Chapter 18: Desprez Opening
30 November 1991
Harry and Draco both woke up that Saturday morning with excitement. They both knew that the Slytherin Quidditch Team would be having Quidditch practice. They also were planning on helping Theodore to train as the Keeper. Even though Miles Bletchley would not graduate from Hogwarts until 1996, Harry knew there was nothing wrong with training Theodore and preparing him for what he might face.
"What do you think Flint will have us do today?", Draco asked Harry.
"Who knows", Harry said. "He will probably exhaust the both of us though."
"There is no question that our win over Gryffindor caused Flint to feel more excitement", Draco said. "He might get too overconfident, but I'm sure he will control himself. We cannot lose focus on our goal to help Slytherin secure the Quidditch cup for the seventh year in a row."
"That's true."
"Want to walk around the Slytherin Common Room?", Draco asked.
"Sure", Harry said. "Why not?"
Harry and Draco walked to the main part of the Slytherin Common Room.
They saw all six of the Slytherin prefects in the common room. The seventh-year male Slytherin prefect, Callum Rosier, seemed to be giving the other Slytherin prefects instructions.
"I know all of you have handled your tasks and your patrols well", Rosier said. "But we have to make sure we stay on the correct path and not be led astray. We have to keep our eyes out for troublemaking students, loudmouthed Gryffindors in particular."
"We've been watching everyone", Gaius Avery said. "Nothing has escaped my sight."
"Most of the younger students are smart enough to stay out of our way", Cleo Rowle said.
"How do you know students aren't causing chaos and provoking people while you're making out with Jeff Dolohov?", Rosier said.
"I am allowed to be in a relationship with whomever I want", Cleo said. "I am an independent woman; I should be allowed to make my own decisions."
"You're still in school and you still have prefect duties", Callum said. "You need to prioritize."
Marcus Flint then decided to interject. "I'm sure you're overreacting, Callum. Everything seems to be fine. All the prefects have been completing their tasks and obligations, as far as I know."
"That's how it should be", Callum said. "The other houses are just waiting for us to make a mistake or lapse in judgment. I'm not saying you can't have extra activities. You can have social lives. You can interact with your fellow Slytherins. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, though I am willing to disagree with several of them. Also, Marcus, you need to make sure the Slytherin Quidditch Team wins the cup again."
"I'm already working on it", Flint said. "I've been writing down strategies and team secrets. With Potter as our seeker and Draco as one of our starting chasers, we seem dominant. Bletchley has been grinding and training vigorously. Even our substitutes are showing promise. Plus, Gryffindor is in last place for the Quidditch Cup."
"It was such a great game against them. It's like they weren't even awake", Callum said.
He then got up and stretched.
"Well, I think it's best if we get going. No point waiting around."
Harry and Draco watched as the six prefects dispersed.
"Well, we better get down to breakfast. Should we wait for the girls?", Draco asked.
"Probably. Maybe we could ask Pansy, Daphne, Millicent, and Tracey to watch our team practice."
"Sounds like an ideal plan."
Harry and Draco waited for the Slytherin first-year girls. When they woke up and arrived out of the dorms, they all walked to breakfast together.
"Did you sleep well, Harry?", Pansy asked.
"I guess I did", Harry said.
"I wonder how Jocasta is feeling", Draco said.
"I'm sure she will be fine", Daphne said. "She will have fully recovered and be out of the hospital wing in December."
Harry ate his toast, not really sure of what to say. Thinking about what happened to Jocasta made his blood boil.
"Have any of you seen Quirrell?", Theodore asked.
"Outside of classes, thankfully, no", Blaise said. "I swear by Merlin, if he tries to confront any of us…"
"He wouldn't dare", Draco said. "If he has the audacity to do or say anything strange to us, we can just report it to Snape."
"We can't always rely on Snape, you know", Harry said.
"Well, that's true."
After breakfast, Harry and Draco prepared to head to Quidditch practice with the rest of the Slytherin Quidditch Team.
"Do you want to watch us?", Harry asked.
"Of course, we will, Harry", Pansy said.
Harry and Draco headed to the Slytherin changing rooms with the rest of the team. Harry noticed that Linus Urquhart seemed slightly nervous.
"Urquhart, are you okay?", Harry asked.
Urquhart gulped. "I think I'm okay."
"Don't worry, Urquhart", Harry said. "You'll be fine."
Marcus Flint then whistled to get the attention of the entire team.
"Attention, everyone", Marcus said. "I think you all know that Slytherin is in first place for the Quidditch cup. The only problem is that Ravenclaw is in second place, and we're supposed to play them in February."
"We can beat them", Bletchley said. "I think we have a good chance. A great chance."
"That's right, Miles", Flint said. "But we still need to practice and stay in shape. If we make any mistakes…the other houses will notice. We can't let that happen."
"Exactly", Adrian Pucey said.
The entire Slytherin Quidditch Team flew out to the pitch.
"We'll start with the Chasers", Flint said. "Montague, why don't you start? See if you can score against Bletchley."
Graham Montague grabbed the Quaffle and headed on his Cleansweep to score against Bletchley. Harry watched as Montague heaved his arm back and chucked the Quaffle towards the goal post in the middle. Bletchley managed to stop the Quaffle when it was just inches from entering the hoop.
"Good work, Miles", Bletchley said. "Pucey, now you can try."
Pucey headed on his broom towards Bletchley and the goal posts. Harry was watching with anticipation as Pucey threw the Quaffle towards the goal post on the right. Bletchley swerved to try to catch the Quaffle, but it went past him.
"That's how you do it!", Flint exclaimed. "Urquhart, it's your turn."
Urquhart grabbed the Quaffle and headed to the goal posts. Bletchley was waiting for him, seemingly watching Urquhart's every movement. Urquhart threw the Quaffle down the middle. A powerful hurl. Bletchley wasn't able to stop the Quaffle.
Montague then grabbed the Quaffle and managed to get it past Bletchley. Cassius Warrington then grabbed the Quaffle and tried to get it past Bletchley, but was not able to succeed that time. The chasers continued trying to grab the Quaffle and score against Bletchley for the next hour. After the hour was up, Flint had managed to score eight goals. Draco had managed to score five goals.
"I'm releasing the Snitch", Flint said. "Potter, Higgs, get ready."
Harry managed to catch the snitch within fifty seconds. Higgs couldn't even get close to him.
After the practice, Draco and Harry stayed on the pitch with Bletchley. Harry noticed the other Slytherin first-years waving to them from the bleachers. Theodore joined Harry, Draco, and Miles in the locker room.
"You ready, Theodore?", Harry asked.
"Absolutely."
Harry, Draco, Miles, and Theodore then flew out to the pitch. Theodore positioned himself in front of the goal posts.
"This is how it's going to work", Miles said. "The three of us will try to score against Nott. Nott will do his best to deflect or block the shots. Let's see how he does."
Theodore seemed nervous.
"Don't worry, Theodore. You will be fine."
Theodore seemed to be relaxed. Harry watched as Theodore flew his broom in front of the goal posts.
"Malfoy, why don't you start?", Bletchley asked.
Harry watched as Draco grabbed the Quaffle and headed towards the goal posts. Theodore seemed to be watching with anticipation. Harry watched as Draco got closer, then threw the Quaffle towards the goal on the right. Theodore lunged to intercept the Quaffle, but was not quick enough.
"Don't worry about that one, Theodore!", Harry called out in encouragement. "You'll get the next one."
Bletchley grabbed the Quaffle and headed towards the goal posts. Harry watched as Miles zoomed towards the middle of the pitch. Miles then threw the Quaffle in the direction of the hoop in the middle. Theodore was not able to stop this throw either.
Harry pursed his lips for a few seconds. He felt sympathy for his friend, but at the same time Theodore needed the practice. Some fundamental training would do him a load of good.
Harry then took possession of the Quaffle. Even though chaser was not Harry's designated position, he still tried to play the way he imagined a chaser would perform. Harry was zooming on his Nimbus 2000 towards the goal posts. Theodore seemed prepared and nervous at the same time. Harry threw the Quaffle towards the goal post on the left. Theodore dove with his broom to try to catch the Quaffle, but was unsuccessful.
Draco then grabbed the Quaffle and headed towards the goal posts. Theodore seemed to be ready for him. Draco zoomed as fast as he could on his Nimbus 2000. He threw the Quaffle towards the goal post in the middle. Theodore got in front of the goal post and caught the Quaffle.
"Good catch, Theodore!", Harry shouted.
Miles then grabbed the Quaffle and headed on his broom to score against Theodore. Harry watched as his friend was hovering in front of the goal posts, looking nervous. Theodore seemed to be trying to focus as hard as possible on Miles's inevitable throw. Bletchley threw the Quaffle down the middle. Theodore got in front of the Quaffle and grabbed it. Harry watched as Theodore winced slightly.
Theodore tossed the Quaffle to Harry. Harry retreated, then headed towards the goal posts to try to score against Theodore. Harry threw the Quaffle towards the goal post in the middle, and Theodore managed to pull off another save.
For the next hour, Harry, Draco, and Miles continued trying to get the Quaffle past Theodore. Out of 60 attempts, Theodore managed to pull off 20 saves.
"Not bad, Nott", Bletchley said. "You just need to keep practicing. That way you'll improve your skills as keeper."
"You've done well, Theodore", Harry said.
The other Slytherin first-years had arrived at this time.
"Good job, Theodore", Pansy said.
"Yes, Theodore. You did great", Daphne said.
"I could have done better", Theodore said.
Miles and the Slytherin first-years then headed to the Slytherin Common Room.
When they were in the Slytherin Common Room, Draco pulled out his Wizard's Chess set.
"Harry, if you watched a practice game take place between two fellow Slytherins, maybe you would learn some extra tips. Crabbe and Goyle, can you play a game against each other?"
"Sure", Crabbe said.
Crabbe had the white pieces and Goyle had the black pieces.
"Pawn to h4", Crabbe said. The white pawn on h2 moved to h4.
"Pawn to h6", Goyle said. The black pawn on h7 moved to h6.
Harry was wondering why the h-pawns were being moved this early in the game. He chose not to say anything, instead anticipating how this game would turn out.
"Pawn to g4", Crabbe said. The white pawn on g2 moved to g4.
"Pawn to g5", Goyle said. The black pawn on g7 moved to g5.
"Knight to c3", Crabbe said. The white knight on b1 moved to c3.
"Knight to c6", Goyle said. The black knight on b8 moved to c6.
"Knight to f3", Crabbe said. The white knight on g1 moved to f3.
"Knight to f6", Goyle said. The black knight on g8 moved to f6.
"Pawn to e4", Crabbe said. The white pawn on e2 moved to e4.
"Pawn to e5", Goyle said. The black pawn on e7 moved to e5.
"Pawn to d3", Crabbe said. The white pawn on d2 moved to d3.
"Pawn to d6", Goyle said. The black pawn on d7 moved to d6.
"Bishop to e3", Crabbe said. The white bishop on c1 moved to e3.
"Bishop to e7", Goyle said. The black bishop on f8 moved to e7.
"Queen to d2", Crabbe said. The white queen on d1 moved to d2.
"Bishop to e6", Goyle said. The black bishop on c8 moved to e6.
"Castle Queenside", Crabbe said. The white king on e1 moved to c1, and the white rook on a1 moved to d1.
"Castle Kingside", Goyle said. The black king on e8 moved to g8, and the black rook on h8 moved to f8.
"Bishop to e2", Crabbe said. The white bishop on f1 moved to e2.
"Queen to d7", Goyle said. The black queen on d8 moved to d7.
"Pawn to h5", Crabbe said. The white pawn on h4 moved to h5.
"Bishop to g4", Goyle said. The black bishop on e6 moved to g4. When it did, it pulled out its sword and smashed the white pawn on g4 to bits.
"Kingside rook from h1 to g1", Crabbe said. The white rook on h1 moved to g1. This move also attacked the black bishop on g4.
"Bishop to h5", Goyle said. The black bishop on g4 moved to h5, obliterating the white pawn that occupied the h5 square.
"Pawn to d4", Crabbe said. The white pawn on d3 moved to d4.
"Pawn to d4", Goyle said. The black pawn on e5 moved to d4, splitting the white pawn on d4 into numerous bits.
"Knight to d4", Crabbe said. The white knight on f3 jumped on the black pawn and d4 and struck it multiple times with its sword, destroying it.
"Knight to d4", Goyle said. The black knight on c6 pounced on the white knight on d4 before destroying it.
"Bishop to d4", Crabbe said. The white bishop on e3 moved to d4, then subsequently stabbed the black knight on d4 numerous times, completely destroying it.
"Pawn to d5", Goyle said. The black pawn on d6 moved to d5.
"Pawn to d5", Crabbe said. The white pawn on e4 moved to d5, yanking out its sword and striking the black pawn on d5 in the center, completely shattering it.
"Bishop to e2", Goyle said. The black bishop on h5 moved to e2, striking down the white bishop on the e2 square when capturing it.
"Queen to e2", Crabbe said. The white queen on d2 moved to e2, capturing the black bishop on the e2 square.
"Kingside rook on f8 to e8", Goyle said. The black rook on f8 moved to e8.
"Kingside rook on g1 to e1", Crabbe said. The white rook on g1 moved to e1.
"King to g7", Goyle said. The black king on g8 moved to g7.
"Bishop to f6", Crabbe said. The white bishop moved to f6, capturing the black knight that was occupying the f6 square by stabbing it numerous times, causing it to break into tiny particles.
"King to f6", Goyle said. The black king on g7 moved to f6, capturing the white bishop that was on the f6 square.
"Pawn to d6", Crabbe said. The white pawn on d5 moved to d6.
"Pawn to d6", Goyle said. The black pawn on c7 moved to d6, thrusting its spear and piercing the white pawn on d6, reducing it to bits.
"Rook to d3", Crabbe said. The white rook on d1 moved to d3.
"Queenside rook on a8 to d8", Goyle said. The black rook on a8 moved to d8.
"Pawn to b4", Crabbe said. The white pawn on b2 moved to b4.
"Pawn to b6", Goyle said. The black pawn on b7 moved to b6.
"Pawn to a4", Crabbe said. The white pawn on a2 moved to a4.
"Pawn to a5", Goyle said. The black pawn on a7 moved to a5.
"Pawn to b5", Crabbe said. The white pawn on b4 moved to b5.
"King to g7", Goyle said. The black king on f6 moved to g7.
"Knight to d5", Crabbe said. The white knight on c3 moved to d5.
"Queen to c7", Goyle said. The black queen on d7 moved to c7. Harry wasn't sure why Goyle decided to play this move. This move would allow the white knight on d5 to capture the black queen. Did Crabbe notice this?
Apparently, he didn't. Because he said, "Knight to e7."
The white knight on d5 moved to e7, capturing the black bishop that was occupying the e7 square.
"Rook to e7", Goyle said. The black rook on e8 moved to e7.
"Queen to e7", Crabbe said. The white queen on e2 moved to e7, destroying the black rook that was on e7 with her sword.
"Queen to e7", Goyle said. The black queen on c7 moved to e7, capturing the white queen on the e7 square.
"Rook to e7", Crabbe said. The white rook on e1 moved to e7, capturing the black queen that was on the e7 square.
"King to f6", Goyle said. The black king on g7 moved to f6.
"Rook on e7 to e3", Crabbe said. The white rook on e7 moved to e3.
"Rook to d7", Goyle said. The black rook on d8 moved to d7.
"King to d2", Crabbe said. The white king on c1 moved to d2.
"Pawn to d5", Goyle said. The black pawn on d6 moved to d5.
"Pawn to f4", Crabbe said. The white pawn on f2 moved to f4.
"Pawn to f4", Goyle said. The black pawn on g5 captured the white pawn on f4, smashing it into numerous bits. This move also attacked the white rook on e3.
"Rook to f3", Crabbe said. The white rook on e3 moved to f3.
"King to e5", Goyle said. The black king on f6 moved to e5. This move also defended the black pawn on f4.
"Pawn to c4", Crabbe said. The white pawn on c2 moved to c4.
"Rook to d6", Goyle said. The black rook on d7 moved to d6.
"Pawn to d5", Crabbe said. The white pawn on c4 moved to d5, capturing the black pawn that was on the d5 square.
"Pawn to f6", Goyle said. The black pawn on f7 moved to f6.
"Rook to h3", Crabbe said. The white rook on f3 moved to h3.
"Pawn to f5", Goyle said. The black pawn on f6 moved to f5.
"Rook to h4", Crabbe said. The white rook on h3 moved to h4.
"Rook to d5", Goyle said. The black rook on d6 moved to d5, capturing the white pawn that was on the d5 square.
"Rook to d5", Crabbe said. The white rook on d3 moved to d5, capturing the black rook that was on the d5 square. This move also put the black king on e5 in check.
"King to d5", Goyle said. The black king on e5 moved to d5, capturing the white rook on the d5 square.
"Rook to f4", Crabbe said. The white rook on h4 moved to f4, capturing the black pawn that was on the f4 square.
"Pawn to h5", Goyle said. The black pawn on h6 moved to h5.
"Rook to h4", Crabbe said. The white rook on f4 moved to h4.
"King to c5", Goyle said. The black king on d5 moved to c5.
"Rook to h1", Crabbe said. The white rook on h4 moved to h1.
"King to b4", Goyle said. The black king on c5 moved to b4.
"King to e2", Crabbe said. The white king on d2 moved to e2.
"King to a4", Goyle said. The black king on b4 moved to a4, capturing the white pawn that was occupying the a4 square.
"Rook to h5", Crabbe said. The white rook on h1 moved to h5, capturing the black pawn that was on the h5 square.
"King to b5", Goyle said. The black king on a4 moved to b5, capturing the white pawn on the b5 square.
"Rook to f5", Crabbe said. The white rook on h5 moved to f5, capturing the black pawn on the f5 square. This move put the black king on b5 in check.
"King to b4", Goyle said. The black king on b5 moved to b4.
"King to d3", Crabbe said. The white king on e2 moved to d3.
"Pawn to b5", Goyle said. The black pawn on b6 moved to b5.
"Rook to f4", Crabbe said. The white rook on f5 moved to f4, giving check to the black king on b4.
"King to a3", Goyle said. The black king on b4 moved to a3.
"King to c3", Crabbe said. The white king on d3 moved to c3.
"Pawn to b4", Goyle said. The black pawn on b5 moved to b4, giving check to the white king on c3.
Harry expected Crabbe to retreat the white king. Instead, Crabbe said, "Rook to b4."
The white rook on f4 moved to b4, smashing the black pawn that was on the b4 square. The problem was, this move exposed the white rook to capture by the last remaining black pawn, with the support of the black king.
"Pawn to b4", Goyle said. The black pawn on a5 moved to b4, capturing the white rook on b4. This move also gave check to the white king on c3.
"King to c2", Crabbe said. The white king on c3 moved to c2.
"King to a2", Goyle said. The black king on a3 moved to a2.
"King to c1", Crabbe said. The white king on c2 moved to c1.
"Pawn to b3", Goyle said. The black pawn on b4 moved to b3.
"King to d2", Crabbe said. The white king on c1 moved to d2.
"Pawn to b2", Goyle said. The black pawn on b3 moved to b2.
"King to c2", Crabbe said. The white king on d2 moved to c2.
"Pawn to b1", Goyle said. The black pawn on b2 moved to b1. Goyle promoted that pawn to a black queen. This move put the white king on c2 in check.
"King to c3", Crabbe said. The white king on c2 moved to c3.
"King to a3", Goyle said. The black king on a2 moved to a3.
"King to d4", Crabbe said. The white king on c3 moved to d4.
"Queen to d1", Goyle said. The black queen on b1 moved to d1, putting the white king on d4 in check.
"King to e5", Crabbe said. The white king on d4 moved to e5.
"King to b4", Goyle said. The black king on a3 moved to b4.
"King to f4", Crabbe said. The white king on e5 moved to f4.
"King to c5", Goyle said. The black king on b4 moved to c5.
"King to e4", Crabbe said. The white king on f4 moved to e4.
"Queen to e2", Goyle said. The black queen on d1 moved to e2. This move put the white king on e4 in check.
"King to f5", Crabbe said. The white king on e4 moved to f5.
"King to d5", Goyle said. The black king on c5 moved to d5.
"King to g5", Crabbe said. The white king on f5 moved to g5.
"Queen to g2", Goyle said. The black queen on e2 moved to g2. This move put the white king on g5 in check.
"King to h6", Crabbe said. The white king on g5 moved to h6.
"King to e5", Goyle said. The black king on d5 moved to e5.
"King to h5", Crabbe said. The white king on h6 moved to h5.
"King to f5", Goyle said. The black king on e5 moved to f5.
"King to h4", Crabbe said. The white king on h5 moved to h4.
"Queen to g4", Goyle said. The black queen on g2 moved to g4.
"Checkmate", Goyle said.
Overall, the game had lasted 61 moves. Both Crabbe and Goyle made inaccuracies in the game. But Harry thought the endgame was quite satisfying for Goyle.
"The opening that was played in this game is called the Desprez Opening, also known as the Kadas Opening. It is considered to be an irregular opening and is rarely played in top-level chess competition. Harry, what can you tell us about this game?"
"Many mistakes were made during this game", Harry said. "I'm just being honest. Both sides had opportunities to take advantage of the other side's position. For instance, Goyle played the black queen to c7 on his 25th move. Crabbe should have captured the black queen with the white knight that was on d5. Crabbe should not have captured the black pawn that was on b4 with the white rook on his 47th move. Crabbe should have used the king and rook to stop the two black pawns from queening. But, that's just a basic analysis."
"Some lessons are meant to be learned the hard way. You burn your hand on the stove once, you will be sure not to let that happen again", Draco said.
Harry nodded and then turned to Theodore. "Why do you want to be Keeper on the Slytherin Quidditch Team? I can understand that it is entertaining, but I'm simply curious."
"My father was the Keeper on the Slytherin Quidditch Team when he was a student here, starting from his fourth year", Theodore said. "He had so many stories to tell Hiram and I. We were enthralled by them. Getting the chance to experience that opportunity ourselves would be quite an honor."
"I remember that my father said Timothy Nott was a decent keeper", Draco said.
That night, as everyone else was sleeping, Harry crept out of his bed and headed to the room where the strange mirror was at.
Harry had just touched the mirror when he heard someone say, "Back again, are we, Potter?"
Harry turned to see who had said that. It was Professor Snape.
"Professor, I know I shouldn't have snuck outside", Harry said. "But my parents are inside the mirror. I had to see it for myself."
"I understand completely", Snape said. And that was true. Even now, Snape could see Lily smiling at him and Harry. It was like Lily had finally forgiven him for the horrible things he had said in their fifth year, that his sins and misdeeds had been absolved. He also saw him and James Potter finally making peace after years of rivalry and hatred. Even though it was not a real image and it was only in the mirror, Snape wished it was real. He could finally have peace after years of being haunted by guilt. Using his shame and taking his anger out on innocent Gryffindors that had done nothing to him, simply ostracized because of the house they were in. Not that the Gryffindors had much room to complain, they did the same thing to the Slytherins.
"I'm guessing this mirror shows our deepest desires", Harry said.
"In a way, that is true", Snape said. "But dwelling on the past and having obsessions are not good. Harry, I would advise you to not look for the mirror again. I will have it moved to another location."
Snape then put a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"It's best if we head back to the Slytherin Common Room. Everything should be fine."