Chapter 25: Busted
Chapter 25 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 25: Busted
Rosetta skidded to a stop near the old marble bust of Paracelsus, her heart beating frantically. So many times she had passed the statue without giving it more than a second glance. Now, however, she couldn't take her eyes off it. Could it really hold the key to Parseltongue?
The bust of Paracelsus was carved in the traditional ancient Graeco-Roman style, showing just the head and shoulders of the old scholar and leading down to a narrow, ringed footstand. The marble was soft cream in colour and exquisitely detailed. From the soft curls of his beard to the folds of his robes, the intricacy of the craftmanship was exceptional. The bust itself was standing on a tall marble plinth of the same hue, decorated all around in swirling S shapes and many interlinking symbols. At first glance these decorations looked to be just complex ornamentations, but on looking more closely, Rosetta saw the carvings looked very familiar indeed. They were in fact tiny snakes, each side of a group of symbols she knew to be from the Alphabet of the Magi.
A thrill of excitement ran down her spine as Rosetta traced the cool marble shapes with her fingers. This had to be significant. But she needed the Archidoxis magica to translate the engravings, which was safely stored in her her quarters. She was tempted to dash upstairs straight away and grab the book, but she willed herself to pause for a second to think logically about the situation. Dinner was currently in full swing in the Great Hall, after which was curfew and then her nightly patrol with Severus. She didn't think she'd have enough time to translate the bust before the students finished dinner. Rosetta also realised that she hadn't spoken properly to the Potions Master since she ran off to try to speak to Dumbledore the previous night, and she was acutely aware that her behaviour had looked odd and potentially suspicious. It would look even worse if she failed to show up for dinner, given that she had been absent at lunch too. Severus was a shrewd and clever man, and he would be sure to start asking questions unless she played it a bit cooler. Now was not the time to blow it by hurrying; she had waited this long for answers and she would have to wait a while longer, even though her curiousity was burning. With a sigh and one last longing look at the bust, she turned around and hurried towards the Great Hall for some much-needed sustenance.
Dinner was delicious; herby chicken with dauphinoise potatoes and green beans, and a helping of steaming treacle tart for dessert. Rosetta wanted to devour it in great gulps as she was so ravenous, but forced herself to eat normally so as not to draw attention to herself. The mood in the Great Hall was still subdued, and Rosetta couldn't stop her eyes flicking occassionally to Dumbledore's empty chair, wondering if he had received her message and deciphered it's code.
After dinner, the Heads of Houses and Prefects lead the students safely back to their dormitories as usual, and Rosetta strolled down to wait outside the old oak castle doors for Severus. It was their turn to patrol around the front perimeter of the castle. Rosetta was grateful for a mild evening. The gentle breeze which rustled the leaves on the trees gave an impression of calmness; a feeling that Rosetta certainly didn't share herself. She willed herself to be still and not to pace back and forth with impatient nerves, but her mind was racing and all she could think about was the bust and what the engravings could mean.
She was staring off into the middle distance completely lost in her thoughts when suddenly a beautiful tawny owl came swooping silently towards her, taking her quite by surprise by landing ungraciously at her feet and hooting somewhat urgently, shaking it's leg at her. Rosetta peeled off a neatly-rolled, narrow strip of parchment which had been tied to the bird, and she hastily unrolled it and began to read.
Dearest Rosetta,
Many thanks for the letter, it was
enormously kind of you to
entertain me in such a fashion.
Tell everyone I miss them too, and
not to let standards slip – I expect all
OWL results to be tip-top!
Will you let me know the results of the
House Cup? It appears to be a close
one this year, and I can't help feeling
Gryffindor might yet be pipped by
Slytherin.
Hope you're well. It's important that
everyone stays positive at this time.
As ever, I remain at your disposal, so
do keep in touch.
Fondest regards,
Albus
Rosetta stared at the letter, her mouth open in shock. It appeared that she was once more going to have to abandon her patrol duties, and she had a feeling Severus would be extremely cross and highly mistrustful about being “stood up” for a second time in a row. But what choice did she have? The situation was beyond her control now, and she needed to get to Hogsmeade to speak to Dumbledore, even if that meant damaging the fragile friendship she had started to build with Severus.
Weighing up her options and with very little time to lose, Rosetta tucked the letter into a pocket, pulled out her wand and conjured a fresh piece of parchment and a quill and ink, and scrawled in hurried writing:
I'm sorry I can't make it tonight. I will explain when I can, but please trust me.
R
It was brief, but she hoped it conveyed the sincerity and respect that she truly felt. Rosetta swiftly fixed the note to the heavy oak doors with magic and then vanished the quill and ink. With one last glance at the note, she turned and sprinted out through the gates, weaving her way out of the Hogwarts grounds far enough to be able to Apparate to the Hog's Head.
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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 :)