Chapter 5: A Shocking Discovery
Chapter 5 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 5: A Shocking Discovery
Rosetta supposed her first day of actual teaching hadn't been as bad as she had expected. She'd had plenty of time to prepare and had a smattering of Year 4 and 5's signing up for classes during lunch (with the interest in Gobbledegook far outweighing the interest in Mermish). Her first and only lesson in the afternoon was with some Year 6 Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, who surprisingly approached the basics of Mermish with diligence and aplomb. Secretly, she was glad not to have had to face a room full of Slytherins as the snippy exchange with their Head of House had played on her mind for the rest of the day.
Rosetta needed to find out who this man was. The most obvious solution would be to ask Dumbledore straight out, and yet for some reason she did not want to do that. She feared she would look stupid and attract some undue attention in asking about him. In truth, Rosetta ideally did not want to form any attachments during her time at the school and could have happily have spent the following months not knowing the majority of the other teacher's names and living under the radar. But recent events showed that was not to be, so she decided to talk to the only other person she thought she could safely ask questions of: Pomona Sprout.
Dinner time in the Great Hall was always a boisterous affair, which leant itself very nicely to having a discreet conversation. Thankfully, the generous Pomona initiated conversation first.
"How was your day, dear?" the older witch asked, dishing some chicken pie on to both of their plates.
"Better than I had expected, thank you. Which I'm relieved about, I was so nervous this morning I thought I'd be sick in the bin!"
Pomona chuckled kindly. "You poor thing. You did look out of sorts yesterday leaving the feast early, if you don't mind me saying. But that's to be expected. When I first started teaching I had so much nervous energy, the anxiety kept me whippet-thin. Now look at me!" And with that, she put a fork full of creamy mashed potato into her mouth with a grin.
Rosetta grinned back. She was starting to like Pomona a lot. "I suppose I'm still a bit intimidated by being here, if I'm honest. I still don't know who most of the other teachers are or what they even do. Apart from a few old faces, it's changed a lot since I was here."
At this, Pomona looked scandalised. "Dumbledore hasn't even introduced you personally to the rest of the faculty? Now that's a rum do. I know the man is busy, but even so... Goodness me, you probably don't know what I teach either! How rude of me!"
"No, that's not what I meant "
Pomona waved a hand around good-naturedly. "I know, dear. But let me start at the start. I teach Herbology, and I'm very proud to be Head of Hufflepuff House. Next to me, that's Aurora Sinistra. She teaches Astronomy. Next to her, Filius Flitwick. He's the head of Ravenclaw House and he teaches Charms."
Rosetta knew Filius, of course. He was her former Head of House. She had always got on well with him and felt ashamed for not seeking him out straight away. He gave her a little friendly wave, and she waved back with a smile that was genuine. She resolved she would make an effort to speak to Filius once she was less distracted by her current predicament. She ate a little of the delicious chicken pie as Pomona continued:
"Next to him, that's Charity Burbage, who teaches Muggle Studies. On her right is Sybil Trelawney, and she teaches Divination. Then there's Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore, who you already know, obviously. They've been here for a billion years."
Rosetta nodded and swallowed her mouthful, agonisingly waiting for Pomona to get around to the other side of the table.
"Then there's Rolanda Hooch, the Flying teacher. Then old Silvanus Kettleburn, Care of Magical Creatures. You know him, I'm sure. And there's our newest celebrity heart-throb, Gilderoy Lockheart, supposedly teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts, although what people see in him I have no idea." She shook her head disapprovingly.
Rosetta wholeheartedly agreed; the man looked like an utter fraud. A complete embarrassment to Ravenclaw House. But before she could dwell too much on that, Pomona carried on with her introductions:
"Septima Vector next to him teaches Arithmancy. And that sourpuss on the end is Severus Snape. He teaches Potions and is Head of Slytherin House."
Rosetta snorted at the sourpuss description. Typical that he'd teach Potions, her own worst subject. His name sort of rung a bell but she couldn't yet place it.
"He does look a bit stern," she agreed mildly, hoping to whittle more information about him subtly. She needn't have worried; Pomona sang like a bird.
"I''ll say he's stern. One of Dumbledore's more controversial appointments, and that's saying something given the parade of charlatans we've had teaching Defence over the years."
"Oh really? How come?" Rosetta tried to make her tone sound naturally interested rather than rabidly hungry for information.
Pomona leaned in conspiratorially. "Quite the chequered past, he's had. Was a follower of You-Know-Who back in the day. Dumbledore trusts him, which is more than most would."
Rosetta felt stunned by this piece of information. A follower of You-Know-Who? Did that mean he'd been a Death Eater? Before she'd had time to fully process this, Pomona went on.
"I'm surprised you don't know him. When were you at Hogwarts? Early 70's?"
Rosetta nodded. "I started in 1973."
"Yes, that's about right then. You must be around the same age."
Well, at least that answered one question. He knew of her because they'd attended Hogwarts at the same time. And yet, his ruffled manner seemed to suggest there was more to it than that. Had she met him before? She really couldn't place him although his name was distantly familiar, like a long-forgotten memory. It was like, the more she tried to think back to knowing him at school, the more fuzzy her memory became. Almost involuntarily, Rosetta glanced up and once more, the dark man she now knew to be Severus Snape was staring straight back at her. It was almost as if he knew she had been talking about him. Don't be ridiculous, she thought to herself, and looked away.
She thought back to her earlier curt encounter, to something she swore Snape had said as he'd left the classroom it sounded hungry, lascivious even and like a very real threat. If he had indeed been a Death Eater, and she had no reason to doubt Pomona was telling the truth on that, he could definitely be capable of hurting her.
At this, a new, more disturbing thought emerged. Dumbledore had said that the rumours about You-Know-Who being back were not without foundation. If that was the case, it wouldn't be too much supposition to envisage him calling on his old cronies and former Death Eaters to rally around and support him. Surely it wouldn't take much for a former Death Eater to lapse back into their old ways at their master's beck and call.
But something still didn't make sense. Why on Earth would Dumbledore hire someone like Snape in the first place? Pomona said he trusted him, but why? What possible reason would he have to trust a previous close ally of one of the most evil wizards ever known? Especially now, when that evil wizard appeared to have returned? How could you count on the loyalty of someone like that? Had Dumbledore put her in danger, either knowingly or unknowingly?
And also, why had Snape been threatening her, of all people? What, if anything, did he know about her? The last thing she needed was to make an enemy of a former, and potentially relapsed, Death Eater. However, she conceded, there was no point thinking any more about it right now; there was no more she could add to the conversation with Pomona without looking obvious or revealing too much. She had enough information to go on to do her own research, and so she swiftly changed the subject.
The rest of the meal passed pleasantly in light chit-chat, with Rosetta determinedly not looking in Snape's direction for the duration. She was hungrier than she thought she was, and managed to put away a scoop of trifle for dessert. But she didn't linger for longer than she needed to, so after thanking Pomona for enlightening her on the staffing arrangements she decided to retire to the safety of her quarters and ponder some more on why Albus Dumbledore would possibly hire a former Death Eater to teach children and what it all meant.
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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 :)