The Founders' Legacy

Sophie slowly opened her eyes. Bright sunlight caused her to blink. She found herself on a comfortable sofa.

"Ah, you're awake."

Sophie turned her head and saw Albus Dumbledore sitting in a chair to her right. In his hands he held a fragile teacup.

"Where am I?" Sophie asked, getting up.

"Near St. Tropez," a gentle voice said.

An elderly woman - witch, Sophie corrected herself - had appeared in the doorway. She was tall and very thin, with short white hair and dressed in white robes. The witch put a silver tray full of chocolates on the table and turned to Dumbledore with a warm smile.

"Here you are, Albus, help yourself."

"Thank you, Bathilda. Miss Beresford, allow me to introduce you to Professor Bathilda Bagshot, author of A History of Magic. She is currently seeking an assistant for her new project, A Complete History of Magic."

"And from what Albus told me about you, I think you are qualified for the job, even if you're a Muggle," Professor Bagshot said, sitting down next to Sophie. "I can assure you, you will be out of harms way here," she added.

Momentarily speechless, Sophie looked around. Through the open doorway she caught a glimpse of the next room, full of high shelves filled with books and scrolls. Professor Bagshot followed her gaze.

"I'm afraid my study is a terrible mess. Your first task would be to reorganise these papers."

This would be so much more interesting than the Stonehaven library, hell, even more than the British Museum! Sophie thought. Her decision was made.

"If Professor Dumbledore thinks I can handle it, I'm ready to start right away."

"Wonderful," the witch exclaimed. "But no need to hurry, dear. Have some tea and let me explain what I have in mind for this project."

Sophie accepted the cup and noted with amusement that the hands of her new employer were covered with ink stains. As the friendly Professor continued to chat about the book, Sophie's mind strayed to a different matter.

What happened to Snape?

Snape drew in a laboured breath as the pain slowly subsided.

"I swear my Lord, I always believed you would return and keeping an eye on your enemies would be the best way to serve you."

"Did you?" Voldemort circled him.

"I killed the Muggle and brought you the Founders' Legacy."

"And that should be enough to forgive you?" Voldemort hissed.

Carefully Snape raised his head from the floor. "I have more. I know the parchment is useless. I showed it to Dumbledore and he told me that the copy is full of mistakes."

Voldemort's gaze wandered thoughtfully from the cowering wizard to the parchment in his hand.

"It took me years, but now the old fool trusts me completely. I had to pretend to help him, but I only did it to gather information that could be useful to you, my Lord," Snape continued.

Voldemort stayed silent and Snape dared to look into his red eyes.

"I also tried to protect others, like Malfoy, by giving him faulty information."

"Very well. You are getting one last chance, Severus. Maybe you could be of some use. I expect you to answer my call in the future, no more excuses. "

The parchment in Voldemort's hand lit up and he dropped the burning remains on the floor.

"It is going to be a long, hard way for you, Severus. Supplying this little piece of information was just the first step," he said with a thin smile.

Snape was dismissed. And still alive.

Albus waited after Snape had finished his report. He was glad that their plan had worked, but he still feared for the younger wizard. Being a double agent was dangerous and he would have to be even more careful in the future, especially around some of the Slytherin students.

"What happened to the Muggle?" Snape asked, trying to sound casual.

Dumbledore bit back a smile.

"I left Miss Beresford with an old friend. She's in good hands, no need to worry."

"As long as she is far away, I'm not worried," Snape muttered.

Albus reached inside his robes for a small package and handed it to Snape.

"She asked me to give you this, to thank you for your help."

Snape shoved the present into the pocket of his robes without a second look.

"Is there anything else, Headmaster?" he asked formally.

"No Severus, you better go and get some rest. You need it."

Albus Dumbledore watched the retreating figure of his Potions master. If Voldemort knew he had destroyed the best opportunity to take over Hogwarts himself ... .

Albus trusted Snape.

But still, you can never be to careful, he thought.

Down in the dungeons Snape unwrapped the little package, half expecting it to explode. It contained a bottle of Muggle shampoo. Special formula for greasy hair, the label read.

"Insufferable Muggle!" Snape muttered angrily. He was tempted to throw it away, but then he put the bottle somewhere in the back of his bathroom shelf.