Phineas Nigellus: Witness for Snape?

[krista7]

No: HPFGUIDX 146160



I apologize if this has come up already--I did a search through August 
on Phineas' name and didn't see anything similar.

I was going back through the book on the Draco/Myrtle 
exchange, and I saw something (p. 339, US hardback). 
Harry's telling Dumbledore about hearing Draco/Snape.
 AD tells Harry that what he's 
reporting isn't news to him, and Harry can't believe it:

<<<"So, sir," said Harry, in what he hoped was a polite,
calm voice, "you definitely still trust--?"

"I have been tolerant enough to answer that question already,"
said Dumbledore, but he did not sound very tolerant anymore. 
"My answer has not changed."

"I should think not," said a snide voice; Phineas Nigellus
was evidently only pretending to be asleep.>>>

Why is Phineas piping up in this scene, if not to establish:

1.) He knows *why* AD is loyal to Snape *and* shares 
his belief in Snape. He isn't saying, "Because headmasters
don't listen to teenagers!" or "When I was alive, I wouldn't
have sassed my headmaster!" or "Shut up, trying to sleep here!" 
He's making a specific comment to back up what AD said.

2.) Phineas listens in on things a lot, even if he's not making 
making comments. ("Only pretending to be asleep.") 

My suggestion: Ol' Phineas is going to have a lot to 
spill in Book 7. 

Krista