Very short drabble written for Ember Nickel's Project Philia—"Outside the Lions" Competition.
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Filius Flitwick sat at the bar of the Three Broomsticks, drinking a glass of butter beer with a secret shot of Firewiskey thrown in. Filius had enjoyed an occasional Firewiskey since he was of age seventeen, but since teaching at Hogwarts he always took it in small, concealed portions, precautions preventing both intoxication and rumors. He had just been sitting with his fellow professors McGonagall, Slughorn and Sprout, but was now with only Severus Snape.
Standing from his stool, Filius moved to the other side of the bar to sit next to the hook-nosed man.
"Severus," Flitwick started as he sat. "I know that many people are worried that you're involved with the Death Eaters, especially since the war has been wearing on" Snape nodded. "But you know Dumbledore trusts that no such thing could be possible. And I just wanted you to know, I believe you're a good person, Severus. I really do."
Filius stood again and hobbled out of the tavern. Severus watched the small man leave, awe-struck at his trust and honesty. He felt guilty: by the end of the year, Flitwick would be outraged at himself for believing in Snape. But he held a certain feeling of peace, knowing that eventually, Filius would know he was right; even if Severus didn't live to prove his true alliance during this war.
