Strange Ties--Percy Jackson/Harry Potter

Chapter Thirty-Six

Valerie

Valerie wandered the labyrinthine aisles of the Hogwarts library, the familiar scent of aged parchment and ink filling the air. She had been there for what felt like hours, her fingers grazing the spines of countless books as she searched for something to captivate her mind. The library had always been her sanctuary, a place where she could lose herself in the stories and knowledge contained within its walls. But today, her heart wasn't in it. Every book she picked up had something wrong, something she didn't like.

Valerie sighed as she placed yet another book back on the shelf, her hopes slowly fading. As she stood in front of a shelf in the Charms section, debating between two titles, she felt a presence behind her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, and she turned slowly, only to come face-to-face with Percy Jackson.

"Hey," he said, his voice rough but steady. Valerie opened her mouth only to close it again. She had not talked to Percy since before Christmas break. Sure they have exchanged a few words while they were training for the Magestrife tournament but not real conversations like they used to have.

"Hi," she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Percy shifted awkwardly, glancing around the library before meeting her eyes again. "Recommend me a book?" he asked, his tone neutral, almost casual. It was a simple request, something she had done for him countless times before. But now, the tension between them was palpable.

Valerie blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "A book?" she echoed, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Yeah," Percy said, his gaze unwavering, "A book"

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as she turned back to the shelves. Her fingers brushed against the spines of the books, her mind racing to come up with a suitable recommendation. She felt Percy's eyes on her, the weight of his gaze almost tangible."What are you in the mood for? Something adventurous, or maybe a mystery?" she asked, her fingers brushing over the spines of the books in front of her.

Percy shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Surprise me."

She nodded slowly, her mind racing as she tried to think of a suitable book. She finally settled on a classic. "How about 'Daughter of Fortune'?" she suggested, pulling the book from the shelf and handing it to him. "It's got a bit of everything."

Percy took the book from her, their fingers briefly touching. He held it for a moment, looking down at the cover before meeting her eyes again. "Thanks," he said quietly.

There was a moment of silence, the air thick with unspoken words. Valerie felt her heart pounding in her chest, memories of their friendship and the rift that had grown between them flooding her mind. She wanted to say something, to bridge the gap, but the words wouldn't come.

Percy looked like he wanted to say more, but he simply nodded and turned to leave. Valerie watched him go, her heart heavy with unspoken words. As he disappeared around the corner, she leaned against the bookshelf, trying to steady her breathing. She knew she had to stay away from him, but it was becoming harder and harder to do so. Percy had a way of drawing her in, making her forget about everything else.

Valerie took a deep breath and straightened up, determined to find another book to distract herself. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling that her grandmother's warning was only making things more complicated. And deep down, she couldn't help but wonder if staying away from Percy was truly the right thing to do.

She eventually settled on a historical novel that didn't totally bore her and made her way to her usual spot near the window. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the grounds. Valerie loved this time of day; it was peaceful, and the library was mostly empty.