Chapter 15: A Parselmouth In Their Midst
Chapter 15 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 15: A Parselmouth In Their Midst
Over the month of November, Rosetta tried many different and time-consuming approaches to codebreaking. First letter encryption did not throw up anything, and neither did first word encryption. She tried reading the first and last letters down the sides of the pages too, but that also drew a blank, as did looking for clues in continuous sets of words. In desperation, she tried last word and last letter encryption but that proved to be another dead end. Her desk was littered with discarded grids and tables from countless attempts at failed alpabetical ciphers.
As November drew to a close, Rosetta felt she had exhausted all the traditional avenues and it was time to try a more magical approach. She vowed to speak with Professor Vector regarding Arithmancy ciphers to open up another line of investigation, and had procured some obscure Charms books to look at too.
What with an ever-larger amount of homework to grade and increasing time spent on her research, Rosetta had little time for much else. Whilst the school was beginning to buzz in the upcoming excitement of Christmas and the weather turned colder and bitter outside, she yearned for sunnier climes and to feel the warmth of the sun on her skin again.
It was a particularly wild night in early December with a blizzard raging outside when Rosetta had been abruptly summoned to Dumbledore's office, presumably for a progress report. The storm whirled and battered the windows, the churning snow mirroring her anxiety and frustration about her lack of advancement. Even though Dumbledore knew the enormity of the task, she couldn't help feeling that the second attack had ramped up the pressure on her to find answers.
It came as a great surprise when Rosetta entered the Dumbledore's office and saw not only the Headmaster waiting for her but also the last person she had expected or wanted to see: Professor Snape.
“Ah, good evening, Rosetta. I apologise for the last-minute and late request for your company. Please, take a seat.” Dumbledore gestured to a vacant chair beside Snape, who was watching her with his unreadable black eyes.
Rosetta paused for a second before taking her seat. She folder her arms involuntarily in what was clearly a defensive gesture. Thinking she must look like a petulant child, she tried to arrange her arms in a more natural manner, all the while trying to avoid eye contact with the stern Potions Master. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of appearing rattled by his presence.
“I called you here because I have just had word from Severus that earlier tonight he and the rest of the Duelling Club witnessed Harry Potter speaking in Parseltongue.”
Rosetta's mouth fell open in shock. “Harry Potter? What on Earth?”
Dumbledore peered over his glasses. “Severus, if you would care to explain?”
Snape drew breath and began to speak in a bored voice. “Rather than using a Disarming Charm as instructed, Potter struck Draco Malfoy with a viscious Tickling Charm. In response, Draco conjured a snake. The serpent was perfectly harmless, of course, but rather than banish it, Potter began speaking to it.”
Rosetta blinked. “What did he say to it?”
At this, Snape gave her a withering look. “As I am sure you're aware, I am no Parselmouth. However, the class seemed to think Potter had encouraged the snake towards a Second-Year Hufflepuff boy.”
Rosetta looked back to Dumbledore, thinking fast. “We should speak to Potter right away. He could be the key. He could help us—“ She stopped abruptly. Had she'd said too much, or given the game away?
Thankfully, Dumbledore stepped in. “Don't worry, Rosetta. Severus is aware of our broad exploration into understanding Parseltongue.” He emphasised broad in such a way that it seemed to imply that the myth of the scrolls was not part of that awareness. “But I'm afraid, as tempting as it is, we will not be able to question Harry.”
“Whyever not?” Rosetta couldn't believe what she was hearing. They had an actual speaker of an incredibly rare language right in their midst; they could potentially start working out basic lexicon and semantics by Christmas if they could just speak to Harry. And just what had Dumbledore been telling Snape? Weren't they supposed to be working together in secret on this?
Dumbledore paused, clearly wrestling with what to say next. “It appears Harry is being given a rather hard time over this incident. Some students were claiming he is the Heir of Slytherin and responsible for the attacks on students, which of course is utter nonsense.” He exchanged what seemed to be a meaningful glance at Snape, before his eyes flicked back to Rosetta. “I believe we should not put the boy under any further duress at this time or bring more undue attention to him.”
“But—“
“I'm sorry, Rosetta. Again, I'm asking you to trust me on this.”
There it was again, that bloody word: trust. Dumbledore was expecting a lot of trust these days with seemingly nothing to show for it in return. It felt like he was leading her on a merry dance with codebreaking and puzzles, when the key to the riddle of the language was right under their noses. Rosetta's face must have looked like she'd lost a Galleon and found a Knut, but before she could say anything further, the Headmaster continued.
“I realise this is enormously frustrating, but we do have the next best thing to a Parselmouth on hand. We have someone who has witnessed the language being spoken by two different Parselmouths. And, luckily for us, they have agreed to help you in your research.” He beamed proudly and opened his arms, like he was offering Rosetta a giant, sumptuous home-made cake.
Rosetta's eyes widened in disbelief and she felt the hair on the back of her neck rise. Surely, he couldn't possibly mean...
“Severus.”
Snape gave Rosetta a wan smile, his black eyes glittering, and Rosetta's stomach flipped in fear. It took all of her self-control to keep her expression neutral and her voice steady.
“How wonderful,” she answered, her sarcasm almost sounding sincere as she boldly looked back at Snape. “When do we start?”
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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 :)