Even without the rivalry between Oliver and Marcus, the Gryffindor and Slytherin teams couldn't be farther from friendship. Multiple confrontations had kept this fire going, most notably when Draco Malfoy had called Hermione a Mudblood a few weeks prior. The whole exchange was so chaotic that Oliver didn't notice how even Marcus had winced at Malfoy's words since Wood was too busy trying to hold back half of his team from pouncing on the blond bastard.
Bigotry was just one of the many reasons why Oliver Wood chose not to associate with Marcus Flint—honestly, he didn't associate with the entire Slytherin house. Even though both of his parents were wizards, Wood felt no reason to reject muggle-born folks. But at this point, the disdain that Wood had for Slytherins and all their qualities could only fuel his need to beat them on the quidditch pitch.
After giving his team his usual pep talk (much to the enjoyment of Fred and George Weasley) Oliver proudly led his team onto the field amid many cheers from most of the crowd. Shortly after, the Slytherin team emerged as Wood's eyes were fixed on the opposing team's captain in particular.
Oliver privately noted how Flint's rather large frame and his years of training showed through his emerald quidditch robes. The two shook hands and, even though Oliver was sure Flint had broken his pinky finger, were glaring daggers at each other and trying not to show any weaknesses.
"I want a fair game from both of you" warned Madam Hooch (mostly towards Flint) before blowing her whistle amid 14 other brooms flying into the air.
Of course, it wouldn't be a normal quidditch match at Hogwarts without Lee Jordan's commentary. "Now here comes Chaser Alicia Spinnet with the quaffle and she's heading towards the Slytherin goal post and- Oh! Only nearly misses that bludger and almost loses possession, but Angelina Johnson recovers. There she goes weaving in and out of that Slytherin defense-Now that's a goal for Gryffindor!" Everyone who wasn't decked in green and silver erupted in applause at the goal.
"And now its Flint heading towards the Gryffindor goal posts and he's getting awfully close! It looks like it's going to be a goal for Slyth- Oh no." Lee almost groaned the last part.
While Wood had been defending the goal posts and Flint was flying towards him, suddenly Flint and Wood had to dodged both bludgers coming at each of them from the outside and from opposite directions, causing them to suddenly crash into each other.
The impact was strong enough for the crowd to hear several loud cracking noises before watching both of the players lose consciousness before they hit the ground 40 feet below.
Wood woke up in the hospital wing. He tried to sit up immediately to ask anyone about whether or not Gryffindor had won, but instead he was unable to move more than inch and chose to lay back down groaning in pain.
Unable to turn his head to see who was around him, Wood settled on listening for signs of other people. It didn't take long because shortly after his groaning he heard a voice that was equally annoyed and amused saying "You have got to be kidding me."
Oliver's eyes nearly rolled into the back of his head before rage filled him.
"Flint, if you cost us the game I swear I will end you!" Oliver yelled and before he could get a response Madam Pomfrey had rushed over to him and ordered him to calm down. However, to Oliver, there was nothing calm about this situation.
So there you go! More chapters should be coming soon so feel free to follow the story to get updates! (Once again I own none of the content in this story that involves the world of Harry Potter).