way … I’ve got to be taken.’ ‘NO!’ Harry and Hermione shouted. ‘That’s chess!’ snapped Ron. ‘You’ve got to make some sacrifices! I’ll make my move and she’ll take me – that leaves you free to checkmate the king, Harry!’ ‘But –’ ‘Do you want to stop Snape or not?’ ‘Ron –’ ‘Look, if you don’t hurry up, he’ll already have the Stone!’ There was nothing else for it. ‘Ready?’ Ron called, his face pale but determined. ‘Here I go – now, don’t hang around once you’ve won.’ He stepped forward and the white queen pounced. She struck Ron hard around the head with her stone arm and he crashed to the floor
...more
