Chapter Five: Inviting him in

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of the characters therein, the basic idea for this plot, Oliver Wood being a Houkounin to a female Vampire, is not entirely mine, the Original characters are mine in whole or in part and used accordingly, everything else comes from my head unless specifically stated. Yes I have a slight obsession with Vampire witches. I also have a slight obsessions with all things Irish, I used Google translate for these translations so I'm really sorry if they're really bad, please let me know if I need to correct any. Enjoy~Jade

Oliver kept walking down the hall still carrying me; I opened my eyes as soon as I could no longer hear Auntie Min's footsteps. I don't know why, but the look of him took my breath away, his features were chiseled and I could clearly see why so many girls at Hogwarts had the hots for the Gryffindor Keeper. I couldn't quite place what I felt when I was near him, or much less why I craved having him near enough to smell. It was almost intoxicating his scent, like on the train I felt like I had just been given a strong cheering charm. My head felt a bit foggy and I started to squirm, I need to get out of his arms now.

"You can put me down now Oliver…" My voice was softer than I intended it to be and I felt dizzy again as his chocolate eyes gazed down to look at me.

"No point, we're nearly there…" His voice washed over me, as I felt it rumble from his chest. Goosebumps sprung across my skin as he spoke, I felt dizzier as his accented voice seemed to travel through me. I wasn't entirely sure what was happening to me, so I went back to being quiet. We were standing on a landing, waiting for the next moving staircase to come around and I just felt more awkward than before. He started up the stairs and I squealed as the stairs decided to jerk, without thinking I wrapped my arms around his neck and clung to him tighter.

"I'm not going to let you fall lass…" He tilted his head slightly, his eyes showing he was rather amused, there was something else there in those chocolate eyes, but it flickered too quickly for me to catch. Or maybe I just imagined it; I took a deep breath and lowered my eyes feeling dizzy again.

"Are you sure you're alright? You look a bit dazed…" He had reached the top of the stairs and was shifting me slightly in his arms. I clung to him again as he did so, though I knew he wouldn't let me fall, I felt safer than I ever had before, which was another thing for me to worry about.

"I'm not keen on heights to be honest…" My voice was soft and I closed my eyes laying my head on his shoulder gently. I felt him tilt his head before leaning his chin against my head. The act made my heart beat faster and I felt flushed all over.

"Aye, we're almost there though, don't worry." His voice caused my stomach to flip again and I didn't bother to answer. Resigning myself to breathing in his scent deeper. I'm not entirely sure why I felt this way; I had never before been so flustered by being in someone's presence. It was as if very being was assaulting every part of my senses, but it felt so good, so intoxicating. That when he finally, gingerly put me down onto one of the hospital cots, I missed him immediately. I watched him for a moment, as he pulled away from me, to go get Madame Pomfrey I assume.

"Thank you…Oliver…" I offered him a small smile, and he stared for a moment as if startled before giving me a lopsided one in return, his eyes shining mischievously.

"You're welcome, but you owe me dessert since we did leave the Great Hall before it was served." I smirked as he said this and nodded, intrigued by him as a whole.

"Miss Wynters, I see you've escaped the confines of the Great Hall dinner. Mr. Wood, may I ask what you're doing here?" Madame Pomfrey had walked out to see who had come into the infirmary.

"Yes Ma'am…um I felt a bit faint and dizzy, and Oliver here was kind enough to help me up to the infirmary with permission from Professor McGonagall" I nodded at the mediwitch as she came over wand in hand to cast some diagnostic spells.

"Ah, in that case you may go back to dinner if you wish Mr. Wood, unless there is something the matter with you as well?" I watched as Madame Pomfrey stopped in the middle of her examining of me to look back at Oliver who had stepped back slightly.

"I appreciate that Madame Pomfrey, but Professor McGonagall asked me to stay with Isabella and make sure she made it back to her rooms alright." Oliver shifted slightly though his gaze met the mediwitch's easily. If Madame Pomfrey had anything to say she kept it to herself as she only gave him a nod before turning back to me.

"Well dear other that seeming a bit paler than normal, your other signs seem to be faring well. Here this potion should help with the faint and dizzy feeling, and this one should help you sleep tonight. I'll want you to come to me before breakfast in the morning, and check in with me every few days, is that clear?" I nodded as I took the potion she offered me, despite the taste being too close to anise; it wasn't hard to swallow it down. My head cleared and the faint dizziness ebbed away, though I still very much felt my stomach flip when I looked over to see Oliver's concerned look, and small reassuring smile.

"Yes Madame Pomfrey, thank you." I stood slowly, taking the vial she offered me for later. I knew I would be taking sleeping potions for a while as I needed to get my body accustomed to sleeping at night for classes during the day. Having been born a witch had its advantages, because my blood line was healthy, when I was turned I didn't get all of the curses of being a vampire. For instance I could in fact go outside during the day, though it was painful for me to do so on overly sunny days, it was best if I kept out of direct sunlight as often as possible, I still had a pulse, and that in part was also due to the fact that since I did require blood somewhat regularly I was blessed to have pure blood willingly provided.

"You may go, I suggest taking a bit of a snack before bed Miss Wynters…" I snapped out of my musings at Madame Pomfrey's words and nodded after looking at her for a moment. Luckily she didn't mean blood, she had given me the last of my reserve blood the day before, but was always insisting that I eat more during normal mealtimes.

"Yes Madame Pomfrey, good night. I'll see you in the morning." I nodded, my hair covering some of my face as I started walking out of the infirmary Oliver at my side. I didn't stop or look back at him as we walked; I was trying to focus on my breathing. Being in front of him just slightly meant that I wasn't as assaulted with his scent, but I was well aware of it, and I didn't really want it to dissipate, though it had been lovely to be in his arms.

I sneered at the thought, wondering what was happening to me, and if this is what they meant when they spoke of love sick. I stopped suddenly at the thought, since when was I in love; I had just met the man today! My sudden lack of movement caused Oliver to run into me slightly, his hands reaching out protectively to wrap around my waist and keep me from falling over.

"Is this a habit of yours? Falling I mean?" I turned to him slightly wanting to slap the smirk off of his face, who told him to give me these kinds of feelings? Part of me knew it was completely irrational to be mad at him for something he was most likely not even aware of causing.

"Only when smothering Gryffindor Keepers are around apparently…" I saw his eyes cloud over at my tone, and I mentally wanted to kick myself. He had been kind to me so far, despite the random Quidditch argument on the train.

"Well maybe this Keeper should let ye fall on yer arse next time…" He dropped his hands from my waist and I couldn't help but smirk as I noticed his Scottish accent got thicker when he was slightly annoyed, in truth I find it devilishly sexy. Not that I was about to tell him that, I'll have to talk to Ayden about all of this tomorrow. Circe knows Snape was not about to let her sneak out of the common room to come see me tonight before curfew. I was amused at how he was still hell bent on following me even after the remark and I had started walking again leading him up the staircases and off on the 7th floor, this was also the way to the Gryffindor common room, as the Gryffindor following me seems to have noted I could feel his eyes on me in question. I deviated, heading left down an almost hidden corridor and straight along a sloping corridor that seemed almost older than the rest of the castle, which was saying something as the entire castle had been built at the same time.

"I've never even seen this corridor before…" I heard Oliver's voice behind me and I turned my head slightly to watch him as he looked around at the portraits which were much quieter here. I resisted the urge to be short with him again, since I have to admit I enjoy his company so far.

"Most people don't notice it as it doesn't have any classrooms in it nor House common rooms…there isn't any need for anyone to ever notice it really." I shrugged and slowed down slightly so we were walking next to each other now. He tilted his head towards me as we came to a large portrait with two of the inhabitants arguing in what I recognized as Gaelic.

"Cén fáth a bhfuil tú faoi chúram a's sí?"* The wizard on the right, who wore a large brimmed hat low on his face, questioned the other man who huffed and puffed at the question, I felt the confusion from Oliver before I turned to see him watching the portrait as well. *Why do you care who she is with?

"Níor chóir sí fir óga a thabhairt go dtí a sheomra." The thinner raven haired wizard crossed his arms and turned his dark eyes first to glare at the other wizard and then at me. *She should not bring young men to her room.

"Tá sé aon cheann de do imní a thabhairt liom go dtí mo sheomra." My Gaelic was a bit rusty but I knew they understood me as the raven haired wizard only continued to glare at me and the one in the hat chuckled clasping his shoulder in a friendly manner. * It is none of your concern who I bring to my room.

"Password?" The hat wearing wizard lifted his chin slightly so that his deep blue eyes could be seen.

"Veritaserum…" He nodded and allowed the Founder's Portrait to swing forward.

"Are you coming?" I turned to Oliver who stood there watching me with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Sure…you still owe me dessert, and dinner isn't over for another thirty minutes…" He shrugged slightly as he followed me through the portrait hole. I led him into my common room, pulling off my robe and jumper as I walked in and throwing both on a nearby armchair.

"Oi, alright dessert then…Dobby?" I called gently as I set the sleeping potion down on a small table near the hall that lead to my actual bedroom. I smiled as the friendly house elf popped in front of me.

"Yes Missy Wynters?" He was wearing an odd sort of bright colored vest and mixed matched socks as he looked up at me expectantly.

"I was hoping you could perhaps bring us some snacks? Could I maybe have a small chicken pot pie, like the one from the other day, and maybe some red velvet cake? What would you like Oliver? Oliver?" I turned back to Oliver only to notice that he was standing by the sofa looking around amazed, and I had snapped him out of his reverie.

"Oh? Um…could I get a bowl of chocolate ice cream?" He smiled a bit as I raised an eyebrow at him and turned back to Dobby who was nodding his head and shifting from one foot to the other.

"Yes, yes, Dobby gets that for you now." He popped away again and I couldn't help but smile before turning to see Oliver who again is looking around my common room as if it were the moon. I wondered if there was something wrong as I looked around the room. It was just a common room as far as I was concerned, though Ayden had once told me it was by far much more stylish than the Slytherin common room, and I pointed out that was probably because the Slytherin common room was slightly under the lake in the dungeons.

"Is there something the matter Oliver?" I raised an eyebrow at him as I sat on the armchair where I had thrown my jumper and robe.

"No…your Common room is…fantastic." I watched as he walked around the room slowly, examining the bookshelves, paintings, pictures and things I had up. I blinked a few times as I watched him, most of the furniture in here I was allowed to pick for myself. It was all dark woods, from the bookshelves to the desks, the coffee table and the end tables, chairs included. The sofa and armchairs were made of deep blue fabric enchanted to be warm during cool days and cool on hot days. I had Hogwarts banners up as well as a few random flags and somewhere my family crest as well as the Wynters family crest adorned the walls.

"Um…thank you…but I'm sure the house common rooms are much grander." I pushed my hair back behind my ears and he finally came and sat on the sofa.

"Well they're bigger in scale, I suppose, but then again they're always so crowded with people from the entire House it's hard to really tell to be honest." He shrugged slightly and I nodded.

"What's your common room like then?" I rested my chin on my hand and watched him grin in pride.

"It's fantastic, loads of places to sit, sofas, chairs, stools, all decked in red and gold and the Gryffindor Gryffin, granted there are usually some random games around as well. Like chess, or wizard's card and the occasional half set up of gobstones…" I watched as he described all the people usually crowding around, playing games, doing homework, though even he didn't know how anyone got any serious amount of homework done in the common room during the evening, and I couldn't help the pang that rushed through me. Even though I was a witch and had been here for all of my magical training, my experience was radically different from what Oliver described, and what little Ayden had told me of her own evening down in the dungeons, though I am fairly certain that the Gryffindor common room was a much livelier place than the Slytherin common room, as it seemed impossible to be lively in such a dank place as the dungeons. I was saved from my depressing musings however by the sound of Dobby popping in again.

"Pot pie, red velvet cake, butter beer, pumpkin juice and chocolate ice cream in a bowl." He smiled at us and uncovered the food, which was accompanied by a few ice cream toppings for Oliver as well as all we had asked for.

"Thank you Dobby…" I slipped from the arm chair and sat on the floor moving the pot pie in front of me, actually hungry now. He left again and as I started cutting into the warm flaky crust of my chicken pot pie I heard Oliver chuckle.

"At least you do eat, I was wondering about that during dinner…" He reached over to get some chocolate or fudge syrup I can't really tell from this angle.

"I was just a bit overwhelmed in the Great Hall and everyone seemed to want to ask me questions…" I shrugged and started on my pot pie, watching as he added nuts and whipped cream to his bowl as well, effectively making a chocolate ice cream sundae.

"Well you are quite the mystery Isabella Wynters…and…none too hard on the eyes either. Of course everyone wanted to ask you questions. I'm surprised none of the lads asked if you had a boyfriend…" He nonchalantly started on his ice cream and I just blinked chewing carefully and swallowing.

"Why would they ask that?" I kept eating not having realized how hungry I had been until now, that and I adore chicken pot pie. Oliver watched me for a moment, as if contemplating what I had said.

"You're beautiful…" He said this as if it should have been the most obvious thing to me. I ducked my head slightly not being able to bring my eyes to his at that statement.

"Erm…thank you?" I finished about half of my pie before pushing it away and grabbing a butter beer bottle. I saw him shake his head but didn't say anything else, so I started on my cake, lost in thought as I wondered why I suddenly felt uncomfortable.

"I should probably head back to the Gryffindor Common Room before it gets closer to curfew." His voice brought me out of my thoughts and I startled slightly, having momentarily forgotten that he was there. He seemed amused at my flustered state, though I imagine I don't look nearly as flustered as I feel. I nodded and started to stand to see him to the portrait hole, when I lost balance again.

For the third time that day, I felt Oliver's arms wrap around my waist and hold me up and sighed.

"Circe, I am making this a habit aren't I?" I gave him a rare lopsided smile before putting my hands over his to indicate he could let me go.

"Aye…I don't know what you'll do when I'm not around to catch you…" He chuckled as he stepped aside so that I could walk back towards the portrait hole.

"Land unceremoniously on my arse…" I smirked remembering how he had threatened to let me do just that earlier, my heart fluttering as I heard him laugh fully, those chocolate eyes shining at me.

"Good night Isabella…it was a pleasure meeting you. See you tomorrow…" He hesitated as he crossed the portrait hole and I watched as he headed back towards the main corridor, my heart still beating.

My God…I think I have a serious crush on the Gryffindor Keeper…well he does have a very nice arse…

I shook my head and let the portrait close, turning back to the common room, waving my wand at the dishes sending them back to the kitchens. I walked towards my room, grabbing the sleeping potion on the way and setting it on my nightstand. I started turning down my bed and stripping down to my underwear, grabbing my pajamas and heading for a quick shower to clear my head. I let the warm water wash over me before sudsing up and washing myself thoroughly, my mind replaying images of Oliver over and over.

"What is this feeling that you provoke in me Wood?" I asked myself quietly as I stepped out after rinsing off and wrapped a fluffy towel around me. I dried off and pulled on clean underwear before pulling on my shorts and camisole. I pointed my wand at my hair, drying it and putting it in loose pigtails to sleep in.

I climbed into bed sighing deeply as I turned to study the vial of sleeping potion on my nightstand, I felt much more awake now as this was the usual time I was alert, but I needed to adjust my sleep schedule for classes. I flicked my wand again, putting out the candles in my room; I much more preferred the candle light to most other forms of lighting. My curtains were drawn but were light enough to allow some of the moon light in, I wasn't worried about sunlight getting in as my window faced sunset, not sunrise. With one last look around my room, I placed my wand on my bedside table and grabbed the sleeping potion vial.

"To my last year at Hogwarts…" I said softly as I tipped the vial to my lips, drinking the contents quickly. Sleep claimed me before my head hit the pillow, and only the image of Oliver Wood holding me stayed in my psyche.