Chapter 24: The Letter
Chapter 24 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 24: The Letter
Rosetta spent the rest of the afternoon attempting to write a letter to Dumbledore, but it was difficult to put her thoughts down on parchment. She felt like she'd wasted a year of the Headmaster's time, a year in which they could have both found out so much and potentially stopped the awful attacks on students. She wanted to apologise to the Headmaster and explain all her theories about the Chamber of Secrets, and get the answers that Severus had implied Dumbledore already knew.
After a number of failed attempts, she eventually finished a foot-long scroll full of cramped writing and had just begun to roll it up when a sinister thought struck her. It was highly likely that the Ministry of Magic were now involved, given the severity of the situation, and therefore she might not be able to speak as freely as she would wish to. The Ministry could have Aurors and officials monitoring the school. They might even monitor the post, especially any post going to the suspended Headmaster. Rosetta couldn't take the risk that her letter might be intercepted. Admitting she was a Parselmouth could draw suspicion on to her – perhaps the Ministry would think that she was the Heir of Slytherin, or was responsible for the attacks and was trying to cover it up, or had colluded with Dumbledore somehow. With a frustrated sigh, Rosetta lifted her wand and cast Incendio and the scroll was enveloped in flames, the black ashes falling on to her desk mere moments later.
If the Ministry were now monitoring the post, then they would also surely monitor the Floo Network too, Rosetta reasoned. But she had to get a message to Dumbledore. She couldn't just turn up on his doorstep unannounced. For all she knew, maybe the Ministry would be monitoring his visitors too? Maybe she was being paranoid, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
In desperation, Rosetta looked around her quarters and her gaze fell on to the Archidoxis magica which lay habitually at the side of her bed, its secrets still safely stored within. And then inspiration struck. Of course! She needed to write a message in code, a message that would seem innocuous on the outside but which had a true message contained within. Taking a narrow piece of parchment, she began to write:
Dear Albus,
We're all so sad to hear of your departure and
everyone sends their love. It's definitely
not the the same without you here. With
exams coming up, the students are spreading
excited rumours that they might be cancelled!
Doubtful I know, but you can't blame them for
thinking wishfully at such a sad time. Pomona's
optimistic that the Mandrakes will be ready to
trim soon so that the Revivication Potion can be
allocated to the students. We miss you
lots, take good care and please do let us
know if you need anything at all.
Fondest Regards,
Rosetta
It wasn't much, but under the circumstances Rosetta thought it was the best that she could do. Rosetta had discussed the types of decryption methods she'd attempted on the Archidoxis magica with Dumbledore at length and she knew the old wizard would be able to decode the first-letter encryption easily. Hopefully, anyone looking at the letter would take it as face value; it had no magical charms on it and it held no interesting information. For all intents and purposes it was just a friendly note from a member of staff. It also put the onus on Albus to set a meeting place and time, which would probably be easier to arrange on his side.
It was nearly dinner time when Rosetta had finally walked up to the Owlery to post the letter. Her stomach gave a loud rumble of protest as she climbed the steep stone stairs and she suddenly became acutely aware of just how hungry she now was, having skipped lunch. The wind swirled through the glassless windows as she climbed on to the platform, clutching her parchment and signalling for owl to come to her.
She didn't have to wait long before a stunning Great Horned Owl gracefully and soundlessly landed on the perch next to her, obediently holding out its leg for its next delivery. Rosetta carefully tied the letter to the owl and sent it on its way with a whisper of good luck as it circled the room before soaring out one of the open windows and out into the Scottish skies.
Rosetta slowly made her way back into the castle, lost in her thoughts about what she would say to Dumbledore when the time came. How would he feel about her being a Parselmouth? And, more to the point, how did she feel about it? At this moment in time, with no-one to speak to about it, Rosetta had to admit that it felt like a huge burden to carry around. Not that she was ashamed of it; it was a big shock when she had initially found out of course, but now the revelation made it feel like she didn't really know who she was any more. Did it make her a bad person? Parseltongue had always been associated with the most evil people in history and therefore the language was tainted by mistrust and suspicion. Well, that wasn't strictly true, Rosetta reminded herself as she strolled up the corridor. Harry Potter certainly didn't appear to be evil, he was just a normal kid who's life had unfortunately been marred by You-Know-Who. And Paracelsus wasn't evil either, and he had been credited with discovering the language in the first place.
At this thought, Rosetta stopped dead in her tracks and the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.
Paracelsus. There was an ornate marble bust of Paracelsus right here at Hogwarts, which she'd passed many times in the past going to and from the Owlery. And that bust was at the very end of this passageway! How could she not have thought of it before?
With her pulse quickened and her mind racing, Rosetta sprinted up the corridor towards the old statue, adrenaline pumping with every step.
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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 :)