When the ghostly eagle burst in on their gathering, Snape was visibly startled for the first time: a startlement that soured at once to cold fury as the eagle hovered, facing Snape, delivering a message only he could hear. When the bird dissipated into silver mist, he shook himself. His mouth twisted as if he'd bitten into something sour as he faced Alastor once more.
"Sterling timing, that," he declared bitterly. "As it so happens, I've just received confirmation of Potter's death from a reliable source. I've also had a report that Vance is in the Ministry's cells, and was alive, at least an hour ago."