Chapter 18: A Funny Valentine
Chapter 18 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 18: A Funny Valentine
The visit to Snape's quarters had given Rosetta much to think about over the following weeks. It felt as though she and Snape were no longer enemies, as something had definitely shifted between them and she found she felt less suspicious of him. His loyalty to Dumbledore was, in her opinion, beyond doubt and that had changed her general attitude towards him. Likewise, although they had spoken only a few times since her birthday visitation, the few interactions they'd had were without malice and she had noticed his perennial scowling at her across the dinner table had abated too. They even began nodding to each other curtly and formally as a form of acknowledgement when they passed in the corridors, something which seemed impossible to Rosetta only a few months previously.
The question of Harry Potter kept looming large in Rosetta's thoughts. Dumbledore had told her at the start of the year that the rumours about You-Know-Who's return and his attack on Harry Potter last year had been true. She could see why Dumbledore would want to protect the boy from yet more scrutiny given that being a Parselmouth gave him a disturbing link to the self-titled Dark Lord. But Rosetta couldn't help feeling there was more to the story that she wasn't being told. Was the real intended victim of the attacks actually Harry Potter himself? And how did he become a Parselmouth? Was it innate or did he learn? And if he learned it, then how? Did he have a teacher? It was almost maddening not to be able to ask those burning questions, but like Snape and the other professors she had to once again trust Dumbledore on this and continue her research with a different approach.
The dark month of January eventually gave way to the pale, weak sunshine of February and with the light came a more hopeful feeling across the castle. There had been no further attacks and so it seemed everyone had started to relax a bit more. Pomona had told Rosetta that the Mandrakes were becoming petulant and moody, and would soon need repotting. That meant they were nearly ready to be prepared for the revivication potion, and all the victims would soon be awake.
The optimistic feeling appeared to have reached its peak at breakfast on Valentine's Day, with a display of awkward but probably well-meaning romanticism concocted by Gilderoy Lockheart which seemed to make the entire school cringe. The walls of the Great Hall were bedecked in huge, bright pink flowers and heart-shaped confetti had been charmed to fall gently from the blue sky above. Lockheart himself was dressed rather brazenly in lurid pink robes which matched the décor precisely. He waved for silence as the teachers either side of him sat, stony-faced and unimpressed. Professor McGonagall looked as though she'd chewed something unpleasant, whilst Snape's habitual glower was, if possible, even blacker than ever. Rosetta felt if her toes curled back in her boots any further, they'd snap.
“Happy Valentine's Day!” Lockheart shouted. “And may I thank the forty-six people who have so far sent me cards! Yes, I have taken the liberty of arranging this little surprise for you all – and it doesn't end here!”
Lockheart clapped his hands and through the doors marched a dozen surly-looking dwarfs wearing golden wings and carrying harps.
“My friendly, card-carrying Cupids!” Lockheat was beaming. “They will be roving around the school today delivering your Valentines! And the fun doesn't stop here! I'm sure my colleagues will want to enter into the spirit of the occasion! Why not ask Professor Snape to show you how to whip up a Love Potion!”
Rosetta chanced a glance at a furious-looking Snape, who seemed to be resolutely avoiding eye contact with her. She had to bite her lip to stop a burst of laughter coming out at the utter inappropriateness of the situation.
“And while you're at it, Professor Flitwick knows more about Entrancing Enchantments than any wizard I've ever met, the sly old dog!”
Professor Flitwick buried his head in his hands and Rosetta winced. She could not help but feel embarrassed for her former Head of House, who'd surely done nothing to warrant that level of humiliation.
“And if that's not enough, why not get Professor Stone to teach you how to say 'I love you' in Gobbledegook or Mermish?”
Rosetta froze and her eyes widened as the attention of hundreds of bewildered people shifted to her. She would have given all the Galleons in Gringotts for the ground to swallow her up in that moment. Her eyes flicked involuntarily back to Snape and she detected a glimmer of dark amusement as his gaze finally met hers. He was probably feeling sadistically gleeful that she was now squirming awkwardly too, judging by the little smirk at her displeasure. She felt the heat rising in her cheeks but her mortification was short-lived as Lockheart's speech reached it's nauseating conclusion, after which the students couldn't seem to depart the Great Hall fast enough.
Rosetta walked around the back of the teacher's table to leave, still feeling slightly in disbelief at Lockheart's little stunt, and found Snape was at her side as she made her way down the stairs.
“I had no idea Love Potions were allowed on the curriculum,” she ventured innocently.
“I had no idea Gobbledegook was such a romantic language,” he countered drily.
She sniggered. It looked as if the surly Potions Master had a sense of humour after all. Gobbledegook was well known to be a harsh, rasping language, which made it sound distinctly inhuman. The tone was as romantic as fingernails scraping a blackboard.
Rosetta watched Snape's back as he strode on ahead, his black teaching robes billowing impressively as he walked. Underneath that buttoned-up, sour exterior lay an acerbic wit, she was sure. She'd seen a few glimpses of it now. A sudden thought flashed unbidden through her mind, of wondering what else he kept under his robes, and once again Rosetta flushed as she checked herself. What on Earth was she thinking? She must be losing the plot. But she couldn't help remembering how different he looked in the crisp, white shirt when she visited him on his birthday, and how the scent of his chambers invoked sandalwood, smoke and the promise of hidden depths rarely seen.
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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 :)