But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo

The warm environment in The Three Broomsticks provided a comforting sensation. However, the environment was not enough to combat the awkwardness that Peter emitted. The lull in the conversation merely pointed out how awkward the boy was, and how comfortable everyone else was. It pointed out how different he was from everyone. It pointed out how different he was from Mary.

He took a sip from his butterbeer, trying not to focus on the fact that Mary MacDonald was looking at him right now. Why was she doing that? Why would she waste her precious eyes looking at such a hideous mess? He didn't know.

Maybe his suspicions were right. Maybe James had told Mary about how much of a creep he was. Maybe Mary was looking at him in disgust.

And she would be right in doing so.

Pete desperately hoped that wasn't the case. How could he live if his angel hated him? How could he live if his angel had realized how pathetic the boy really was?

The answer was simple. He couldn't.

He didn't realize how much his life depended on validation from others.

Pathetic. Truly pathetic. That was why he hated himself. That was why everyone hated him. That was why he would never end up with Mary MacDonald. Not only was she so much better looking, more intelligent, and perfect among other things. She had confidence. Self-esteem. Bravery. She deserved to be a Gryffindor.

He didn't even deserve to possess magic. He should have been a squib like his Father had said he would be. He took up space in the magical world for nothing. Hogwarts and the entire Wizarding Community would be much better without him.

"So Mary, do you have any book recommendations?" Remus asked casually.

She smiled looking glad to be able to clear the awkward silence. "I do actually. There's this book called 'The Princess Bride'." She scrunched up her face with concentration as she paused for a moment.

Peter was slightly alarmed but also enthralled. He knew well of this book. It was one of his summer reads, he often read a couple fantasy books over the summer. It was easier to read when there wasn't a time limit as he took a long while in reading the simplest of books. Probably because he was definitely stupid.

But that wasn't the point. The point was he was familiar with the book and he had told anyone who had listened about what a good book it was.

As soon as Peter predicted what would happen, it did.

"Huh, that's interesting. I haven't read it myself but Pete was telling me about it." Remus explained, thrusting Peter into the middle of the conversation.

Mary looked directly at the nervous boy. "Oh! Have you read it?"

Peter looked around anxiously waiting for someone to save him from the awkwardness that was bound to happen if he was allowed to talk.

James was oblivious as usual, talking about something with Dorcas. Sirius had been staring intensely at Remus but was now hastily throwing his arm around Marlene. Marlene, Mary, and Evans were all looking expectedly at Peter.

In one last plea, he looked over at Moony. Remus simply shrugged. Peter was on his own. He just knew he would be weird and mess this up. But there was nothing he could do about it.

"Erm...yes." He finally responded after what had seemed like an eternity.

"That's cool." She fidgeted again, no longer making eye contact with him. "I just read it as well, you know."

Most of the table was now watching in amusement. A small sigh of exasperation was heard though Pete couldn't tell who it had come from.

He honestly didn't know how to respond so he settled for, "That's cool," with a nod.

"...yes." She responded.

"Sirius, wasn't there something in Zonkos we wanted to look at?" Marlene interrupted the awkward exchange.

Peter could have kissed her for saving him. Except he didn't. Because she was dating Dorcas. And also a homosexual. And also fake dating Sirius. That would have been weird to kiss her.

"Thanks for reminding me, love. Lilith darling, why don't you come with us and bring our deer friend Prongs as well?" Sirius easily responded without the hesitation that Pete so obviously had.

Remus shook his head, hiding a smile, while Peter bit back a laugh.

Lily was oblivious to the joke. "I'd love to."

After a few goodbyes, those four of them left. And then there were four left.

At least not everyone had left. At least Remus and his fake girlfriend had stayed. He didn't know what he would have done if they had left him and Mary all alone.

"Dorcas? Will you take me to Honeydukes?" Remus asked, winking at Peter.

Peter shook his head in disbelief. This wasn't happening. Why would Remus do this to him? Well, at least there was a possibility that Doe would refuse.

She also winked at Wormtail. "Sure." She simply responded in her quiet way.

They also left, Peter staring at them longingly.

And then there were two.

Mary started to say something, shook her head, and instead took a sip of Butterbeer.

Peter also took a sip of Butterbeer. He didn't know how to talk to her. It was different from talking to his friends. After all, she was an angel and he needed to show that level of respect when he spoke to her.

She suddenly put down her mug and spoke to him."What's your favourite part?"

He must have had a blank expression on her face because she explained.

"I mean what's your favourite part of Princess Bride?" She clarified before running her fingers through her hair.

"Either the battle of wits or the ending." He responded sort of easily. At least it was quicker than his responses normally were. "How about you?"

"I would have to say same honestly. I loved all the sword fights but they are definitely more suited for film than in writing. You know what a film is yeah?"

He nodded. "Yeah, I do. My mum and I had a television for a bit. We used to watch the Wizard of Oz over and over again."

"I love that film!" She exclaimed. "The Emerald City is so beautiful. What's your favourite character? Mine is Dorothy." She gushed, her eyes lighting up with happiness.

"Definitely the Cowardly Lion." He responded.

She launched into another question which he answered and then he asked a question that she answered.

This went on for ages as Peter Pettigrew finally had a proper conversation with a goddess.