Chapter 30: The Feast
Chapter 30 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 30: The Feast
After crying herself hoarse, Rosetta had managed to get herself together enough to have a hot shower and then, with all tears shed and a lack of anything productive to do, decided there was nothing for it but to go to bed. Although it was proving hard to sleep with the thought of a murderous Basilisk, a duplicitous Death Eater and the most evil wizard the world had ever seen potentially roaming the castle looking for her. She hoped her protective spells would be strong enough to keep them all out, and hid her wand under her pillow just in case.
She tossed and turned for what seemed like the hundredth time, trying to get comfy and clear her mind from terrifying intrusive thoughts, when suddenly through the inky darkness the voice of Minerva McGonagall, magically magnified, filled the air.
“Everyone to report to the Great Hall immediately. There is no time to dress. Now, please!”
Rosetta sat upright, the familiar sense of panic welling up in her. Was Ginny Weasley dead? Did they find her body? Were they evacuating the castle right now? She leapt out of bed and pulled on a pair of boots, which looked completely at odds against her pink and grey fluffy pyjamas. She grabbed her wand and jammed it in the waistband of her pyjama bottoms. She hesitated at the door, thinking of the Archidoxis magica which she had cast both an invisibility charm and a waterproof charm on and had stashed in the cistern of her toilet. Then, her mind made up, she dashed to the bathroom, grabbed the book and cast a swift shrinking spell on it too, tucking it tightly into the side of her left boot before racing down the stairs as fast as she could.
As she grew closer to the Great Hall her fear quickly turned into confusion. The place was alive with excited chatter. It certainly didn't seem like bad news. In fact, it looked like the hall was prepared for a grand feast. All of the pupils and many of the teachers were in their pyjamas and there was not one sad face in the room. The Weasleys and an incredibly filthy-looking Harry Potter were jubilantly surrounded by a sea of Gryffindors. She felt her shoulders sag with relief. Ginny must be OK.
As she approached the teacher's table she saw Albus Dumbledore, who swooped her up into an enormous hug. It was at that moment she knew everything was alright.
“It's over?” she breathed, now daring to believe it was actually true.
“Thank you for your patience, and your trust in me,” was all he said in return before climbing the lectern and addressing the hall.
Rosetta noticed that Severus, fully dressed in his usual black robes, was looking at her intensely as she took her seat opposite him on the teacher's table, but she averted her eyes. For all she knew, she'd had a very lucky escape tonight and had cheated death. Pouring herself a healthy measure of red wine, she resolved to speak to Dumbledore as soon as she could. This thought was swiftly interrupted by Pomona, clad in a white frilly long sleeved nightie, unselfconsciously whooping for joy and throwing her arms around her and giving her an almighty squeeze. Rosetta couldn't help but laugh as she hugged her back, for what felt like the first time in months.
The whole school paid rapt attention as Dumbledore explained about the Chamber of Secrets, the Basilisk and Harry Potter's bravery. Rosetta felt vindicated about her guess about the Basilisk being the Beast of Slytherin but still felt a stab of guilt about her lack of inaction as the Headmaster relayed the tale.
There was tumultuous applause once Dumbledore had finished, an expression of sheer delight that they were all safe and that the school would stay open after all. And although the announcements that all exams had been cancelled as a school treat and that Lockheart would be unable to return to teaching next year drew massive cheers of joy, the biggest cheer of all was when the un-Petrified victims came in from the Hospital Wing, waving happily as they passed the long tables. Even Filch, who's face normally resembled a bulldog chewing a thistle, had cracked a smile and was holding Mrs Norris tightly as the old cat purred happily in her owner's arms.
After this, Dumbledore proclaimed that Gryffindor had won the House Cup for the second year running and the Great Hall was magically festooned in drapes of scarlet and gold. The Gryffindors could barely contain their excitement, banging on the tables and stamping their feet. The Slytherins, meanwhile, were subdued with sour looks on their faces. And there were yet more cheers when at half past three, Hagrid the gamekeeper walked in, looking none the worse for his mysterious stay in Azkaban.
Rosetta hadn't known a feast like it, and the celebrations went on all night. She felt as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders and clearly she was as happy as anyone that Ginny Weasley was alive, the victims were all unscathed and that Voldemort had been vanquished. But the emotions of confronting Snape were still raw and confusing and in a quieter moment, watching the hubbub of excited children whirling around on an impromptu dancefloor with Pomona leading the charge, questions started to form in her mind.
Dumbledore and Severus had both implied that they knew there would be a showdown between Harry Potter and Voldemort tonight. Did they just sit back and let the boy fight him alone? Or did they help? Was that part of Dumbledore's grand plan? She could see why she had been advised to stay away, though. She might have got in the way and ruined everything, or she could have even been killed or had the scrolls taken from her and destroyed.
But had Voldemort really gone? Dumbledore described the Voldemort that Harry Potter faced as being a memory, a incorporeal form that gained strength through sucking the energy of another through the pages of a book. But what of the real Voldemort? Where was he? Was he still out there, barely alive? Would Dumbledore still want her to uncover the scrolls? Or was it just a long-term back-up plan, in case Harry Potter failed to triumph tonight?
And what of Severus accidentally showing her his Dark Mark? Dumbledore said to trust him, but did he know that Severus had stood in the way of her getting the answers they both so desperately sought and had demanded the book from her? Had Severus wanted to book to give to Voldemort? Or was he, as the Headmaster continually insisted, Dumbledore's man all along?
Dumbledore could see Rosetta was lost in her own musings as he approached her from the sidelines of the dancefloor.
“A Knut for your thoughts?” he asked, peering over his moon-shaped glasses.
“Make it a Galleon and you have a deal,” Rosetta answered wryly.
Dumbledore chuckled at her little joke, but then became serious. “Is everything alright, Rosetta? You look very tense.”
Rosetta sighed. “I need to talk to you. But not here.” Her gaze unconsciously flicked to Severus and back again, something that didn't go unnoticed by the older wizard.
“I see. Well, perhaps you would like to come to my office?”
Rosetta nodded and the pair wound their way surreptitiously through the crowd and out of the hall, unnoticed by everyone apart from a frustrated-looking Severus Snape.
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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 :)