Disclaimer: Aside from the original characters in part or whole I don't own them, don't sue me, and don't hex me. Enjoy

Author's Note: If you guys hadn't noticed, I don't normally write in first person, so sometimes I have a hard time, if you see any mistakes please let me know. Also, I'm not sure I understand this whole "she's not acting Vampire enough" You'll have to further elaborate on that. Isabella is NOT a full Vampire, and she IS going through "Vampire puberty" which has symptoms and quirks in her personality and behavior which tend to grow overtime until she can come to terms with them.

Chapter 9

Family Ties

I wish I fully understood all of these emotions running through me right now, then again according to the book mood swings were common in a vampire in my current position. If what the book said was true, and from the side notes that had appeared along the text, it seemed it was, I am entering the stage of Vampire puberty. It had been 13 years since I was turned, and now all parts of my Vampire "charms" would be awoken. It just happened to be my luck that seemed to happen because of my untimely meeting of one Oliver Wood, actually I take that back, it wasn't entirely due to him. I had become restless over the summer, before meeting Oliver, in fact the Wynters wanted to throw me some sort of party commemorating the event before I stopped speaking to them.

I walked down the stairs to the dungeons; most of the Slytherins were already up at breakfast so no one paid me any mind as I made my way over to Professor Snape's office. Though I had only been in his office a handful of times it wasn't hard to find the door, especially since I could pick up his scent on the other side, he was probably at his desk. I knocked gently and waited, a hand going through my hair, I wonder if I should ask him for a calming draught.

"Morning Isabella…" Professor Snape…no Uncle Severus let me into his office. It was odd but I was actually relieved to be in his presence, it was funny, it was rare to see him without his outer robes, but here he was in just his slacks and a button down shirt.

"Morning Uncle…" I gave him a smile as he closed the office door behind me; I noticed his cheeks color slightly as I addressed him.

"Ah…I trust you slept well…I noticed you have Herbology today so I made a stronger batch of the potion for you." I watched him closely; I had never before seen Severus Snape so affected, I guess being family was an idea he was still getting used to as well.

"Thank you Uncle, I was a bit worried about that myself. I was wondering…if I could maybe help you with your brewing?" I sat in one of the chairs in front of his desk, watching as he leaned against his it, suddenly he didn't seem like the bat of the dungeons.

"And to what do I owe such an offer Isabella?" He crossed his arms over his chest, a raised eyebrow questioning me.

"Well…I figure it would give us more opportunity to get to know each other better…and I know you're brewing Wolfsbane for Professor Lupin so I'd like to help." I let my school bag settle on the floor at my feet crossing my legs and pushing my hair back again.

"Of course you would…I suppose I've no reason to deny the offer, it would give us better chance to get to know each other. What of the Wynters?" I watched him sigh almost deeply and bring a hand to rub his face; I can't help but think he'd have made a pretty good catch to someone if given the chance.

"The Headmaster is going to let me borrow Fawkes over the weekend to send them a letter; it would take owls too long, even Midnight who is well aware of where the house is. They have been my family all of this time, and while I think they're being unfair to you, I can't turn my back on them either. They've given me everything, and have done everything possible to give me a good life and make up for the loss of my family." I sighed and ran my hand through my hair again, Uncle Severus is of course just standing there leaning against his desk, arms crossed, mouth shut.

"They were wrong to try and keep me from knowing you and I are related, but they did so out of wanting to protect me…not out of malevolence." I watched him as he took in what I said and pulled air into his lungs.

"I cannot say I would blame them, or that I would not do the same if I found myself in their position." I watched him closely, he was trying to keep his tone even which usually meant he was about to say something I would most likely not like.

"However, if my presence in your life as more than a Professor is disruptive perhaps they are not so wrong to want to keep us apart…" If I hadn't been looking for it I would have missed the slight shift in his eyes as he said this, he didn't mean it.

"That's ridiculous, we're family, blood related, and that should count for something. I won't turn my back on you Uncle…" I smiled and saw the corners of Uncle Severus' mouth twitch a small smile forming.

"One day you may have to, if only to keep yourself safe…but I appreciate the sentiment. I will be honest Isabella, I know nothing of being in a tight knit family, my own childhood was not laced with love and acceptance…but I shall endeavor my best to be a good Uncle to you." I could tell he was uncomfortable talking about this, but I couldn't help but smile that he would try so much, so I did the only thing I felt logical. I stood up and hugged him.

I'm pretty sure Uncle Severus has never been properly hugged before, and if he has it has been a very long time since then, because he didn't expect me to hug him at all. He's stiff even as I wrapped my arms around his middle and lay my head on his shoulder, but I refused to move until he hugs back.

It took a few moments before I feel Uncle Severus' arms slowly wrap around my back, it's a nice hug, not great, he's still kind of stiff and awkward but it's a start.

"You're already a pretty good Uncle…and don't worry… I won't go hugging you in public…" I smirked as he seemed relieved with my last statement.

"That would undo decades of carefully crafted persona you know…" He smirked at me and let me go moving around his desk to pick up my potion. Uncle Severus swirled it around a few times, causing the color to deepen slightly to an almost turquoise color before handing it to me.

"Cheers…" I smirked and downed the potion; the effect was the same as the last time he gave it to me, only a bit more intense. I felt my body temperature fall a bit; it was rather a homey feeling as my body temperature tends to hike a bit when I come to school.

"Isabella…are…you…" I raised an eyebrow as I watched Uncle Severus try to find the correct words for whatever it was that he wanted to ask.

"Come on then man, spit it out…" I crossed my arms over my chest, head tilted slightly as I watched him half glare at me.

"The book you borrowed from the library…has something happened?" If it wasn't entirely against my nature I would openly gape at the man right now, even so I'm consciously fighting against the urge.

"You could say that…to be honest, it's a bit embarrassing…but it's been 13 years since I was turned…so…" I didn't finish my sentence and judging by the color on my Uncle's cheeks I wouldn't have to.

We stood there awkwardly for a few minutes before Uncle Severus finally cleared his throat, and avoiding my eyes moved around to pull on his outer robes.

"Let me know what the Wynters have to say…" I sighed slightly and nodded, a stray thought floating into my consciousness, my hand went up to my hair as it tended to do often.

"Uncle Severus…I know there is one thing they will most certainly ask, and I cannot answer it alone. Will you turn your back on me? Are you sure you can truly come to terms with what it means to have a Halfling for family? Can you really honestly stand by me even if something unexpected happens because of the mixture of magic running through my veins?" The look on his face and in his eyes as he turned to face me made my stomach tighten with fear, I knew his answer in that moment, even before he spoke it.

"I do not know Isabella…but I will try…I know you deserve a better answer but I honestly cannot give it to you. Just don't go mating up with Harry Potter and I think we should be just fine." I appreciated his honesty, and even his attempt at being funny for me, the answer would have to do, if only for now. I gathered my bag and adjusted my robes, class would be starting soon.

"I can live with that…" I offered him a slight smile noticing his eyes linger on my canines. While they don't usually protrude unless I'm hungry or incredibly angry, if you know what you're looking for, you'll notice they're a little bit longer than normal. He gave me a sort of snort as I playfully hissed at him and headed out of the door of his office towards his classroom.

I wasn't looking forward to retrieving my Amortentia potion, I have a pretty good idea of what it will smell like, or rather who, and something tells me being too specific will alert Uncle Severus as well.

I headed for the classroom, it was already opened as the students who needed to redo their potion from yesterday had been allowed in to finish. I sat at my desk and pulled out my homework and book, my mind drifting elsewhere.

'I hope Ayden doesn't get hurt today…granted she doesn't have Herbology today don't think. I do though, so I'll have to make sure to keep away from the Venomous Tentacula…nasty things when they're teething…I should make sure Oliver stays away from it too, I doubt Gyffindor house in its entirety would want their Keeper and Captain injured…He looked fit this morning…I'm excited to have class with him again today…'

The door slamming shut as class started brought me abruptly out of my thoughts; I half glared at Uncle Severus without much thought. He raised an eyebrow at me and for a minute I thought I would get in trouble but he seemed to reconsider, instead just snorting at me and turning to the rest of the class to ask for our homework.

The first hour or so of class was a lecture on theoretical theories of potions, so mostly it was note taking. On one hand I was grateful for something to focus on other than Oliver, but on the other…I wanted him near…badly.

"It is time to evaluate your Amortentia potions, please file into the laboratory in an orderly fashion and stand by your cauldrons. You will notice they have been spaced a few feet apart, do not move them unless you wish to be bathed in your potion and spend the rest of the week in the Hospital wing." I saw the corner of Professor Snape's mouth twitch as I held back a groan and half glared at him again.

"Is there a problem Miss Wynters?" I hadn't been able to get away with it this time as students had started to head for the laboratory where our potions were simmering and were walking passed my desk.

"No Professor Snape, my eyes have just been burning today…I'll make sure to stop by Madam Pompfrey and have her check on them later Sir." I gave him a smug smile and walked into the laboratory, I could tell he had bit his tongue at the unexpected response.

"See that you do Miss Wynters…" He gave me his usual flippant drawl but I should probably stop pushing my luck, family or not I have no desire to be on the receiving end of one of Professor Snape's detentions.

The entire class filed into the laboratory and stood by their own cauldrons, due to the nature of the Amortentia potion moving the cauldrons at this stage could prove dangerous. Technically the longer the potion sat the more potent it became which should mean that in its "infancy" the potion is almost harmless. For most potions which tend to become more potent with age this would be true, but not for the Amortentia potion. One of the reasons it was so complicated and its use rather restricted was because during the first stage of maturity, the Amortentia potion could be very volatile, true to its nature I suppose, love is far more dangerous than people realize, granted it's usually worth the danger.

I stood back from my cauldron, away from the slow spiraling swirls of scent wafting almost innocently from the mother of pearl liquid bubbling happily away. In that moment, I felt my stomach clench as nerves overcame me, what if the scent that came from the potion, wasn't his…what then was this infatuation I found myself with?

Professor Snape went to each person's cauldron to inspect them, I'm pretty sure over half of the class is holding their breath; if they keep that up they'll be initiating an intimate encounter with the stone floor of the laboratory. He comes to mine last, leaving a trail of half relieved half annoyed students in his wake, only two of them got perfect scores, and neither received praise.

When he made his way over to me, the rest of the class watched. He took the ladle and dipped it into the potion. He slowly poured it back into the cauldron, assessing the color and viscosity; there was a slight frown on his face, as if he were debating something.

"Very well Miss Wynters, please describe what the potion smells like to you…" I bit the inside of my cheek to stop from glaring at him. I had no choice but to take a step forward and take a deep breath of the swirling fumes. I felt like I was back on the train, when I first smelled him on his handkerchief.

"Leather, pine, Fleetwood polish…" I trailed off; the look on Professor Snape's face was annoyed. I tried not to smirk at his annoyance.

"That describes half of the Quidditch players in the school doesn't it?" I snorted at the Hufflepuff girl's assessment.

"Thank you for your incredibly wise insight…twenty points from Hufflepuff…" He turned and led the way out of the laboratory the rest of the class following behind. I couldn't be more relieved when class came to an end, before Professor Snape had a chance to stop me I left his classroom. I sighed and pushed my hair from my face, the walk back to the Great Hall seemed to take forever. The smell of my Amortentia potion had only made things worse. I was starting to feel almost ill, my stomach turning knots, and threatening to rid the tea I had for breakfast. If I kept this up, I would lose my mind, it was as if nothing else mattered, and all of my senses were trying to hone in on where Oliver was.

I emerged from the dungeons, but before even looking around I knew he wasn't there yet. I had to fight for control as my first instinct was to go looking for him; instead I leaned against the wall by the large hourglasses that counted the House points. I half closed my eyes and tried to steady my breathing; I shifted and decided instead to look out across the grounds, relieved to see that it was not incessantly bright, though I was glad that I had taken the potion Snape gave me. I let my thoughts wander from me; they all settled on Oliver at some point, I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling nauseous.

"There you are…" Oliver's voice washed over me suddenly, his hand came to rest on my shoulder, I tilted my head to look up at him in time to see concern grace his chocolate eyes.

"Isabella you look ill, do you need to go to Madam Pomfrey?" I shook my head, and tried to smile.

"No just need some fresh air really…you know potions class first thing in the morning…" I readjusted my school bag and tried to shrug off his concern. He looked at me wearily but agreed, leading the way out towards to the greenhouses.

"Long morning in the dungeons then, what were you guys brewing?" He gave me a lopsided grin as we walked down the path, towards the Greenhouses.

"Amortentia actually…" I half groaned and rolled my eyes watching his smirk grow.

"Oh is that so? What did yours smell like?" I had to bite my tongue to prevent myself from blurting it out; unfortunately he noticed smirking even more at me.

"Oh and why are you so curious Wood?" It took me a few more minutes than normally necessary to answer, it wasn't an outright lie but I could feel the nausea creeping up on me again as if punishing me for not telling him the truth.

"Well Amortentia is quite telling you know…who can help but wonder what kind of guy would catch your fancy…" I watched the blush slowly creep up his neck and over his cheeks.

"That so? What kind of guy do you think would catch my fancy?" I smirked and took a deep breath as we neared the Greenhouses. It smelled of autumn and Oliver, I liked the combination.

He slowed down and I matched pace, though I was a step ahead of him, if I turned my head just slightly I could watch his profile as he thought deeply before answering.

"Well…I'd say you like guys who know how to take charge, how to be reliable, you seem pretty independent, I doubt you'd want a guy fawning all over you all of the time, but then again there is a sort of gentleness to you when you think no one is looking, so you probably don't think romance is dead. Your best friend is a Slytherin, but you don't seem to get along with most other people from that house, so I'll venture on saying you'd like a guy who has a slight darker side but isn't completely apathetic to other people. You're smart, so you'll want someone who can keep up with you, stimulate you…" He took a breath as if amazed that he had said so much. We walked on in silence, the Greenhouses looming in front of us.

"You need someone strong enough for whatever secrets you hide under the bored look on your face, under the pretty blue green eyes that catch the light in a way that should take normal people's breaths away… if you would only let them close enough to notice them." He stood in front of me, his words barely above a whisper, though I heard each one as if he had shouted them. He was in the way of the door, and though we weren't touching I suddenly felt as if I couldn't breathe. His chocolate brown eyes searched mine for something I'm not sure I understand and then he stepped away, across the threshold and into the relative safety of the Greenhouse.

"Más rud é ach bhí a fhios agat ... I mo thuairimse, is gá dom duit ..."* The Greenhouse panes caught my eyes glowing slightly before I followed.

["If only you knew…I think I need you…"]