The sound of a Dementor drifting down the corridor echoed through the prison, but inside the cell, silence reigned.
Voldemort watched August quietly, sharing his silence.
After a long while, August's distinctive, hoarse yet gentle voice broke the silence.
"Among the Rookwood family, the position of Unspeakable has passed down from generation to generation."
He began by saying something seemingly unrelated.
But Voldemort showed no surprise and made no move to interrupt him.
He tilted his head as he watched August, holding the wand by its handle in one hand and playing with its tip in the other.
The wand rolled between his hands, and curiosity shone in his eyes.
"I believe magic originated there. It may sound unbelievable, but the entire Rookwood family firmly believes it."
August raised his head and looked at Voldemort. An apologetic smile appeared on his gaunt yet gentle face. "Master, does that make us seem terribly ignorant?"
Voldemort smiled. "In the face of magic, we are all still children, August. I believe the Rookwood family's conjecture has its reasons."
"Yes, Master."
As if encouraged, August spoke with some excitement. "When I was young, I heard the family elders speculate that Apparition, Portkeys, and the Floo Network might all share the same passageway."
"A passageway?" Voldemort asked curiously.
"Yes, Master."
August nodded. "You know the Floo Network. The Ministry of Magic can connect witches and wizards to it. When using a Portkey, it feels as though a hook has dragged you into a passageway."
Voldemort thought back to how it had felt just now and nodded in agreement.
"And Apparition is more like entering that passageway of your own accord, only to be squeezed out at the other end."
August suddenly chuckled, then apologized. "I'm sorry, Master. I was reminded of some amusing childhood stories