A fic outlining Oliver Wood's experiences on the Quidditch pitch with the Weaslies. NOTE: Hints of Charlie/Oliver and Oliver/Percy. Don't like, don't read. NOTE: Speculation between characters. Forgive me.
There were many moments in Oliver Wood's life that he would never forget. For him, a renowned athelete in his own right, most of these events happened on the Quidditch pitch. It was where he first discovered his true calling, became a succes, and learned of his natural leading and tactical ability.
He'd heard of and had been interested in Quidditch since he was young, but the first time he'd known it was what he'd wanted to do for the rest of his life was when he was sitting in the stands of Hogwarts' stadium, amongst a cheering sea of supporters watching Charlie Weasley and the Gryffindor team defeat Hufflepuff in a resounding victory.
When flying lessons began that year, he seemed a natural, the first in the air and the first capable of performing advanced aerial maneuvers. To him flying took off all earthly bonds from him, allowing him to feel truly free for the first time. It was no wonder that when he learned the Patronus Charm, the spell took the shape of a great-winged eagle.
As his second year began, he immediately tried out for the open Seeker's position, winning the spot without need for repeat performances. He was so overjoyed that day that he hugged the new captain, Charlie, until the larger boy couldn't breathe. He wouldn't mess p this opportunity of a lifetime. Not ever.
Two minutes into Oliver's first match, a rogue bludger knocked him unconscious, sending him into a week-long coma.
The two played together for two years, in which Oliver and Charlie became fast friends, sharing Quidditch ideas and strategies. It was no wonder that, after some time, Oliver developed a small bit of feeling for this older friend who seemed to share such a like mind as he had, who thirsted for victory as much as he, and seemed to brood far heavier than Oliver did when, once again, they failed to secure the Quidditch Cup.
Gryffindor quickly became a formiddable enemy, especially after Charlie's younger brothers, Fred and George, joined the team. The twin Firebrands were the best Beaters Oliver had ever seen at that school, rarely ever missing a mark or failing to defend a teammate. Along with Fred and George came Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, and Katie Bell, three young women born to be Chasers. However, this still didn't seem good enough to allow them the Cup. The experiences, though, far outweighed this crippling defeat. Fred and George seemed to listen to his tactics and plays, and were able to follow through on them with expert ease. And when he was too stressed from working on new tatics, those two were always there to relax him with a prank or joke.
The next year, Charlie left Hogwarts, leaving Oliver two things: the position of Captain, and an empty Seeker's position, which was soon filled by the prodigy Harry Potter. Oliver had to admit, this young boy was almost as good as Charlie, if not better. Despite the seemingly great disadvantage of the boy's poor sight, he almost never failed to catch the Snitch and win them the games they played. However, the situations he got involved in almost always made him want to murder him.
As his fifth year came to a close, he started noticing another Weasley watching his games. It was Percy, the one who reminded him so much of Bill; obsessed with protocol and advancing his position in the school. Oliver never minded him. He even resented when Fred and George openly made fun of their older brother. Late night talks with his dorm mate revealed his deep concern about his family, though the others never truly seemed to notice. At first, Oliver thought his constant appearance at games was because of his protective thoughts, but eventually, he noticed that Percy usually only talked to him after these games; watched him as they made their way to another victory.
It was Percy who, after his injury in his first game ever, had taken him to the infirmary, though he never knew this.
Ten years later, after winning the Quidditch Cup with his dream team, he'd learned many things; how to think on your feet, how to clm down when the pressure's too great, and friendship with a Weasley lasts forever.