HP: At the beginning, I influenced Snape's childhood.

The headmaster's office was decorated with many portraits, and most of the people there were talking at once. It was hard to imagine how Dumbledore could endure it every day. The Sorting Hat was also participating in their discussion.

"Good morning, Headmaster Dumbledore." Despite his wariness, Lin Mo still greeted him politely.

"Oh, my child, welcome to my place. Would you like some honey water, or perhaps some dessert? After all, desserts bring joy." Dumbledore showed no sign of his unfathomable cunning, but rather resembled a kind and gentle neighbor.

As Dumbledore promoted his desserts, he brought out all sorts of sweets, making one wonder if being the headmaster of Hogwarts was just a side job.

His actual job might be working for Honey Duke, a dessert-loving company, and he'd be a top salesperson, Lin Mo secretly speculated.

"Thank you, Headmaster, but no need for dessert." At Dumbledore's gesture, Lin Mo sat down in the chair opposite him and took out a small box from a rather concealed pocket.

"I really like this. Would you like a piece?" Lin Mo said, taking out a square-looking piece of candy and putting it in his mouth. "But it might not be very sweet."

It has a cool sensation upon entry, followed by a lingering bitterness. This is not sugar at all; it's actually made from medicinal ingredients.

In fact, Lin Mo prefers a light sweetness. Perhaps it's because he was too clear-headed and sensitive in the past, or perhaps it's because he experienced too much suffering in his previous life, but he actually dislikes that cool and bitter taste.

But he used this to his advantage and created the "sugar" in the little box himself. Rather than enjoying the relaxation that sweetness brought, he preferred things that could immediately put his nerves on edge.

This will make him more focused, but at the same time, it will also be more painful, because he needs to be more aware of who he is actually being hypocritical with.

A painful yet extremely intense sensation surged from my mouth to my throat and finally to my stomach.

Dumbledore, who had initially intended to give it a try, withdrew his hand after hearing "not very sweet." He then resumed his smiling demeanor: "You don't mind if I call you Mo, do you?"

"Of course not." Lin Mo suppressed his discomfort and focused his mind even more intently.

"Mo, I see you get along well with Harry and the others. The friendship between children is truly enviable and innocent." Deng the conman began his first offensive.

"Yes, I'm very good friends with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco," Lin Mo said, putting on an obedient act.

"Oh, I remember you played a crucial role in the last troll incident. To be honest, you are one of the most talented students I've ever met." Dumbledore's offensive *2.

"The professors teach well, Professor Flitwick's guidance was very helpful, and the teachings of the other professors have also been very inspiring," Lin Mo said with a smile, offering a vague explanation. (Snape: Why wasn't I included? Why wasn't I included?!!)

"You know, we didn't teach you those spells in your first year, so don't underestimate yourself." Dumbledore's eyes flickered slightly, a sharp glint in them through his glasses.

The tone carried a hint of threat and warning towards a smart person, unlike the gentle patting towards a docile savior.

Dumbledore paused, then continued, "Young people should be more outgoing and bold, which is very much in line with youth. My child, you can try not to be so composed; the professors here will give you space."

"Okay, thank you, Headmaster." Lin Mo still adhered to the principle of saying less to avoid making mistakes, after all, he was not even half as big as that old fox Dumbledore in both his lives combined.

"I've heard that Harry's been busy with some things with his friends lately. You young people just love adventure, but I'm too old to get involved, so I'll have to ask you to protect him, Mo." Dumbledore had long seen through Lin Mo's abilities, which set him apart from the other students, but he could also tell that Lin Mo didn't have any ill intentions towards Harry.

After all, if Lin Mo wanted to harm Harry, he would have done so before he even came to Hogwarts. Besides, he could also help Harry and Draco get along well.

This not only shows Lin Mo's personal goodwill towards the Golden Boy, but also demonstrates the extent of his influence on Harry and Draco.

Dumbledore was quite confident in his ability to entice... no, I mean, persuade students.

"Of course, I definitely will." Lin Mo nodded firmly. Dumbledore could tell that he meant it sincerely.

Just as the conman was about to continue, the door to the headmaster's office was suddenly violently pushed open. Before the person even arrived, the voice preceded them: "How come our great Headmaster Dumbledore still has time to chat with students?" His tone was full of sarcasm.

The two seated men immediately understood who had come. Dumbledore smiled and said, "Severus, my child, as headmaster, of course I must pay attention to the students' physical and mental well-being. Don't be so easily angered every day."

Snape frowned, quickly walked to Lin Mo's side, and looked down at him. Lin Mo immediately stood up and nodded slightly: "Professor Snape."

Upon hearing this address, Snape frowned even more, but considering they were in the headmaster's office, he didn't say anything.

He turned to Lin Mo with a mocking smile and said, "How come I didn't know Mr. Lin was so leisurely lately? Why don't you go to the cellar to process the medicinal herbs after the last class today?"

Before Lin Mo could answer, Dumbledore quickly intervened, "Alright, alright, Severus, don't be so harsh on the student. I think we should just let this matter drop. You should both go back now; you've said enough."

"What do you think, Mr. Lin?" Snape ignored Dumbledore.

Lin Mo shrugged at Dumbledore, expressing his helplessness, then said to Snape, "I'll go, Professor Snape."

At Dumbledore's signal, the two left. A glint flashed in Dumbledore's eyes; he had only glimpsed a hint of youthful energy in Mo's final shrug, but he could also truly feel Mo's sincerity towards his friend.

And... Severus seems to treat him differently.

A——L——W——A——Y——S

"Mr. Lin, do you know what kind of person that old bee Dumbledore is?" Snape dragged Lin Mo into the cellar for the nth time, looking at those pale blue eyes and saying fiercely.

"Huh? Isn't he the principal? I think he's a pretty nice guy." Lin Mo scratched his head innocently.

"Ha." Snape lowered his eyes, his expression darkening. Damn it, how could he forget how righteous the old bee was in the eyes of these little trolls? And what about him? Wasn't he just a despicable bat? Oh well, what was there to think about? He should have known anyway, and he didn't care anyway.

But... he still blurted out, "And what about me? In Mr. Lin's eyes, is this venomous snake that everyone avoids even more repulsive?" As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted it and cursed himself for his lack of composure.

But he saw Lin Mo's expression froze. He should have been indifferent, but he couldn't quite explain what he felt. He just felt a little short of breath.

Snape leaned closer to Lin Mo, his deep black eyes intently gazing into Lin Mo's seemingly pure and innocent eyes. They stared at each other, as if Snape could see right through him.

"Sir," Lin Mo looked earnestly into Snape's eyes, emphasizing each word, "Never. In my heart, you will never be like that."

Upon hearing this, Snape took a step back, turned halfway around, and sneered: "It better be that way, don't lie to me..." but his eyes were filled with turbulent emotions.

What does trust feel like?

Perhaps, like the dark cliffs under the moonlight, white waves crash and surge.

Author's ramblings: Ugh, ugh, I'm going crazy! Dumbledore's probing has slowed me down again (ಥ_ಥ). I'm making a promise: I'll definitely write the final battle of the first year's Philosopher's Stone within 10,000 words.

(Although none of the many flags I set have ever come true. |ω・）)