Chapter 12: Fright Night
Chapter 12 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 12: Fright Night
The following day, Hallowe'en, was a Saturday and Rosetta was eternally grateful she didn't have to rise early or spend a day in a classroom. She'd felt like she'd been run over by a Hippogriff after a night of tossing and turning and strangely vivid dreams. She stayed in her room for most of the morning, sipping weak tea and pondering the creepy voice she'd heard. Hearing it once could be dismissed as a trick of the mind, she decided, but twice, and with a thoroughly terrified cat as a witness... Well, it had to be real.
In the cold light of day she could be a bit more objective about it, but she was still afraid. She knew she should say something to Dumbledore about it. He would probably have a rational explanation, as he usually did: the ghost of The Bloody Baron up to his tricks again, or similar. But something was stopping her telling the Headmaster. Was it pride, or not wanting to look weak or scared in front of him? Possibly all three. Either way, this was something that she felt she needed to deal with on her own.
At least there was one thing to look forward to: The Hallowe'en Feast. Nowhere put on a more incredible celebration of all things magical than Hogwarts at Hallowe'en. The Great Hall was usually festooned with enormous pumpkins, orange streamers, water snakes, goblets of coloured candy and all sorts of Halloween-related decorations. Rosetta remembered a thousand live bats fluttering from the walls and ceiling while a thousand more swooped over the tables in low black clouds, making the candles in the pumpkin stutter. Ghosts would appear between courses, floating up through tables and gliding around the hall in formation. It was the highlight of the school year for most students, and now as a teacher, she had to admit she still felt excited about it.
Rosetta decided to make an effort for the Feast regardless of her restless night and wore a long black dress with deep slits in the side over her favourite pair of tight black leather trousers. She coupled that with some cute buckled kitten-heeled boots and the beautiful scarf that Dumbledore had gifted her. She completed the look with black smoky eyes and a black glossy lipstick with her hair pinned up. Tonight, she was going to forget all about strange voices, strange alphabets and strange Potions Masters and have some fun for once. Merlin knew she'd not had much of that since she'd started teaching.
As usual, she was sat next to Pomona, who was in great spirits. She had festooned her outfit entirely in cobwebs, and even had a live spider trained to dance on a thread dangling from her hat. The wine flowed freely (mostly from having her goblet topped up by Pomona) and soon they were laughing and telling each other bawdy jokes, all the while dining on the most delicious food. After one particularly smutty joke featuring a Flobberworm and a Blast-Ended Skrewt which sent Pomona into hoots of filthy laughter, Rosetta caught Snape glaring at them in his usual imperious way. Rosetta stealthily stuck her middle finger up at him whilst Pomona wiped her tears of mirth away. Snape averted his eyes, his expression if possible even more sour than before.
By the end of the feast, Rosetta was decidedly tipsy. She finished the last of her wine and followed the hoard of chattering children out of the Great Hall, Pomona swaying slightly against her, as they made their way up the stairs in the throng with Dumbledore and the other teachers trailing behind.
Suddenly, there was a hush that rippled through the crowd, and a gleeful, crowing pupil's voice way up ahead yelled, “Enemies of the heir beware! You'll be next, Mudbloods!”
Both Pomona and Rosetta's mouth fell open in shock at the use of the disgusting expletive. Moments later there were cries of “My cat! My cat! What’s happened to Mrs Norris?” from a clearly distraught Argus Filch.
Mrs Norris? Rosetta began to feel a thrill of dread creep up her spine as Dumbledore shouldered his way through the crowd, hotly followed by Professors McGonagall and Snape, with the insufferable fool Lockheart in pursuit. Rosetta was propelled into action and followed in Lockheart's wake, dodging confused students who by now were completely silent. She jostled her way to near the front of the crowd and what she saw made her stomach churn.
The caretaker's old cat was hanging, stiff as a board, from one of the torch brackets by her tail. Her eyes were open wide and she looked as terrified as Rosetta had seen her the previous night. Daubed on the wall behind her in foot-high writing, shimmering in the light cast by the flaming torches, read:
The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the heir... beware.
The sobering sight of Mrs Norris, a defenceless animal, strung up in such a way made tears prick at Rosetta's eyes. Who could do such a thing? Was she dead? She couldn't tell if the animal was breathing or not, but it didn't look good.
Filch, understandably, was absolutely beside himself. He began shouting and hollering at Harry Potter and his friends, who were standing closest to the wall, blaming them for murdering his beloved pet and swearing revenge.
Swiftly, Dumbledore strode forwards and detached Mrs Norris from the torch bracket. He held her gently, shielding her from the view of the shocked pupils.
“Come with me, Argus,” he said to Filch. “You too, Mr Potter, Mr Weasley, Miss Granger.”
Lockhart stepped forward eagerly.
“My office is nearest, Headmaster – just upstairs – please feel free– ”
“Thank you, Gilderoy,” said Dumbledore.
The silent crowd parted to let them pass. Lockhart, looking excited and important, hurried after Dumbledore; so did Professors McGonagall and Snape.
Rosetta stood rooted to the spot as she watched them leave. She felt sick to her stomach. She had seen Mrs Norris last night. The cat had been with her when she'd heard the voice for a second time, and the cat had heard the voice too. And now the old cat had been attacked, presumed dead. It couldn't be a coincidence. The voice had been calling for flesh, and it appeared to have got what it wanted. Would she be next? Was she, Rosetta, the intended victim, and was Mrs Norris attacked to send a warning to her? And what of the message? What was the Chamber of Secrets and who was the heir the message referred to?
It was Professor Flitwick that took control of the situation as everyone stood around looking dazed and scared.
“Prefects, assemble your Houses. Gryffindors and Ravenclaws line up to the left please, Hufflepuffs and Slytherins to the right. You will be escorted back to your dormitories by a professor immediately.”
He turned to the remaining professors.
“Rolanda, could you lead the Gryffindors and Septima, the Slytherins if you please. We'll all meet back at the Staff Room to await news from the Headmaster.”
Pomona put a hand on Rosetta's shoulder and squeezed it gently before doing her Head of House duty and heading over to lead the Hufflepuffs. Rosetta watched the pupils file away in a low hum of hushed and frantic whispers. Then she and the few remaining professors made their way down the staircase in silence towards the Staff Room. Rosetta hoped the drinks cabinet was well-stocked with Firewhisky; after all that, she needed a drink.
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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 :)