Chapter 31: Explanations
Chapter 31 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 31: Explanations
“So what's on your mind, Rosetta?” Dumbledore looked across his office desk at his Magical Languages professor with an expression of genuine concern.
Rosetta was sitting opposite the Headmaster, like she had done so many times before. But this time it felt different. Before, it felt like they were doing something together, trying to solve a riddle together in order to achieve a higher purpose: to defeat Voldemort. Now, with Harry Potter having just saved the day, she felt like she was superfluous, just an ordinary teacher with apparently nothing useful to contribute. She shifted in her chair uneasily, wondering where to begin. The truth seemed like a good a place as any.
“I tried to visit the statue of Paracelsus last night. I know you told me not to.”
Dumbledore inclined his head thoughtfully. “Yes, I thought you might.”
“Snape was there. He knew about the book. He tried to take it off me and I saw the Dark Mark on his arm. He wanted it for Voldemort, I just know it!”
Dumbledore's mouth quirked at this. “Severus was there on my orders. I asked him to stop you doing anything rash for your own protection.”
This came as a surprise to Rosetta. Snape, protecting her? Really?
“But he tried to take the book–”
“At my request,” Dumbledore interrupted kindly. “As I've said before, Severus is very much on our side now. I'd have thought with your blossoming relationship that you might have trusted him a little more.”
Rosetta didn't know how to answer that, so she just scowled back like a petulant child, feeling heat rise in her cheeks. Blossoming relationship! Well, that was one way to put it. Bizarre crush on a shadowy unpredictable man who she had no recollection of from her past was more accurate, but she wasn't about to spill her guts about her lack of memories or burgeoning romantic feelings to the Headmaster. The thought of Snape protecting her made her pause for thought, however. It was true that he hadn't hurt her, and hadn't drawn his wand to stop her either. Maybe she had been overreacting after all?
“You knew there would be a showdown between Harry Potter and Voldemort tonight,” she ventured rather bluntly, changing tack to avoid dwelling too much on her feelings for Severus.
Now it was Dumbledore's turn to shift uncomfortably. “I had my suspicions, given what the boy went through last year. Voldemort seems to have a vendetta against Harry, and Harry had to be the one to confront him.”
“Alone?” Rosetta couldn't believe the Headmaster would let a twelve-year-old boy fight a killer snake and an evil dark wizard single-handedly.
“He had some assistance,” Dumbledore replied mildly. “But the boy is very capable, and has courage beyond his years.”
“And Voldemort... Has he gone for good this time?” This came out rather more forcefully than Rosetta had intended.
Picking up on her obvious frustrations, the Headmaster breathed deeply through his nose before answering. “It's very complicated, Rosetta. I know you must feel shut out from the events of last night, but the truth is I don't have all the answers yet despite appearances to the contrary. I know I am asking a lot of you when I ask you to trust me and I am grateful for all the work you have done so far on the basis of that trust. But now I am going to tell you something, which requires me to trust you.”
He paused, steepling his fingers characteristically before continuing.
“Harry Potter faced a memory, a incorporeal form that gained strength through sucking the energy of another through the pages of a book. Incredibly strong Dark Magic. But to my mind, that's all it was: magic. Do I think Voldemort is out there somewhere? Absolutely. Is he back to full strength? No, otherwise he would have attempted to penetrate the castle himself, not simply use a memory.”
Rosetta pondered on this for a second. It made sense, given what Dumbledore had told her earlier in the year about how Voldemort was barely alive.
“Do you think he is still using snakes to mobilise and sustain himself?” she mused.
“In all likelihood, yes,” Dumbledore replied. “It's my feeling that Voldemort's physical form has been compromised for some time, hence his reliance on Parseltongue to survive.”
The thought of Parseltongue led Rosetta back to the subject of the scrolls and the Archidoxis magica, which was still shrunken and invisible, and tucked snugly inside her boot.
“So where does that mean for our research?”
Dumbledore looked seriously at Rosetta.
“It means we need answers more than ever. The longer he stays alive, the stronger he will become. Of that I have no doubt. And it feels like you are on the cusp of a very important discovery.”
That was certainly true. Rosetta felt she had all the pieces of the puzzle in her hands, and now she just had to put them all together.
“It feels like the answers are close,” Rosetta admitted.
“Well then, Rosetta. Can I ask you to keep pushing ahead, and find those answers before the end of term?”
Rosetta sat back in her chair. She'd come too far to simply walk away now, especially given the knowledge she had just learned about Voldemort not being vanquished after all and how he could well be getting stronger by the day. She prided herself on her tenacity, her intelligence and her ability to get things done; it was a matter of personal pride as much as national security. The feelings of uselessness and wasted effort from earlier had all but dissipated. She had a job to do, an important job – one that Dumbledore had entrusted only to her. And she was going to see it through to the end.
“Of course.”
“Thank you, Rosetta.” The old man smiled. “Your keen mind is invaluable. Now, it's been a long night. If you'll excuse me, I will need to retire to bed. All those Pumpkin Pasties have made me suddenly very sleepy!” He patted his stomach contentedly.
Rosetta smiled back and rose to leave. As she reached the door, Dumbledore spoke once more.
“Oh, and Rosetta?”
She stopped in her tracks and looked back. “Yes, Albus?”
“Perhaps it would be wise to speak with Severus and clear the air, as it were. I would hate for anything I've done to come between the two of you.”
The old man smiled genially and Rosetta couldn't shake the feeling Dumbledore was playing matchmaker and implying there was something other than platonic feelings between the two of them. Wordlessly, she left the room, her thoughts again filled with the enigma that was Severus Snape and what, if any, his intentions towards her were.
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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 :)