AN: Good luck, boys! This chapter is the only thing I wrote about concerning their second year. We'll be skipping forward to the summer before third year in the next chapter.

Disclaimer: Don't own any of the characters or anything even remotely related to the Harry Potter Franchise, except my own copies of the books and some merchandise.

Try-outs

School had commenced, and all the students had returned to Hogwarts. Albus, Scorpius, and Rose for their second year, James for his fourth, Fred for his fifth, and Victoire for her seventh and final year. Bill and Fleur's second child, Dominique, would be starting her first year.

Two weeks into the term, the Slytherin Quidditch captain, Francine Jasper, held try-outs for the team. She was missing two chasers and a seeker. There were a lot of people that turned up, those who didn't make it sitting in the stands to watch the others.

Albus was nervous; he'd only flown in front of family and people he knew well before. Never this many people. After displaying their general flying ability in groups of six, Scorpius and Albus survived the elimination. Soon there were only twelve possible candidates left.

"Alright, so we have to positions open" Jasper said in her commanding voice. "Chaser and seeker. There are two open spots for chaser. Not those of you that want to play seeker, move to the left. The potential chasers, group on the right"

Scorpius gave Albus's hand an encouraging squeeze and a smile before they separated. There were four people standing on the seeker side, excluding Scorpius, and six on the chaser side, excluding Albus.

"Right. You five, spread out evenly. I'm going to release the snitch in a few minutes, but you won't know precisely when, and the first person to catch it will be the new Slytherin seeker" Jasper instructed to the group on the left. The mounted their brooms and did what they were told. "And you lot, you will attempt to score a goal. I'm sure you know, I'm the keeper, so I will be defending the hoops. There are seven of you, so you'll have to fight for the Quaffle" Standing right in front of her, Albus saw the captain inconspicuously release the snitch. "We'll play for a period of fifteen minutes. Attempt to score as many times as you can during that time, and at the end, the two with the most goals will be chasers"

The fifteen minutes began. A fourth year had already scored twice, and a third year once. A fellow second year that Albus recognized, hadn't scored at all, like him. Albus was getting worried. Jasper blew her whistle and called for a meeting in the centre of the pitch.

"It can't be fifteen minutes already?" the second year said to Albus worriedly. They landed.

"Right, we have our new seeker!" Jasper announced proudly.

Albus felt arms fly around him before he saw it. He smiled broadly when he opened his eyes and Scorpius was hugging him, saying, "I got it, Ally! I caught it!"

"To the stands, the rest of you" Jasper spoke to those who tried for seeker. "Scorpius Malfoy, congratulations. You're the Slytherin seeker. Go sit down"

The second year and Albus devised a plan while the Slytherin team welcomed Scorpius to their midst. Their strategy worked out so that, if carried out correctly, Albus and the other boy would each score at least once. He told Albus his name was Shane Garth.

"Alright, resume!" Jasper yelled and blew her whistle. The fourth year that had two goals didn't score again, but the third year did, knocking Albus almost off his broom to get it. Another fourth year scored too. Shane and Albus put their strategy to work, and wove in and out of the other players. Shane scored. The set part two of the plan in motion, and Albus almost scored. Jasper blocked it with her foot when she'd dived in the wrong direction. The time ran out. Albus's heart sunk, as he hadn't scored a single goal. He had no chance of being on the team. He landed in the middle of the pitch to hear who did make it, trying to hide his bitter disappointment. He'd played well, but he hadn't scored.

"I've decided that you two will be our new chasers" Jasper said, indicating Shane and Albus. Albus didn't quite catch on.

"What?! Why?" The fourth year who'd scored two goals yelled indignantly.

"Yeah, that's not fair! We scored two goals each!" The third year protested.

"Shut up! I'm the captain, I'll say what's fair and unfair" the captain yelled. Everyone quieted down immediately. "I can't put you on my team because you have no respect or consideration for your fellow teammates" she said to the third year. He looked surprised. "You almost knocked the small one off his broom"

"But they're the competition in this case" he argued.

"No, you're wrong. I'm looking for player-dynamics here, hence why I chose these two. Admittedly they were slack in the first half, but they displayed excellent teamwork in the next. Teamwork is essential for chasers" Jasper explained. "And I can't choose you-" she waved a finger at the fourth year "-because I'm not allowed to. I know we're friends, but you were kicked off the team last year, mate. I can't put you back on because of your record"

The other three people that tried out for chaser had long since walked away. The third and fourth year stalked off angrily. The captain smiled at Shane and Albus. "You two, nice work. I hope you can get on well with our other chaser, Ramsey. She's in third year" Jasper yawned and stretched her arms out. "I also chose you because you're young. You have a lot of potential. With training, you could be invaluable assets to this team. And because you're young, you'll serve the team for years to come. Frankly, I don't want to have to have try-outs again, ever, if I can avoid it. Nightmares, they are. I still have three years here, in which I hope I stay captain" Jasper rambled. It was just starting to sink in that Albus had made the team.

As soon as he saw the two kids walk away, and saw Albus remain behind, Scorpius let up a whoop of triumph. He ran from the stands right up to Albus and jumped up and down in excitement. "We made it, Ally! You and me!" he cheered. Albus couldn't help but grin at the hyperactive blonde.

"Yes we did!" Albus joined in.

AN: Guess what? The next chapter ties up the whole Luna-freaking-out thing, as well as Draco's past! Dun dun dun! Not to be missed!

Next Chapter: Explanations

"I have a friend now, and that sure helps" he grinned at his old-time rival.

. . .to be continued!