Chapter 34: Mission Accomplished
Chapter 34 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 34: Mission Accomplished
Rosetta waited patiently as Dumbledore silently examined the scrolls. The only sound that punctuated the air was the faint hum of the bizarre silver magical instruments which filled the cabinets in the Headmaster's office, whirring and tinkling as he worked. He ran his wand over the scrolls a few times, muttering inaudible spells that she did not know. One made the letters glow golden on the page, another made the scrolls light up in a bright fluorescent purple.
“Quite brilliant, Rosetta,” he breathed after a few minutes, seemingly satisfied with his handiwork. “These are the genuine mythical scrolls of Paracelsus. The parchment has been dated as medieval and there is a magical charm on the scrolls which is not Dark in nature, but appears to be an accelerant to magical language acquisition.”
Rosetta pulled out the Archidoxis magica from the pocket of her robes and placed it on the desk in front of Dumbledore with a soft thud. “You'll be needing this,” she replied, nudging it forwards with a finger. “The scrolls are written in the Alphabet of the Magi and the key to translating it is in here. It's yours now.”
Dumbledore peered over his glasses. “But the book was a gift. Are you quite sure?”
Rosetta nodded. “The scrolls are quite useless without the key to translation. And the book is no longer any use to me.”
Dumbledore inclined his head respectfully. “Thank you, Rosetta. For everything. I don't need to reiterate how important getting these scrolls has been. You have given me what I believe is a valuable tool in the fight against Voldemort. Every single piece of information we learn about him is another step towards taking him down. I am truly grateful for your help.”
Rosetta felt a blush beginning to form on her cheeks. He made it sound like she was some kind of brave war hero, rather than the weary mercenary she knew herself to be.
“It's what I was paid to do,” she said, deflecting the compliment. “I'm just glad I got the job done in time.”
Dumbledore seemed to know that as much as the praise fell awkwardly, it needed to be said nonetheless.
“You raise a good point about payment,” the Headmaster said thoughtfully. “We'd agreed thirteen thousand Galleons, which you will have in full at the end of the academic year, but it rather feels like you deserve something extra as a token of appreciation.”
His blue eyes twinkled, and Rosetta shifted uncomfortably. Could there be a tone of accusation in his voice? Not for the first time, she had the eerie feeling she was being X-rayed, and that he knew more than he was letting on.
“Really, it's fine,” she replied, trying to sound more casual than she felt under his shrewd gaze. “We'd agreed a rate for the job and I've completed the job. I'm glad you're happy with my services but it's not like I killed Voldemort with my bare hands!”
“As you wish. But I'd like you to know that, beyond what you have achieved with the scrolls, your teaching has made a difference too. Should you want to or your circumstances change, there is always a place here at Hogwarts for you. There were a clutch of students who really benefited from your teaching this year and I know they are inspired to consider jobs in the Goblin Liaison Office based on their newfound language skills.”
Rosetta felt a twang of guilt at this well-intentioned and partially hidden invitation. She had no plans to stay on beyond what she had already promised Dumbledore but it did no harm to respond ambiguously, she decided. It was never a bad thing to keep her options open.
“Thank you, Albus. That's good to know.”
“Well, you've certainly earned yourself a break after all the hard work you've put in this year. Do you have any plans for the Summer?” the Headmaster asked nonchalantly.
Rosetta knew better than to assume this was an entirely innocent question along the standard hairdresser going-anywhere-nice-for-your-holidays type of interrogation. Rather, she had the sense that Dumbledore was trying to steer the conversation around to the Potions Master and the nature of their acquaintance once she'd left the school. She tried to ignore the bristle of irritation that flashed through her at the thought of Severus.
“I'm going to catch up with family and friends, and then spend some time back in Greece,” she answered evenly. “I really miss being by the sea.”
“I can imagine,” he replied mildly, and thankfully didn't push the subject further.
Rosetta made her excuses and left shortly after, leaving Dumbledore to the task of deciphering the scrolls by himself. If he was right about the charm on the scroll, it might only take a few hours for him to master the ways of Parseltongue.
She was glad to have helped the war effort in some small way, but in truth was relieved the task was over and could not wait to get out of the castle. She wasn't lying when she said she desperately missed the sea and more than that, she wanted the term to be over so she could finally put Severus Snape behind her. She just needed to get through the next few weeks and then she could be free once more.
She'd never set out to fall for anyone in her time at Hogwarts, let alone a former Death Eater. In fact, she remembered all too well how much she despised him at the start of the year. It looked as if her instincts had been right all along, just as Severus had insisted earlier, despite the flashes of the real man she'd thought she'd seen underneath all the snark and acid. What she really needed was time; time to forget the chemistry between them, time to push down thoughts of what might have been and time to bury any fanciful notions of how much she wanted to claim his mouth with her own.
But there were some things even sweeter than a lover's kiss. Pushing her pathetic lovelife aside for a moment, in practical terms Rosetta now knew she would be leaving the castle much better off than when she had first entered. She had a tidy nest egg all of her own, and with any luck that nest egg would mean she'd never have to work again.
Just a few more weeks to bear and then she'd be living it up, set for life.
She patted her top pocket and smiling to herself and with a renewed spring In her step, she made her way down the winding corridors that led to her quarters.
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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 :)