Martha,

I was mopping the kitchen floor this afternoon (dangerous things,
these domestic chores) and started to distract myself with questions
about the Checkmate universe. So here are my thoughts:

* Do we know anything about why Harry (given his character as depicted
in canon) wound up in Hufflepuff in this universe? I'm speculating
here that possibly the environment of his growing up--with the secrecy
of his dad's work and the close mutual reliance among friends--would
have ratcheted up his sense of loyalty, and its importance. Thoughts?

* I continue to be intrigued by the interrelated questions: What
happened to Voldemort in this universe? What is the nature of the work
Harry's dad etc. are doing? Just what is it that Dumbledore is doing
these days, and why do we never see him on-scene?

Part of what made me think about this was the fact that Maevi seems to
know about the work Harry's dad etc. are doing. It makes me wonder
about hidden allegiances and shadow organizations in this world, and
why they exist, and just how much danger there still may be even if
Voldemort isn't around anymore.

* Which leads me to wonder: What was the dividing point between this
universe and canon? Of course, there may be a bunch of differences,
but could something as simple as Dumbledore's decision (at some point)
to leave Hogwarts and lead the fight against Voldemort more directly
have led to what we see in the Checkmate universe?

* Speaking of which, I'd really like to see Dumbledore show up in one
of these stories. Possibly for an interview with Ron (with Harry
present). Or possibly Dumbledore just breezing into the Twins' shop
one day. (Speaking of which: How did the Twins get the money for their
shop in this universe? Of course, they were Slytherins too, you said
in one story, so presumably they'd be better at getting and keeping
money to achieve their ambitions...)

* I assume there wasn't the familiar prophecy in this universe. But
perhaps another one? Possibly something about the son of the stag and
the phoenix in flight...? (Okay, that's pushing it.)

Take care, and have fun.