the winner takes it all - oliver wood

01

Victoria Williams lived in the shadows of two powerful legacies: the legacy of her father, a celebrated Quidditch player known for his remarkable agility and unmatched precision on the pitch, and the haunting memory of her mother, a once-proud witch who had been ostracized for her choice in love and ultimately lost her life for it. Her father had often recounted stories of his glorious matches, where he'd soared through the skies, a mere blur against the backdrop of roaring crowds. Yet, behind his shining accolades lay the sorrow of loss that overshadowed their home. Victoria's mother, a pure-blood witch, had chosen to marry for love rather than blood, which led to her disownment by her family. Victoria often heard the whispers of "blood traitor" lingering in the corners of their home, echoing the pain that lingered in her father's eyes whenever he spoke of her mother's courage and the darkness they had faced.

From an early age, Victoria's father instilled in her the understanding that the wizarding world was not simply a magical realm filled with wonder but also a place fraught with peril. He had vowed to keep her shielded from the darkness that loomed outside their doorstep. With every story he shared, he imparted wisdom wrapped in caution. He hoped his daughter would navigate her magical education without ever having to face the choices and struggles that plagued their lives. As he spoke, his voice was often tinged with the regret of not being able to protect her completely. He wished for her to be sorted into a house that celebrated bravery, intelligence, or loyalty, believing that these values would keep her safe from the sinister influences that had once ensnared her mother. Alas, fate had a different plan when the Sorting Hat placed Victoria in Slytherin, a decision that echoed her mother's past and ignited a conflict within her—a conflict between her heritage and her desires.

The Slytherin common room was a world unto itself, pulsating with ambition and cunning. While Victoria had hoped to escape the echoes of her mother's choices, she found herself immersed in a culture that celebrated the very ideals she wished to distance herself from. Nevertheless, she embraced her new identity, determined to carve her own path within the house. The icy green walls, adorned with the serpent emblem, served as a constant reminder of the legacy she bore. Victoria was fiercely competitive, channeling her emotions into her Quidditch practices, where she found solace and purpose. She yearned to follow in her father's footsteps, aiming to achieve the captaincy of the Slytherin team—a goal that would solidify her place in the Quidditch arena while proving her worth in a house that often held disdain for those labeled as "blood traitors."

Her dreams, however, were abruptly interrupted during her fifth year. In the midst of an intense practice, an unexpected bludger struck her, sending her spiraling off her broom and crashing onto the ground. The accident left her with a broken arm, but it also left her with a gnawing suspicion that the incident was anything but random. Victoria had caught a glimpse of a green Slytherin scarf fluttering near the bleachers just before the bludger hit her. The reality of it stung more than the physical pain; it felt like a betrayal from within her own ranks. She couldn't shake the thought that Marcus Flint, a rival who had coveted the captaincy, had somehow orchestrated the 'accident' to ensure his own ascension. This realization ignited a fierce determination within Victoria, a burning desire to reclaim what was rightfully hers.

Fueled by this newfound resolve, Victoria dedicated herself to rigorous training, pushing her limits both physically and mentally. The injury had only strengthened her resolve, igniting a fire within her to excel beyond her previous capabilities. She refused to be seen as a victim of circumstance; instead, she vowed to rise above it all. Each practice session became an opportunity to prove herself, to showcase her skills and abilities, and to remind her teammates—and Flint—that she was a force to be reckoned with. The whispers of her peers, filled with doubt and skepticism, only spurred her on. Victoria became a relentless force on the pitch, drawing strength from her mother's courage and her father's legacy, determined to honor them both.