[It's always difficult when Sirius goes quiet this way, and it's hard not to feel like he needs to talk twice as much to make up for it. There are other times where they can have an entire conversation in the silence between them, but when it's a fight between them there's a difference.

James tries not to let it show either though. He just seats himself down in front of the black side of the chessboard.]

I do not. [Yes, he does. Unless Remus is playing.] Besides, the point is that it's fun, and you'll never beat me if you don't at least try. It'll take a while to say everything that needs to be said anyhow, so it's something to do in the meantime.

[Despite the somber things he needs to tell him about, James manages to keep his smile bright and friendly.]

C'mon, I'll even let you go first. You can play white.

[He says it like it's a special offer, but James has always let him go first, every time they've ever played.]