Chapter 35: The End of Term
Chapter 35 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 35: The End of Term
The rest of the summer term passed in a haze of blazing sunshine. Hogwarts was back to normal again with only a few differences. Defence Against the Dark Arts classes had been cancelled and Lucius Malfoy had been sacked as a school governor. Draco Malfoy was no longer strutting around the school like he owned the place. On the contrary, he was looking resentful and sulky, and the rest of the Slytherins seemed to have lost their bravado too. The other difference was that Rosetta and Severus no longer traded post-breakfast banter and for all intents and purposes she avoided him as much as possible. Rosetta had chanced a glance at Severus during one meal and thought for a second she saw a sorrowful look cross the Potion Master's face but it was soon replaced by the familiar inscrutable mask. She had resolved not to look at him after that, no matter how difficult it was for her.
Rosetta had a change of heart and made her classes take some pop quizzes as a replacement for the cancelled exams in the final week of term after all and was genuinely pleased with most of the results, apart from the Year 7 Slytherins of course, whose papers she gleefully marked with large letter T's. She had achieved more than she thought possible in her Magical Languages lessons, and she felt satisfied that she had completed both jobs that Dumbledore had set her and so could leave the castle with a clear conscience.
It was a bright and sunny afternoon on the last day of term when Rosetta was tidying up her classroom and packing all of her teaching materials away. She was humming happily to herself as she gathered up textbooks, almost able to taste sweet freedom on her tongue. That taste was soon soured when there was an unexpected rap at the open door and standing in the doorway was the man she'd spent the last few weeks resolutely avoiding. She cast him a weary look before ignoring him and continuing with the job in hand.
“Are you leaving today?” Severus asked, without any preamble.
“Why do you care?” Rosetta parried, flicking her wand more forcefully than she intended to and setting down a pile of books in her trunk with a loud thunk, her good mood evaporating in an instant.
“Of course I care,” he replied quietly. “I thought you knew that.”
At this, Rosetta let out an indignant bark of a laugh. “Oh really? Is that why you performed a complete U-turn after spending the first half of the year scowling at me like I was something you scraped off your shoe? Could it be because you're a Death Eater who wanted to gain my trust so you could sabotage my research into Paracelsus? And when it didn't go your way, you decided to punish me with that awful memory! I was a fool to think there was anything more under that third-rate goth outfit than a bad tattoo and a personality that could wilt flowers.”
Rosetta surprised herself with that tirade, but she'd been bottling up her feelings for weeks and it felt really good to retaliate and let go of some of the hurt feelings and transform them into white-hot rage.
Severus flinched at the use of Voldemort's name, but otherwise looked genuinely perplexed as he tried to uncover the meaning behind her fury and barbed insults. “You thought I was trying to sabotage you? And that I showed you that memory to punish you?”
“Well, that's what it looks like from where I'm standing!” Rosetta felt herself shaking with anger. It took all her effort not to hex him into the middle of next week.
Severus closed his eyes and took a slow breath in through his nose before answering calmly. “I was protecting you that night at the statue, at Dumbledore's request. He told me to take the book from you, you can ask him yourself. And I didn't show you that memory as a punishment. I showed you it because you needed to know the truth about what happened that night, and the truth about me and why I did it. I knew it would risk hurting you to see it but I had to be honest with you. You deserve honesty and respect.”
Rosetta could feel her heart hammering fast, a combination of anger and... something else that she refused to name at this moment in time. She narrowed her eyes, not entirely convinced. “Why is it so important for me to know the truth about you? Why bother showing me that memory at all? You'd spent the last few months gaining my trust, what reason would you have other than to deliberately hurt me?”
Once again, Severus looked puzzled. He opened up his hands in a gesture of truce. “Isn't it obvious?”
Rosetta turned to face him in exasperation. “Obviously not!”
Severus swiftly took three paces across the room and just as he had at the statue of Paracelsus, he gently but firmly put his hands on Rosetta's shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes. She was too shocked to shrug him off, once more getting the feeling of vertigo as she stared back into the inky depths of his gaze.
His eyes flicked down to her slightly-parted mouth and Rosetta felt the breath in her throat hitch as his head moved towards hers. He was barely a few inches away when he whispered, “I want you, Rosetta. I always have.”
The room seemed to spin as he finally closed the gap between them, claiming her mouth with his in a kiss full of need. Rosetta froze for just a moment before kissing him back with fire of her own, one hand raking through his black hair, the other cupping his face.
Severus growled with approval as his hands moved from Rosetta's shoulders to her waist and he swiftly lifted her up on to her desk, the better to get closer to her. She clung on to his shoulders as his mouth found her neck, feeling the heat from the length of his body pushed up against her. She gasped with pleasure and her eyes fluttered shut as she gave in to his ministrations, wrapping her legs around his narrow hips.
She began plucking at his robes and then, panting, eyes heavy with need, he pulled away to find her gaze once more.
“Do you want this?” he asked, voice thick with lust.
Rosetta merely smiled in response, waving a hand to wandlessly slam her classroom door before unbuttoning the top of her robes, her eyes never leaving his.
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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 :)