The Rivalry
Prologue
Hogwarts Hospital Wing 1991
Oliver opened his eyes slowly as he tried to ignore the throbbing in his head. From experience he knew that it wouldn't be there for long, unless of course the Weasley twins decided to come and visit him. Then he would never be able to get rid of his headache.
"Good of you to join us in the celebrations Oliver"
Oh no, they had decided to visit him after all.
"Yeah, we've been waiting for ages for you to wake up"
Opening his eyes fully with a grimace the Gryffindor Captain looked at the faces gathered around him. The entire Quidditch team had apparently decided to visit him, including their new seeker Harry.
"If we are celebrating, can I assume that we won."
He vaguely remembered something like that while he was in and out of consciousness, his body refusing to let himself succumb completely to the blow to his head until he had seen the results of their match.
"Indeed we did Oliver."
"And we've been waiting patiently here by your side so that we can tell you before we head back to the common room to celebrate."
With that the twins stood up to do just that, with the others following their example.
"I am glad to see that you were all so concerned with my wellbeing"
He said sarcastically, but he was smiling at his team mates as they started towards the door. But then he stopped as he saw something sitting on the table beside his bed, something that took his breath away for a moment.
"Oliver? Are you alright?"
The captain looked up to see that not everyone had actually left his side. Harry was still there looking confused and a little concerned. Pulling his eyes away from the items that had been left for him Oliver laughed and smiled reassuringly at the seeker. He was alright, he was better than alright. In fact he had never been happier, because finally she was back.
"I'm fine Harry, Thank you."
But the First Year didn't look convinced as he sat back down again beside the Captain's side.
"What is that?"
He asked pointing towards the objects that had taken the older boy's attention so suddenly. Oliver sighed happily as he leant back against the pillow, his eyes on the bedside table.
"Did you ever wonder why Flint and I hate each other so much?"
At the younger boy's non-committal shrug Oliver continued.
"It isn't just about Quidditch with us. Although that is a big part of it. Marcus hates me for a completely different reason, and Quidditch gives him an excuse to show it. You see a few years ago when I was in my third year…"
