Chess

[alt_megan]

Last weekend, Ernie taught me how to play chess. I liked it much more than I thought I would. I thought it would be boring. Or difficult. And I only wanted to learn because everyone else knows how to play. But it really wasn't boring at all!

We borrowed the pieces from one of the second years, I thought that was really nice of her to let us use them. But maybe it was because Ernie asked.

The pieces started talking as soon as we got them set up, the queen on my side especially. I didn't like her, she always wanted to do everything. Just because she's so powerful. I don't think the person we borrowed them from plays chess much, so perhaps that's why the queen was so...so very bossy. To make up for it. The nights worked together much better, and the bishops were really good friends, I could tell. But the rooks didn't like each other much, and only worked together because they both wanted to win. And the king was so sweet. I wish I could keep him. I think he knew more than the queen too, but he didn't go on about it. The queen listened to him, too, which was good because otherwise they'd be very unhappy together.

They were all really disappointed when we didn't finish the game completely, but I think it's better if no one wins. Or loses! Especially when one is just learning. But I promised them that if I could borrow them again, I'd play a game all the way through. Would anyone like to play with me? Or perhaps I should ask one of the boys, they'll probably want to practise for the tournament.

Comments

[alt_susan]

I wasnt going to be in the tournament, but now that I am I'd be happy to play with you. I wish Eloise hadn't dropped out though--she's loads better than I am.

[alt_megan]

Oooh, good. Later this evening? I have to borrow the pieces again. I hope she doesn't mind. I didn't really think about that when I promised. Maybe we should just use school pieces.

And I'm glad your going to be in the tournament.

Me too. About Eloise. But if she wouldn't have fun? I'm sort of nervous, now that I asked to be in it. Maybe I shouldn't have.

[alt_susan]

Yes, lets do! I'm sure she won't mind at all--I bet she's glad to lend her pieces to someone who'll take them out and use them.

Oh, don't be nervous Megan! Or at least dont let it stop you. I'm a bit nervous myself but I know there are loads of other people who are just learning like us. They won't all be as good as Weasley or Nott.

[alt_megan]

Perhaps she is! I think they like being played with. So I really should ask, shouldn't I?

I suppose. I'm not going to drop out after I asked to be in. But I can't help being nervous. Can you? If you don't want to? I'd like to be able to do that.

[alt_susan]

Of course you should!

Sometimes if I think about something else for awhile or go and read a book or something, that helps me forget my nervousness.

And really I dont think I'm likely to win a prize or anything anyhow, so their
isn't anything to be nervous about.

That's what I keep telling myself anyhow.

[alt_megan]

Okay.

I don't think that's the same. When you come back, is it still there?

But what if you-- I'm not going to tell you. Then you won't have to be nervous about it.

[alt_harry]

Trinculus has a chess knight who won't play, because he has such a rotten temper. I asked him why he kept the knight then and he said that everyone else in the set got angry when he tried to throw him out so he had to go dig thruogh the bin and find him again. And now he just has to play chess with only one knight.

[alt_susan]

Thats funny! Moran must be really good if he can play with only one knight.

[alt_harry]

Yeah, I suppose! It wouldn't matter if I only had one knihgt or two, Id still be pants.

[alt_megan]

Oh, that's too bad! I wonder if the knight doesn't like chess. That would be odd. But perhaps the knight would be better in a different set, and he could trade it with someone.

It works with cats.

I'm glad all my the pieces I used got along with each other. Enough to play together. Even the rooks were cute, all stiff and formal and glaring at each other.

[alt_ernie]

It wasn't that - Hufflepuffs stick together! I bet she'd lend the pieces to you again if you asked her.

[alt_megan]

Okay. I'll ask. If you think it's okay. I wouldn't want to annoy her.

[alt_pansy]

My queen is pretty bossy too, but she's always right. And knows it.

[alt_susan]

I almost always like the queen. I think it might because I am a bit bossy too. Or at least my brothers and sisters say so.

[alt_megan]

When we play, you can have my queen if I can have your king. No, I don't think that'd work. I'd have nothing to attack to win!

Maybe knights? I'd like to have extra knights.

[alt_susan]

We could try it, but somehow I don't think most sets like that sort of thing. They might think that the other piece was a traitor or spy and attack it!

[alt_megan]

Not if you tell them not to! Or give them little caps that are the right colour for their new team?

It's probably not chess if you switch out the pieces. Even if you get it to work.

[alt_megan]

Perhaps they all are!