"That is not an area of much study, and not an ability I possess for myself. Though I can't imagine there would be no effect."

She nods. "A new corner to poke at, then."

"Indeed. Good luck to you."

"Thanks. Wonder how I'd test it... Hearing music rather than just meaning seems hardest - though also it's pretty unlikely to be an instant disaster just playing around..."

"Perhaps find another with the same language talent, and experiment with singing at them."

"It'll just move meaning directly, though - I'd probably also need someone without the talent to just listen to the sounds, but they'd need an ear for pitch..."

...Also Anathema's not out as a Parseltongue and this just occurred to her.

"I would be happy to assist, if you would like."

"If you don't mind - I would like that."

"It's... Not something I've told people about except Ellie and Fay, 'cause it's stigmatized here, but - "

Well, in for a knut...

Are you going to Scarborough Fair - parsley sage rosemary and thyme -

She has to focus to sing in Parseltongue - focus more on 'this should come out as music to all listeners' - but actually gets a recognizable rhythm, even if it's being hissed.

"...Parseltongue?"

"Yeah." She ducks her head a bit, feeling shy. "Basically no one admits to having it around here..."

"One of your founders was a Parselmouth, yes? I do not believe there are any great traditions in these lands otherwise..."

...She should stop trying to lie like ever. (This would be easier if she had fewer things it was vital to lie about. Maybe she should stop trying to admit partial truths to people ever.)

Shrug, and, awkwardly, looking down at her feet: "People immigrate, and it ever pops up randomly. I don't know my family tree back very far," because she hasn't looked, "But - descent from Slytherin's something people brag about, not something people never mention."

Except her. Especially after second year, 'Heir of Slytherin' would be a hell of a thing to admit.

"I see."

Shrug. "There's at least one other Parselmouth at school and when that got out people - ultimately mostly just forgot about it. But. I don't want to deal with the 'months of rumors' stage first."

"It will be our secret, then."

Shy smile. "Thanks."

"Did you have any other questions?"

"I'm composed of nothing but questions."

The darkness outside catches her eye -

" - But also I should probably check how close curfew is..."

"It would be a shame to have your Yule Ball attendance privileges revoked after all this."

"Getting caught's only really a problem if you go back to the dorm - I've got other places to sleep, but they're not 'my own bed.'"

"An experienced delinquent, I see."

Giggle. "Not if you look at my school records."

"Further corroboration."

"The real trick is waiting for the professors to decide you're the ideal student first."

Also have a professor firmly in your corner with even less respect for the law. (And Anathema has actually gotten away with an astonishing number of serious crimes for someone who can't lie to save her life...)

"Ha. Very good."