Running Close to the Ground

They call themselves the Death Eaters’ Drinking and Cynicism Society. They are bored, world-weary, damaged men, too resentful to obey without question and too afraid to rebel. One of them spends his nights dreaming of the past as he waits for the order to kill the last of his childhood friends. His name is Peter Pettigrew. And he still has a touch of the old Marauder in him.

Peter goes out drinking with Bardolph Avery, who has trouble with proverbs. They write a song about the other Death Eaters. Peter subsequently observes Snape and draws his own conclusions.

The Death Eaters sit around in the village pub and gossip. Peter romances the Muggle landlady, and -- literally -- produces a rabbit out of a hat. His conscience nags at him, but that's nothing new.

Peter reminisces about his time with the Weasley family, his years at Hogwarts, and the Shrieking Shack scene.

Avery, Travers, Nott, and Rabastan Lestrange discuss their reasons for joining the Death Eaters. Peter remembers a History of Magic essay he talked Remus into writing for him, and a dark secret he learned about his friend's father.

Peter describes some highlights of his career as a Death Eater, including a glimpse into the Dark Lord's recruitment techniques. His Muggle girlfriend begins to get suspicious.

More scenes from the life of a rat: Peter pauses on his way to join Voldemort in Albania and contemplates turning back; Messrs. Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs discover their friend has an unusual talent; and the Dark Lord demonstrates that he has a twisted sense of humor.

Peter recalls a few of his more spectacular spectacular failures to please the Dark Lord. Back in the present day, a couple of the other Death Eaters capture a fugitive, and Peter casts a Patronus.

Karkaroff spills his information. Avery rebels. Peter faces a stark decision.

Voldemort shows further signs of losing his grip on reality. Lucius and Rodolphus plot. Avery, Nott, and Rabastan gripe. Peter acts.

Acting on Peter's tip-off, the Order attacks Little Hangleton.

In the aftermath of the battle, the last two Marauders meet again in St. Mungo's. They aren't quite sure what to do with each other.