(Untitled)

[flight_ofdeath]

[One may find Tom with a book in his hands, and his rear in an armchair. He is tense with a quiet frustration, but he does not allow it to show clearly, as his attention in on the book - one that happens to be on advanced memory charms - in front of him. When he speaks, he is not speaking to the people of the Room, but to the Room itself; his eyes

Comments

[ghostly_bird]

[Tom's sudden speech might usually have been startling when preceded by such a pervasive and intent silence, but then again, it wasn't as if his own study habits with Gellert didn't often work in much the same way. A bit startling perhaps, yes, but not surprising. However, when that silence was broken by a language more often fabled than utilized, startling was no longer such an apt description.

Albus raises a brow and contemplates Tom for a moment before breaking the silence himself.] Parseltongue, Tom?

[flight_ofdeath]

[Tom is aware of Parseltongue's reputation as a 'mark of a Dark Wizard'. It's mostly due to Salazar Slytherin's own magical preference, as well as the few other Parselmouths to make history (Herpo the Foul is a prime example). In other words, it is because of the wizards who have had the ability, and not the ability itself. Therefore, Tom is not too worried about Albus' discovery of his ability.

Tom is much more irritated that he has to play nice at the moment, especially when the prospect of throwing a few nasty curses around is oh-so tempting.]

Yes, indeed, Albus.

[ghostly_bird]

[Albus lives to unintentionally annoy? He's so oblivious, the poor sap. He isn't altogether ready to throw Tom to the wolves, so to speak, for possessing an ability too often attributed to dark magic. Of course Albus knows it's not the ability but what's done with it. He thrives off chances, after all.

Granted, he may have his slight misgivings regarding Tom, but all-in-all, he would much sooner judge upon intent (thus, Gellert so easily gets away with a smile and an apology) than what he could do.]

That's really quite impressive; I've never actually heard it.

[flight_ofdeath]

[It's not Albus himself that irritates Tom (ironically, Albus is one of people stands quite well). Tom's just in a mood, due to there being no way for him to have any sort of control over the Room. Not only that, but he has little idea if his attempt at appeasing the Room in order to retain his memories when back in his world achieved any sort of results. It's frustrating, and when Tom gets in such a mood most everything grates his nerves.

Oh, Albus, if only you knew the truth.]

Not many have. It's quite a rare ability.

[ghostly_bird]

[He nods.] I remember. Near impossible to imitate correctly, and even then it's a miracle if it takes, and is almost as difficult to try and understand. You've always been able to, I take it?

[flight_ofdeath]

Yes, I have. [Tom closes his book slowly, wearing an easy smile.]

[ghostly_bird]

[By this point, Albus knows better than to bring up too much family history with Tom. Even unspoken, the incident in the graveyard was enough to clearly warn him off such a subject. He has tact, unlike certain companions who simply use the knowledge for revenge. But it's an interesting note that the ability was most likely inherited, and it couldn't have been from his father's side--wasn't that right? It would have had to be the magical side of his family.

Though what exactly that says about the Gaunts, Albus still isn't quite sure. He nods again, simply noting the fact, and directs his attention to the book in Tom's lap.] Interesting...

Now, is this for an exam, or a bit of--can we call Advanced Charms 'light reading'?