Flitting Past Professor Flitwick

It occurs to me, while re-reading these books, that one of the most omnipresent yet overlooked characters in the series is Professor Flitwick. We see Harry and his friends in many of his classes, and we often catch a glimpse of him in the corridors or chatting with other professors in the Great Hall or some other public place. But because Harry doesn't seem to have many private encounters with him, he is somewhat relegated to a background role.

Harry certainly doesn't harbor any antagonistic feelings toward him, as he does toward Snape, Umbridge and to a lesser extent Trelawney and Lockhart. But neither does there appear to be any particularly strong bond between them, as he has with Hagrid, Lupin and, more distantly, Dumbledore and McGonagall. If we were looking over Hermione's shoulder throughout the books, I think Flitwick might emerge as a more prominent character. She seems especially skilled at charms, and he is effusive with his praises of her abilities.

Of course, I think part of that is just his personality. He strikes me as the sort of teacher who values positive reinforcement above punishment. If his lessons aren't sinking in, he assigns extra homework, but I can't see him slapping detentions on students very often or deducting House Points left and right. He seems to be a very easy-going sort of fellow, cheerfully resigned to the fact that his short stature renders him an easy target for wayward spells being practiced in his class.

Despite his unintimidating teaching style, he is very effective; his hands-on demonstrations allow the lessons to really sink in. He challenges students to a high degree, and when Fred and George comment on his inspection by Umbridge (311), it drives home his unflappable demeanor and his unimpeachable reputation as a solid professor. Flitwick, in turn, seems to have considerable admiration for the twins' abilities, even if they don't always translate to good test scores. He knows that his methods have been effective for them but that they only apply themselves properly on occasions that suit them. And really, why should grades be of such grave concern to a couple of entrepreneurs anyway, especially when they have the capital to back them up?

Anyway, as Head of Ravenclaw, Flitwick is not only exceedingly clever but also wise, and in some ways his personality mirrors Dumbledore's, particularly in terms of the twinkle so often found in the Headmaster's eyes. Rowling may not turn the spotlight upon him too often, but the Charms professor is quite charming indeed and a definite asset to the school and to the series.