Wizards Chess (Starting
the Tournament)
Author: Angelina
Date: 02-13-03 18:55
I entered the Great Hall and looked at the arrangements. I was pleased with the House Elves work and thought of a way to thank them. There were four tables on each side of the room facing a table in the center, so the arrangement looked like a capital "I". The boards were set up and next to them were the boxes of chess pieces and two small drawing boxes where the player will draw to see who will go first.
I had looked at my list and did the matchups for who will play who and went down the table. As I did, I noticed a small female House Elf. I had seen her once or twice and tried to remember her name, then it came to me. "Winky is it?" I asked as I approached the little elf. She turned and nodded. "I be Winky, you must be Missy Gryffindor. I was told about you, Missy Gryffindor. Not going to call any lions is she?" I smiled and shook my head. "No Winky, I'm not. The Lion is with Hagrid at the moment, at his hut."
Winky gave a sigh of relief and looked at the table. "Missy Gryffindor, can Winky say something?" I gave a nod. "The table missing something. Winky had an idea. Winky hope you like her idea." I knelt down and smiled. "Winky, I could use the help. What idea do you have?" Winky held out her little hands then "POP", a small silver box appeared and it opened. Inside were eight little flags, each represented the four houses of Hogwarts.
The Lion for Gryffindor, the Eagle for Ravenclaw, the Badger for Hufflepuff and the Snake for Slytherin. "Winky thought you could use these next to the boards to represent the houses. Winky made them herself." I picked up a Gryffindor flag and the Lion seemed to paw in the air. Below it had the player's name in gold. I put the flag down and looked at the House Elf, then gave her a hug. "They're wonderful, Winky, thank you." As I let her go, she began to cry.
I sat in the Common Room as the others still talked about the fight between a Ravenclaw Gabriel Baine and Slytherin Draco Malfoy at the Three Broomsticks a couple of weeks ago. "Went right for the conk he did," one fifth year said and laughed. "Yeah," a third year girl responded, "took on Crabbe and Goyle too."
I never got tired of hearing it. I guess we all didn't, for most of those who knew the Slytherins well knew how nasty they can get and especially Malfoy. Some of the Gryffindors were even thinking of proclaiming a Gabriel Baine day to mark the event.
As I sat there, my watch chimed. It was time to go. Looking for Remadi, I found her and told her it was time to go. She got up and the Common Room looked at us. "Oy Paul, Ye, good luck at the game, beat those Slytherins," athird year boy shouted, and we got a round of applause as we left the room. "See you there," I shouted back and we headed out the portal.
Wizards Chess: Let
the Games Begin
Author: Angelina
Date: 02-14-03 02:05
After all was set up, the students who wanted to watch came in, then the players. Each seemed nervous and looked at each other as they stood in front of me. "All right then," I began. "First, I want to thank you once again for your interest in this little tournament. Second, I want to explain a few rules."
I looked at each face, then took a deep breath. "One, eye contact must remain to the board or your opponent only, any gazing to the audience and any signals given, you will be disqualified and the person or persons who are aiding you will be escorted out of the Hall and your opponent will be declared the winner. Two, the only talking heard in here will be strictly on the game, ie. 'Check or Checkmate' or what move you plan to make. Three, once you have either won your game or lost it, shake hands with your opponent and congratulate them. The gallery, please give a nice round of applause for their efforts. Now if there are no questions, I'll pair you off."
I unrolled the scroll and looked down the list: "Miss Paul you will play Miss Aisling, Miss Ye you will play Miss Brumby, Miss Giacinta you will play Miss Chang, Mr. Masterson you will play Miss Forest." I looked up at the players. "Please take your seats and reach into the small boxes next to you. Each contain the King. It will determine who will play first. The younger player makes the draw."
Each player sat at their seats and the youngest players Miss Paul, Mr. Masterson, Miss Giacinta, and Miss Ye each reached into the box and pulled out the Kings. Miss Paul-White, Mr. Masterson-Black, Miss Ye also Black, Miss Giacinta-White marking who goes first. Once the Kings were placed on the boards, the other pieces followed and the games began.
Lawrence didn't get much sleep the night before the start of the Wizard's chess tournament. He was too busy practicing and planning for his game against Aradia Forest. When the sun rose, he left the common room and showered and dressed before heading down to the Great Hall with Vera for breakfast. They ate, and it was obvious that Lawrence was a bit nervous.
Finally as the day worn on, it was time for the tournament. All those playing, stood in front of Professor Logan and she made a few announcements. She then had the younger players draw to see who would move first. Lawrence drew the black king, giving Aradia the first move.
They settled into their seats and Lawrene knew that Vera was standing just off to his right hand side, he couldn't look at her, because he did not wish to be accused of cheating. His gaze stayed focused on both Araida and the board in front of him.
He took a deep breath and waited for Aradia to make her first move. When she moved, he smiled and then made his.
The True Story
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 02-14-03 11:25
Although not one to ordinarily work on a Saturday, Bill went to Gringotts today with the interest of speaking to the newly reinstated bank president, Azar Zahid. Ever since returning to the bank approximately three weeks ago, Zahid had been putting in long hours at Gringotts in order to right the wrongs Adallah had made.
While Adallah's brief presidency hadn't resulted in total chaos nor the near collapse of Cairo's branch of Gringotts Wizarding Bank, it had placed the bank on somewhat unsteady grounds. In their efforts to reclaim Gringotts reputation as the safest locale for prized possessions, all Gringotts employees worked extra hard.
Bill climbed the steps to the second floor, taking them two at a time. He hadn't had the opportunity to truly speak to his old friend and mentor since the man's return. An occasional hello and welcome back had been exchanged, of course, but the many questions swirling in Bill's mind still awaited to be answered.
He paused briefly when he reached the landing and stepped over to the wooden railing to peer out over the activity down below. Goblins rushed back and forth with rolls of parchments, others weighed coins and tabulated currency rates and all wore looks of fatigue and exhaustion.
Bill continued down the corridor and stopped before Zahid's office, where he immediately noted that the nameplate next to the wooden doubledoors no longer bore the name Khalid Adallah. A brief feeling of anger swelled inside of him as he thought about that man and his Egyptian sidekick, whose new homes consisted of two five by seven cell blocks in a Wizarding prison somewhere on the Mediterranean coast maintained by Mediterranean, North African and Middle Eastern countries.
He knocked on the door and entered at Zahid's, "Come!"
"Ah, Bill! Good to see you," said Zahid cheerfully, peering at his employee through small, rectangular spectacles. The elderly man set his eagle-feathered quill down and leaned back in his high-backed seat. "What brings you to work today?"
Bill sat down in the offered chair in front of Zahid's finely carved desk and answered, "I know you're busy, Mr. Zahid, and I do apologize for interrupting your work..." His eyes fell on the rolls of parchments and stacks of papyrus cluttering the surface of Zahid's desk.
"Nonsense, my lad. What can I do for you?"
"Well," Bill started, organizing his thoughts, "I have a few questions...a few curiosities to settle."
"Certainly, I'd imagine so." Zahid smiled.
"Why did you step down in the first place?"
Zahid sighed deeply and massaged his chin with his right hand. "Ah, what did Mr. Adallah tell you? I'm sure you asked him."
Bill nodded. "Yes, I did, and he said that you willingly stepped down because you weren't pleased with your performance. You felt someone else would be better suited for the position."
No hint of accusation or disappointment toned Zahid's question, "And you believed him?"
"Yes."
"Yes, Mr. Adallah was quite the actor. Let me tell you what really happened. Your former employer pressued me to step down. His associate, Nawif, was a trained assassin; Adallah's bodyguard, if you will. After I refused to give in to Adallah's demands, Nawif killed my nephew."
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I had no idea."
"You weren't in Cairo at the time, my lad. I left, knowing more harm could come to my family if I sought out the aid of magical law enforcement officers. I'm glad you came along to end Adallah's reign of terror."
Bill sighed deeply. "Unfortunately my brother was put in grave danger and my partner lost his life."
"Yes, and I do apologize. Perhaps I should have contacted aurors right from the beginning and taken the risk..."
"No, I understand why you didn't." Bill attempted a weak smile and added, "It's all in the past now. Adallah and Nawif are gone and you're back. Gringotts will be back on its feet in no time."
Clara, hand in hand with Draco walked with Tempest into the Great Hall; where Tempest was playing in the wizard's chess tournament. Crabbe and Goyle were trailing behind them.
"Break her leg." Clara winked at her friend as she and Draco sat down.
After awhile a boy came and sat down on the other side of Clara. She recognized him as another 6th year Slytherin. One who didn't say much.
Her thoughts of him then wandered into the back of her mind when Draco nudged her. The tournament was beginning and Tempest was looking rather annoyed at playing a first year...a Gryffindor of all things.
Suddenly Clara's eyes flashed with mischief. She had an idea. She glanced back at the boy sitting next to her, then back at Tempest. It was perfect.
Heh...heh...heh...
Clara smirked and turned to the boy. "Hi."
The boy sort of jumped, and looked shocked that someone was talking to him. "Uh...Hi..."
"I'm Clara...Clara Devaki. And you are...?"
Huh?
Author: Adrian Lestrange
Date: 02-14-03 16:31
Adrian was in the Great Hall to support Slytherin in the Chess tournament, but he wasn't watching because a single thought occupied his attention *Get Neville Longbottom!*
"He can't hide. That Squib will pay. He will pay."
Adrian, who hadn't spoken to anyone since his fist day at Hogwarts, was being spoken to!
A Slytherin girl about his age said "Uh...Hi...I'm Clara...Clara Devaki. And you are...?"
Adrian looked at her and wasn't going to say anything, but he noticed who she was sitting next to!
It was Draco Malfoy, his parents' friends' son and one of the most respected people Slytherin house!
He then replied, "Hello, I'm Adrian...Adrian Lestrange...
King's Pawn Gambit
Author: Aradia Forest
Date: 02-14-03 20:56
"Hi! Lawrence?" I greet the young Hufflepuff waiting by a board in the Great Hall. He looks nervous and kind of tired. So I assure him. "Don't worry, I don't lose my sense of humour when I play! I am strategic though, so be warned." I grin deviously. We randomly pick out a piece, and by good luck I choose white.
I decide to start with the classic opening -- King's pawn Gambit. I order the pawn directly in front of the king forward two squares then look to Lawrence. "Your move."
Let the Game Begin
Author: Elizabeth Faith Brumby
Date: 02-15-03 02:34
It's the 12th and time for the chess tournament. After getting dressed, I grab a quick bite to eat. I could still hear a couple people talking about the little fight between Baine and Malfoy. I had unfortunately missed it, though I have to admit that I had had a fairly nice time at Hogsmeade. I ignore the other people and start thinking about chess and the tactics I would use.
When the time came, I met up with Professor Logan and the other contestants. The professor spent time over rules. I didn't have to worry about them, though. There wasn't anyone here whose judgment I would trust over my own and who would want to talk to some fourth year Gryffindor anyways?
We take our seats and Ye, being the youngest, pulls out her King first and draws the black one, meaning I start. It didn't really matter if I started or she did, it would be over soon enough and she would be running to her dorm crying that she had lost. I look at her and smile before starting. I have to admit that my smile probably was a little smug, but if you're good, then you're good. And I'm good. I start the chess game how I start almost all of my games, with my right knight. I waited for her to make her move and I hoped that she was at least a decent player.
The Match
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 02-15-03 07:38
Remadi gets up at her normal Saturday time and goes about her normal morning routine. As the morning progresses, she becomes more nervous and excited. After showering, she goes down to the common room to wait until it is time to start the tournament. She tries to do some studying, but can't concentrate. She gave up on studying and pulled out one of her mangas, Magic Knight Rayearth, to read and pass the time.
Finally Annie comes up to her to tell her it is time to go. Remadi nods and follows her. She likes hearing the other Gryffindors backing them up. She tries to shake some of the nerves out of her, but it doesn't do much good. Neko nuzzles her ear which makes her laugh. Finally they are in the Great Hall with the other competitors and Professor Logan. Neko drops from his place on her shoulder and slips away, finding some nice spot to watch the match from. She listens to the professor as she lays out the rules and nods before finding her way to her chair.
She pulls out the black King, so must wait for Faith to start. Before moving Faith smiles at her, a smug smile that gets on Remadi's nerves. Remadi knows that Faith could be better than her. She isn't the best chess player, just loves to play it. Faith makes her first move and the game begins. Remadi starts her side with a pawn, doing the same move as Aradia, though unaware of the other games going on.
Remadi decided to play a somewhat conservative game, at least at the beginning. She really didn't know anything about Faith's abilities and she didn't want to underestimate her opponent as her opponent seemed to be doing with her. She waited for Faith to make her next move, watching the board and thinking of the different ways to get that much closer to Faith's King.
Spectator Sport
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 02-15-03 17:09
From where I sit, I have a decent view of all four of the Wizards' Chess boards. In addition to the eight participants in the tournament, there are some forty or fifty spectators sitting on the sidelines. There is a hushed murmur of muted conversation, but nothing to disrupt the concentration of the players.
I watch with interest as the opponents try various strategies. I note that Mr. Masterson is being a bit more conservative than he was in our "practice game" of a few weeks ago. From time to time, a "clang" and "crash" is heard throughout the Hall, as one of the pieces is "captured". I certainly hope that someone is recording the moves, so these games can be replayed and studied and discussed at leisure.
Pulling out a piece of parchment and a redi-quill, I jot down Miss Brumby's first move: "N-KB3!" Then I wait for Miss Ye's response.
Play!
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 02-16-03 17:21
Cho arrived just in the nick of time, hand clutching Fynn's. He squeezes her hand and gives her one last kiss on the forehead before moving to be in the first row near her table. He gives her a wink just as Angelina tells them to play.
Cho looks up at Ainsley, smiling politely and offering her hand, "Hello Ainsley, a pleasure to play you. Shall we begin?"
Ainsley drew her king, white. And so, as the rules state, Ainsley went first. Cho watched, chess strategies flying quickly through her mind, trying pick the one she wanted, and seeing if she could nail Ainsley's.
Soon, it was Cho's turn. She decided she'd make up a strategy as she went along, moving the two pawns in front of her royal couple up two and then calling her knights out. Each in their own turn of course, she waited for Ainsley's next move.
Duty Calls
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 02-16-03 17:31
Draco sat on Clara's left, half listening to the introductions being made between her and Adrian Lestrange, a rather quiet boy in their year. Adrian seemed rather awed and surprised by Draco's close proximity, which presented itself as odd since the boys were roommates and saw each other more or less every day.
When Draco swiveled his head around to view Tempest's chessboard, a figure across the room caught his attention. Filch swept along one of the walls in the Great Hall, with Mrs. Norris trotting at his feet. When his beady eyes found Draco, he sneered and jerked his head to the great double doors.
"Great," Draco muttered, and Clara turned to look at him.
"What's wrong?"
Draco narrowed his eyes at Filch, who had begun to walk out of the Great Hall. "Duty calls. Tell me how Tempest does later."
He stood and crossed the room, stepping outside the Great Hall to meet Filch and Mrs. Norris.
"I've a job for you to do, Malfoy. You aren't finished with your detention yet." A hint of cruel delight tainted his words.
Draco scowled inwardly and asked, "What can I do for you, Mr. Filch?"
"The suits of arms on the second floor need a cleaning. All the supplies you'll need to complete this task are in the broom closet next to the staircase. You'll get your wand back when you've finished." Filch held open his hand.
Draco glowered, pulled his wand from his robe pocket and stiffly held it out to Filch. The old caretaker stuffed it into his coat pocket and grinned somewhat evilly before spinning on his heel and disappearing down the corridor.
After staring daggers at Filch's retreating back, Draco turned and climbed the marble staircase to the second floor. Upon reaching the landing, he paused momentarily when he caught sight of Professor Somerset down the hall.
The professor stood next to his door with eyes shut and fingers pressed against his temple.
"Excuse me, Professor," Draco said, temporarily abandoning his duties. "You look a little distressed."
Caught
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 02-16-03 19:30
Startled, Ethan opened his eyes and abruptly removed his hand from his head. He stepped away from the door to his office and approached Draco Malfoy, who stood by the broom closet by the staircase and wore a mild look of concern on his face.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy. I'm fine, thank you. Just a slight...headache, is all." Ethan smiled faintly.
Malfoy didn't seem satisfied with this answer and pressed, "Are you sure, Professor? Something seems to be ailing you. Allow me to escort you to the hospital wing."
Ethan's smile broadened. "Are you trying to evade a detention, Mr. Malfoy?"
The Slytherin shook his head and bypassed his professor's question with an observation. "Perhaps I'm mistaken, but it looks to me like more than a little headache is bothering you. Are you sure you're all right?"
The smile vanished from his face as Ethan sighed and replied swiftly, "I'm fine."
"Prof–"
"Five points!" Ethan barked, a familiar rush of fury clouding his eyes.
Malfoy staggered backward a step, watching his Defense Against the Dark Arts professor warily.
"Five points!" Ethan repeated, but the over-whelming anger started to fade. He relaxed, ignoring his outburst and finished, "Five points will be awarded to Slytherin. Thank you for your concern, Mr. Malfoy. I'm fine, I really am. Please, carry on with what you were doing."
Whether Malfoy believed him or not, Ethan wasn't sure. The Slytherin simply nodded once in acknowledgement and perhaps out of gratitude for the points, and then he turned and opened the closet door. While Malfoy busied himself with some of the materials therein, Ethan turned on his heel and walked to his office. Upon entry, Ethan shut the door behind him and leaned up against it.
"What is the matter with me?" he breathed, running a hand through his hair.
Many things weighed heavily upon his mind; the rapidly approaching trial for Koyla remained on the forefront. He hadn't seen the man since that fateful day in Bulgaria. A part of him never wanted to see the man again, yet a small part of him craved closure. He wanted to push all ill thoughts from his mind and move on to newer, brighter things. If the trial and sentencing of the madman could solve all of Ethan's worries, then Ethan would more than welcome it.
En Passant
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 02-16-03 20:28
After all the pleasantries were done, I sat in front of Tempest Aisling. She was a 6th year Slytherin and from what I heard was as bad as they come, but that was just talk. Remembering what Orie told me about not letting things get to me, I managed a small smile which was returned by a sneer. Then after the drawing the game began.
I noticed my opponent's moves and that she was not too good at the game, but she did give it a try. I watched as she moved one of her pawns forward two spaces hoping she would not get caught. I gave a small smile and called my pawn. "Pawn En Passant," I said and her pawn was quickly captured.
The Slytherin gave me a nasty look as I made the move and held up her hand to signal Professor Logan. The Professor came forward and Tempest whispered something to her. Professor Logan looked up her rule scroll, then pointed it out. I did make a fair move.
I heard the muttering and clashing of the other players' pieces, knowing the strategy of the others must be going good. I just kept my eyes on my own area and not the others. They could handle their own, but not only that, I didn't want to lose the game.
Lyon, France: White Woman and
Black Sheep
Author: Michael Turin
Date: 02-16-03 21:08
From the shadows, the man watched the willowy fair-haired woman walk quickly down the street, ushering a small replica of herself in front. He wasn't the only one, as she passed all the men seemed to gawk at her. Which wasn't really surprising, Hellouise Turin was a quarter Veela. She glances around, then taking of her wand taps the gate of the house which to nearby muggles seems old and delapidate. To the wizards it was the gate to La Rue des Magiciens. Hellouise took the child's hand and they walked through the gate.
Merdroit was the "Black sheep" of the Turin clan. Cousin to Michael Turin and his brother Abelard (Hellouise's husband). Both brothers acted as if Merdroit didn't really exist, while watching to have him carefully watched. It just wouldn't do to have a dark wizard ruin the prestigious respect of the Old Turin family.
Michael, after all, was the deputy head auror in Britain . . . and Abelard had just been appointed to a very prominent position in the French Ministry.
Merdroit turned and left, disapparating a few paces away from the Gate.
Unaware of their watcher, Hellouiose looked at expensive gowns for the upcoming ball in her husband's honour, while Sabina innocently asked "Mama, est-ce que je peux avoir du creme glace, s'il vous plait?*"
----
* mommy, can I have some ice cream, please?
Just Visiting
Author: Michael Turin
Date: 02-16-03 21:32
Michael steps off the London-Hogsmeade train and walks down the main Hogsmeade street (if it can be called that) and proceeds to look for the potion shoppe. Michael had sent the owner a letter previously, but believed that thanks should be conveyed in person, when at all possible. He was also interesting in learning Nevvyn's experiences doing auror work for the ministry.
Michael finds the shoppe without much difficulty, and walks into the sound of chimes. Several small brownies run out, then seeing he is not who they were expecting, return to work. Shortly thereafter, an older wizard steps from the back room.
"Ah, good afternoon, sir. Are you Nevvyn? I am Michael Turin."
Observing
Author: Christina Triegher
Date: 02-17-03 06:31
They all went down together, hurrying to the Great Hall for a glimpse of the matches going on between the houses. She had insisted that they, the girls, all sport blue highlights, courtesy of one of her muggle friends before she went back to Hogwarts for the term. They entered the Hall and found seats with a good view. She held on to Kennard's hand as she peered to see who was winning.
As she settled back in her seat, she noticed Mirai squeezing Diether's hand tightly.
"What's wrong, Mai?" she asked the other girl.
"Huh?" Mirai asked back, looking a bit disoriented.
She pointed to the players directly in front of them, Lawrence of Hufflepuff and their very own Aradia.
"Oh," she said. She released Diether's hand and clasped them together on her lap before answering her. "I'm just confused on who to really support," she explained.
Diether just hugged her close and rubbed her arms. Christina just smiled at her in understanding.
"No friends for now, Mai," Margaritte said. "It's all for the house points!" she grinned as she added that.
"Alright, alright," Mirai said, finally settling to supporting her fellow Ravenclaws before her friends. "And, oh, look Red," she said a bit later. "There's Remadi," pointing to a Gryffindor at their left. Diether nodded in return.
"Well," Christina said, "let's just watch quietly now, shall we. And wait for who wins this tournament."
The other five nodded as they all watched back to the matches in front of them.
