Peter Pettigrew
MajorA very short man hardly taller than Harry and Hermione stands cringing and wringing his hands with a shrunken build as though he was once plump but lost a lot of weight quickly. His thin colorless hair is unkempt with a large bald patch on top, his skin looks grubby and pasty with an ashen tone, and his face shines with beads of sweat. A pointed nose and very small watery eyes give him a rat-like look as he breathes fast and shallow, his eyes darting toward doors and windows, while he points using his middle finger due to the missing index finger on his right hand.
Peter Pettigrew, the treacherous Animagus known as Wormtail, emerges in the series as the rat-like survivor of the Marauders, revealed in *Prisoner of Azkaban* to have faked his death and framed Sirius Black for betraying the Potters. Throughout the subsequent books, he serves as a cowardly yet loyal servant to Lord Voldemort, transforming from a hidden fugitive into a key figure in the Dark Lord's resurrection and machinations. His arc culminates in a moment of hesitation that seals his fate, underscoring his perpetual weakness and self-preservation.
Physical Description
A very short man hardly taller than Harry and Hermione stands cringing and wringing his hands with a shrunken build as though he was once plump but lost a lot of weight quickly. His thin colorless hair is unkempt with a large bald patch on top, his skin looks grubby and pasty with an ashen tone, and his face shines with beads of sweat. A pointed nose and very small watery eyes give him a rat-like look as he breathes fast and shallow, his eyes darting toward doors and windows, while he points using his middle finger due to the missing index finger on his right hand.
Gallery
Book 3: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Evolution
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
A very short man hardly taller than Harry and Hermione stands cringing and wringing his hands with a shrunken build as though he was once plump but lost a lot of weight quickly. His thin colorless hair is unkempt with a large bald patch on top, his skin looks grubby and pasty with an ashen tone, and his face shines with beads of sweat. A pointed nose and very small watery eyes give him a rat-like look as he breathes fast and shallow, his eyes darting toward doors and windows, while he points using his middle finger due to the missing index finger on his right hand.
- Revealed as Ron Weasley's pet rat Scabbers, an unregistered Animagus who has lived as a rat for twelve years.
- Exposed by Sirius Black and Remus Lupin for betraying the Potters' location to Voldemort and faking his death by murdering twelve Muggles.
- Attempts to flee in rat form but is captured after Lupin transforms into a werewolf.
- Saved from summary execution by Harry, who invokes the value of loyalty despite Pettigrew's treachery.
Relationships
Once a fellow Marauder, Lupin mourns Pettigrew's supposed death until his betrayal is uncovered in book 3; their bond shatters irreparably, with no further direct interaction.
Poses as Ron's pet Scabbers for years until exposed in book 3; Ron is horrified and mourns the 'pet' he lost, with brief hostile encounters later.
Betrayed Sirius by framing him for his own crimes in book 3; Sirius pursues him relentlessly as a traitor until Sirius's death, with enmity persisting.
Becomes Voldemort's devoted minion post-resurrection in book 4, enduring abuse while performing critical tasks like capturing Harry; loyalty holds through books 5-7 until Pettigrew's death.
Spared by Harry in book 3 despite betrayal; later attempts to kill Harry in book 5 but fails, escalating direct antagonism through the series.
Key Events
Book Appearances
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban