"Ah, Miss Rhea, what is the purpose of your visit?"
"Then I will be direct, dear Headmaster Dumbledore. I want to make a deal with you: the future as I know it, in exchange for someone's freedom."
"Oh, my dear, how can I believe what you say? And who is this person whose freedom you wish to trade for?" Headmaster Dumbledore had a rough guess in mind, yet it felt utterly absurd.
"I want to trade the future I know for the freedom of Severus Snape. You may use Legilimency on me, and at the same time, we can forge a magical contract. I will show you the future I know, and all I ask in return is that Severus Snape lives, and that he finds happiness," Miss Rhea Walker said with unwavering determination.
"Very well, Miss Rhea. Let me first take a look at this future you speak of," Headmaster Dumbledore said with a smile. Though he found it hard to believe, such a matter could not be overlooked.
"Come ahead, Mr. Dumbledore."
With that, Headmaster Dumbledore performed Legilimency on Miss Rhea. She condensed all her memories of the future concerning Voldemort, presenting them to Headmaster Dumbledore like a moving film. As he watched, his expression shifted from calm and detached to grim and ashen.
"Merlin, if these events are truly to come to pass, it is a truly terrifying prospect. I need time to think this over." Headmaster Dumbledore thought to himself, *Regardless of this girl's true identity*, he could tell the memories were not falsified. Still, they required verification—he must start by investigating Ravenclaw's diadem.
"Well, sir, you have seen the future. All I want is the freedom of Severus Snape. We can sign the contract now; I guarantee the truth of my words. Naturally, I ask that our agreement be kept strictly between the two of us, known to no one else," Miss Rhea said in a calm tone.
"Very well, Miss, let us sign the contract now. Severus's destiny shall be his own to control. Based on the future we have just witnessed, there is no further need for him to act as a spy. Yet I must ask—why have you made such a choice? As far as I know, Severus is entirely a stranger to you," Headmaster Dumbledore asked with a smile at the end, though a heavy calculation flashed in his eyes.
"I like him, I love him—is that reason enough, Mr. Dumbledore? I will find a way to remove the Dark Mark on him. Of course, I will offer you appropriate assistance when needed, but my abilities are not well-suited for participating in the Savior's journey. I hope you understand."
"I should think that reason is quite enough. Now, Miss Rhea, while we sign this contract, I hope you will come to our school to study when you turn eleven. After all, the unfolding future will still require your covert assistance."
Miss Rhea and Headmaster Dumbledore signed the contract. As Miss Rhea was enjoying a cup of Headmaster Dumbledore's sweet milk, Severus Snape came to see him. The very moment he stepped through the door, Miss Rhea visibly stiffened all over. Observing her reaction, Headmaster Dumbledore grew largely convinced of her professed love, and with a mischievous streak, he invited Severus Snape to sit right next to Miss Rhea.
"Ah, Severus, let me introduce you. This is Miss Rhea Walker. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, she will be a new student at our school next year. Miss Rhea Walker, this is Mr. Severus Snape, your future Potion professor and quite possibly your Head of House." Headmaster Dumbledore watched with amusement as Miss Rhea's body grew more and more rigid.
"H-h-hello, I am R-r-rhea Walker. You may call me Rhea," Miss Rhea stammered, paralyzed with nerves.
"Hello, Miss Rhea," Severus Snape replied with a completely deadpan expression, thinking to himself, *I truly hope a creature with the brains of a Troll like this doesn't end up in Slytherin—I have enough troubles as it is.*