Getting information out of Snape was far harder than Brian had imagined-
Ten minutes had passed, and he had found neither evidence in Snape's words that he was the one who had jinxed Harry's broomstick, nor any trace of another of Voldemort's helpers who might be lurking at Hogwarts.
Then Snape said casually:
"Brian, there's no need to get to the bottom of everything. We have different tasks to carry out, don't we? If you urgently need a helper, perhaps you could consider letting a creature far more dangerous than a troll into Hogwarts-for instance, the monster that once wreaked havoc here-bringing it in from outside the castle... would that be difficult?"
Persistence paid off. Brian's spirits lifted. He had finally used his advantage in information to pick up something important-the troll hadn't been let in by Snape, and there really was another of Voldemort's helpers in the castle-
And Snape's question proved that he didn't know about the basilisk-the basilisk hadn't been brought in from outside; it was in the Chamber of Secrets. Why hadn't Voldemort told him about it?
Brian's thoughts shifted, and he said mockingly:
"If you remember, I hadn't entered Hogwarts at the time-or do you really think so little of my intelligence? Or do you dare underestimate Dumbledore's abilities? I thought only the stupidest people would choose the stupidest creature-a troll.
"But I have to admit, utterly idiotic decisions sometimes produce unexpected results-everyone's attention was drawn away, wasn't it? What I'd like to ask is why you failed that day."
Snape paused in his inspection of the potion and narrowed his eyes at him:
"Don't you know why?"
"Being bitten by a dog wasn't pleasant, was it-which head bit you?"
Brian smiled and glanced at Snape's leg.
"It seems you still haven't found a way