AN: This popped into my head the other day when I wondered what exactly a giant chess set has to do with transfiguration when it was supposedly McGonnagall had designed it.

Review, please!

Harry and Hermione had just left Ron's prone figure in the room with the giant chessboard, Harry looking into the next room nervously, Hermione deep in thought, her brow furrowed.

"Harry?"

"Yes, Hermione?"

"I think that chessboard back there was McGonnagall's obstacle, but isn't a giant animated chess set more charms than transfiguration-related?"

Several months earlier…

"Filius?"

"Yes, what is it, Minerva?"

"I have a favor to ask of you."

"Yes, of course. What do you need my help with?"

"You are aware, of course, that Albus has acquired Flamel's, um, artifact?"

"Certainly, Minerva. I was under the impression that he had asked all of the teachers to provide protection for it, using methods from our respective fields of study."

"Yes, that is why I need your help. You see, there is not much in the realm of transfiguration that would be of much use in guarding the stone. I could turn rocks into dogs, but then I would simply have a group of dogs that could be easily immobilized. The same goes for animating suits of armor or conjuring and vanishing furniture and weaponry. I never realized how utterly pointless transfiguration can be at times!" She sighed in frustration.

"What can I do to help you with this difficult quandary, Minerva?"

"Well, perhaps instead of guarding the stone with a transfiguration-related obstacle, we could simply add another charms block. Could you come up with something?"

"Of course, Minerva. Though, just so I have a starting point, what would you consider a compelling obstacle?"

"I believe that a test of strategy would be suitable."

"Very well. I shall begin working on that and should have it ready for Albus soon. I have already finished my obstacle, so it will not take long."

"Thank you very much. Oh, and Filius?"

"Yes?"

"Shoot for something seriously challenging and unexpected. I heard that Severus is creating something particularly devious."

"Thanks for the warning. Don't tell him I said this, but I think most people would agree that he is the most intimidating and formidable teacher in the school."

Several floors below, Severus Snape grinned, feeling that one of his lifelong goals had finally been achieved.