Chapter 3: Back To Hogwarts
Chapter 3 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 3: Back To Hogwarts
The first of September arrived sooner than Rosetta would have liked; she had various deals in play that could have done with more time to resolve satisfactorily, but she did not have that luxury. Neptus and her other contacts were very disappointed that she was disappearing incommunicado for a year, not to mention extremely curious about where she was going. She tried her best to placate them with discounts for their last trade to deflect from prying questions, which worked to some extent. She forfeit profits on those last deals in order to keep them sweet, for she was banking on being able to transition back to her old life after her brief secretive sojourn to Hogwarts.
There had been a lot to prepare for her stay. She had needed robes and books, as well as quills, ink and parchment, which had all been bought and meticulously packed in her trunk. It felt very much like starting Hogwarts all over again. Dumbledore had also asked her to sketch out a syllabus for the year ahead, which had taken many sleepless nights. The Headmaster had seemed happy with what she had drawn up however, which was one thing at least that she didn't have to worry about.
She arrived late in the afternoon on September first and was shown to her rooms by Dumbledore himself. Her quarters were surprisingly spacious and comfortable, but she did not have chance to relax for as soon as she had unpacked her things, it was time to join everyone for the Start-of-Term feast.
Rosetta looked anxiously around the Great Hall. Each House table was full of vital, excitable, freshly-Sorted children, and the vast tables before them seemed to be groaning under the weight of huge golden plates of food. Hundreds of candles, charmed to hover above the diners, gave the old stone hall a warm glow. The beautiful enchanted ceiling showed the autumn sky above; a clear night with stars twinkling in the inky blue. Everything about the feast was just as she remembered, except for her vantage point: she was seated at the teacher's table. Seeing rows upon rows of young, shiny faces staring back at her felt decidedly surreal.
Rows of predominantly white faces, Rosetta noted idly. There were a few dark-skinned children dotted around the hall but, like her, they were the exception. Indeed, at the teacher's table, she alone was the only black face. It was not a surprise to Rosetta, but it did not aid her discomfort about the situation.
She took a swig of red wine and tugged at her brand new teaching robe awkwardly. It did little to keep out the cold and felt heavy and ungainly. It was yet another thing that made her feel like an imposter, like she shouldn't be there at all.
She glanced around the table at her fellow teachers, trying to swallow the bubble of panic which began to rise inside her. All were listening keenly to the Headmaster's speech, but her eyes were drawn to a conspicuous empty chair opposite. The chair clearly belonged to someone who had not yet arrived. Perhaps they've done a runner, she mused. She wouldn't blame them; she was very tempted to do one too right now.
With a well-practised flourish of robes, Dumbledore stepped up to his ornate lectern to say his traditional speech, and the children's chattering stopped almost immediately. His voice echoing around the Hall took her back to her youth and Rosetta could not stop her mind wandering to the past. She remembered her own Sorting; the nerves and the excitement, the inner dialogue with the omniscient Sorting Hat. The hat seemed to take an absolute age to Sort her. It was excruciating, having all eyes stare at her whilst her fate was decided by a tatty piece of material. The hat at one point seemed to be having a conversation with itself. She recalled it saying things like "Yes, yes, but at what cost?" and "Ambition and hard work are nothing without planning." For one terrible moment, Rosetta imagined that the hat would not be Sort her at all, and she'd be cast out of Hogwarts as a misfit. After what felt like hours, the hat proudly announced "RAVENCLAW!" and, stumbling, she headed off to a cheering table waving blue flags and scarves feeling relieved the ordeal was over.
A polite cough from Dumbledore stirred her from her thoughts. She glanced up and noted with a cold dread that suddenly, now the whole room was staring at her.
"If you would, Professor Stone?"
For a second, she was that shy, awkward eleven-year-old girl all over again. Employing all of her composure and with a deep breath, Rosetta pushed her chair out with an almighty squeak and stood.
"Thank you, Headmaster. I am your new Magical Languages teacher and I shall be teaching Mermish and Gobbledegook. The class is open for students in year four and above, but it is compulsory for years six and seven."
At this, a huge groan and protests of unfairness rang out from the NEWT students. Rosetta paused before talking over the din.
"IF you have any misgivings about this, I suggest you take it up with Professor Dumbledore personally."
She scanned the room coolly as the hubbub settled.
"Now. NEWT level students will find class information on their new timetables. Any students in year four and five who wish to sign up, please be at my classroom in the dungeons at lunchtime tomorrow. I look forward to seeing you then." And with that, she sat down abruptly.
Dumbledore led some awkward clapping after thanking her and announced the start of the Feast. The volume went up in merriment as hundreds of hungry students began talking excitedly and piling in to the mounds of food before them.
Rosetta reached for her glass of red wine and took another big swig, to calm her nerves. She hated being the centre of attention and news of her arrival seemed to go down as well as a cup of cold sick. She noticed Dumbledore take the stern Scottish woman known as Professor McGonagall to one side and, after a few urgent whispers, they hurried out of the hall together, unnoticed by the jubilant children who were ploughing through succulent chicken breasts and piles of crispy roast potatoes.
Rosetta didn't have much of an appetite, but drinking on an empty stomach was never a good idea, so she helped herself to a few potatoes and some slivers of the chicken, along with a bread roll.
"You'll need to eat more than that if you're going to survive a Scottish winter." The plump, squat lady to her left smiled broadly. "Pomona Sprout. Lovely to meet you." She held out a corpulent hand and Rosetta shook it awkwardly and introduced herself in return.
"The Elves have outdone themselves this time, although I say it every year," Professor Sprout winked, spearing a potato with her fork. "Have you tried the stuffing yet? It's amazing!"
Rosetta smiled. She was glad of a friendly face and whilst she wasn't one for small-talk, she knew how to be a receptive listener to someone who was all too happy to chatter away. She could tell Pomona was a good person, taking pity on the new girl, and it didn't hurt to have a new friend.
No sooner had they finished their last mouthfuls than their plates magically cleared, and the serving platters filled up with hot, tempting desserts. Golden custard tarts jostled for position next to steaming sticky toffee puddings and succulent apple crumbles. Rosetta took a small scoop of the sticky toffee pudding into her bowl and was just about to eat a spoonful when the sound of a chair scraping caught her attention. She looked up and saw that the empty chair opposite her had now been filled by a very stern-looking man dressed head to toe in robes the colour of coal. He had long black hair, pale skin and dark, penetrating eyes and he was glaring directly at her. Charming, she thought, and glared right back.
To her surprise, the man didn't look away but kept her gaze. Rosetta dropped eye contact after a few seconds, feeling annoyed to be the first to look away. Who was this weirdo and why was he looking at her like that? Was he the sort who could barely disguise his racism? Merlin knows she'd met enough of those in her time; people who could not see beyond the colour of someone's skin. But surely, Dumbledore who not keep the company of someone with such ignorant views?
The man's hostility felt so palpable that the feeling of panic welled up again inside her. She let her spoon fall back into her bowl with a small tinkle, the scoop of pudding still uneaten, and grabbed her wine, this time draining the glass, trying to drown her anxiety, all the while avoiding looking in the strange man's direction.
She didn't belong here, that much was clear. She was like a fish out of water. She should never have been seduced by Dumbledore's golden words and golden Galleons. Her stomach felt like it was in knots.
Suddenly, Rosetta didn't want to be in the Great Hall a second longer. She made an excuse about being tired to Pomona, who sweetly invited her to afternoon tea next weekend, and left the table staring resolutely ahead. She never saw the dark man's intense eyes following her all the way out of the Hall.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Speaking in Tongues
54 Reviews | 6.06/10 Average
I love the concept of a Magical Languages teacher at Hogwarts. A much needed post, in fact.
Response from star_girl (Author of Speaking in Tongues)
Thank you, dearest! I am grateful for your support :)
It is quite a feat to come up with something new and different. There are shades of Tolkien: the importance of language and some languages are dodgy. Dumbledore must be counting on her adventerous spirit in addition to her attraction to money, not to mention the energy and guile needed for her job and the task. (Hope this wasn't too much of a spoiler.)
Response from star_girl (Author of Speaking in Tongues)
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review, I'm so pleased you're enjoying it :)
Well. well. For her birthay Dumbledore sent Rosetta the book by Paracelsus that Professor Binns mentioned, as well as a warm scarf. It seems there in no end to the rare books to be found in the Headmaster’s private collection. Having Archidoxis magica by Paracelsus is quite a coup for Rosetta: Alphabet of the Magi.
Then right on the heels of Dumbledore’s gift, she received Severus’ remedy for her return to health... contained in a beautiful dark green brocade pouch. She wonders about his reason for sending it-to poison her?-but she quickly decides that taking the potion is exactly what she should do. I’d have done the same thing.
The next morning she went to Snapes’ classroom to thank him... What I can't figure out is why Snape is being so rude in his interactions with Rosetta. The way he spoke to her made her think that he was bored with her presence and kept on writing. “I wouldn't be much of a Potions Master if it didn't work, would I? Is there anything else you wanted?” Before she could leave, he pulled her toward him and begin reading her mind. Then when she left he had a sorrowful look... which she was not there to see. I know there is a reason that he is trying to keep a distance between them, but I don’t know what that reason could be. Unless Dumbledore has given him orders not to become friends with her.
I’ve got loads of guesses running around in my mind, but I’m a bit short on clues. Thanks for this wonderful chapter!!
Beth
Author's Response: Thank YOU for the wonderful reviews. They make my day. I love that each chapter gets you thinking of how it’s coming together and that you let me know your thoughts. It’s the highest praise an author can receive, so thank you for taking the time not just to read but to give such thoughtful reviews too. :)
Soooo, maybe, just maybe... the good Paracelsus did know more about talking to snakes than history might suggest. Very interesting indeed. It looks like Rosetta will be tasked with teasing fact from fiction about Paracelsus and his role in Parseltongue. Yes, rather exciting, after all. And where does Severus fit into all this????
Beth
Author's Response: Ooh it sounds like I have you intrigued and asking all the right questions. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy and follow where this goes :)
Oh my. Paracelsus (in real life) reminds me of Severus a bit. Both of them were snarky as well as brilliant, and they both added a lot to their chosen life's work. I love that you used Paracelsus in the story! Now, Salazar Slythrin and Herpo The Foul really do seem to fit the bill for a Dark wizard, so I can't help but wonder how it was that Paracelsus was credited with the discovery of Parseltongue, too. Was this done to throw the average wizard or witch off the scent where Voldemort was concerned?
Beth
Author's Response: I’m so glad you like the use of Paracelsus! And I love that you’re asking questions, there’s plenty more mysteries to come :)
What is Dumbledore up to? He plays his hand close to his vest, and the more he can keep people in the dark, the easier it is for him to keep tabs on them and manipulate them... and Severus knows this all to well. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Beth
Author's Response: Absolutely! As usual, he knows more than he's letting on.
Whoa! This chapter answered some of my questions from Chapter 4, and now I can't wait to find out what Rosetta manages to find out on her own.
Great chapter! 
Beth
Author's Response: Thank you ladt :)
OMG! Severus has come out with his fists raised and really challenged Rosetta. But why? What is it about her that he finds so contentious?
“Let me rip you... Let me tear you..."
Was he alluding to her past? Or was he now threatening her outright?
Several questions come to mind. When did Rosetta graduate from Hogwarts? It's the 1990's, but she seems to be at least a decade his junior. And why did Dumbledore not tell Severus that he had brought on a new professor for a new class on languages? And why would Severus even care?
Beth
Author's Response: Keep reading dear! I promise your questions will be answered :)
BoyHowdy! That was quite a daunting introduction to Hogwarts for our language-gifted Ravenclaw. I'm happy that Professor Sprout is such a kind woman. I think Rosetta will need a friend to talk to, and talk with, in the weeks to come. And I cannot help but wonder what was going on in Professor Snapes' mind as he traded glares with the new professor... was he trying to read her mind??? Or just his usual ornery self?
And while I'm "wondering," I wonder if his being late to the Feast had anything to do with Voldemort? Or the Malfoys? Or Bellatrix?
I'm liking this a lot! Thanks.Beth
Author's Response: Oooh all will be revealed my dear! That's all I can say for now. Glad you are liking it so far and I hope you'll enjoy where this leads.
“That's all I am asking of you, Rosetta,” Dumbledore continued, sensing victory. “One academic year, from the first of September to the eighteenth of June. Your meals and board are, of course, part of the package.”
Hummmmm... Somehow I think that "one academic year" may turnout to be a very dangerous and long "one academic year."Whenever Dumbles is involved it always becomes a cricis situation.Beth
Author's Response: Yes indeed, Dumbles is pulling the strings as usual!
One hour, she repeated to herself. That's all.
Ah ha. Famous last words I'll wager! I'm already trying to guess what is going to hapen next!
Beth
Author's Response: Ahh, dear Beth! Thank you for stumbling across this story and for your reviews, they always make me smile. I am glad this story had caught your attention :)
This was GOLD! And I'm hungrily waiting for more on Snape/Rosetta! AND YEAH I FEEL YOU SO MUCH ON THE RL FRONT AS YOU CAN GUESS FROM MY HIATUS. Hoping to be back in the middle of next year, after exams and all!
Author's Response: I am so glad you enjoyed it dearest, thank you for taking the time out to read and review. Best of luck with the exams and hope to see you back in action soon xx
Ah, finally! *shakes my head at these two*
Author's Response: Talk about not being able to see the wood for the trees!
not the ending I was expected! hope rosetta will appear in a future story!!
Author's Response: Bit of a twist I suppose! Thank you for reading and somehow I don’t think Severus and Rosetta’s story will end here :)
sad that severus can be with rosetta in greece!!
Author's Response: I know, I broke both their hearts. But I don’t think their romance is over just yet :)
hope the 2 scrolls hold some interesting find!!
Author's Response: Thanks for sticking with this :)
I love your depiction of Severus here... it would be VERY natural for him to reject-- or at least stay away from-- all types of romantic advances. (And that does get heartbreaking at times, we the fangirls would agree ;) )
Author's Response: Thank you so much so sticking with this! xx
hope to see more of this great story!! like rosetta's personality!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I hope you continue to enjoy it :)
Oh, Snape will be so annoyed! Rosetta will need strong nerves to balance between the manipulative and secretive Headmaster and the equally secretive Snape whose link to her she still does not know. Well done!
Author's Response: Thanks so much for reading a note, hope you'll enjoy where this goes :)
Meet now Hog's Head... oh wow! I love how Dumbledore replies using the same code. I am eagerly waiting to see what happens next!
Author's Response: Thanks lady! Hope I won’t keep you waiting too soon for the next one!
Oh, no, the suspense... well done! I'd love to see more of a certain Potions Master, btw
Author's Response: There are plans for him, don't worry! Real life is hectic so might not get chance to update for some time but rest assured the story is very much alive. Thank you for taking the time to read and review :)
Hi, just found this story again, and I love it.
Rosetta is a truly unique character, and you introduced her with love to detail, yet without lengthiness.
Her past interaction with Snape has to hold clues that he is unwilling to reveal. So very much the Snape we know: doing everything to be disliked and suffering himself the most from it. Now he is joining their research, which is bound to thicken the plot-yeah!
Thanks so much for sharing your character and her story with us.
Author's Response: I am so glad Rosetta resonates with you, I've grown rather fond of her! Thank you for reading and leaving a note.
'We need to talk.' That's an amazing code :P
Author's Response: Glad you're sticking with it lady! Might be a while til I next update but thank you for sticking with it x
Whoa so Rosetta is a Parselmouth! Now THAT definitely makes it all the more intriguing! PS: Thanks for your reply... and don't worry, take all the time you need! RL is pretty ruthless here, and it may be another year and a half before I return to a more 'normal' schedule :P Until then, I'll be lurking intermittently to hunt for updates :P
Author's Response: Thanks lady! You're in luck about the update, the muse leapt on me this morning and I had to obey!
I'm enjoying this perspective very much! Can't wait to read more.
Author's Response: Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a note, I really appreciate it! Life is about to get hectic so it might be a wee while before I can update but please rest assured I absolutely will complete this tale, and I really appreciate you sticking around to find out what happens :)