Indeed, quite the opposite; didn't everyone always say that he was cheery and good natured and would go out of his way to help someone in trouble? I love this self-justification and the setup for how his strengths could ultimately produce a weakness.
It was becoming pretty clear by this point; most popular boys needed a fall-guy to inflate their own egos. Filius had been there himself, once-upon-a-time. Excellent and important similarity to draw and done in a very under-stated way; very Flitwick. Well done.
Human tastes are nothing if not extremely varied. Very wise, and just for Flitwick to know!
“Plenty of us wizards are that way inclined, you know.” I love the way he/you put that. Excellent way to breech the subject, as well. I had a few teachers who were that forthright as I was growing up - it did indeed help! This scene was so very sweet and fit your two characters perfectly. I love Flitwick's inner dialogue, as well: elf-made parallel despite the lack of drinking; Daily Prophet Sunday crossword zeal. I adore your thoughtful, gentle characters - so vulnerable yet powerful in their own rights!
Peter’s gaze searched his face, the boy’s lips moist and softly parted; angelic and perfectly obscene. Amazing description of the situation in just one line.
Filius mustered only a wan smile in response. “I know.” - And somewhere in his mind’s eye, a career was sacrificed and a life was saved, and an odd couple of a good-humoured little man and a sweet boy tripped off into clouds of white. That last line absolutely slayed me. It was so very difficult to read through this and know that if Filius had said yes, run away, things could have been so different; they could have been primarily the same with a new start, yes, but they could have been different. What a burden to sit on a good heart. I just want to give Flitwick a big hug! I'm glad Albus at least attempted to offer some comfort, or an apology in his own way.
Amazing story. Very impressive! Fantastic structure with the titles and settings. Beautiful characterisation. The darkness in Pettigrew and the hidden strength in Flitwick were also dealt with incredibly well.