A/N: Hey y'all!
Word Count: 355
Enjoy!
Filius watched his students file out of the classroom, a fond smile on his face. They'd been a bit subdued today (all of his students had, under Dolores Umbridge's teachings), but they'd performed better than they had been. Filius suspected that was largely due to one student's recent interview.
Filius was used to discrimination. There was goblin blood in his veins; even the most open-minded of wizards sometimes looked down on him. He was no stranger to judgemental stares and whispered lies. So seeing one of his students stand firm in opposition to public opinion had made a very powerful impact on Filius.
Walking over to his desk, Filius took out a box in anticipation of his next class. Potter would be in attendance, and Filius would show his gratitude for the boy's bravery any way he could.
It was rare that he was so proud of a student for something outside of academics, but he'd always had a soft spot for the underdog. And if a student went above and beyond, he felt that it was only right to reward that behavior, especially in the face of controversy.
And Filius would always stand up for his students, no matter what enemies he made in the process. He was not a coward.
Then his students began filing into class, and Filius put his thoughts on hold. He taught the lesson, and he tried to bolster their spirits while he did it, though they were already chattering about Potter's interview.
It was so nice to see them lively again.
Then class was ending, and Filius grabbed the box filled with the delicious treats—or at least, he'd seen many of his students slipping ice mice out of their bags during class—and hurried to the door.
"Mr. Potter!" he called, and beckoned the boy over when he turned around. When Filius stuffed the box into his hands, he seemed surprised, but pleased. Harry thanked Filius sincerely, then smiled and went on to his next class.
Filius watched him go, pride swelling in his chest. Then, after a moment, he turned around to go and teach his next class.