Chess Lessons with Harry and Draco: Year 2

by lbwiki585

New threats await Harry and his friends in Slytherin. Harry continues to learn about Wizard's Chess while dealing with an egomaniac of a professor and attacks on muggle-born students. Who is the heir of Slytherin?

23. Opposite Colored Bishop Endgame, Part 1

Chapter 23: Opposite Colored Bishop Endgame, Part 1

8 January 1993

It was Friday.

Harry woke up early that day. He knew he would have Charms, Potions, and History of Magic that day. Harry knew he wouldn't have any trouble with Charms or Potions at all. It was History of Magic that was going to be a problem. Harry wondered how long he could stay awake without wanting to fall asleep and tune out of the lecture.

Harry studied his Potions notes as Draco and Theodore continued sleeping. He wondered how Ron Weasley would screw up in potions that day.

A few minutes later, Draco and Theodore woke up. Draco looked rather grim.

"History of Magic today is going to be a nightmare", Draco said.

"Agreed", Harry replied.

"You guys have to admit, some of the facts about history that Binns brings up is slightly interesting", Theodore objected.

"Maybe to you, it is", Draco replied. "Personally, I don't feel like the stuff he is bringing up provides any value at all. I don't see how any of us will ever use the information."

"Well, we'll see how today's lesson turns out", Harry replied.

Just then, Crabbe, Goyle, and Blaise woke up. The Slytherin second-year boys then headed to breakfast with the Slytherin second-year girls.

Harry looked around to see what was happening. Jeff Dolohov kissed Cleo Rowle's cheek. Gaius Avery and Caleb Holland seemed to be in a deep conversation. Just then Percy Weasley greeted Caleb and Gaius and sat down with them.

Well, isn't this interesting, Harry thought. Slytherins did not usually associate with Gryffindors publicly, and vice versa. The Gryffindors all thought the Slytherins were too evil to be around. The Slytherins were too annoyed by the Gryffindors and their desire to rush into situations headlong without thinking about the consequences. So, this definitely surprised Harry.

Eventually, it was time for Charms. Harry and the other Slytherin second-years headed to Charms class, where they would be receiving tutelage with the Hufflepuff second-years. There, Professor Flitwick was waiting for them.

"Good morning, class", Flitwick said. "Today we shall go over the disarming charm. Who would like to demonstrate for us?"

Harry and Draco then rose their hands.

"Glad you both volunteered, Potter and Malfoy. Very well, then, let us see it."

Harry and Draco walked over to one side of the classroom. Harry pointed his wand at Draco and yelled, "Expelliarmus!"

Draco's wand went flying out of his hand and Harry grabbed it.

"Good work, Potter. Ten points to Slytherin. Who else wants to try?"

Theodore Nott raised his hand.

"Very well then, Nott. Let's see how you do."

Theodore pointed his wand at Draco and shouted, "Expelliarmus!"

Draco's wand went flying out of his hand again and Theodore grabbed it.

"Ten points to Slytherin, Nott. Now let's see the rest of you cast this charm. Everyone can work in groups and we'll see how you do."

So, everyone broke off into groups. Pansy, Daphne, and Tracey got into one group. Millicent, Crabbe, and Goyle were in another. Harry decided to work with Draco, Theodore, and Blaise.

The Hufflepuff second-years also broke up into groups. Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones were working together. Megan Jones was working with Sally-Anne Perks. Ernie Macmillan was working with Wayne Hopkins.

The students tried casting the charm, but most of them were having trouble with the spell. Draco managed to cast the disarming charm on Theodore, which awarded him ten more points by Professor Flitwick in Slytherin's favor.

After class, Flitwick got their attention.

"Well some of you did well, overall. But most of you need to work on your charms and your casting skills."

Wayne Hopkins looked disgusted by this news.

After Charms, the Slytherin second-years had Potions next with the Gryffindor second-years. Snape was all business, as usual, being his serious self.

"Today we will be brewing the girding potion", Snape said. "Pay attention to the instructions, and this shouldn't be a problem for you."

So, Harry and the other Slytherin second-years got to work on the girding potion. There were thirteen instructions for the students to follow. The first instruction was that one set of fairy wings had to be added. The second instruction was that the potion had to be heated until it turned turquoise. The third instruction was that one measure of doxy eggs had to be added. The fourth instruction was that the potion had to be heated until it turned pink. The fifth instruction was that the toasted dragonfly thoraxes had to be added until the potion turned orange. The sixth instruction was to add one flying seahorse. The seventh instruction was to heat the potion until it turned turquoise. The eighth instruction was that the toasted dragonfly thoraxes had to be added until the potion turned purple. The ninth instruction was that the potion had to be heated until it turned red. The tenth instruction was that three measures of doxy eggs had to be added. The eleventh instruction was that toasted dragonfly thoraxes had to be added until the potion turned blue. The twelfth instruction was that three flying seahorses had to be added. The thirteenth instruction was that the potion had to be heated until it turned green.

Not surprisingly, Hermione Granger was the first student in that class to finish her potion. Harry completed his potion five minutes later.

"Ten points to Slytherin, Mister Potter."

Draco, Pansy, and Daphne finished their potions ten minutes later. Snape awarded them ten points each. Theodore and Blaise finished their potions, and Snape also awarded them ten points each. Millie finished her potion and was awarded ten points. Crabbe and Goyle were the last of the Slytherin second-years to finish their potions, and Snape awarded them five points each.

Ron Weasley was the last student of all to finish his potion. Snape glanced at his potion and then said, "I can only give this an 'Acceptable,' Weasley."

Later, the Slytherin second-years headed to their History of Magic lesson. Harry sat next to Draco and Pansy. Professor Binns was droning on in one of his usual lectures. It was very monotonous and wearisome. This lecture seemed to be like every other lecture, with Binns providing facts that no one in the class, except for Granger, seemed to show any interest in.

Then, all of a sudden, Harry saw something that had never occurred before. Granger raised her hand. Harry could have sworn it was the first time that a student ever raised their hand in Binns's class.

Even Binns seemed surprised by this. He was currently in the middle of giving a lecture of the International Warlock Convention of 1289, and he seemed amazed that a student wanted to ask him a question.

"Miss, er…"

"Granger, sir", Hermione said. "I was wondering if you could provide facts about and give us any information about the Chamber of Secrets."

Now everyone seemed interested in what Binns would say next. Harry's interest had certainly increased at that moment. He could probably say the same thing about Draco and Pansy. Millie perked up, seemingly intrigued by what was unfolding. Theodore seemed interested as well. Even Crabbe and Goyle seemed curious about what Binns would say.

Never thought I'd see the day when I'd be thankful for one of the Gryffindors, Harry thought. Finally, something interesting occurs in this class, and it's thanks to Granger.

"I teach History of Magic, Miss Granger. The Chamber of Secrets is pretty much a myth and a folk tale."

Professor Binns then resumed his lecture.

"In September of that year, a subcommittee of Sardinian sorcerers…"

He then stopped his lecture as Granger raised her hand again.

"Miss Grant?"

"Please sir, don't all legends always have a basis in fact?"

Professor Binns looked at her in amazement. Harry was certain that no student had ever interrupted him before, regardless if he was alive or dead.

"Well", Professor Binns said slowly. "One could argue that, I suppose." Binns still seemed surprised that a student was asking him questions, something Harry was sure had never happened before. "But the myth about the Chamber of Secrets is honestly ridiculous and is absolute nonsense. It's such a ludicrous fairy tale. It's so sensational, no one could possibly believe it's validity…"

But now everyone in the class was hanging on to every word that Binns was saying. He looked dimly at all of the students. It seemed clearly obvious to Harry that the ghostly professor was surprised by this unusual display of interest.

"Oh, very well then", Binns said. "Let me think, the Chamber of Secrets. You all know, of course, that Hogwarts was founded over a thousand years ago, though the precise date is uncertain, by the four greatest wizards and witches of the age. As you all obviously know, they were Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, and Salazar Slytherin. The four houses at Hogwarts are named after them. They built this castle and established this school together, far from the proximity and prying eyes of muggles. The reason for that is because they were living in an age and era when magic was feared by common people, and witches and wizards suffered vast persecution."

Binns paused, seemingly aware and noting that every student was paying close attention. He then continued.

"For a few years, the founders worked in harmony together, seeking out youngsters and children who showed signs of magic and bringing them to the castle to be educated, but then disagreements sprang up between them. A rift began to grow between Slytherin and the others. Slytherin wished to be more selective about the students that were admitted to and granted places at Hogwarts. He believed that magical learning should have been kept exclusively within all-magic families. In his words, Slytherin believed that Hogwarts should have been attended by only pure-bloods and half-bloods. He was against taking in students with Muggle parentage, believing them to be untrustworthy and dishonest. The other three founders strongly disagreed with Slytherin, especially Gryffindor. Eventually, serious discord and conflict broke out on the subject between Gryffindor and Slytherin, and Slytherin eventually left the school."

Professor Binns paused again, trying to recollect his thoughts and think of the proper words to say next. He pursed his lips and plunged ahead.

"Valid and commendable historical sources tell us this much", Binns noted. "But these truthful and accurate facts have been obscured and concealed by the fanciful legend of the Chamber of Secrets. The story apparently goes that Slytherin had established and structured a hidden chamber in the castle, and none of the other founders were even aware of it. They did not even know about it. Slytherin, according to the legend, sealed the chamber of secrets so that no one would be able to access or enter it until his own true heir arrived to the school. Only that heir would be able to unseal the chamber of secrets, unleash the horror and devastation within, and use it to thoroughly purge and eradicate the school of all who were unworthy to study magic."

Silence was in the classroom as Professor Binns spoke, but it wasn't the usual bored and tiresome silence that the students usually felt during his lectures. It was a silence that showed these students weren't interested in anything else, that these students wanted to hear more about this spooky tale. It was obvious these students were enthralled by the story. Harry knew he was certainly interested in learning about it. Professor Binns looked annoyed and seemed ready to discuss something else.

"The whole story is errant and culpable nonsense, of course", Binns said. "There is no real evidence that defends such a story with valid reasoning. It really is unfortunate that children and teenagers actually believe this nonsense. The school has been searched repeatedly in hopes that such a chamber would be found. The most elite and percipient wizards throughout history have tried to find such a chamber, and they have not been successful. It seems reasonable to conclude that this chamber does not exist. It is simply a tale to frighten gullible minds."

Granger then raised her hand again.

"Sir, what exactly do you mean by 'the horror and devastation within the chamber'?"

"The horror is believed to be some sort of monster, which only the Heir of Slytherin can control", Binns said in his monotonous voice.

The class exchanged worried glances.

"Like I said before, the thing does not exist", Binns said. "It's obvious that we should be focusing on productive facts, not on some fantasy or folk tale. There is no chamber and there is no monster."

"But, sir", Ernie Macmillan said. "If the chamber can only be opened by the true Heir of Slytherin, no one else would be able to find it, would they?"

"That is absolute nonsense, Macmillan", Professor Binns scoffed. "If a line of numerous headmasters and headmistresses haven't found that thing…"

"But, Professor", Hannah Abbott interjected. "You'd probably have to use Dark Magic to open it, and then…"

"Just because a Wizard doesn't use dark magic doesn't mean he can't, Miss Adam", Professor Binns snapped. It was clear the professor had no interest in discussing this topic any further. "Like I said, if Dumbledore…"

"Maybe you have to be related to Slytherin, so Dumbledore wouldn't have…", Megan Jones began, but the History of Magic professor clearly had enough.

"That will do!", Binns said sharply. "Enough is enough! It is a myth! It does not exist! There is no evidence that Slytherin built any secret chamber or passageway! Clearly, I made a mistake in telling such a foolish story. We will get back to facts and verifiable information, and we will continue learning about genuine history."

Within ten minutes the class went back to its usual tedious and unexciting manner.

Harry knew he would have to thank Granger for making that the most interesting History of Magic lesson he had ever attended.

Later, Harry and the other Slytherin second-years were studying in the Slytherin Common Room. The Slytherin first-years were also studying with them, as well as Linus Urquhart and Cassius Warrington.

Draco then pulled out his Wizard's Chess set.

"Harry, you want to play a game?", Draco asked.

"Sure", Harry said.

The other Slytherin second-years gathered around as Harry and Draco took their respective sides on the chessboard. Draco had the white pieces and Harry had the black pieces.

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

"Pawn to e5", Harry said. The black pawn on e7 moved to e5.

"Knight to f3", Draco said. The white knight on g1 moved to f3.

"Knight to f6", Harry said. The black knight on g8 moved to f6.

"Pawn to d3", Draco said. The white pawn on d2 moved to d3.

"Pawn to d6", Harry said. The black pawn on d7 moved to d6.

"Knight to c3", Draco said. The white knight on b1 moved to c3.

"Knight to c6", Harry said. The black knight on b8 moved to c6.

"Bishop to e3", Draco said. The white bishop on c1 moved to e3.

"Bishop to e6", Harry said. The black bishop on c8 moved to e6.

"Bishop to e2", Draco said. The white bishop on f1 moved to e2.

"Bishop to e7", Harry said. The black bishop on f8 moved to e7.

"Castle Kingside", Draco said. The white king on e1 moved to g1, and the white rook on h1 moved to f1.

"Castle Kingside", Harry said. The black king on e8 moved to g8, and the black rook on h8 moved to f8.

"Queen to d2", Draco said. The white queen on d1 moved to d2.

"Queen to d7", Harry said. The black queen on d8 moved to d7.

"Rook on a1 to d1", Draco said. The white rook on a1 moved to d1.

"Rook on a8 to d8", Harry said. The black rook on a8 moved to d8.

"Rook on f1 to e1", Draco said. The white rook on f1 moved to e1.

"Rook on f8 to e8", Harry said. The black rook on f8 moved to e8.

"Pawn to a3", Draco said. The white pawn on a2 moved to a3.

"Pawn to a6", Harry said. The black pawn on a7 moved to a6.

"Pawn to b4", Draco said. The white pawn on b2 moved to b4.

"Pawn to b5", Harry said. The black pawn on b7 moved to b5.

"Rook to a1", Draco said. The white rook on d1 moved to a1.

"Pawn to a5", Harry said. The black pawn on a6 moved to a5.

"Pawn to a5", Draco said. The first capture of the game took place. The white pawn on b4 yanked out its sword and stabbed the black pawn on a5 into tiny bits of rubble before replacing it.

"Knight to a5", Harry said. The black knight on c6 pounced on the white pawn on a5, obliterating it before replacing it.

"Rook on a1 to b1", Draco said. The white rook on a1 moved to b1.

"Pawn to c6", Harry said. The black pawn on c7 moved to c6.

"Pawn to a4", Draco said. The white pawn on a3 moved to a4.

"Pawn to a4", Harry said. The black pawn on b5 pulled out its sword and stabbed the white pawn on a4 into numerous pieces before replacing it.

"Knight to a4", Draco said. The white knight on c3 leaped into the air and pounced on the black pawn on a4 and obliterated it.

"Knight to b7", Harry said. The black knight on a5 moved to b7.

"Pawn to c4", Draco said. The white pawn on c2 moved to c4.

"Pawn to c5", Harry said. The black pawn on c6 moved to c5.

"Knight to c3", Draco said. The white knight on a4 moved to c3.

"Pawn to h6", Harry said. The black pawn on h7 moved to h6.

"Pawn to h3", Draco said. The white pawn on h2 moved to h3.

"Queen to c6", Harry said. The black queen on d7 moved to c6.

"Knight to d5", Draco said. The white knight on c3 moved to d5.

"Bishop to d5", Harry said. The black bishop on e6 pulled out its sword and stabbed the white knight on d5 into numerous pieces before replacing it.

"Pawn to d5", Draco said. The white pawn on e4 pulled out its sword and stabbed the black bishop on d5 into numerous pieces before replacing it. This move also attacked the black queen on c6.

"Queen to c7", Harry said. The black queen on c6 moved to c7.

"Rook on e1 to c1", Draco said. The white rook on e1 moved to c1.

"Knight to e4", Harry said. The black knight on f6 moved to e4.

"Queen to c2", Draco said. The white queen on d2 moved to c2.

"Knight to g5", Harry said. The black knight on e4 moved to g5.

"Knight to g5", Draco said. The white knight on f3 moved to g5, destroying the black knight that was on the g5 square.

"Pawn to g5", Harry said. The black pawn on h6 moved to g5, destroying the white knight on the g5 square.

"King to h2", Draco said. The white king on g1 moved to h2.

"Rook to b8", Harry said. The black rook on d8 moved to b8.

"Rook to b2", Draco said. The white rook on b1 moved to b2.

"Knight to d8", Harry said. The black knight on b7 moved to d8.

"Rook to b8", Draco said. The white rook on b2 moved to b8, obliterating the black rook on the b8 square.

"Queen to b8", Harry said. The black queen on c7 moved to b8, destroying the white rook on the b8 square.

"Queen to b1", Draco said. The white queen on c2 moved to b1. This move offered a queen trade, which Harry accepted.

"Queen to b1", Harry said. The black queen on b8 moved to b1, destroying the white queen on b1 before replacing it.

"Rook to b1", Draco said. The white rook on c1 moved to b1, capturing the black queen on the b1 square.

"Pawn to f6", Harry said. The black pawn on f7 moved to f6.

"Pawn to f3", Draco said. The white pawn on f2 moved to f3.

"Knight to f7", Harry said. The black knight on d8 moved to f7.

"Pawn to g3", Draco said. The white pawn on g2 moved to g3.

"Pawn to g6", Harry said. The black pawn on g7 moved to g6.

"Bishop to d1", Draco said. The white bishop on e2 moved to d1.

"Knight to d8", Harry said. The black knight on f7 moved to d8.

"Bishop to a4", Draco said. The white bishop on d1 moved to a4.

"Knight to b7", Harry said. The black knight on d8 moved to b7.

"Bishop to c6", Draco said. The white bishop on a4 moved to c6.

"Knight to d8", Harry said. The black knight on b7 moved to d8.

"Bishop to a4", Draco said. The white bishop on c6 moved to a4.

"Knight to f7", Harry said. The black knight on d8 moved to f7.

"Bishop to d2", Draco said. The white bishop on e3 moved to d2.

"Bishop to f8", Harry said. The black bishop on e7 moved to f8.

"Bishop to a5", Draco said. The white bishop on d2 moved to a5.

"Knight to d8", Harry said. The black knight on f7 moved to d8.

"Bishop to d8", Draco said. The white bishop on a5 moved to d8, obliterating the black knight on d8 before replacing it.

"Rook to d8", Harry said. The black rook on e8 moved to d8, capturing the white bishop that was on the d8 square.

"Rook to b5", Draco said. The white rook on b1 moved to b5.

"Rook to d7", Harry said. The black rook on d8 moved to d7.

"King to g2", Draco said. The white king on h2 moved to g2.

"King to f7", Harry said. The black king on g8 moved to f7.

"King to f2", Draco said. The white king on g2 moved to f2.

"King to e8", Harry said. The black king on f7 moved to e8.

"King to e2", Draco said. The white king on f2 moved to e2.

"King to d8", Harry said. The black king on e8 moved to d8.

"King to d2", Draco said. The white king on e2 moved to d2.

"King to c8", Harry said. The black king on d8 moved to c8.

"King to c2", Draco said. The white king on d2 moved to c2.

"Rook to b7", Harry said. The black rook on d7 moved to b7.

"Rook to b7", Draco said. The white rook on b5 moved to b7, obliterating the black rook on the b7 square before replacing it.

"King to b7", Harry said. The black king on c8 moved to b7, capturing the white rook on the b7 square before replacing it. Now the only pieces left on the board besides the kings were the kingside bishops. Harry noticed that the bishops were on opposite-colored squares.

"Pawn to h4", Draco said. The white pawn on h3 moved to h4.

"Pawn to h4", Harry said. The black pawn on g5 moved to h4, obliterating the white pawn on the h4 square before replacing it.

"Pawn to h4", Draco said. The white pawn on g3 moved to h4, capturing the black pawn on the h4 square.

"King to c7", Harry said. The black king on b7 moved to c7.

"Pawn to h5", Draco said. The white pawn on h4 moved to h5.

"Pawn to h5", Harry said. The black pawn on g6 moved to h5, obliterating the white pawn on the h5 square before replacing it.

"King to d2", Draco said. The white king on c2 moved to d2.

"Pawn to h4", Harry said. The black pawn on h5 moved to h4.

"King to e2", Draco said. The white king on d2 moved to e2.

"Pawn to h3", Harry said. The black pawn on h4 moved to h3.

"King to f2", Draco said. The white king on e2 moved to f2.

"Pawn to h2", Harry said. The black pawn on h3 moved to h2.

"King to g2", Draco said. The white king on f2 moved to g2.

"Pawn to f5", Harry said. The black pawn on f6 moved to f5.

"Bishop to c2", Draco said. The white bishop on a4 moved to c2.

"Pawn to f4", Harry said. The black pawn on f5 moved to f4.

"King to h2", Draco said. The white king on g2 moved to h2.

"Bishop to e7", Harry said. The black bishop on f8 moved to e7.

"Pawn to d4", Draco said. The white pawn on d3 moved to d4.

"Pawn to d4", Harry said. The black pawn on e5 moved to d4, obliterating the white pawn on the d4 square.

"King to h3", Draco said. The white king on h2 moved to h3.

"King to d7", Harry said. The black king on c7 moved to d7.

"King to g2", Draco said. The white king on h3 moved to g2.

"Bishop to g5", Harry said. The black bishop on e7 moved to g5.

"King to h3", Draco said. The white king on g2 moved to h3.

"King to e7", Harry said. The white king on d7 moved to e7.

"King to g4", Draco said. The white king on h3 moved to g4. This move attacked the undefended black bishop on g5.

"Bishop to f6", Harry said. The black bishop on g5 moved to f6.

"King to f4", Draco said. The white king pulled out his sword and stabbed the black pawn on f4 into numerous pieces before replacing it.

"King to f7", Harry said. The black king on e7 moved to f7.

"King to e4", Draco said. The white king on f4 moved to e4.

"King to e7", Harry said. The black king on f7 moved to e7.

"Pawn to f4", Draco said. The white pawn on f3 moved to f4.

"King to d7", Harry said. The black king on e7 moved to d7.

"Pawn to f5", Draco said. The white pawn on f4 moved to f5.

"King to c7", Harry said. The black king on d7 moved to c7.

"King to f4", Draco said. The white king on e4 moved to f4.

"King to b6", Harry said. The black king on c7 moved to b6.

"King to g4", Draco said. The white king on f4 moved to g4.

"King to a5", Harry said. The black king on b6 moved to a5.

"King to h5", Draco said. The white king on g4 moved to h5.

"King to b4", Harry said. The black king on a5 moved to b4.

"King to g4", Draco said. The white king on h5 moved to g4.

"King to c4", Harry said. The black king on b4 moved to c4, capturing the white pawn on the c4 square.

"King to f4", Draco said. The white king on g4 moved to f4.

"King to d5", Harry said. The black king on c4 moved to d5, capturing the white pawn on the d5 square.

"King to g4", Draco said. The white king on f4 moved to g4.

"Pawn to c4", Harry said. The black pawn on c5 moved to c4.

"King to h5", Draco said. The white king on g4 moved to h5.

"Bishop to d8", Harry said. The black bishop on f6 moved to d8.

"King to g6", Draco said. The white king on h5 moved to g6.

"Bishop to b6", Harry said. The black bishop on d8 moved to b6.

"Pawn to f6", Draco said. The white pawn on f5 moved to f6.

"Pawn to d3", Harry said. The black pawn on d4 moved to d3. This move attacked the white bishop on c2.

"Bishop to b1", Draco said. The white bishop on c2 moved to b1.

"Pawn to c3", Harry said. The black pawn on c4 moved to c3.

"Bishop to d3", Draco said. The white bishop on b1 moved to d3, capturing the black pawn on the d3 square.

"Bishop to a7", Harry said. The black bishop on b6 moved to a7.

"King to h5", Draco said. The white king on g6 moved to h5.

"King to e6", Harry said. The black king on d5 moved to e6.

"King to g4", Draco said. The white king on h5 moved to g4.

"King to f6", Harry said. The black king on e6 pulled out his sword and stabbed the black pawn on f6 into numerous pieces, replacing it.

"King to f4", Draco said. The white king on g4 moved to f4.

"Pawn to d5", Harry said. The black pawn on d6 moved to d5.

"King to f3", Draco said. The white pawn on f4 moved to f3.

"Pawn to c2", Harry said. The black pawn on c3 moved to c2.

"Bishop to c2", Draco said. The white bishop on d3 moved to c2, obliterating the black pawn on c2.

"King to e5", Harry said. The black king on f6 moved to e5.

"Bishop to d3", Draco said. The white bishop on c2 moved to d3.

Harry was quite certain he was winning this game. He was up by one pawn, and it was only a few squares from promotion. He was sure this would be as splendid victory.

But he was quite wrong about that. Draco had a plan that would draw the game.

"King to d6", Harry said. The black king on e5 moved to d6.

"King to e2", Draco said. The white king on f3 moved to e2.

"King to c5", Harry said. The black king on d6 moved to c5.

"King to d2", Draco said. The white king on e2 moved to d2.

"Pawn to d4", Harry said. The black pawn on d5 moved to d4.

"King to c2", Draco said. The white king on d2 moved to c2.

"King to d5", Harry said. The black king on c5 moved to d5.

"Bishop to g6", Draco said. The white bishop on d3 moved to g6.

"King to e5", Harry said. The black king on d5 moved to e5.

"Bishop to d3", Draco said. The white bishop on g6 moved to d3.

Harry suddenly realized what the problem was. Even though he was up by one pawn, the position was indeed a draw. Draco's light-squared bishop would always control the b1-h7 diagonal. Harry's black king would never be able to force the white bishop off of that diagonal or advance the black d-pawn to promotion. The black bishop couldn't do anything about it because it was on the opposite color, it could only move along the dark squares. It was simply a draw and there was nothing that could be done about it. All because the bishops were on opposite colors.

So, it was in this position that Harry offered Draco a draw and he accepted. Overall, the game had lasted 86 moves.

Draco then decided to explain what had happened.

"We played an endgame known as an opposite-colored bishop endgame. An opposite-colored bishop endgame is reached when each side has a single bishop and those bishops operate on opposite-colored squares. Without other pieces besides pawns and the kings, these endings are widely known for their tendency to result in a draw. These are the most difficult endings in which to convert a small material advantage to a win. With additional pieces, the stronger side has more chances to win, but still not as many as when bishops are on the same color."

"Thanks, Draco", Harry said. "I'll be sure to keep this endgame in mind."

"Not a problem, Harry. I'm always here to help."