Harry potter:Dark lord

After Dumbledore's departure, the room felt emptier than ever, leaving only Robert and Nagini in a silent standoff.

Breaking the awkwardness, Robert asked, "Have you had breakfast? Would you like some porridge?"

Nagini responded with a curious hiss.

"Right... snakes don't eat porridge. So, what would you prefer?" Robert inquired again.

Nagini hissed once more, her tongue flicking.

Robert looked puzzled. "Hmm, it seems we need a translator. Fortunately, I know just the person!" He extended his left hand toward Nagini.

Understanding his intent, Nagini slithered up and coiled herself around Robert's left arm.

With a sudden bang, Robert burst into Tom's room, startling him as he was engrossed in a book and nibbling on bread.

"You... what do you want now? You gave me this book to read!" Tom exclaimed, a hint of fear in his voice.

He dreaded that Robert might retract his permission to study, which would be devastating for a diligent student like him.

"Relax, Tom. I just need a favor. I believe you'll be more than willing to help, right? After all, you're a kind-hearted person," Robert said with a smile.

Me? Kind-hearted? A good person?

Forcing a smile, Tom replied, "Yes, of course... I'm always willing to help..."

Patience!

"So, Robert, what do you need from me?"

Robert, pleased with Tom's response, revealed the small snake coiled around his wrist.

Tom's eyes widened. "This snake... it looks familiar."

"That's because she's Nagini," Robert replied with a grin.

"What?!" Tom nearly fell off his bed in shock.

The memory of Nagini was etched deeply in Tom's mind, especially since he had narrowly escaped death because of her.

"How... how is she so small now? And... did she just greet me?"

Robert explained, "She's conscious now. Haven't you heard her story?"

Tom slowly sat back down. "Even if she's conscious, she could lose control at any moment... We almost died last time. I need to inform Dumbledore!"

Seeing Tom's expression, Robert knew he was contemplating using this information to his advantage.

But Robert was prepared.

"Actually, it was Professor Dumbledore who placed Nagini with me. He's known all along."

"What!?" Tom jumped up again.

"How could he do this? Putting a dangerous creature near two vulnerable students? Doesn't he understand the risk?"

"Vulnerable?"

"Yes! I am vulnerable!" Tom nearly cried out.

Since Robert's arrival, Tom had constantly felt overshadowed.

"Don't worry, Tom. Professor Dumbledore entrusted Nagini to me because I can keep her conscious. Besides, she understands us but can't speak human language yet."

"Really?" Tom glanced at the little snake, noticing her slight dejection, and felt a pang of guilt.

Nagini, being human at heart, understood their conversation and seemed saddened by it.

"Hiss, hiss..."

"I... I didn't mean it that way, I just..." Tom stammered, blushing, unsure of how to respond to Nagini's hisses.

"Alright, Tom, we're all good people here, right? So, let's help Nagini. It's our responsibility," Robert said encouragingly.

Tom eyed Robert skeptically, doubting his sincerity.

If there was no benefit, why would Robert be so eager?

The most frustrating thing is doing all the work and someone else reaping the rewards.

Tom felt this acutely now.

Robert wasn't going to share any benefits with him, yet he needed Tom's help to translate.

Frustrated! But he had to endure!

Forcing a neutral expression, Tom asked, "What would you like me to ask Nagini?"

"Just translate her words. She understands us," Robert replied.

"Hiss, hiss..."

"Oh..." Tom nodded, "She says she doesn't want to eat raw food anymore. It reminds her of the times she had no control and had to consume raw meat."

Robert pondered. "In that case... how about eggs? I know snakes like eggs. We can boil them."

Nagini nodded in agreement.

Fortunately, with her reduced size, Nagini's appetite had also diminished. With the help of nutritional potions, two boiled eggs were enough to satisfy her.

After Nagini finished her meal and Robert his porridge, Robert turned to Tom.

"Tom, could you teach me Parseltongue? That way, I won't have to bother you for translations."

"No! It's an innate ability and can't be taught," Tom replied firmly.

He couldn't let Robert acquire his unique skill.

"Really can't be taught?"

"Absolutely not!" Tom was resolute. No matter what, he wouldn't yield!

"Alright... then forget it."

Tom was taken aback by Robert's sudden concession.

"Nagini can write with her tail, so I'll ask her to teach me," Robert said with a smile.

Nagini nodded in agreement.

Tom stared in disbelief. Was his only advantage over Robert now gone?

A profound sense of helplessness washed over him.

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