"After Harry Potter starts school, he will still need some trials, but we can clear away a few obstacles for him. I think the matter of the Diary should be handled by Harry himself; we only need to blind the Basilisk. As for Marvolo Gaunt's Ring, Salazar Slytherin's Locket, and Helga Hufflepuff's Cup, I have much more reliable allies to deal with those three. As for Harry Potter and Nagini, let's leave them for the very last! Removing Horcruxes too early is not a good thing for him. As for Nagini, I will restrict her from harming or feeding on anyone other than Death Creators," Miss Rhea said calmly, though both Mr. Dumbledore and Snape could sense the deep resentment in her tone when she mentioned Nagini.
"Miss Rhea, may I ask who this ally of yours is, and whether they are trustworthy? I believe matters concerning the Dark Lord must be approached with caution," Mr. Dumbledore said gravely.
"Rest assured, Mr. Dumbledore, they are an absolute and very reliable ally. I am willing to swear upon Merlin, but please forgive me for not being able to reveal their identity to you; you will know in time," Miss Rhea said calmly, while internally laughing uproariously with her hands on her hips. *Just you wait, Old Bee, I hope you like the gift I'm sending you.*
Dumbledore wanted to press further, but thought better of it and held his tongue, though he couldn't shake a lingering sense of foreboding.
"Now, let's summarize: the diadem will be handled by you; the Ring, the Locket, and the Cup by my ally; the Diary by Harry himself; and Harry and Nagini by me. On the very day Harry starts school, let's capture Peter Pettigrew. I imagine my teacher wouldn't want to wait even a single minute longer," Miss Rhea said, finishing with a shrug.
"Indeed. If I could, I'd tear him apart with my bare hands right this second," Snape said through gritted teeth.
"Now, now, Severus, he cannot hide forever. A few months will pass in the blink of an eye. Why don't you spend your free time researching potions? Time flies when you keep busy, trust me," Mr. Dumbledore said with a smile.
"Miss Rhea, may I ask how you intend to deal with Harry and Nagini? Will this harm Harry's body?"
"Mr. Dumbledore, my ability can directly destroy souls. As for Nagini, I will grant her a 'merciful' death," Miss Rhea said coldly.
Miss Rhea knew these words would lead Snape and Mr. Dumbledore to all sorts of speculations, but she had no desire to lie to her teacher—unless wordplay was no longer an option! Saying this was also all to the good, as it served to give Mr. Dumbledore a proper jolt.
Mr. Dumbledore could only thank his lucky stars that Severus was on his side; he shuddered to imagine what would happen if Miss Rhea were to stand as his enemy. Merlin be praised, indeed.
As for Miss Rhea's affairs, Snape maintained a single attitude: you speak, I listen; you don't speak, and I won't pry. Just as Miss Rhea respected and trusted him, he likewise respected and trusted Miss Rhea.
"Miss Rhea, I have never been able to fathom your power. Would it be convenient to reveal it?" Mr. Dumbledore asked after weighing his words for a long time.
Miss Rhea chose to smile, transmitting the word "Noah" directly into Mr. Dumbledore's mind. Once she finished, she placed a restraining enchantment on Mr. Dumbledore, forbidding him from speaking of the matter in any form to anyone other than the two of them.
Snape simply watched Miss Rhea's smile as Mr. Dumbledore's face turned ashen before shifting through shades like a painter's palette. He had a strong suspicion that something had transpired between the two of them of which he knew nothing.
"Miss Rhea, might we speak in private?" Mr. Dumbledore asked in a raspy voice.
"Teacher, rest assured—aside from you, nothing in this world can harm me. (Unless you don't love me.)" Catching the signal in Snape's eyes, Miss Rhea replied.
"I'll wait for you outside, Rhea," Snape said, giving her a look that told her not to be afraid because he was right there.
"Very well, Teacher," Miss Rhea answered sweetly.
After Snape left, Miss Rhea casually cast a barrier, leaving Mr. Dumbledore still struggling to mask his shock.
"Miss Rhea Walker, I cannot believe the ancient legends of Noah are true. Your family truly leaves me astounded—no wonder every background check I ran on your family turned up a blank," Mr. Dumbledore said numbly, feeling quite certain that if anyone were to tell him Voldemort had undergone a sex change right now, he wouldn't even find it far-fetched.