Disclaimer: I do not own Oliver Wood, the game of Quidditch, or the wizarding world as it was created by J.K Rowling.

A/N: For those of you who read the other version of this chapter, I had to rewrite this for my own sanity. I've been re-reading the series and I thought I could do a better job with this story. Also, I've interpretated how the Quidditch League works based on sports leagues (mainly hockey and baseball) in the U.S., just in case you wondered. I hope you all enjoy!

-Chapter One-

For the British and Irish Quidditch League, the month of June marked the beginning of a rigorous training season. Its purpose was to provide the coaches with a closer look at the players in the team's organization, both current and prospective, in order to build a solid team for the regular Quidditch season in the fall. It also gave the players on the reserve team a chance to showcase their skills, in the hopes of clinching one of the roster spots on the first team.

One such reserve team hopeful was Oliver Wood, who had been signed by the Puddlemere United organization straight out of school. He had just come off the best season of his young, two year career as a professional Quidditch player and was determined to make the first team for the upcoming season. His odds of making the team escalated after longtime Keeper, Tobias Kelly, announced his desire to retire from the game. Still, as Oliver was not the only Keeper vying for the position, he had to prove that he was capable of playing at the top level.

Based on his performance in their previous match, however, it appeared Oliver was determined to prove himself worthy for the position. He kept the Kenmare Kestrels scoreless in Puddlemere's two hundred and ten point victory. Though he was proud of his work in that match, Oliver knew that he would have to have similar success in the other games he played throughout the training season. After all, he was up against two other Keepers who wanted the job just as much as he did.

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It was a warm and breezy Saturday afternoon, the golden sun shimmering behind a curtain of fluffy, white clouds. It was the kind of day that lured people from their houses, giving them a good reason to enjoy some time outdoors. For the wizard community, Quidditch fans in particular, it was the perfect day for a game of their beloved pastime.

There was a decent crowd on hand at Blackmore Pitch as Puddlemere United was playing against the Appleby Arrows. They were only a few minutes into the game and Appleby was already up six goals to one. It was not a good start for Puddlemere Keeper, Josiah Noall, who was making his first start.

From the sidelines, Oliver Wood watched with his keen eye, carefully noting Noall's technique. It was easy to spot where his weaknesses were and the Arrows seemed to be taking advantage of the situation. There was a collective groan from the United players' bench, as well as the fans, when yet another Quaffle eluded their Keeper. As much as it pained him to see a fellow Keeper struggle, Oliver relished the opportunity to scout his competition. He felt that by watching the other Keepers and learning from their mistakes, he would be able to make himself look better. With his dream just within his grasp, Oliver would do anything to make it a reality.

As the game wore on, the Puddlemere Chasers did their best to play catch up, but the Arrows always stayed a few goals ahead. Miraculously, the game ended with a Puddlemere victory when Casey McCormack managed to swipe the Golden Snitch right out from under the nose of the Appleby Seeker. It was a dismal win, but a win none-the-less.

Being early in the season, and only an exhibition match, the United players shrugged off the effortless performance. Instead, they focused on the win as they gathered in the locker room for the post game analysis with their coach, Carson Vance. When he finished, those who had played hit the showers, while everyone else changed into their street clothes, making plans to meet at a nearby pub to celebrate the third victory of the season.

"Oi, Wood. You coming out with us tonight?" Ripley Brubaker, a Beater from the reserve team, shouted from across the room. He gave a smirk as he laced up his tennis shoes, well aware that his invitation would be declined.

Oliver gave his head a shake; very rarely did he join the team in their post game festivities. He preferred the quiet solitude of his apartment, where he could go over the areas of his game that might need work before the next match. Those who had played with him on the reserve team expected nothing less from the Keeper, having experienced the fanatical passion for the game that he possessed. Ripley replied with a shrug; he always had to ask just in case.

As he exited the locker room, Oliver was followed by Ripley and, fellow Beater, Quincy Carlisle.

"What are you going to do when Wood actually agrees, Bru?" quipped Quincy.

Ripley slung a thick arm around Oliver's shoulders and grinned. "I'll buy all his drinks for the night."

Chuckling, Quincy pushed open the door that would take them away from the pitch. As they stepped outside, the boys were greeted by a small group of fans, mostly witches, waiting to bombard their favorite players with autograph and photo requests. The response to their appearance was immediate as people hurried forward to be the first to the players.

There were a few exceptions, but for the most part Oliver enjoyed the interaction with the fans. He had acquired quite a following over those two years on the reserve team; at first, the attention was a bit overwhelming, as it usually was for a young player, but he learned quickly that it was something that came with the job. Most of his fans appreciated his talent and what he could bring to the team. The female fans, however, chose to focus on his good looks rather than his ability to play the game. It wasn't something that particularly bothered Oliver; he was just pleased to have fans at all.

Looking up from the broomstick he was signing, Oliver grinned when he caught sight of Quincy and Ripley. The two were standing on either side of a young witch, who looked beside herself with delight, as her friend snapped a photo. There was a scurry toward the locker room door, which signaled the appearance of more team members.

Oliver was just signing a bit of parchment for a small witch, no older than six, when someone shouted his name over the buzz of voices. Raising his gaze toward the source, he saw Ripley waving animatedly from distance. Shaking his head with a short laugh, Oliver responded with a grin and a nod just before Ripley Disapparated. How did he always manage to make such a quick get away, Oliver wondered.

It was in that moment, after Ripley disappeared, that Oliver noticed a girl standing off a short distance from the crowd. She was leaned casually against a lamp post, her face tilted skyward, which gave Oliver the distinct impression that she had no interest in the scene before her.

"Excuse me, Mr. Wood. Could I please have my parchment back?" the little girl asked, tugging on his coat to regain his attention.

Oliver gaze slide back to the small wide-eyed girl in front of him. He hadn't realized the distraction caused him to pause in the middle of an autograph. Quickly scribbling the rest of his name on the parchment, Oliver handed it back with a smile.

"Come back and cheer for Puddlemere again, yeah?"

"I sure will," she chirped happily, scurrying off to where her parent were waiting. They gave Oliver a friendly smile as their daughter waved the paper eagerly in their faces.

He barely had time to return the smile when he was accosted by a small group of twittering girls. They occupied the next fifteen minutes of Oliver's time with a whirlwind of questions, pictures, and autographs. He was glad when the last of their merchandise was signed and they scurried away toward Connor Mansfield, a Chaser who was easily the fan favorite.

The thought of making his way home had just crossed Oliver's mind when Quincy practically tackled him from behind. Oliver steadied himself as Quincy laughed.

"Come on, Wood. Come out with us tonight. I want to see the look on Bru's face when you walk in. What do you say?"

Oliver stared at Quincy for a moment, considering. It wouldn't hurt to go out with the team. He hadn't played in the game, and wasn't scheduled to play in the next game so he really didn't have anything to do when he got home. Also, it might be good to get to know the other players, since there was the possibility of playing with them come fall. Oliver nodded.

"Alright, sure."

Quincy's eyes brightened with a hint of disbelief. "You're serious?"

Oliver nodded once more, grinning sheepishly.

"You've got to hold Bru to his promise," Quincy said, clapping Oliver heartily on the back. "He's going to have to buy your drinks all night."

A/N: If you could leave your thoughts in the form of a review I would be very grateful! Thanks!