Peter Pettigrew
James had been feeling on edge all day. Little things seemed to set him off - the sound of his quill scratching against parchment, the way Sirius chewed his food - until by the time evening rolled around, he was in a full-blown panic attack.
Sirius and Remus had both tried to comfort him, but their usual tactics of humor and level-headedness didn't seem to be helping this time. Peter, who had been sitting in a corner of the room, watching the scene unfold, felt a pang of sympathy for his friend.
"James," he said softly, walking over to where James was sitting. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
James shook his head, unable to speak through his panic. But Peter could see the distress in his friend's eyes, and knew he couldn't just sit by and do nothing.
"Would you like me to sit with you?" he asked. "Just be here, quietly, and listen if you need to talk?"
James nodded, and Peter sat down beside him. He didn't say anything, but he didn't need to - just his presence was enough to offer James some comfort.
After a few minutes, James' breathing began to slow, and the panic started to recede. Peter stayed with him until he was feeling calm enough to speak, and then quietly asked if he needed anything - a glass of water, or something to eat, maybe.
"No, I'm okay," James said, a small smile on his face. "Thanks, Peter."
Peter nodded, feeling glad that he had been able to help in some small way. He sat with James for a while longer, not speaking, just being there for his friend.
Eventually, James spoke up. "I don't know what's wrong with me," he said, his voice shaky. "I feel like I'm losing it."
Peter listened sympathetically, nodding along as James spoke. He didn't try to offer any solutions or advice - he knew that sometimes, all someone needs is to be heard.
After a while, James' breathing had returned to normal, and the panic had dissipated. He looked over at Peter, who was still sitting beside him.
"Thanks for being here," James said, his voice hoarse.
Peter smiled. "Of course. Anytime you need me."
They sat in companionable silence for a few more minutes before James stood up. "I think I'm going to go for a walk," he said. "Clear my head."
Peter nodded. "Want me to come with you?"
James shook his head. "No, that's okay. I'll see you back here later."
Peter watched as James walked out of the common room, feeling a sense of satisfaction. He might not have the same level of charisma or leadership as some of his friends, but he knew that sometimes, just being there for someone and offering a listening ear could make all the difference.
Peter sat alone in the Gryffindor common room, reflecting on the events of the evening. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride that he had been able to offer comfort to his friend, James. It wasn't often that he felt like he could contribute in a meaningful way to the Marauders' group, but tonight had been different.
As he sat lost in thought, he suddenly heard footsteps approaching. He looked up to see James returning to the common room, his expression slightly more relaxed than it had been earlier.
"Hey, Peter," James said, sitting down beside him.
"Hey," Peter replied. "How are you feeling?"
James shrugged. "Better, I guess. I just needed some fresh air."
They sat in silence for a few moments before James spoke up again. "You know, Peter, I don't think I ever really thanked you properly for earlier."
Peter waved a hand dismissively. "It's not a big deal, James. I was just trying to help."
"No, seriously," James insisted. "You were there for me when I needed it. I don't know what I would have done without you."
Peter felt a warmth spread through him at James' words. He knew that he didn't always get the recognition he deserved, but it was moments like these that made it all worth it.
"Thanks, James," Peter said, a smile spreading across his face. "I'm just glad I could be there for you."
James grinned back at him. "You know, you're not just the 'other Marauder.' You're a pretty great friend."
Peter felt a lump form in his throat at James' words. He had always felt like the odd one out in the group, but hearing James say that meant more to him than he could express.
"Thanks, James," he said again, his voice choked with emotion.
They sat together for a while longer, talking about nothing in particular, just enjoying each other's company. And as they did, Peter realized that maybe, just maybe, he didn't need to be the leader or the funniest or the bravest to be a valuable member of the Marauders. All he needed was to be himself - and that was enough.