I checked the publication date and almost died. This was published 19 days before I was born.

Great story. Pretty disappointed that you never got round to the sequel, as I'd have loved to see where it went. I enjoy your very sympathetic Snape.

Loved it! Chess-playing Ron is one of my favourites, even if I have no head for the game myself... I felt Snapes perspective was really well done as well. Thanks for sharing!

Even though this story is almost 15 years old now, I found it quite enjoyable. I have not the slightest idea about chess, but everything fit the little bits and pieces I’ve heard about competitive chess in the muggle world. The tournament itself was surprisingly gripping and I’d read more about Ron and Snape as a chess duo under the guiding hand of al-Hadoud.

Absolutely love this! Don't normally review but this one was so good that I had to. To anyone who (like me) checks comments to determine if the fic is a worthy read, take my word for it and read this one :D

Loved this story! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Hmm, it is interesting to think about it when you think from the perspective of when the rest of the books haven't been released. Looking for protection is as good as being racist.

But from the memories we get from Snape in DH, Snape already had suspicions about Remus and Lily was asking why Snape was hounding the Mauraders which doesn't make sense if they were bullying Snape.

I don't care in the least about chess but read this story from first words to last in a day, so great work! Ron and Snape showed noncanon, surprising qualities that didn't clash in the least with who we know them to be.
Ron showed signs of actual levelheadedness when he's frequently depicted as a shallow hothead and I appreciate the way he felt responsible for Ginny, both her safety and happiness. Protective Ron I've seen, but thoughtful or generous? Not until this story.
Snape's story line involved more subterfuge, of course, and danger, too. He seemed to appreciate Ron's kindness to a child brought into the competitive chess world young just as he was. I wonder if anyone went out of their way to simply be friendly when he was young, besides the emir, who could hardly have qualified as a playmate. It seems that Snape can dress when he's not teaching young dunderheads not to blow up the lab! Unbiased observers can see him as attractive if not conventionally handsome and he does have the ability to flirt when he's not surrounded by coworkers and students. Who would suspect? And he can walk into a dangerous situation and get himself out. We know this in a general way from canon and lots of fan fiction depicts him in danger, but more often than not it's Voldemort/cruciatus. Your Death Eater trap was more like a spy novel, treacherous and fast moving. Even his grudge game with Lucius fit that pattern (If James Bond were smarter.). I'm glad you wrote that you intended sequels. I'll be looking them up.

Excellent! Glad Severus got the gifts he did.

Most excellent!

Well done!

Ack! Good story! Great chapter!

I like this Ron.

Good deal. Ron has dyslexia. Maybe with some help he can do better.

Terrific!