"With all due respect," Malcolm cleared his throat, not sure whether it was wise to make his presence more known. "I--my bastardization asked for collaboration--albeit somewhat fitfully--just a day or two ago to little response. What is it that changed the organization's mind?" Aside from slight confusion, Malcolm could not help but wonder if he just called Snape's bluff here. He hadn't intended to do so, but his mind had now drawn that conclusion. If they confiscated anything significant--which he did not believe was the case--why would they need the Regulators to collaborate?
It seemed as if the only gain, at least to the Bastardization leader's naive eyes, was that the Regulators would feel as if they "owed" the Unspeakables, who could then take all of the glory.
Moreover, Malcolm wanted to know whether Snape knew if You-Know-Who had planted this terrifying device, but he thought it impertinent to ask.