Chapter 33: Secrets Revealed
Chapter 33 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 33: Secrets Revealed
Rosetta's urge was to leave the castle and head back to Greece after fleeing Severus' quarters with tears of hurt and fury still damp on her face. It's not as if she had to stay around for exams anyway; they'd all been cancelled as a school treat and although she had planned to do a few light pop quizzes in her final classes as a replacement, it hardly seemed necessary now. As her feet pounded up the corridor from the dungeons she felt angry with Severus for his betrayal of her trust but more than that, she felt angry with herself. All those years she had wasted, blaming herself for an attack that hadn't even happened. Her perceived assault had shaped her whole personality, making her second-guess every person she met. She should have pursued the truth harder. And she should have certainly known better than to fall for a former Death Eater.
Rosetta's plan for this year had been to lie low, stay under the radar, do her job, pocket the money and leave. Instead, she'd become embroiled in Dumbledore's plans for defeating Voldemort and had her heart broken. What a fool! What she wouldn't give to be sat on the edge of a cover by the Aegean sea, the warm sun at her back, watching the gentle lapping of the crystal clear azure waters and pretending this miserable year hadn't happened...
She paused at the split in the corridor near the Great Hall. One way led towards her quarters, and the other led towards the front door. It would be so easy to slip out; she could run to the edge of Hogsmeade and be on her way in no time. But this tempting thought was quickly replaced by another, that of her promise to Dumbledore about finishing the job on her research into Paracelsus. Not that the meddling old man deserved it, she thought to herself bitterly. Clear the air with Severus, he'd said. Had he known that Severus would make a fool out of her in the end? Or had it merely been wishful thinking on his part, that he could play matchmaker? Either way, Rosetta suddenly decided she wasn't going to finish the research for Dumbledore after all.
She was going to do it for herself.
Because it was her puzzle to solve. And she wasn't going to give Severus the satisfaction of seeing her run away from him like a scolded child. He was going to have to live with his bad decisions, just like she had to.
Decision made, she sprinted up to her quarters to retrieve the Archidoxis magica.
oOo
Rosetta approached the statue of Paracelsus, clutching the ancient grimoire tightly. This time, there was no Potions Master to block her path or threat of Voldemort to contend with. The corridor was all but deserted and a comforting sort of muffled silence filled the air.
She regarded the beautiful cream bust and quickly found the engravings flanked by tiny snakes on the base. She flipped open the Archidoxis magica to the pages which contained the transcription of the Alphabet of the Magi. She then drew her wand and spelled out the translated letters in sparkling writing which hovered before her in the air, her eyes flipping from the statue to the book as she worked. After a few minutes, she had written out four lines of text:
With viper tongue
you must speak
To reveal the secrets
that you seek
Rosetta supposed it was hardly surprising that it took a Parselmouth to unlock the bust, but it didn't give any clues as to what exactly she was supposed to say. She searched the statue forensically in case there was anything she'd missed, but that was all the bust said.
She sighed, pocketing her wand and snapping the book shut. Apart from the time she'd spoken to the snake in Edinburgh Zoo, she hadn't spoken any Parseltongue since. She wasn't even sure she could speak it without a snake present. A chill ran down Rosetta's spine when she realised Voldemort could have all too easily opened the bust himself had he'd been given the book. Trying to hide this unpleasant thought, she decided there was nothing else for it. She was just going to have to try.
“Open,” she said, but it just sounded like her normal voice.
“Open,” she repeated, slightly more forcefully this time, but again just her normal voice came out.
She ran her fingers through her hair with frustration, thinking hard. She'd come so close, there was no way she was going to give up now. Did she need a snake to be present in order to speak Parseltongue? Where was she going to get one? She go back to Edinburgh Zoo, she reasoned. The snake there did seem keen to come with her.
Just as this thought had entered her mind, her eyes fell on the small snake engravings either side of the body of text on the statue. Perhaps, if she concentrated hard enough, she could pretend they were real snakes.
Rosetta screwed up her eyes and stared hard at one of the snakes. The shadow that fell on the engraving from this angle made it look it was rearing up, and if she used her imagination she could almost see its tongue flickering in and out.
“Open,” she said again, and this time there was no mistaking the hissing sounds of Parseltongue that escaped her mouth.
After a moment the engravings of the snakes glowed a bright bluish-white and from nowhere, surrounded by the same bluish-white glow, a drawer magically appeared in the base of the statue and there was a deep rumble as a ton of marble began shifting as the drawer opened.
Rosetta found she was trembling as she looked inside. Resting in the drawer was a beautiful cigar-length cylindrical ornate silver object that immediately reminded her of a Mezuzah case. It was exquisitely cast, with delicate filigree patterns along the body and intricately set precious stones along the rounded top and bottom. She picked it up as carefully as she would a newborn baby, overcome with emotion. It felt pleasingly heavy and cool to the touch. Rosetta could only guess how much such a rare mythical object would fetch at auction; in all likelihood it would be priceless.
She noticed that one end had a a set of small hinges and an indentation, which she figured must be the lid. Slipping her thumb in the indentation, she gently prised open the top and sure enough, inside the case rolled up side by side were a set of two identical scrolls.
Rosetta exhaled heavily, the grief of earlier now replaced with lightheaded excitement. She'd done what she had been brought here to do. Now she needed to speak to Dumbledore.
She cast one last longing look at the beautiful case before stowing it carefully inside the breast pocket of her robes and making her way towards the spiral staircase that led to Dumbledore's office.
Story Actions
To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.
Leave a Review
Log in to leave a review.
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 :)