Harry Potter · Character

Filius Flitwick

Also known as Professor Flitwick

Minor
First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 8

Filius Flitwick is a supporting character in Harry Potter (Book 1).

Gender: male
Age: elderly
First appears: Book 1 · Ch. 8
Books: 3

Professor Filius Flitwick, Hogwarts' diminutive Charms master, is a constant source of warmth and whimsy throughout Harry's schooling. He first appears squeaking instructions from atop a stack of books and teaching first-years the Levitation Charm. In later years he applies his considerable skill to the castle's defenses, notably charming its doors to recognize Sirius Black. His cheerful classroom becomes a place where Summoning Charms and good humor flourish, even when stray spells send him sailing across the room. His tiny stature belies real magical expertise, and his patient, forgiving teaching embodies the enchanting side of Hogwarts amid growing darkness.

Description

Professor Flitwick is extremely short, with a tiny stature that requires stacks of books to see over his desk. His squeaky voice matches a cheerful, beaming face framed by wispy white hair and bright, twinkling eyes. Elderly yet sprightly, he wears layered professor robes adorned with charms paraphernalia. His small hands gesture animatedly with a wand, exuding precise energy. His presence is one of whimsical authority and delight. An extremely short elderly man of tiny build, with feet that dangle when seated. His face holds sparkly eyes and a cheerful expression, voice high and squeaky. Dressed in professor's robes, he carries an air of precise authority despite his diminutive stature. Filius Flitwick is a tiny, small-built adult wizard whose stature makes the tall furniture around him seem outsized. He is often perched on a large pile of cushions, with a pointed hat marked by a luminous red star. His expression and bearing suggest a lively, attentive professor, quick to engage with the people around him. His compact silhouette and star-touched hat make him instantly recognizable.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

Harry PotterTeacher–student
Flitwick teaches Harry Charms from his first lesson onward, starting with levitation and progressing to Summoning Charms. He remains a supportive, if minor, mentor who helps protect the castle while Harry is under threat.
Sirius BlackAdversarial (indirect)
As part of Hogwarts' defenses against the escaped prisoner, Flitwick enchants the castle doors to recognize Sirius Black.
SF
Seamus FinniganTeacher–student
Flitwick patiently watches Seamus bungle early spells in first-year Charms, which illustrates his forgiving teaching style.

Story so far

BOOK 1Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
- Squeaks his way through the first-years' opening Charms lesson, perched on a pile of books
- Teaches the class the Levitation Charm, Wingardium Leviosa
- Watches good-naturedly as students like Seamus Finnigan blunder their spells
- Establishes himself as one of Hogwarts' quirky, supportive faculty
BOOK 3Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Continues teaching Charms to Harry's year
- Orders cherry syrup at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, his feet dangling from his seat
- Helps secure the castle by teaching its front doors to recognize Sirius Black
- Skillfully examines broomsticks and reproves students when needed
BOOK 4Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Sets extra Charms homework with infectious enthusiasm
- Leads lessons on Summoning Charms
- Is occasionally sent flying across the room by students' misfired spells, landing on his cushions
- Remains a reassuring, good-humored presence during the Triwizard year