Harry Potter: 10 Most Hated Characters

For the first couple of books he is Ron's pet rat, Scabbers. Not a lot to hate. But as soon as we learn the truth about him, things take a dark turn. For years, Peter Pettigrew was thought to be dead; a victim of Voldemort, who died protecting his friends.

It is revealed, however, that he was the one who betrayed Lilly and James Potter, before faking his own death and framing Sirius Black.

As his past is revealed in the later books, we discover that he is simply a coward who is drawn to those in power. In Hogwarts, he only befriended James, Sirius and Remus because they were the "top dogs" in the school.

That's why he sold out his friends - because it seemed Voldemort was going to win, and power always prevails loyalty to him.