Chapter 17: Festive Thoughts
Chapter 17 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 17: Festive Thoughts
Term finally ended the following Monday and Rosetta could not wait to take a Portkey back to the Aegean Islands for some much-needed sunshine. Even though the temperature rarely rose above eighteen degrees throughout December, compared to the freezing conditions of the Scottish winter it felt positively tropical. A few days of warming herself on a secluded beach and swimming in the clear seas was like manna to her soul, and the fresh fruit and salad-heavy diet was a blessed relief from the rich Hogwarts food she'd been consuming all term.
Christmas Day itself was a low-key affair, with Rosetta spending much of it travelling to see far-flung friends and relatives to exchange presents and staying to chat only very briefly. In truth, Rosetta wasn't a huge fan of Christmas and as much as it was nice to say hello to some old faces, she was reluctant to get into deep conversations and answer the same old questions about her life. She didn't want people finding out about her teaching post at Hogwarts either. As far as she was concerned, she'd made the effort to give gifts and say hello, and she would catch up with everyone properly in the summertime when her teaching position had come to an end.
The lazy sunny days and fresh sea air had given Rosetta the clarity of mind to once again approach the conundrum of the Archidoxis magica. She'd bought a Revealer from Hogsmeade, a bright rubbery red lozenge that looked like a Muggle eraser, which was known to reveal invisible inks. But the device did not seem to work on any of the pages or the front and back covers. She tried both the Aparecium and Revelio spells but again, they were entirely ineffective. The obscure Charms book she'd obtained before Christmas drew another blank, as did the Arithmancy ciphers Professor Vector helpfully prepared for her. In desperation, she even tried Alohomora, but predictably that didn't work either. Perhaps she'd been on a fool's errand after all; perhaps there was nothing in the book to be found. But there was something nagging at Rosetta, a small voice in her head saying that she had missed something obvious. It was a feeling she couldn't shake when she returned to Hogwarts for the start of term in early January.
She'd been thinking over the information that Snape had revealed about Parseltongue and what that could mean for learning the language during her first week back at school. After having had time to reflect, she found she had yet more questions to ask of him. These were questions she probably should have asked him whilst she had the chance, but she had been too excited at the implications of language acquisition not necessarily being innate. She knew there was a chance that Snape might revert to type if she approached him again, but she also knew that Dumbledore had probably impressed upon him the importance of helping her with her research. It felt unwieldy and bureaucratic to ask Dumbledore for permission to have a quick conversation with a fellow teacher and have the Headmaster arrange it like some kind of chaperone, regardless of the benefits of meeting in the neutral space of his office. Besides, what she needed to ask of Snape was just an extension of their previous conversation. It wouldn't take long at all. Convincing herself it was no big thing, she decided to seek out the Potion Master herself on the first Saturday of term after dinner.
Rosetta knew Snape's quarters were in the dungeons and although her own classroom was based there and she'd walked the corridors many times before, it was a different story visiting the Head of Slytherin in his own domain. Her stomach felt tight and the old anxiety returned as she approached the door. What was she thinking? He might hex her into the middle of next week for disturbing his privacy. Did she really think they were suddenly friends because he'd not treated her like mud for once and had merely obeyed Dumbledore's orders? He was still an ex-Death Eater, still likely to be a very dangerous man at heart. He'd performed Legilimency on her without consent and probably knew more Dark spells than Herpo the Foul. And here she was, walking straight into the viper's nest.
She bit her lip, her fist clenched and poised inches away from the dark wood. If he doesn't answer within ten seconds, I'll run away, she thought. Then she closed her eyes shut and rapped curtly three times.
She got to counting eight seconds before the door swung open halfway with a click. She wasn't sure who looked more surprised; him or her.
It took Rosetta a beat to clear her throat and speak. It was a bit of a shock to see Snape in something other than his teaching robes or his immaculately tailored black frock coat, for he had taken the latter off and was dressed in the high-collared white shirt that he habitually wore underneath. With the top button undone he looked uncharacteristically casual.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but I have a few more questions to ask of you for my research. It won't take long, I promise. Can I come in?"
Snape's look of surprise gave way to something more akin to confusion and finally settled into his usual glare as he weighed up the question. Rosetta stood awkwardly in the growing silence looking up at him, not sure if he was going to yell at her, slam the door or jinx her into oblivion. A few long seconds later he wordlessly threw open the door wide and inclined his head for her to come through. She ducked underneath his arm, unable to believe she was now in Snape's own personal chambers.
As he closed the door she took a quick look around. The room was not exactly big or lavish, but it was as neat as a pin: from the pristinely-made dark wooden bed to the polished boots lined up by the side of the looming Victorian wardobe, nothing was out of place. Snape ushered her to a high-backed chair near the window and as she sat down she noticed a few cards standing on the bedside table, one that stood out was in ornate green and silver.
"Is it your birthday today?"
Snape ignored this question and perched on the edge of his bed.
"What did you want to ask me, Professor Stone?"
His tone wasn't sharp but it did sound weary. Rosetta immediately felt guilty for invading his personal space, and on his birthday too. She wondered briefly if he was embarrassed at being found hiding away in his quarters on his birthday. She had done the same thing on her birthday when she had been sick, so it looked like that was one thing they had in common at least.
"I've been thinking a lot about our last conversation, about hypothetical mimicry. I don't suppose you've ever tried to mimic Parseltongue, or know anyone who has?" Now the question had come out of her mouth, it sounded ridiculous. It had made more sense in her head.
Snape arched an eyebrow. "I'm not in the habit of playing at snakes like a five-year-old."
Rosetta let this response wash off her. "You know that's not what I meant. Have you ever tried to mimic a sound from Parseltongue that you recognised? Or do you know of anyone else who wasn't a Parselmouth that has tried to imitate Parseltongue?"
Snape sighed. "No, I've never tried to speak Parseltongue. And no, I've not witnessed any non-speaker foolish enough to try and speak it either. Is that all you wanted?"
Usually, this kind of response from him would make Rosetta angry, but there wasn't a hint of Snape's typical waspishness in his answer. He just sounded very, very tired.
Rosetta shifted in her seat. "There is one other thing. What are your thoughts on Harry Potter being a Parselmouth?"
Snape's scowl deepened and his lip pulled into a sneer at the mention of the name.
"Harry Potter is, at best, an average student with deluded notions of grandeur. Being able to speak to snakes does not change that."
Rosetta supposed his dismissive response would be typical of a student in the rival House of Gryffindor. But she pushed further.
"Do you think he learned the language somehow, or do you think he was born with the ability to speak it?"
Snape looked at her thoughtfully, and it took him a long time to reply as if he was choosing his words very carefully.
"I think you should heed the Headmaster's advice when it comes to Harry Potter."
Rosetta could not help but feel disappointed. She remembered all too well what Dumbledore had told her: essentially, that Harry Potter was off-limits for her research into Parseltongue. And now Snape had echoed that same sentiment. This automatically made Rosetta think there was something more about Harry Potter that she wasn't being told, which felt a little suspicious. But more than that, she realised that Snape was being completely loyal to Dumbledore by not giving away any information and by backing him up. Perhaps Dumbledore was right to trust Snape after all. Perhaps he had changed.
"I understand. Thanks for your time, Professor Snape."
Rosetta stood and Snape followed suit, crossing the room to open the door and let her out. She paused at the door and withdrew her wand. With a few flicks and swirls, she conjured a simple birthday card, which she handed to Snape. The pattern on the front was identical to the green brocade pouch in which he'd sent the Flu potion on her birthday.
"Happy birthday," she said quietly, looking up into his eyes and softly touching the top of his arm with a small smile.
Snape's gaze darted from her soulful brown eyes, to the card, and on to the warm hand gently resting on him. He looked lost for words as she turned to leave.
"Goodnight, Professor Stone," Snape whispered softly as he closed the door behind her.
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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 :)