Chapter 28: Thwarted
Chapter 28 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 28: Thwarted
Rosetta waited til after sundown to creep out of her quarters, the Archidoxis magica clutched tightly in one hand. She'd never known the castle to be so quiet and deserted. It seemed as if there was a brooding sense of ominousness about the place and she'd be lying if she said she didn't feel afraid of what she would find lurking behind every corner. Every squeak of a floorboard made her jump and her senses were heightened by pure adrenaline. But it was now or never; if she didn't approach the statue right now she might not get a chance before the school was closed down tomorrow.
She turned into the familiar corridor which held the bust of Paracelsus and was shocked to find the imposing figure of Severus standing in front of it, like a bouncer protecting a door at a nightclub. A swell of dread began to climb inside her as she met his gaze.
"Severus... What are you doing here?" she asked, hoping her voice did not betray how unsettled she felt.
"I could ask the same question of you." He raised an eyebrow quizzically.
Rosetta stared in disbelief as she searched for something to say. She eventually decided that honesty was the best policy.
"Look, I've got something important to do for Dumbledore. I would appreciate it if you would please just let me get on with it."
"I'm afraid I can't do that." He folded his arms across his chest characteristically, bringing himself to his full height.
Rosetta felt her trepidation turn into annoyance. "What the hell is going on? Just get out of my way!"
She strode forwards to try and dodge past him but Severus moved fast, almost cat-like, and held Rosetta firmly but gently by the shoulders, staring deeply into her rich brown eyes.
"I know you want to finish your little project with Dumbledore but it is far too dangerous."
Rosetta gazed back into Severus' black eyes and for a moment had the strangest feeling of vertigo, of falling into a black hole and never getting out. She blinked and shrugged herself out of his grip. Dumbledore had said as much to her about it being dangerous, but none of it made any sense.
"Why? Why can't you just step aside and let me get on with it?"
Severus sighed and it seemed to Rosetta he was battling in the same way as Dumbledore had, knowing something he couldn't share with her and trying not to say too much.
"There are events unfolding tonight which are bigger than you and I. It would be safer for you if you got rid of that book altogether."
How did he know about the book? Had Dumbledore told him? Instinctively, Rosetta clutched the Archidoxis magica tightly to her chest as Severus calmly held out his left hand for her to give it to him. Unbeknown to him, as he moved the sleeve of his robe fell back and revealed his Dark Mark in all it's terrible glory.
Rosetta felt a bubble of panic rise in her as she glanced down at the intricate black skull and snake motif. And suddenly her thoughts became as clear as crystal.
He wants the book for Voldemort. He was on Voldemort's side the whole time.
Severus noticed her gaze and swiftly whipped his sleeve down, but it was too late. Rosetta's flight or fight responses had kicked in and she had already withdrawn her wand.
"Stay away from me, Severus. Nebulus!" Rosetta cried and thick, swirling clouds escaped from the end of her wand and instantly created an opaque fog between the two of them, giving her the chance she needed to escape.
"Rosetta! Wait!" Severus called after her as she sprinted away, but it was no good. The fog was so dense he couldn't more than a few inches in front of his face. By the time he'd cleared it with a counter spell of his own, she had gone.
Rosetta ran until her lungs felt like they would burst. She scrambled inside her quarters, slammed the door and locked it with every charm and spell she could think of before collapsing on her bed in a fit of tears.
She had been foolish to trust Severus in the first place. Dumbledore had said he was a reformed character but it was obvious to her now that he'd been in cahoots with Voldemort from the start. Seeing the Dark Mark emblazoned against his pale skin was like a jolt of electricity, awakening her senses. It appeared that Severus had known about the book, and he may therefore have known about the scrolls too. He'd probably told Voldemort all about it. Voldemort had most likely instructed him to retrieve it from her, which is why he was guarding the statue. But how much more did he know? Did he know she was a Parselmouth?
Rosetta wiped her tear-stained cheeks with the back of her hand, taking a deep shuddering breath. Why had she let herself get close to him? He had been nothing short of hostile when she had first started teaching, that should have been a warning sign. As had the fact that she couldn't remember anything about him from the past. Rosetta tried again, thinking hard about her schooldays, but it was like looking through frosted glass at a figure just out of reach. Why couldn't she remember him? Had something happened to her in the past? Had she had her memory modified? If so, by whom? By him?
Rosetta felt her blood run cold at this thought. What on Earth had happened to her? She felt like she was a puppet, being pulled in different directions, a character in a story she didn't even know. Surely, she was in more danger then she could possibly realise, and with Severus clearly on Voldemort's side and Dumbledore estranged from Hogwarts, this was a danger she was going to have to face alone.
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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 :)