Chapter 8:Paracelsus' Puzzle
Chapter 8 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 8: Paracelsus' Puzzle
"Quite brilliant, Rosetta. I admit to my shame I hadn't even considered researching Paracelsus as I had assumed he was the first to recognise Parseltongue as a language rather than anything more. Well, that will teach an old fool like me about making assumptions!"
Dumbledore was demonstrably impressed after Rosetta had explained her theory, and despite herself, Rosetta was pleased.
"Your notion has me intrigued," he went on, his blue eyes flashing in excitement. "If it's correct, the answer has been in plain sight all this time."
"I don't think it's going to be that easy," Rosetta answered. "I feel like I've exhausted every book in the library and whilst there are detailed writings on his alchemy and other works, there's nothing about Parseltongue apart from his credited discovery."
"Which is precisely why we need to dig a little deeper." He sat back in his high-backed chair, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "I think a chat with Cuthbert Binns might be in order. No-one knows History of Magic like our dearly departed Professor."
oOo
The pair made their way down to Classroom 4F, on the first floor near a very mossy courtyard. It didn't matter that it was a Saturday evening; Dumbledore knew Professor Binns would most probably be snoozing soundly in front of a pile of lecture notes he was diligently preparing for the following week. It was debateable of course if ghosts could actually sleep, but Cuthbert certainly gave it a good go.
Dumbledore rapped curtly three times on the classroom door.
From inside, they could hear a startled snort, a rustle of papers, and finally, a dry, reedy voice called out, "Come in!"
Professor Binns looked very surprised to have not one, but two guests as the pair entered his classroom. He clearly never had people drop in on him unexpectedly. He floated up through his desk and hovered before them.
It had been a long time since Rosetta had seen a ghost and it took a while to get used to. She hoped she didn't look alarmed.
"Good evening, Cuthbert," said Dumbledore, striding forwards. "I'm sorry for interrupting your lesson planning."
"Not at all, Headmaster. It's a pleasure to see you."
"I'd like to introduce you to our newest Magical Languages teacher, Rosetta Stone. Rosetta, I am sure you remember our History of Magic teacher, Cuthbert Binns."
Rosetta smiled politely, fighting the urge to hold out her hand for him to shake. That would surely be a faux pas to a ghost? Yes, she certainly remembered Professor Binns but his lessons, not so much. There was no doubting the old man was extremely knowledgeable about his subject but sadly that knowledge got lost in translation in his teaching style. He was afflicted with the most unfortunate monotone voice which could send even the most engaged student into a stupor. Suffice to say, History of Magic wasn't one of Rosetta's strongest subjects.
"It's lovely to see you again, Professor Binns."
The old man squinted over his small, thick glasses and his pursed lips broke into a smile. "You too, dear."
Dumbledore folded his hands across his stomach. "Cuthbert, if I may, I'd like to probe your great knowledge of history. Could you tell us what you know about Paracelsus' discovery of Parseltongue?"
At this, the old ghost raised his eyebrows. "Well, discovery is the operative word. Paracelsus was the first to acknowledge that the ability to speak to snakes was an entire language in itself, rather than a mere spell to control an animal like, say, the Imperius Curse. Parseltongue is therefore named after him."
Dumbledore nodded. "Is there any evidence that Paracelsus was a Parselmouth?"
The old man pushed his ghostly glasses up his ghostly nose. "To my knowledge, there's no written evidence from the man himself that he was. He produced many books in his short lifetime but they were all about his alchemical, philosophical or scientific works. There was no works, which we know of, specifically about the language of Parseltongue."
Rosetta thought about this for a second. "So why is he credited with the discovery if he didn't write about it?"
Professor Binns smiled. "Well, there could be several answers to that. He may have written something but all records got destroyed in the 17th Century witch hunts. Or he could have written something which remained unpublished at the time of his death and the manuscripts got lost. Or, he chose not to admit to being a Parselmouth due to the connotations with Dark Magic. Much of his philosophical writings are on morality and religion, which tends to suggest he was no Dark wizard."
Dumbledore narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "Would you say then, as a historian, there's not enough evidence to suggest either way whether he could or could not speak to snakes?"
"Yes, I would." The old man paused, hesitating about what to say next. "There is a myth associated with him, but you know my feelings on myths and legends. I teach solid, believable facts, not hearsays and half-truths."
"Your integrity is not in doubt, Cuthbert," Dumbledore replied encouragingly, without missing a beat. "But for the sake of completeness, would you do us the great favour of enlightening us on what you know of this myth?"
The hair on Rosetta's neck went up and she found she was barely breathing as she awaited her former teacher's reply.
Professor Binns peered over his spectacles. "Paracelsus was a true genius of his time. On the one hand, he was a devout man concerned with ethics and the higher purpose of mankind, and on the other he was a meticulous scientist who dedicated his life to recording his discoveries. The story goes that Paracelsus, late in his life, discovered quite by accident that he could talk to snakes, and the discovery shook him and his beliefs to the core. Supposedly, Paracelsus thought his ability to be a gift, yet he knew that admission could put him in danger due to the link with Dark Magic. But he wanted to preserve the knowledge he had gained for future scholars, and so created a set of magical scrolls with the Alphabet of the Magi and hid them somewhere so safe, that they have never been found to this day."
Rosetta's eyes nearly popped out of her head.
"But of course, that is all tittle-tattle and rumour." Professor Binns waved a hand in the air dismissively. "There is absolutely no evidence to support such outlandish claims."
Dumbledore smiled widely at the old man. "Of course. Once again, your depth of historical knowledge is nothing short of astounding. How lucky we are to have you at Hogwarts. Thank you so much, Cuthbert."
If it were possible for ghosts to blush, Professor Binns would have turned pink. It appeared he was not used to such praise. "Er... T-t-thank you, Headmaster," he muttered embarrassedly as he watched Dumbledore leave the classroom with Rosetta hurrying after.
oOo
"What do you make of that?" Rosetta asked breathlessly as they clicked up the deserted corridor together.
"I think one should approach such stories with an open mind," Dumbledore replied. "In my experience, such legends sometimes have a grain of truth to them."
"You really think the magical scrolls could exist?" Rosetta almost didn't dare believe what she was hearing.
"They certainly might. And we must make it our goal to find them if they do. Because we might not be the only people who have heard this myth, and there may well be others looking for the scrolls in order to destroy them." His blue eyes were steely. "These scrolls may well be the key to deciphering Parseltongue. I don't need to tell you how valuable they would be in the fight against Voldemort."
Rosetta certainly didn't need Dumbledore to tell her how important it was. It was the reason she had decided to come back to Hogwarts, after all. But the task ahead seemed almost Herculean. Far from the rather dry and cerebral task comparing syntax and lexicon of magical languages, it appeared she was now thrust on to a quest to find ancient mythical scrolls in an effort to defeat the return of one of the Darkest wizards of all time.
Idly, she wondered how much the scrolls would be worth to a collector of antiquities.
It all seemed rather exciting all of a sudden.
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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 :)