Chapter 4: Neighbours
Chapter 4 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 4: Neighbours
Despite retiring relatively early after the feast, Rosetta had endured a fitful night's sleep and her nerves were still on edge when she awoke at six o'clock the following morning. Today was her first day as a bona fide teacher. Although, she had to admit, she felt about as bona fide as a crooked Galleon.
She decided to take breakfast in her quarters. This was, she reasoned, so she could have an early start in order to prepare her classroom and get herself acquainted with the new timetable. In truth, that was only part of it. She still felt disgruntled and uncomfortable about the dark professor who had been glaring daggers at her for no apparent reason over dinner, and did not want to subject herself to a repeat performance in front of an audience when she was anxious enough about starting a brand new job. Plus, she didn't think she could cope with being around people for a second longer than she needed to be today, and the noise from excitable children in the Great Hall would in all likelihood tip her over the edge. Yes, it was cowardly, but the last thing she needed was a confrontation on her first day.
After a long hot shower, a cup of tea and slither of shortbread, which made her feel slightly more human, she dressed carefully in her teaching robes and ventured out along the deserted corridors. Although she had no formal lessons yet as the registration session was at lunchtime, she felt it would be a prudent use of her time to get used to her classroom and arrange it to suit her needs, and run through her curriculum notes.
Rosetta's classroom was nestled in the gloomy vaulted dungeons, location of her Potions lessons so long ago. The faint smell of myriad magical herbs that permeated the air brought back a wave of memories of being in old Slughorn’s class. She was terrible at Potions. She would never forget her OWL practical examination, in which she tried to dice a Gurdy Root and half of it shot across the classroom and fell into another student’s cauldron. She was mortified. How she didn’t get a T she never knew. Old Slughorn must have taken pity on her.
She paused outside the heavy, dark wooden door to trace the intricate metalwork with a finger. How much had changed between then and now. How young and naïve she had been. Never in a million years did she picture that she would end up back at the old school, after everything that had happened to her. It’s only 9 months of my life, she thought as she took a deep breath and pushed the door open with a creak.
Rosetta could not prevent jolting slightly with surprise when she saw who was waiting for her inside. Standing in front of her with folded arms and an impenetrable glare was none other than the person she had been trying her hardest to avoid: the dark, scowling professor from the previous night.
Her first instinct was to presume she'd got the wrong classroom, apologise and leave, but her pride got the better of her. She had no reason to apologise; she'd done nothing wrong! And this was definitely her classroom. Instead, she bit down the rising indignation and anger and managed to say in an even tone, “Can I help you?”
The man's black eyes glittered. “That remains to be seen.”
He's toying with me. Rosetta narrowed her eyes and folded her arms, defensively mimicking his body language. It appeared the time for pleasantries was over.
“Who are you, and what do you want?”
At this, his gaze turned to stone. She could almost feel them boring into her. He let the pause between them grow uncomfortably long before replying.
“I happen to be the Head of Slytherin House which, as you are no doubt aware, reside in these dungeons. I would have thought that a Ravenclaw such as yourself would be more astute.”
Several things stuck Rosetta about this terse exchange. It appeared that the man had presumed she would have known his identity already and he appeared affronted that she did not, hence the veiled insult on her intelligence. He seemed to announce his Head of House title as badge of superiority, a clear display of one-upmanship to pull rank. He was proudly Slytherin, which figured given his aggressive demeanour. And, more disturbingly, he knew she had been in Ravenclaw House. How could he possibly know that? And what else, if anything, did he know about her?
“Do I know you?” Rosetta asked carefully, feeling on very shaky ground indeed.
“Obviously not.”
“But you know me.” It was a statement rather than a question.
The man neither affirmed or denied this, but maintained his eye contact all the while. Rosetta was unsure what to say next. His lack of overt denial implied that he knew her and knowledge, as they say, is power. How much did he know? Did he know her deepest secret, why she chose to leave the wizarding world in the first place? Was he going to blackmail her? This man could be very dangerous indeed. She felt out of her depth, and her heart started to pound.
Abruptly, unexpectedly, he swept towards the door in a flurry of black robes. Rosetta was acutely aware of his height as he grazed past her. For a mad moment, she feared he would grab her as he stalked past. He stopped in the doorway with his back to her, pausing as if to say something further.
“Let me rip you... Let me tear you..."
It sounded urgent and lewd, like an obscene whisper, and sent chills up her spine. Was he alluding to her past? Or was he now threatening her outright?
“What was that?”
The dark man turned sharply, a puzzled glare etched on to his stern features.
“Hearing things, are we, Professor Stone? You should know that the dungeons are no place for those of a nervous disposition.”
And with that he left, his polished boots clicking on the flagstones of the corridor, leaving Rosetta more confused and afraid than ever. Who was this man? How did he know her? And what did he want from her? She needed to find out, and quickly.
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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 :)