Chapter 16: Twin Suicide Mate

28 November 1991

Harry woke up early on that Thursday morning. He headed for the showers and afterwards studied his notes for Herbology.

The other first-year Slytherin boys were sleeping. Harry decided to walk around the Slytherin Common Room.

Harry found Miles Bletchley sitting near the fireplace, apparently reading something.

"What are you reading, Miles?", Harry asked.

"Just some strategies to use when we play Ravenclaw in February", Bletchley said. "Liam Goldstein might have a few tricks up his sleeve. He's a decent bloke, but I can't ever be too cautious. You probably know that Goldstein is one of the Ravenclaw beaters."

"We'll be fine, I'm sure of it", Harry said. "Besides, Bole and Derrick will look out for us. They can hit bludgers quite sufficiently."

"That is true", Bletchley said. "The Ravenclaw keeper, Hunter Clearwater, is seemingly decent at stopping chasers from scoring against him. But hopefully Draco, Flint, and Montague will have success against him."

Just then, a Slytherin fifth-year named Caleb Holland walked past them.

"Miles, do you know where Gaius Avery is?", he asked.

"He's probably patrolling the corridors right now", Bletchley said. "You know Gaius is dedicated to his role as a prefect."

"That's true", Caleb said, chuckling. "Well, I have to get going. See you around."

Bletchley went back to revising Quidditch strategies. Harry then walked back to the dorm and continued studying his Herbology notes.

Eventually, the other first-year Slytherin boys woke up. They all headed to breakfast with the Slytherin first-year girls. Gaius Avery and Cleo Rowle were supervising their activities.

After breakfast, all the Slytherin first-years headed to Herbology. When they arrived in the classroom, they found Professor Sprout with samples of Asphodel on the tables.

"Good morning, first-years", Professor Sprout said. "Today we will be studying about asphodel and its association with herbology."

Harry took his seat, hoping that Professor Sprout would call on either him or Theodore to answer any questions.

"Who can tell me about the origin of the name of asphodel?"

Harry raised his hand.

"Yes, Mister Potter?"

"The name asphodel comes from the Greek asphodelos. The Greeks believed in the underworld and there was a meadow filled with asphodel in the Elysian Fields. After individuals died in ancient Greece, asphodel was planted near their graves."

"Ten points to Slytherin, Potter."

Harry felt relieved.

"What family is asphodel from? Can anyone answer that question?"

Again, Harry raised his hand.

"Mister Potter?"

"It is from the Lily family", Harry said.

"Five points to Slytherin", Professor Sprout said.

She then gave all the Slytherin first-years a quiz. Harry got every single question correct.

"Twenty points to Slytherin", Professor Sprout said.

Harry felt so relieved.

After class, Harry was walking with a slight spring in his step.

"You certainly seem ecstatic", Draco said.

"Indeed", Harry said.

Later that day, the Slytherin first-years were in the common room, revising.

"Crabbe, I think my Wizard's Chess skills have improved", Harry said. "Want to play a game?"

"Sure, Harry", Crabbe said.

Crabbe had the white pieces and Harry had the black pieces. Draco stood near the board to referee the game. The other Slytherin first-years watched with anticipation.

"Pawn to e4", Crabbe said. The white pawn on e2 moved to e4.

"Pawn to d5", Harry said. The black pawn on d7 moved to d5.

"Pawn to d5", Crabbe said. The white pawn on e4 captured the black pawn on d5, smashing it with its sword.

"Queen to d5", Harry said. The black queen on d8 moved to d5, obliterating the black pawn on d5.

"King to e2", Crabbe said. The white king on e1 moved to e2. Harry was stunned by this move. It violated the principles of chess openings. Not to mention that Harry could deliver checkmate on the next move.

"Queen to e4", Harry said. The black queen on d5 moved to e4.

"Checkmate", Harry said.

Harry and Crabbe shook hands after the game.

Draco then decided to explain. "This type of checkmate is known as 'Twin Suicide Mate'. It is similar to the Suicide Mate, except the black queen is checkmating the white king."

"There are so many interesting concepts about chess", Harry said.

"That is true", Draco acknowledged.

The Slytherin first-years went back to studying.

That night, Harry crept out of bed and quietly snuck through the common room to go through the dungeons. He had to make sure that Marcus Flint, Gaius Avery, and Cleo Rowle didn't spot him.

Harry hadn't forgotten what he had spotted on the fourth floor. That strange mirror in which Harry had seen his parents.

Harry walked into the classroom and almost ran to the mirror. He peered into the mirror and saw his parents standing behind him. They were smiling.

Harry put his hand on the mirror, wishing he could touch or interact with his parents.

"Hello, Mother. Hello, Father", Harry said. "I wish you were here right now. I wish I could ask you both what you think of Draco, Pansy, and Theodore."

Harry's hand rubbed the mirror slightly.

"I hope I live long enough to make you proud", Harry said. "Someday, I will avenge your deaths."