I think he was one of those guys that looks all shiny and confident and perfect on the surface, but really, there's a lot more going on.

Agreed, that's it exactly. Like my current plot bunny of death involves the Philip Larkin poem about 'They fuck you up, your mum and dad', and Sirius finding it hysterically funny til he's alone to think about it.

Rambling is to be encouraged :) I'm really glad you enjoyed this.