"Hmm..." The Sorting Hat murmured softly atop Kayson's head.
Before it could say anything, Dumbledore yanked it off in one swift motion.
He put the hat back on top of the cabinet and looked at Kayson with a smile in his eyes.
"...I need a damn explanation. The Sorting Hat and I were getting along perfectly well. Since when did a monster like you get to object?"
"Because you aren't ready yet. Trust me, it'll be soon... Back to business. You wanted to ask whether the voice Harry heard could have been the Basilisk's voice, or the voice of Tom, who controlled the Basilisk?"
Kayson shot a furtive glance at the Sorting Hat, now back on the cabinet, and resolved to steal it someday when Dumbledore was absent.
But he did not reveal the slightest hint of that thought. Instead, he said seriously, "Magic is so vast. There should be situations like that."
Dumbledore nodded. "Indeed. Parseltongue, for example."
"...You can understand snakes?"
"Not only that. You can speak their language and command them."
"Harry should be pretty happy to hear that. No matter what, it counts as a special talent," Kayson said.
"Not necessarily. Parseltongue was one of Salazar Slytherin's defining traits. Every Parselmouth after him was an exceptionally powerful Dark Wizard. It would be best to explain it clearly to Harry and tell him to guard his secret well."
"Isn't that just survivorship bias? Too bad no one in the wizarding world teaches math." Kayson curled his lip as he watched Dumbledore rise, then stood up as well.
"I'm going to inspect the corridor Harry mentioned. Perhaps I can find their hiding place through the pipes. If you haven't taken enough, you can take a few more bottles." Dumbledore pointed at the cabinet in the corner.
"Really?"
"Of