Chapter 37: The Night Is Theirs Alone
Chapter 37 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 37: The Night Is Theirs Alone
Rosetta did not remember how they ended up in the Potion Master's quarters and was only dimly aware of tumbling on to his bed, the crisp white sheets soft against her bare flesh. All she could could focus on were the sensations of skin on skin, of kisses and caresses. They writhed, lithe and languid, caught in their lover's dance. White against black and black against white, yin and yang joined in blissful union, over and over. Words were not necessary; they communicated through thought and looks, taking their passion to a higher level.
How long they remained in this ecstatic limbo she could not say, but she guessed it was dawn by the time they eventually lay silently spent together, side by side and holding hands, dozing contentedly and at peace with the world.
Even underneath the swell of love in her heart, Rosetta could not shake the feeling that this wonderful, fragile oasis they had created for themselves could not last. When she finally fell asleep, Rosetta dreamt of scorched sand and deep azure seas, and endless blue skies.
o0o
Awaking the following morning was decidedly surreal for Rosetta, finding herself in the Potion Master's empty bed. Severus himself was in the shower, which gave Rosetta a chance to try to process what had just happened between them. She pulled on her hastily-discarded underwear and perched on the edge of the bed, her body pleasantly aching after a long evening of lovemaking and her brain buzzing with thoughts. Deep down, she knew there was fire underneath Severus' cool exterior but the heat of the passion was like nothing she had experienced before. Both of them, it seemed, needed the release from months of pent-up desire. She now knew she had been so blind all this time to mistake his attraction for loathing, and also that things just simply weren't that clear cut when it came to Severus Snape.
They had shared their bodies and their feelings with each other, but what would happen now, she wondered to herself as Severus emerged from the bathroom, clothed in his habitual black trousers and white shirt.
She gave Severus a small smile as he fiddled with fastening his cuffs. "Alright?"
Severus walked towards Rosetta, his hair still slightly damp around his face. "Good morning to you. I trust you slept well?"
Rosetta couldn't help but chuckle. It felt very strange for Severus to revert to being so formal after the wanton night of lust that they'd both shared.
"I was absolutely shagged out." She gave a mischievous grin, and a smirk passed Severus' lips as he looked away.
"Are you still planning on leaving today?" he asked quietly after a moment, his face becoming serious once more.
The question landed like a stone in Rosetta's gut. It looked like their private oasis had now been well and truly shattered. Yes, she had to go, their night of passion hadn't changed that, but she didn't want to leave Severus. But, she realised with a flash of excitement, perhaps she didn't have to.
"Come with me." Rosetta's eyes shone brightly, full of fervour as she reached out and clutched Severus' hand tightly. "Come to Rhodes. We'll be set for life, we won't even need to work..."
Her voice petered out as she saw the conflicted grimace on Severus' face. This was clearly not the emphatic yes she had been hoping for.
"I can't," he said bitterly, as if it pained him to say the words.
Rosetta tried to push down the bubble of hurt that was threatening to spill over. "Why not? I know you detest teaching, you hate kids even more than I do and that's saying something."
"It's not that..." He couldn't even look her in the eyes. What was he supposed to say? That he forfeited his entire life to look after a dead woman's child? That his bruised heart would never be completely free of Lily Potter, who'd had a grip on it since he first saw her as a child in that playground in Cokeworth all those years ago? That he hadn't banked on having any kind of happiness or joy in his life ever again, let alone getting emotionally involved with a woman, and that this wasn't supposed to happen? That he should have walked away and not let the seed of his feelings take root? That he'd been too weak to resist the undeniable physical chemistry between them and now he was about to break both of their hearts?
Rosetta bent In front of him deliberately to catch his gaze, forcing eye contact.
"Is this just a one-night stand to you?"
"Absolutely not!" Severus looked affronted at the very idea. "You know very well how I feel."
"Then what is it?"
Her mind started racing as she watched Severus wrestling with what to say next. And then the thought struck her like a Stunner.
"Fucking Dumbledore," she spat. "It's him, isn't it? He's got you over a barrel spying for him and he won't let you go." She crossed her arms across her chest, shaking her head with frustration.
"That's more or less the upsum of it," he answered ruefully.
Rosetta sighed. "I get it. If he had his way, he'd trap me here teaching too, but I can't do it Severus, I just can't. I'm not cut out for a 9 to 5 existence."
"Well, that leaves us at somewhat of an impasse." A fleeting look of sorrow passed over his features.
Rosetta's brows furrowed at this. Uh, hello? Ever heard of Portkeys? I happen to be quite the expert, you know. You can come and visit me whenever you like. It'll be easy."
Severus shook his head imperceptibly, and Rosetta's stomach was flooded with cold when he next spoke.
"I can't see you again. It's too dangerous."
"In what way? Voldemort isn't going to follow you on holiday, is he?"
She watched as Severus flinched at Voldemort's name and then angrily shoved up the left sleeve of his shirt. "This," he ground out, "Is more than a novelty tattoo. It's a Dark Mark, it's the Dark Lord's way of communication and control. I will never be free of it, or him, for as long as he lives. Yes, he's barely human now, but he grows stronger by the day and one day the Mark will start burning and I will have no choice to run to him and kiss the hem of his robes. I cannot risk him knowing I have feelings for another. He would use it as leverage and if he found out I have switched my allegiances he would kill you without question. I cannot do that to you." Or to me, he thought weakly.
Rosetta put her head in her hands. She knew he was telling the truth, and that the situation was impossible. "So that's it, is it? I find the one man I would put everything on the line for, one I've had the best sex of my life with and one who claims he has feelings for me, and it's the one man I can't have."
She began laughing then. It started as a giggle and then became a full-on guffaw. Severus eyed her awkwardly as she laughed herself out.
"I'm sorry," she said, wiping a tearful eye, though through sorrow or mirth she couldn't quite tell. "It's funny because it's so fucking tragic."
Severus stepped forwards then and pulled her up from the bed by her hands, and this time the black eyes sought out the brown. If only she knew the half of it. She was the second woman in his life to have touched his heart and the irony of their names had not escaped him. He was tied to Lily Potter in death, her name meaning the flower that represented funerals and mourning, and yet Rosetta Stone, the "little rose", was offering him love and life. But death had won again, as it surely always would.
"I'm sorry it has to be this way. You know how I feel about you." Severus' voice was tight, like he was forcing emotions down like bad medicine. "Last night was the best night of my life. Please don't regret it."
She gazed back through watery eyes. It was clear Severus was conflicted, but she knew he'd sworn some ungodly oath to Dumbledore to help defeat Voldemort and there was no way out. That thought made her heart ache. They really were in a no-win situation.
"I don't regret anything. But I don't want this to be just one night. You'd better defeat that Dark Lord of yours, Severus Snape. And the second you do, you're coming over to Greece, you hear me? Don't forget about me." Rosetta couldn't stop the tears from falling then, and Severus pulled her close to his chest.
Severus wanted nothing more than to escape to Rhodes with Rosetta and start over, but deep down he knew that he wouldn't be free until either Voldemort was dead, or he was. And somehow, it felt like he would need to pay his past mistakes with his life.
"I'll never forget you," he breathed into Rosetta's hair, willing himself not to shed tears of his own.
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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 :)