Chapter 14: Another Attack
Chapter 14 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 14: Another Attack
Students were understandably jumpy and afraid the day after the Hallowe'en Feast; some of the First-Years in particular were very upset by the attack on Mrs Norris but Dumbledore had reassured the entire school in a speech at breakfast that she would be fine after a revival potion had been made.
Rosetta had discussed the events of Hallowe'en with Pomona in hushed tones after Dumbledore's speech, who had filled her in on the legend Chamber of Secrets. She told Rosetta all about the four founders and their falling out with Salazar Slytherin over which students should be admitted to the school. Slytherin, furious at being snubbed, had apparently built a hidden chamber in the castle, of which the other founders knew nothing. According to the legend, he had sealed the Chamber of Secrets so that none would be able to open it until his own true heir arrived at the school. The heir alone would be able to unseal the Chamber of Secrets, unleash the horror within, and use it to purge the school of all who were unworthy to study magic.
Rosetta found the tale to be both fascinating and disturbing, and she had many questions.
“Do you think there's any truth to the legend?” she'd asked Pomona after taking a bit of hot buttered toast.
“It's hard to say for sure,” the older witch replied. “It's common knowledge that old Slytherin was a nasty piece of work with repugnant views on the treatment of Muggle-borns. But I don't know if it would be possible to keep a secret like that hidden away at Hogwarts for hundreds of years. Many have tried and failed to find the chamber over the years.” She shrugged and took a big slurp of tea.
Rosetta thought about this for a moment. It did sound far-fetched and fantastical, but in her time at Gringotts she learned all about dark curses, some of which could stay dormant for thousands of years. The Ancient Egyptians in particular were adept at that very kind of curse. Perhaps a foul curse was the horror within the chamber? One that Pertified it's victims?
“What happened fifty years ago? Charity Burbage said a Muggle-born had been killed?”
“That's right, dear,” Pomona said seriously. “A Ravenclaw girl. Terrible business.”
Rosetta paused to take that in. A poor girl from her own House. Was there some kind of vendetta against Ravenclaws?
“How did she die?” The toast felt very dry in her mouth as she asked the awful question, but she needed to know.
Pomona set down her teacup with a little tinkle. “It was rumoured to be a spider, a great big Acromantula.”
Well, that was a surprise to Rosetta. She felt sure the answer was a curse. Perhaps the horror within the chamber was a beast. But could an Acromantula survive for hundreds of years inside a secret chamber? If so, had the chamber actually been opened by the heir of Slytherin? And was there now a giant spider on the loose which could Petrify everyone in it's path?
“Do you really think Slytherin's heir is attending the school at this very moment?”
At this, Pomona scoffed. “Not a chance. If Slytherin's heir were here, I think they would do more than just Petrify a cat, don't you?”
Rosetta had to concede that this was probably true. Pomona went on to reiterate about having trust in Dumbledore and Rosetta decided to drop the subject thereafter, feeling the conversation had been closed. She had plenty to think about now she knew the legend of the Chamber of Secrets, and whilst Pomona clearly had decided there was nothing to worry about, Rosetta did not share that confidence.
Meanwhile, life at the school went on pretty much as normal over the week, and a subdued mood gradually gave way to the excitement of a pending Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin at the weekend.
Rosetta had felt a swell of joyful anticipation as she took to the stands amongst her fellow Ravenclaws on the muggy Saturday morning, the massive churning grey clouds seeming to threaten a thunderstorm at any moment. The Slytherin team's brooms were lightweight, fast, and clearly expensive, and they seemed to give Gryffindor the runaround for most of the match. Harry Potter took a hefty Bludger hit which almost took him off his broom but somehow managed to catch the Snitch and lead Gryffindor to victory, despite crashing into the mud from height and breaking his arm. She'd heard a rumour that the oaf Lockheart had de-boned Potter's arm in an attempt to repair the damage and Potter had been sent to the Hospital Wing overnight for the painful business of growing his arm bone back. That rather nasty incident did not seem to deter the jubilation of the Gryffindors, who's elated celebrations echoed around the castle all day.
However, the mood soon became sombre the next day when it was revealed that first-year Gryffindor Colin Creevey had been Petrified and was in the Hospital Wing awaiting the Mandrake Draught along with Mrs Norris. Dumbledore had again urged for calm and the following week, Rosetta had noticed pupils wearing all kinds of strange amulets and talismans. One Gryffindor boy known as Neville Longbottom really stood out as he took to clutching a large, foul-smelling green onion with him wherever he went. Others went for a more subtle, decorative approach with brooches and necklaces.
Thoughts of talismans led Rosetta back to thoughts of the Alphabet of the Magi again. The Alphabet was itself supposedly a form of protection, and with two attacks on pupils in such a short space of time, it seemed more important than ever that Rosetta carry on with her research of Archidoxis magica. A few Petrifications were nothing compared with what You-Know-Who was capable of, and her job was to help Dumbledore by trying to crack the code, no matter how distressing the events of the last few weeks had been.
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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 :)