Snape had grown somewhat tired of humiliating the Marauders.
On the one hand, with Professor Flitwick watching, no matter what he did, he could not go too far with Sirius; on the other, for Harry's sake, he was prepared to grant his godfather a small measure of dignity.
So why not change the game?
Of course, seeing the barely concealed fury in Sirius's eyes, Snape understood that even if he backed down now, Sirius would never let the matter rest.
Snape turned to Professor Flitwick, who was specifically reinforcing the magical barrier around the duelling platform for them, and asked:
"Professor, I have a small request. Before the match, may I have a word with Sirius?"
"We have nothing to discuss," Sirius said coldly.
"No, I assure you." Snape stared straight at Sirius, a meaningful smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. "If you miss this chance, Padfoot, you will definitely regret it."
At the name Padfoot, a flicker of panic passed through Sirius's silver-grey eyes.
Although James had already told them that the Marauder's Map had been lost, he did not know how Snape had connected the nickname on it to him.
Sirius glared at Snape for a while, his throat working, before finally giving a stiff nod.
The two walked to a corner of the Great Hall.
Under the effects of the Silencing Charm, Snape spoke. "Sirius, James is important to you, isn't he?"
"What do you want, Snivellus?" Sirius said through clenched teeth, his Wand nearly pressed against Snape. "Say what you mean."
"Mind your language, Sirius." Snape calmly took half a step back, a kindly smile on his lips. "What I mean is, James must be the most important person to you, right?"
"So what if he is?" Sirius was nearly out of patience. "Stop