Chapter 38: Til We Meet Again
Chapter 38 of 38
star_girlA trader on the edge of the wizarding world is about to turn Snape's world upside down.
ReviewedChapter 38: 'Til We Meet Again
Severus and Rosetta had held each other tightly that morning, their hearts breaking at having to say goodbye after only just admitting their feelings for each other and physically sealing their love. Severus was once more consumed by guilt as he held her close. She had guessed the truth, but she didn't know the whole story. It was true that Dumbledore had him over a barrel, but he had omitted to tell Rosetta why.
There were many reasons, if Snape were honest with himself, why he felt he couldn't tell her about Lily. Firstly, because he knew it would hurt her and she would, understandably, feel second best to a dead woman. Secondly, it was his most guarded secret and the thing he had hidden away from everyone Voldemort, Lily's son, the whole of the wizarding world. It was his weakness and he had to bury it inside him, because if the truth came out, it would be used against him especially by Voldemort and the Death Eaters themselves. A Death Eater in love with a Mudblood? They would laugh as they killed him in the dirt. And thirdly, it would be a burden for Rosetta to know. It wasn't that he didn't trust her with the information but as far as he was concerned, the least amount of people who knew, the safer his secrets were away from Voldemort's prying mind and the less danger she would be in. He, unlike Rosetta, was a skilled Occlumens after all.
If he survived the upcoming war and Voldemort fell, he promised Rosetta he would flee to Rhodes to carve out a new life and tell her the full story, warts and all. But until that time, he knew he had to stay guarded and pretend to be the Severus Snape everyone knew him to be cold, unfeeling, callous, and without sentiment.
That afternoon, the tears now dry on her cheeks after their painful farewell, Rosetta took some time to stroll around the Hogwarts grounds before leaving for Rhodes. The old castle looked breathtaking in the afternoon light, the sun glinting off windows and shimmering across the still waters of the Black Lake, reflecting a warmth that was not in her heart.
It was just her luck that she had fallen for someone who could not love her back. Or could not love her back right now, she corrected herself. But knowing he felt the same way as her did not make the bitter pill any easier to swallow. She knew that Severus' role in helping Dumbledore bring Voldemort down would only get more dangerous as the one he called the Dark Lord grew in power, and she also knew he was protecting both of them by cutting contact with her until the war was over. But how long it would take to bring Voldemort down, she did not know. Neither did she know just how Dumbledore had convinced him to deflect, Severus had promised he would tell her everything in time, if he survived the war. A chill ran down her spine at this thought, that horrible if, an icy reminder that he was risking his life by switching sides and how there was a very real possibility she would never see him again.
As she strolled around the perimeter of the lake, Rosetta reflected on how her life so far seemed to run in cycles of wanting something, getting it and then losing it, and having to rebuild from scratch. She'd had to reinvent herself time and again, starting with her time at Gringotts.
It had been her first job and she'd wanted it so badly and had worked so hard. Who could blame her, as an eager rookie Treasure Hunter, for wanting some of the glory for herself after all she'd done? It wasn't her fault she'd ended up doing two jobs. She had fought her corner about the useless Curse-Breaker partner to which she had been assigned and how she had been carrying them both, having to both source and secure the treasure, but to her fury the bosses said she had overstepped her role and was no longer welcome in the Wizard Bank. They had suspected her of taking treasure, but they'd had no proof.
So she'd lost her job at Gringotts and had to try her hand at another career, this time at the Ministry of Magic. Her formidable language skills soon snagged her a job in the Merperson Liaison Office and within a year of hard work she'd become the head of department. She'd forged links between the elusive Aegean merpeople and European wizards, setting up an alliance and rebuilding trust after years of silence and exclusion. And when the merpeople wanted to trade, Rosetta gladly helped them. As far as she could see, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement. Corruption, the Ministry officials had called it in their written warning of conduct. Rosetta had called it earning a living, a supplement for her meagre Ministry wages.
Feeling unfairly treated after all she'd done, she'd left the Ministry and moved to Greece to become a trader full-time, once again reinventing herself and living on the outskirts of wizarding society, licking her wounds from her double fall from grace. That was fine for a while; it felt like she was self-sufficient and finally finding her niche in life with no bosses to answer to, until she'd ended up at Hogwarts. That decision had been driven only by the need to survive, to get enough gold to live out her days in freedom. And then she'd ended up falling in love, which was not part of her plan at all.
She was suddenly struck by a phrase she'd heard a long time ago, perhaps in a Muggle song, or from a well-meaning relative: You can't always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need.
Well, she supposed as she turned back from the lake and up the old dirt path that led towards the gates, perhaps she got a bit of both this year. She wanted gold and she got more Galleons than she would earn in a decade. She needed Severus but she couldn't have him right now. She might not get to have him at all, and she needed to make peace with that. The war effort could take years and who knew if he'd end up alive? She would have to trust in their promises to each other, stripped bare of lies and presumptions. If they were destined to be together, it would happen one day. She needed to believe it.
But beyond that, she knew that once more she would have to make it on her own and this time, life wouldn't be so tough. Because she'd reinvented herself before and she knew she had the depth of character to do it again. And because this time, she had something more precious than gold, and more reliable than love.
Rosetta stopped short infront of the wrought iron gates and pulled out a silver cylindrical object from her pocket, watching it glint in the sun. This was her future; the cost of her work for Dumbledore and the payment for her broken heart. It was priceless.
With a tight smile, she stowed the ornate scroll case back inside her robes and held her head up high as she walked through the gates, never once looking back.
THE END
(Or is it?)
A/N: Thank you to everyone who has read this story, I know it's taken a long time to complete (damn you, day job!) You get extra House points if you were reading from the very start! My intention was to make this as canon compliant as humanly possible in sticking with the plot points and timelines of Chamber of Secrets, and yet weave a fresh tale that would sit alongside it that could feel plausible without interrupting canon. It was no easy task but I did it the best that I could under my self-imposed parameters.
Rosetta's character had been with me for a few years before writing this so I am so pleased I have finally managed to get her out of my head and woven in to a story. The story also took a turn that I wasn't expecting, either. I set out to write a traditional love story along the boy meets girl, boy and girl hate each other, boy and girl end up getting together sequence of events but as I started writing it was clear that Rosetta had her own tale to tell and it wasn't going to work out like that after all! It wasn't my intention to have Severus and the story of their romance at the peripheral of the story but that's just the way it happened.
Thanks again for reading this far and who knows? Maybe Rosetta will nag me to write another! It certainly feels like there is unfinished business between the two of them.
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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 :)