The robed figures were the council of snake whisperers, named for their unique ability to speak parseltongue, the language of serpents. They were also powerful sorcerers and servants to Lord Albus. It was once thought that only two could speak the language of serpents, Harry and Voldemort. Lord Albus, the son of Harry, had picked up his father's trait. However, he had gone further and learnt that it could be taught to others. Of course, it was no replacement for being born with the ability, and the council could only parse the tongue in a rudimentary and ugly way. However, he had taught them enough to communicate and, as it had the added benefit of being indecipherable to any potential spies, it had been worth the effort.