Desired Life as The One He Loves

Chapter 9: Quidditch Tryouts

The beating inside my chest intensifies as my palms grow clammy. My hands grip the broom tighter, praying I will not slip. Not only would that be highly humiliating, but would certainly be noticed by the captain. So far tryouts have been great, I haven't missed a single goal. Though falling off my broom would undoubtedly cost me the spot of the third chaser.

All day leading until this point, all I could think about was the constant worry of failing chaser tryouts. Or worse, embarrassing myself past redemption. I didn't hear a thing that came from Professor Flitwick's mouth during Charms class. I was too busy playing the image of completely embarrassing myself at tryouts over and over, my nerves growing with every minute that passed. Thankfully Hermione consented to sharing her notes with me the next morning. However, getting a poor mark on my charms essay is the least of my worries right now. All I can dwell on at the moment is whether or not I make the team.

When I had first stepped out onto the field, thirty minutes prior, every single thought vanished from my mind, I was in shock. I truly couldn't believe I was about to try out for chaser. If it weren't for Draco, literally pushing me out onto the field, I don't think I would be up here in the air at all. And only when I had mounted my broom and sped off into the sky had I noticed how high up we are, or how fast we fly. In a way, it felt amazing, like I was really living. The wind flowing through my hair and whistling in my ears; it sent chills throughout me. But then I remember that all eyes are on me and the familiar lump forms in my throat once more.

At the beginning of tryouts, everyone trying out for the spot had warm-ups. This consisted of us all flying around the Quidditch field, showing the captain, Marcus Flint, how effectively we can fly on a broomstick. Shortly after that, we had each gotten the chance to play a short scrimmage with the rest of the team. Everyone has already had their fun, now it's my turn to score as many goals to hopefully impress Marcus

As I am up here, zooming past people on my broom, scoring goal after goal, I realize that Draco was right. He had said I would be great, and if I'm being quite honest, I am not disappointed. I would say I am confident that I'm going to get the spot if it weren't for Amelia. She's trying out for chaser too. And I hate to say she's not half bad. She's quite good, actually. I just hope Marcus noticed when she missed her last goal by an inch. Though it would be just my luck that he was turned around just at that precise moment.

Abruptly a deafening, screeching sound comes from below. I instantly stop my broom and look down. My vision blurs and my head pounds at the sudden stop. I squint at the ground, making out who made the noise. A tiny figure, who I can only assume to be Marcus, is holding a whistle to his mouth. He blows it once more, signifying everyone to land. Right away everyone speeds head first towards the ground, I'm the last to land. After we all step off our brooms, the seven other potential chasers form a line horizontal to Marcus and the rest of the team, I follow suit.

"Great job, everyone! Though sadly there is only one spot for chaser at the moment, so seven of you will leave us," Marcus says, pausing to look at each of us. "Here I have a list of three people who really stuck out to me. After I read these three names, everyone who wasn't called can leave." Although the hardest part is over, my breathing fails to slow, along with my rapidly pounding heart.

"Now for the results," Marcus says, lifting the parchment to his face and studying it closely. Everyone shifts uncomfortably on their feet. I stare down at my shoes, avoiding everyone's eyes. I can feel the anticipation tear people apart from the inside.

"Ardolf, Warrington, and Davidson," Marcus says slowly, pausing after every name. It takes my brain a second to register that I am on that list. Apparently, I had made an impression. I feel my nerves vanish slightly, but not enough to calm me quite yet. I breathe a sigh of relief as the rejected group of students sulk off the field, grumbling to each other. Knowing I have made it this far gives me a sense of accomplishment, though the agony is not over. "The rest of Slytherin team and I are going to chat for a moment to discuss who should be the third chaser," Marcus says, huddling up with his team. I see Draco shoot me a big and goofy grin before gathering in a circle with the rest of them.