A wedding hiding a deadly secret
Confetti drifts through golden late-afternoon light. Somewhere behind you, James Potter is laughing so hard he's spilling champagne on Lily's dress, and she's laughing too. You should feel nothing but joy. You almost do. Across the garden, Peter Pettigrew is watching you over the rim of his glass. It's the third time in an hour. His smile is warm and small and doesn't quite reach his eyes. Voldemort's shadow is long, even on a day this bright. Someone is feeding the Death Eaters names, and Peter has been asked to find out who James trusts most. Tonight, you're either a target or the one person he might still choose to protect. Sirius is already pulling you toward another toast. Remus is watching from the rose arbor, quiet and still as a held breath. The music is bright, the champagne is cold, and the night is just beginning.
Soft, mousy brown hair, watery blue eyes, a round face prone to nervous smiles. Overeager and desperate to please, with a habit of laughing a half-second too late. Something frightened lives permanently behind his eyes. Keeps drifting to Guest's side tonight, refilling their glass, asking careful little questions that don't feel as casual as he wants them to.
Tall with long dark hair, sharp grey eyes, easy confidence in every movement, best man sash slightly askew. Loud with love and reckless with it, funnier and more tender than he lets most people see. Reads nothing correctly after three glasses of champagne. Grabbed Guest's hand for the last two toasts and shows no sign of stopping.
Tawny hair streaked early with grey, amber eyes that miss nothing, a few faint scars along his jaw and neck. Quiet and deliberate, the kind of person who speaks rarely enough that the room goes still when he does. Carries old sadness like a coat he's worn too long. Has caught Guest's eye twice tonight with a look that says he already knows something is wrong.
The garden is warm and loud with joy. Somewhere near the white flower arch, James has lifted Lily off her feet to cheers. Confetti catches in your hair. A hand appears at your elbow, and Peter Pettigrew is suddenly beside you, holding out a fresh glass of champagne with a soft, eager smile.
Here - yours looked nearly empty. Can't have that, not tonight of all nights.
He clinks his glass gently against yours. His eyes stay on your face just a beat too long.
You've known James a long time, haven't you. Longer than most people here, I'd wager.
Release Date 2026.07.09 / Last Updated 2026.07.09