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

Dumbledore paused, waiting for the conversation to subside: "So, the winner of this year's House Cup is—Slytherin!"

Instantly, the entire Great Hall was filled with Slytherin banners, and the little snakes clapped with pride, smugness, and elegance; it would have been better if one could have ignored their barely concealed smiles.

Lin Mo could even see the smile in Snape's eyes from the professors' table. But before the little snakes could rejoice for long, Dumbledore continued, "However, some recent events must still be taken into account..."

Upon hearing this, the Slytherin students stopped clapping, and Snape's rare smile vanished completely.

"Given that some first-year students have made contributions to protecting peace in the wizarding world, I have decided to award their schools bonus points."

"Ron Weasley steadfastly supports his friends, doesn't seek credit, prioritizes the safety of his classmates, and willingly and silently protects them. For this, I would add thirty points to Gryffindor's score."

"Hermione Granger has repeatedly provided her friends with intellectual assistance through her intelligence and wit, demonstrating diligence, thoughtfulness, and courage. For this, I would add thirty points to Gryffindor's score."

"Draco Malfoy did not abandon friendship because of their different houses. He united and helped his friends, loved peace, and cherished loyalty. For this, I would add thirty points to Slytherin's score."

Dumbledore's words were truly insightful. A Slytherin who unites and helps Gryffindor while also loving peace, wow...

"Harry Potter bravely confronted the Dark Wizard, actively fought against the forces that threatened the peace of the wizarding world, and used his superb Quidditch skills and special magic to overcome difficulties. For this, I would add fifty points to Gryffindor's score."

"Morlin has repeatedly protected his friends, possessing superb chess skills and powerful spellcasting abilities. He always provides the most crucial assistance at critical moments, shielding his friends from the most dangerous attacks. For this, I give Ravenclaw and Slytherin an extra 80 points!"

Since the group wasn't active at night, and with Lin Mo's help, Neville didn't stop the team's actions.

"So, in conclusion, congratulations to Slytherin for once again winning the House Cup this year!" Dumbledore ultimately didn't go too far, and thanks to Lin Mo's butterfly effect, the House Cup was finally won by Slytherin.

Having gone through some twists and turns, the little snakes felt even more that this year's Academy Cup was hard-won, and while they were excited, they also gained more respect and admiration for Draco and Lin Mo.

As for the combination of two snakes and three lions, few Slytherin students dared to object, nor were many willing to object.

Snape seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood. Lin Mo noticed the change in Snape's expression and felt a warmth in his eyes as well.

After the distribution of the college cups was completed, the banquet officially began, and the entire auditorium descended into a lively yet slightly chaotic atmosphere.

Since Snape instructed Lin Mo to primarily stay in Slytherin during the Sorting Ceremony, Lin Mo naturally ate in the Slytherin area.

Suddenly, a man carrying a wine glass stepped down from the professor's seat and walked towards Lin Mo. However, Professor Flitwick was not particularly eye-catching, and many people had already stood up, so it did not cause much of a commotion.

"Hello, Professor Flitwick," Lin Mo, Draco, and the few snakes around them greeted politely.

"Good evening," Professor Flitwick said, skipping the long chat and sitting down in the empty seat next to Lin Mo. "How have you been at school lately?"

Draco, sensing Professor Flitwick's intention to have a private conversation with Lin Mo, wisely went to the Gryffindor area to find that rascal.

"Not bad, thank you for your concern, Professor." Lin Mo had a good impression of Professor Flitwick, and his words naturally lacked any of the aloofness he might have expected.

"Well, that's good. If you don't feel comfortable, you can stay in Ravenclaw. Our students here are all eager to get to know you better." Professor Flitwick was delighted, as it was rare to encounter a student with such high magical talent.

"You can come to Ravenclaw more often in the future." Flitwick added, then changed the subject, "Mr. Mo, is your injury fully healed?"

"Thank you for your concern, Professor. I'm all better now. Professor Snape's potion worked very well," Lin Mo replied to Flitwick's concern.

"Oh, indeed. Severus' potions are not something that ordinary people can make." Flitwick nodded. He suddenly remembered that his intelligent student got along very well with Snape, especially compared to other students, Snape's attitude was much better.

Flitwick thought about it and felt that this was actually quite good for Snape. Most of the senior professors at Hogwarts still harbored some concern and reluctance towards Snape.

A young man who had just turned thirty was now so expressionless and lifeless. Despite being a powerful wizard with talent and strength, he was always hated and suspected by people.

Ultimately, Professor McGonagall, as an old Hogwarts alumna, had witnessed Snape's gradual transformation, so it would be a lie to say she didn't feel regret.

Therefore, these professors hoped that some students would get along well with Snape, hoping to break Snape's silence and change the students' perceptions. Flitwick was no exception.

After a moment's thought, Flitwick said, "I heard that Severus spent a lot of effort brewing your potion. I suggest you go and thank him now."

"...Okay." Lin Mo knew what Frivi meant, and without much thought, he quickly agreed to the suggestion.

—On the other side—

Snape was in a good mood tonight. Even with the arrival of the savior and Dumbledore's favoritism, Slytherin still won the House Cup. But ultimately, it was mainly because of Lin Mo's involvement.

Knowing this, Snape subconsciously focused his gaze on the tall, handsome boy with blue-grey eyes in the Slytherin area.

The bright firelight in the auditorium filled the boy's eyes with a dazzling light, as if at some moment, everything about the boy had become eternal, like warm sunlight shining into the darkness.

Snape was momentarily stunned, his gaze lingering for a long time. The boy sensed the gaze, looked up at Snape, and their eyes met, colliding like clear streams crashing against rocks, creating countless white waves.

The boy generously shared his smile and kindness, grinning broadly at Snape. Suddenly, Snape felt something filling his empty life, bringing a sense of vitality.

Snape looked away after a short while. A moment later, Flitwick, who was nearby, got up and walked towards Lin Mo, which again drew Snape's attention.

The two seemed to be having a very pleasant and intimate conversation, which Snape observed closely. For some reason, his mood, which he believed should have been cheerful, felt somewhat heavy and gloomy.

He secretly came up with an excuse to make a potion in his mind to convince himself to leave, as if this would calm him down.

What bothered him wasn't their conversation, but rather the gentleness he felt towards the teenager—a gentleness that shouldn't have been present in him, the spy.

This was fatal for Snape. He knew it was dangerous for the boy as well.

Without lingering for a second, he got up, tugged at his black wizard robe, and strode away.

Lin Mo had just stood up to thank Snape when he saw that the other man had already left, and he stood there stunned, not knowing what to do.

Author's ramblings: I'm totally freaked out. I feel like I felt the same way my brother did during his high school entrance exam last year. I handed in my homework late last night, and my homeroom teacher even called my mom. But I had already handed it in before she called back, so she hung up before I could even answer. |ω・）

She really made me cry my eyes out. (ಥ_ಥ)

Also, feel free to join the QQ group if you'd like; I'll post the group number in the comments.