Chapter 13: Emergency Meeting
Chapter 13 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 13: Emergency Meeting
The torches on the walls and the dim fire cast flickering shadows around the Staff Room, giving a gloomy air of foreboding. Dumbledore had arrived ten minutes later with Professors McGonagall, Snape and Lockheart in tow. The other teachers were standing around looking nervous, but none more so than Hagrid, who stood by the fire looking terrified. His beetle-black eyes looked to be wet with tears.
“The cat? Is she alrigh'?” Hagrid burst out, before the old Headmaster had chance to address them.
“Mrs Norris is alive,” the Headmaster confirmed.
At this, everyone in the room seemed to let out a collective breath they'd been unconsciously holding. Hagrid dabbed at his eyes with a big spotted handkerchief in relief with a mutter of, “Thank Merlin fer that.”
“She has, in fact, been Petrified, but she can be cured with a potion made from one of Pomona's finest Mandrakes,” Dumbledore continued “Severus will make the potion when they are ready for picking. But I'm afraid that might take some time.”
“And the perpetrator? Do we know who did such a vile thing?” Madam Hooch demanded from a dark corner.
“It must have been a Slytherin pupil pulling a sick prank,” Charity Burbage offered. “I heard Draco Malfoy crowing about Mudbloods before you arrived at the scene, Headmaster.”
Snape folded his arms and drew himself up to his full height. His tone was icy. “There is absolutely no evidence for such outlandish claims against my House. Given your well-known dislike of Draco Malfoy, Professor Burbage, I'm afraid you may well be suffering from anti-pure-blood bias, which is rather unfortunate for a Muggle Studies teacher.” His mouth curled into a sneer of contempt.
Charity flushed in anger at this. Dumbledore raised a hand in a truce-like gesture.
“If you please. Now is not the time to be throwing around careless insults. A Petrification such as this, far more advanced than a mere Body-Bind Curse, could only be caused by sophisticated dark magic. Clearly beyond the realms of any pupil.”
A ripple of shocked murmurs spread through the group.
This time, it was Professor McGonagall's turn to speak.
“Headmaster, if you are saying what I think you're saying, then the school should be closed immediately.”
There were some nods of assent from the assembled group.
Filius Flitwick, ever cool-headed and rational, answered. “We do not know for certain if the Chamber of Secrets has actually been opened, Minerva.”
“But what if it has?” Charity Burbage spoke again. “We all know what happened fifty years ago... a Muggle-born was killed. We can't risk that happening a second time.”
Rosetta took a sharp intake of breath at this. The Chamber of Secrets was apparently all too real, and so was the danger it presented. It was difficult and upsetting to believe a pupil had been killed right here at Hogwarts, and that the school held such a malign secret.
“I have to agree with Charity,” Septima Vector offered. “If the responsible party is not a student, then there could be an unknown person or persons adept in dark magic running around the school at this very moment. Everybody could be at risk.”
“I can assure you, there are no unknown persons in this school,” Dumbledore said, taking great care to keep his tone even. “There are enough protective spells and enchantments surrounding this castle to render it impossible to allow any intruders. That said, Filius, would you be so kind to as to assist me in bolstering the charms after this meeting? We cannot be too careful.”
Filius inclined his head graciously.
“No unknown persons,” Pomona wondered aloud. “Are you implying it was an inside job, then? That, if it can't be a pupil, then it's a member of staff?”
Sharp old bird, thought Rosetta admiringly. The shocked murmurs travelled around the room once more.
“No, dear Pomona. I trust all of you beyond question. And I'm asking you now to trust me. Do you trust me?”
There were nods and firm utterances of assent at this.
Dumbledore folded his arms across his chest characteristically and he looked grave. “At this stage, there is a very real possibility that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened. And of course, the safety of both the students and teachers of this school is my highest priority. But I cannot close the school without absolute proof or consent from the governors. What happened tonight is despicable and should be taken very seriously. Please be assured that I will not rest until I find the culprit. But what I need from you now all is calm.”
Dumbledore's piercing blue eyes travelled around the room, looking at each of his staff in turn.
“I want you all to be vigilant. You are teachers, yes, but you are also protectors of the school and it's students. I need your help and I need you to be my eyes and ears. I need you to tell me if you see or hear anything suspicious. Anything at all.”
Rosetta shifted uncomfortably. Once more, she had a fleeting thought of telling Dumbledore about the voices and the happenings of the night before, but she stopped herself. This was not the right time, and she certainly didn't want the entire faculty to know her secrets. It would bring too much attention to her and Rosetta wanted to stay firmly under the radar.
“What I also need,” Dumbledore continued, “Is for you to stay strong. For each other and for the children. If the Chamber has been opened and we are indeed facing a common enemy, then we absolutely cannot allow our differences to get in the way. We need to be united, not cast suspicions on each other. We need to trust each other.”
Rosetta's eyes unconsciously flicked to Snape and to her surprise he was staring at her, but his expression was typically neutral and unreadable. She held his gaze for a few moments and looked away.
“Now. I'd suggest you all get some rest. Filius, if I can ask for your assistance?”
Filius hurriedly followed Dumbledore out of the Staff Room and after a moment the other staff trickled out, some whispering to each other as they made their ways to their respective quarters.
Rosetta felt sadder than she had for a long time as she headed back to the West Wing as she mulled over the events of the evening. Dumbledore certainly had the trust of his staff, and in turn he trusted them completely. Trusting the Headmaster was one thing, but trusting each other was something else entirely. She still found it difficult to believe Dumbledore trusted Snape. If it had taken sophisticated dark magic to Petrify Mrs Norris then surely the obvious finger-pointing should be at Snape, as Pomona had tactfully implied. One doesn't have to be likeable to have some good inside them, or to perform good deeds, Dumbledore had once told her. What good deeds could a former Death Eater possibly have done? Especially one who seemed to take such pleasure in being deliberately nasty.
But Dumbledore was right about one thing: she had to stay strong.
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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 :)