The Untold Secrets of Peter Pettigrew: Unveiling His Hidden Connection to the Marauders

The third book in the Harry Potter series, The Prisoner of Azkaban, introduces the secret group that Harry's father, James Potter, was a part of during his time at Hogwarts. In chapter 10, known as "The Marauder's Map," Harry learns about this group, called The Marauders. The map itself initially appears as an ordinary piece of aged parchment to Harry. However, it comes to life when George Weasley taps it with his wand and utters the words, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." Ink lines emerge from where George's wand made contact, spreading and connecting with one another on the parchment. These lines gradually cover the entire map, revealing the words "Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs" in curly green font at the top.

Introducing THE MARAUDER'S MAP, an esteemed offering from Providers of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers.

The Marauder's Map presents an intricate depiction of Hogwarts Castle and its surrounding grounds. Through the movement of minute ink dots, accompanied by corresponding labels, the map reveals the whereabouts and actions of each individual. In the third installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry glimpses Professor Albus Dumbledore pacing within his study. Additionally, the map discloses the presence of Argus Filch's feline companion, Mrs. Norris, lurking on the second floor. It is revealed that Fred and George surreptitiously acquired the map during their first year, procuring it from Filch's classified and exceedingly hazardous filing cabinet. Expressing their deep gratitude towards the four illustrious creators, known by the monikers Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, George acknowledges their invaluable contribution to the map's development, while Fred commends the relentless efforts of the ingenious minds responsible for fashioning this perilous magical artifact, which catered to a new generation of rule-breakers.

Finally, using one of the secret passages indicated on the map, Harry manages to clandestinely enter Hogsmeade. In the '70s, four Gryffindors and fellow Hogwarts students, known as the Marauders, including James Potter, who is Harry's father, were a part of this group. However, one of them, Pettigrew, turned to the dark side and betrayed James and Lily Potter to Lord Voldemort. Pettigrew was also responsible for falsely imprisoning Sirius Black. Undoubtedly, during his time at Hogwarts, Pettigrew must have exhibited certain personality traits that compelled him to betray and sell out his friends to the ruthless Lord Voldemort.

Pettigrew Was Unimpressive

According to Professor Minerva McGonagall and the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, Pettigrew was acquainted with Potter, Black, and Remus Lupin during their time at Hogwarts, as depicted in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He would often follow behind Potter and Black, his excessive flattery irritating Harry when glimpsed in Snape's memories in The Order of the Phoenix. In chapter 10 of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry eavesdrops on a rather unsettling conversation between Professor McGonagall, Rubeus Hagrid, Madam Rosmerta, and Professor Flitwick at the Three Broomsticks Inn. Amidst Fudge's determination to protect people from Sirius Black, the escaped prisoner and mass murderer, McGonagall interjects and reminisces about Potter and his companions during their time at Hogwarts. She describes Potter and Black as the "ringleaders of their little gang," "remarkably intelligent," and a "pair of troublemakers."

While recounting Black's supposed betrayal, Fudge clarifies that it was not the Ministry but rather "little Peter Pettigrew," one of Potter's friends, who discovered Black. Fudge suggests that Pettigrew, driven by grief and aware of Black's role as the Potters' Secret-Keeper, took it upon himself to confront Black. Madam Rosmerta also remembers Pettigrew as the young boy who constantly followed Potter and Black around Hogwarts. McGonagall agrees, acknowledging Pettigrew's admiration for Black and Potter, but noting that he was never on their level of talent. She regrets having been stern with him. Fudge tries to console her by explaining that Pettigrew met his demise heroically, cornering Black on a busy street. Witnesses reported that Pettigrew was distraught over Lily and James' deaths and, in his desperation, attempted to reach for his wand. However, Black was faster and obliterated him, leaving behind only fragments. McGonagall reveals that Pettigrew was always inept at dueling during their time at Hogwarts. The Prisoner of Azkaban discloses that while Black was apprehended by twenty members of the Magical Law Enforcement Squad, Pettigrew was honored with the Order of Merlin, First Class.

Pettigrew As A Marauder

The information provided is only partially accurate. In reality, Voldemort had indeed targeted the Potters, and Dumbledore had advised them to seek protection through the Fidelius Charm. This intricate spell conceals a secret within a chosen individual known as the Secret-Keeper, making it nearly impossible to uncover unless the Secret-Keeper reveals it. Contrary to popular belief, Black was not the Secret-Keeper. In fact, he convinced the Potters to change to Pettigrew at the last minute. Unfortunately, Lupin, the fourth friend, was unaware of this alteration as Black suspected him of being a spy for You-Know-Who. As for Pettigrew's betrayal, he claimed that he lacked the bravery of his friends and never intended for it to happen. However, the truth is that he had been supplying information to Voldemort for an entire year leading up to the deaths of Lily and James. With Voldemort's imminent rise to power, Pettigrew believed there was nothing to gain from fighting against him. In essence, the cowardly choice was made to align with the seemingly victorious side rather than the morally righteous one during the First Wizarding War.

Regarding Pettigrew's time at Hogwarts, Harry became aware of his tendency to be overly obedient when he delved into Snape's memory in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The scene unfolded in the Great Hall, where Snape, Harry's father, Black, and Pettigrew were sitting their Ordinary Wizarding Level exam for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Described as a "small, mousy-haired boy with a pointed nose" in the fifth Harry Potter book, Pettigrew appeared apprehensive during the test. He nervously chewed on his fingernails and occasionally glanced at his neighbor's paper. Despite the best efforts of Potter, Black, and Lupin, Pettigrew struggled to perform adequately. Specifically, he was unable to provide a correct response to the question asking for five signs to identify a werewolf. Consequently, Potter mockingly labeled him as "thick" while they played alongside Lupin, who transformed into a Werewolf every month.

Pettigrew watched in amazement as Potter skillfully toyed with his Snitch. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix portrays that every time James made a challenging catch, Pettigrew "gasped and applauded," expressing his excitement through cheers. At this point, Black instructed Potter to cease, fearing that Pettigrew might wet himself due to his overwhelming enthusiasm. Shortly after, Pettigrew eagerly observed Potter and Black as they approached Severus Snape, who was minding his own business nearby. Pettigrew chuckled and burst into laughter as Potter teased and bullied Snape. Another noteworthy aspect of Pettigrew's life was his illicit transformation into an Animagus, enabling him to keep his friend Lupin company during his monthly metamorphosis. Potter, Black, and Pettigrew were the unregistered Animagi freely roaming around Hogwarts.

In chapter 18 of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, titled "Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs," Lupin narrates his transformation into a Werewolf, his admission to Hogwarts by the sympathetic headmaster, Professor Dumbledore, and his secretive transportation to the Shrieking Shack to undergo his transformation. Fearing that his friends would abandon him, Lupin concealed his condition from them; however, they eventually discovered the truth and aided him in making the transformations more bearable by becoming Animagi. Potter and Black were the first to transform, providing Peter with the much-needed support. By their fifth year, they attained the ability to switch into different animals at will. Potter and Black assumed the forms of large animals to keep Lupin under control, eventually co-creating the Marauder's Map and signing it with their chosen aliases. Sirius was known as Padfoot, Peter as Wormtail, James as Prongs, and Lupin as Moony. As for Pettigrew's act of betrayal, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban reveals that when cornered by Black, he used a powerful explosive spell that annihilated a nearby street, resulting in the deaths of twelve Muggles. In an attempt to feign his demise, he deliberately severed his finger, assuming the guise of a rat, and escaped via the sewers. Peter Pettigrew is forever remembered as an unremarkable Hogwarts alumnus and the self-centered coward in the Harry Potter series.