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

Chapter 11

The Beginning of the Mark

Author's Note: To helenpotter94: Isabella is supposed to come off as erratic for the time being. There's also a reason as to why she can't "handle" Logan, the clue is that she mentions his scent seems "off". I apologize for the long wait. Thank you for reading.

"Isabella! What have you done?" In the recesses of my mind, I knew that the tone Madam Pomfrey was taking with me was meant to get me to react to what I was doing. However, I was honestly in the recesses of my mind at this point, so I glared and clung tighter to Oliver, who, bless him, cradled me to him protectively.

"I'm fine Madam Pomfrey, Isabella was bitten by the tentacula, Professor Sprout told me to bring her to you she's contained the venom as best she could…" Oliver crossed into the hospital wing, holding me closer still as he made a beeline for one of the beds. I quickly tongued the fang marks on his neck, stopping the blood flow so they could heal as they should.

Madam Pomfrey didn't move to check me, and if I had been in a slightly more sane part of my mind I'd be insulted but I couldn't blame her in the moment, mostly because I didn't care. It was Oliver who ripped the stocking from me, showing Madam Pomfrey the wound, which got her to move over and check on me.

I let out a hiss in warning, as Oliver moved away to allow her to properly access my wound. My canines extended further and my eyes seemed to burn, every muscle in my body starting to tense from agitation and again Madam Pomfrey stopped and took a step back from me. She was assessing me, with a steely look as the tension seemed to gather around her lips from displeasure.

"Isa-" Oliver's words were interrupted by Madam Pomfrey and though my head tilted slightly in his direction my eyes were focused still on the mediwitch.

"Mr. Wood, just move closer to her…it will probably help." There was a calmness that laced through her words, from years of being a no nonsense mediwitch, I'm sure. I'd be more appreciative but all I can hear is this low thrum in my head invading my thoughts and making it hard to focus.

Oliver didn't hesitate, moving from the end of the bed where he had been standing, to stand next to me, reaching for my hands. His touch focused me, and I turned my attention to him.

I could feel Madam Pomfrey move back to check the wound on my leg, but I was too busy as all of my senses focused on Oliver. He looked concerned as he held my hands, his calloused ones giving me a sense of comfort. His thumbs rubbed the skin of the back of my hands gently; slow circles and I felt my breathing calm as he did so.

I wasn't sure what Madam Pomfrey was doing, I could feel her checking the wound on my calf, there was a dull pain in my leg but I felt too disconnected to give it much thought.

Oliver's voice was washing over me, as he murmured that I would be alright, it was odd to see him being this sweet after having heard so much about how animated and passionate he was with Quidditch from Ayden. In all that she had said to me about him, I don't think I could have ever pictured him being this sweet with anyone, especially me. I bit my bottom lip a bit as I started to feel uneasy at the thought, was I causing this drastic change in him…

The moment that thought entered my mind, my gaze moved immediately to his neck. I had tongued the bite mark to close it, so it was no longer bleeding, but he had clear puncture wounds showing. I frowned, letting go of one of his hands to reach for his neck, gently rubbing my fingertips along the skin. I could practically feel his blood rushing through his veins under my fingers...as if it were calling to me. I felt my canines extending again, there was nowhere for me to hide it now, Oliver was watching me carefully and even if I had wanted to, there was no way I could. Madam Pomfrey was still tending to my wound; I could feel her working on getting the venom under control.

I forced myself to look away from him, only to feel Oliver's hand gently move under my chin, applying gentle pressure to force me to look up at him. I saw emotions flicker in his chocolate eyes; curiosity, confusion, concern, to my surprise there was neither disgust nor fear, which is what I have often come to expect from those who first see me this way. I wanted to ask him why he didn't seem disgusted or afraid but before I could fathom the words, besides there was commotion now. I turned my head just as the Headmaster walked in followed by Professors McGonagall and Snape…bloody hell.

"Albus…is…is that the mark?" My eyes settled on Professor McGonagall, she looked concerned as she motioned to Oliver's neck. The Headmaster didn't answer right away, instead taking his time in coming closer to Oliver while Snape checked in with Poppy about my injury.

My attention was on the Headmaster, I could feel my eyes narrow as he reached Oliver's side, he held his hands up, opened so I could see the palms.

"I'm no threat Isabella. He will come to no harm by my hand." Though his eyes betrayed his worry, his tone was purposely soothing and while I was still tense I made no move towards them.

"I'm fine Headmaster, I've gotten worse on the pitch, a little bite isn't going to kill me..." Oliver smiled, I could hear it in his voice and his wording made me frown…he had no idea how wrong that last part of his sentence could be.

"It's a bit more than a little bite Mister Wood, but it is good to see you are not suffering from it." Dumbledore patted Oliver's shoulder gently, turning to fix me with a stern gaze.

"Before you finish the mark Isabella, I must stress you explain to Mister Wood exactly what all of that entails. You are both excused from the rest of classes today to discuss these matters. As soon as Poppy is finished with treating your injury." For the first time since I had tasted the tangy seduction of Oliver's blood, the Headmaster's words cut through the hormone filled haze, and I felt rightly scolded.

Not trusting my voice I only nodded, the frown on my face was most likely what caused Oliver to reach for my hand, squeezing it gently.

"What mark is he talking about Isabella?" Oliver's voice was just above a whisper, though the Professors were busy discussing the situation amongst themselves, Poppy included.

"This Oliver…the bite I gave you…it's the beginning…of the vampire's mark…I'll explain more when we get out of here." As I spoke I reached up to lightly trace my fingertips along the raised skin around the puncture marks on his neck. This had not been my intention, I should have been able to keep hold of myself long enough to give Oliver a proper option…but I couldn't turn back time or undo what I had done.

I only hoped he wouldn't hold this against me…I fear not even Ayden's willing offer of blood will satisfy my thirsts now. I've tasted him, and I don't wish to turn back.