"Quite dead." News still traveled slowly through Azkaban, clearly. And Nott could hardly be relied upon to provide an accurate accounting. "I was under the impression that Mr. Nott killed him, although I admit I was rather preoccupied at the time. As were you. I hardly think trying harder would have done anyone any good." He didn't quite feel guilt - Goyle hadn't exactly been dragged kicking and screaming to take the Mark - but it wasn't quite fair, either. Not that there was any reason to expect it should be.
It took Severus a moment to decide he hadn't misinterpreted, or that Goyle hadn't misspoken. He kept his face carefully blank, but the idea was ... astounding, and not in a pleasant way. He chased it away to process later, and pressed on, batting away persistent mental images. "... I see." Good heavens. "Even given all of that, it seems unlikely that a man in your position would be granted custody of a - of someone like Mr. Nott. You've only just been released, and volunteer requirements are hardly considered stable employment." That struck him with an idea that bordered on insane, but if it helped to satisfy his nagging conscience, it was worth investigating. It wasn't as though that job hadn't been held by the marginally qualified before. "Perhaps a steady job would be a good first step."