Professor Flitwick: The Midget is the Man

by · May 26, 2004

by Christopher Stephen

What secrets is Professor Flitwick hiding? That is a question which has come to my mind lately, especially after reading the great editorial about the Ravenclaw Head of House.

In my mind, Professor Filius Flitwick is one of the most intriguing characters throughout the series. We now know that he is the Ravenclaw Head of House. Although Professors Vector and Sinistra seem like good alternatives, I believed our diminutive friend was the Head of Ravenclaw because of the following reasons:

1. It can be safely assumed that he is third in line for the Headmaster position. Why? In PoA, while Professor McGonagall is talking to Harry and Hermione, Professor Flitwick carries on the Sorting Ceremony. McGonagall is Deputy Headmistress, so I believe Flitwick is after her in rank. It would make sense that the Heads of each of the Houses would be the top four after Dumbledore in rank.

2. Professor Flitwick teaches Charms, one of the most difficult, complex, and diverse courses at Hogwarts. It is no doubt he is extremely intelligent (the main attribute of Ravenclaws) as he expertly explains the Fidelius Charm in the Three Broomsticks. While it is true that Vector and Sinistra’s courses are interesting, I believe the Head of House would teach a REQUIRED course at Hogwarts. Neither Vector nor Sinistra satisfy this condition, yet Charms, Potions, Herbology, and Transfiguration are all first- and second-year subjects.

3. Professor Flitwick has been mentioned in every single book thus far. Harry and the gang use his spells throughout the series (see Alohomora, Accio, Lumos, etc.).

But I believe Filius Flitwick is cool even if here weren’t the Ravenclaw Head of House. I believe he is one of the key characters who can be seen “flitting” around the school (couldn’t help myself). Could it be that he is one of the main advisors to Dumbledore? We know he was a teacher at Hogwarts during Harry’s parents’ days (only McGonagall and Dumbledore [oh, and Binns], as far as we know, can say that), so he must have quite a bit of seniority around the school.

Professor Flitwick is one of my favorite characters in the series, and I think he’s an extremely powerful wizard; he’d prove a difficult adversary indeed if he decided to join the dark side. As you continue to reread the novels and wait for Book Six, just remember: size isn’t everything. One last thought: if Hagrid’s half-giant, what’s Flitwick? You surely didn’t think he was just naturally short, did you?!?