As Kreacher steadily delivered copies of the Black family's books and all sorts of mathematics, physics, and chemistry material exclusively for Ravenclaw, the Sea of Learning Points System began to get on track.
The four houses were neck and neck in house points.
Even Hufflepuff came up with every possible way to earn points-not for the House Cup, but for the delicious food. Their enthusiasm in class was something to behold.
Only Slytherin had gained a slight edge, thanks to Shawn exposing Quirrell's evil nature and defeating Voldemort.
Dumbledore had awarded them a hundred points, putting them just a little ahead.
That was why Harry cared so much about the House Cup. Otherwise, he would merely have been annoyed and complained.
Shawn rubbed his chin as he looked at the dejected Harry, sorely tempted to tell him he was paying for the sins of his father.
He had originally had an idea: turn Harry into Harriet. Perhaps that would dispel Snape's hostility.
But Snape had never given him a wink of approval, so he dared not act rashly. Something like that could easily backfire.
Although he seemed to have the old bat wrapped around his finger every time, he always offered compensation too, and had even made up for some of the man's regrets.
But now Harry had asked him for help several times. What was he supposed to do?
Shawn really had no good solution at the moment. All he could do was feed Harry some empty words of encouragement, reaching out to pat his shoulder.
"Harry, you can't judge whether someone's good or bad just by appearances. What happened with Quirrell proved that. Professor Snape may seem harsh toward you, but it's actually all for your own good.
"He's frustrated that you aren't living up to your potential.