protecting her friends, especially when she stood up to bullies, were qualities he dreamt of.
At the same time James and Sirius hated Snape. James, with his growing affection for Lily, couldn't stand the fact that Severus bullied muggle-born students and had befriended the likes of Malfoy and Mulciber, who were openly rude to Lily. James began plotting various pranks aimed at Snape and the Slytherins, hoping to win Lily's favor and protect her from their torment. It wasn't really needed in Peter's opinion, as Snape had been Lily's best friend long before Hogwarts.
Peter watched these developments with a mix of anxiety and concern. He had no personal grudge against Snape and didn't want to be a part of any pranks. Snape's magic was more powerful than his own, and he feared the consequences of getting involved. It left him feeling isolated from his friends, who were now entangled in a web of mischief.
James' and Sirius' bond grew stronger, as they were planning pranks together and Remus, to Peter's relief, spending more time with him. Remus, with his quiet and thoughtful nature, became a source of stability in Peter's life. He was not only a tutor, but also a good friend, making an effort to include Peter in their activities and helping him improve his magical abilities.
One memorable incident involved a prank on Severus Snape. The plan was to charm the Great Hall's doors so that when Snape walked in, his hair would turn a bright shade of pink. Peter, recognizing the difficulty of the charm, decided not to participate. It wasn't just about his magical limitations; he also didn't want to get into trouble for a prank that he considered unnecessary and potentially harmful. Snape hadn't harmed him personally, and Peter saw no reason to escalate the feud.
The prank succeeded without any repercussions, and James's attention was now firmly divided between Black and Remus. Peter missed the days of playing chess with James, but it looked like Black was a more entertaining person.
In the midst of all the changes, Peter's dedication to herbology remained constant. He reveled in caring for magical plants and dreamed of having his own garden one day, just like Euphemia's, filled with extraordinary and fascinating flora. It was a reminder that amidst the whirlwind of friendship, rivalry, and personal growth, Peter had his own path to tread, one where his passion for herbology provided a sanctuary of solace and purpose.
In the quiet corner of the Hogwarts greenhouse, Peter Pettigrew knelt among a collection of magical plants, each with its unique charm and allure. The soft, diffused sunlight streamed through the greenhouse's enchanted glass, casting a warm, golden glow upon his small, focused figure.
With careful hands, he gently examined the leaves of a rare Mimbulus Mimbletonia, a plant known for its explosive defense mechanism. Peter had cultivated a special bond with this peculiar specimen, speaking to it softly as if it could understand his words (it probably could). He watered it just the right amount, ensuring its temperamental temperament was kept in check.
Moving on, he reached for a potted Mandrake, their shrill cries muffled by a layer of earmuffs. His green thumb and patience were well-suited to handle these volatile creatures. With painstaking precision, he inspected the Mandrake's soil, making sure it was adequately moist and that it received the right amount of sunlight.
Beside the Mandrake, a potted Fanged Geranium thrived under Peter's care. He delicately pruned its wickedly sharp leaves, his fingers never straying too close to the dangerous foliage. The Fanged Geranium seemed to sense Peter's gentle touch, its menacing appearance softened in his presence.
As he moved from one plant to the next, Peter found solace in the rhythms of tending to his green companions. The quiet rustle of leaves, the gentle hum of life within the greenhouse, and the earthy scent of fertile soil formed a sanctuary for him. In this serene environment, he felt a sense of achievement and purpose that was sometimes elusive in the world of pranks, magic, and Quidditch.
While his friends pursued their own adventures and rivalries, Peter Pettigrew had found his refuge among the magical plants, nurturing them and in turn, finding a sense of belonging and accomplishment.