Tilting his head, the other gave food for thought, "The carrot works better for those who've known the stick." People like you and me. Severus didn't say it, but both could hear it loud and clear. "Mr. Zabini, for all his pureblood upbringing, has known little hardship. Of course, nothing is ever easy for an Italian wizard of colour in the depth of Scotland. But Mr. Zabini's mother has taught him how to get his way. He is a true Slytherin, out for his advantage. He mistrusts arrangements where he cannot see every possible angle. Things you don't understand, you can't manipulate."