House: Hufflepuff

Class: Transfiguration

Drabble

Prompts: [Action] Falling off a broom; [Character] Oliver Wood

Word Count: 669

The First Fall

Oliver Wood remembered the first time that he fell off of a broom. He was at the bright young age of eight. Not only that, it was his birthday. Oliver couldn't remember who came to the party that his parents held. Or all the gifts that he received.

But there was one gift that he remembered like it was yesterday. It was given to him by his parents. He remembered the pure excitement he felt when he tore the bright red wrapping paper off the gift. His eyes had widened in shock, the small smile he wore grew ten times.

His parents had gotten him a toy flying broom. Made from a chestnut tree, the black broom's foot holders were made from a silver-colored metal. It was designed to only lift about ten feet off of the ground and its top speed was 20mph.

His parents had given him permission to test the broom out after they had cake. Oliver still remembered what the other kids said once they'd seen what he got.

"Aww, man! You're so lucky. I've been begging my parents to get me one for ages," one of the boys had whined.

"It's so pretty! I bet you'll be the best flier ever, Oliver," a brunette girl commented as she smiled at him.

"Can I have a go after you?"

"Let's race each other sometime! I bet that I'll fly faster than you."

"Cake time," Mrs. Wood shouted.

The children had cheered happily as they raced over to the table. Oliver placed the broom down as he headed over as well. He sat in front of the cake as his mother lit the candles. The children started to sing 'Happy Birthday' to him. Once the singing was done, Oliver had blown out the candles, making a wish as he did so.

The children cheered as Mrs. Wood levitated the cake away. She had proceeded to cut it up and place the pieces on the plates. She'd then levitated a piece of cake to each of the kids sitting around the table. They'd thanked Mrs. Wood for the cake before they ate it. Oliver had all but inhaled his cake, wanting to try his broom out as soon as possible.

"Slow down there, darling. The broom isn't going anywhere," Mrs. Wood had reminded her son, smiling as he slowed his pace.

"Sorry, Mum. I'm just so excited to try the broom out," Oliver had explained as he finished the last bite. "I'm done. Can I try the broom out now?"

"Yes. But be careful! Don't go at full speed," she'd called after Oliver as he headed back to the broom.

"Ok!"

Oliver had picked the broom up. He'd glanced over the picture instructions. Oliver then mounted the broom, a smile on his face, ready to lift off. The other children stood a little bit away, waiting to see what would happen.

Oliver lifted off of the ground. He'd wobbled a bit in the air as he'd tried to find his balance.

Oliver had smiled, successful in steadying himself. He'd whooped in joy as he had started to fly around his backyard. The children had oohed and aahed as they watched Oliver fly.

"This is so much fun!"

It had been fun, for about the first five minutes. Then it happened.

The wind suddenly shifted and picked up, catching Oliver off guard. Before he knew it, he had landed on the ground hard.

"Oliver! Oliver, are you ok? Does anything hurt?"

He looked up to see his mom kneeling beside him.

"I'm ok, Mum. Nothing hurts," Oliver had said.

"That's good. Now then, no more flying today. I think you had enough excitement."

"Aww, but Mum!"

"You can fly more later. When there is no wind to knock you off."

"Fine..."

"Good. Now, why don't you and the other kids play a game?"

"Ok!"