The Adventure That Lies Ahead | PJO x HP

CHAPTER 81

The safety measures imposed on the students since Sirius Black's second break-in made it impossible for Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Isa to go and visit Hagrid in the evenings. Their only chance of talking to him was during Care of Magical Creatures lessons which the Hufflepuff did not have, so the trio would tell her what they talked about. Apparently, Lucius Malfoy may or may not have threatened the Committee.

"It was Malfoy," Hermione said, her face full of anger. "They're too afraid of him."

"What a bunch of kiss arses," Ron mumbled, making Isa snort.

Isa was in the library because ever since the break-in it's been hard going out of the castle, and the library was⎼which was hard for her to say⎼one of the good hangout spots since it's quiet, no one bothers you, and the chairs are quite comfy. Nolan decided to help, and find something for Buckbeak's appeal. Though she and Draco would sneak out together so they could watch the sunset in their Willow tree.

"Nothing?" Nolan asked.

"Nothing." Isa banged her forehead on the book. "This is not healthy for me."

She heard someone click their tongue disapprovingly. "Don't bang your head on the table, princess."

Isa looked up to see a pair of grey eyes on her, his figure moving forward to take the free seat beside the girl.

"Hi, Draco."

Ever since that study session, Nolan and Draco were civilized with one another, and could even be considered friends.

She rested her head on the book again, her eyes closed, but she looked back up when she heard the sound of two more chairs scrape against the floor. She was expecting to see Crabbe and Goyle⎼Draco's bodyguards. Not Zabini and Nott.

Nolan shifted in his chair uncomfortably as they took the free seats beside him. Zabini on his right and Nott on his left.

"What brings the snakes to the badgers?" Isa asked, going to rest her head in her palm as it felt incredibly heavy from the lack of sleep she's been getting because of her dreams. "Where are your gorilla bodyguards?"

"Those apes are stuffing their faces in the Great Hall," Nott says then extends his hand. "Theodore Nott."

"Blaise Zabini," Zabini introduces.

"We know who you guys are," Isa said, shaking their hands and, speaking for both her and Nolan before she turned to Draco. "What exactly are you three doing here?"

"The real question is," Nott said before Draco could answer, "what are you badgers doing?" He reached over for her book and slid it across the table. He peered down at it and his eyes widened in horror. "What in Merlin's saggy balls is this?"

"That is a book," Isa pointed out.

"No shit, Potter," Nott said while Zabini snorts, leaning back in his chair lazily with his arms crossed in front of his chest. "I mean, what are you reading?"

"A book," Isa said, knowing exactly what Nott was talking about, but she enjoyed picking on him.

Draco raised his eyebrows, amused at the two.

Nott grumbled before standing up hastily. "Okay, that's it. I'm done."

"Sit." Draco pointed back to the chair. Nott groaned before sitting down like a child. Draco reached over for the book and translated it back to English before sliding it over.

"The Handbook of Hippogriff Psychology and Fowl or Foul? A Study of Hippogriff Brutality," Nott read. He was confused before a flash of realization crossed his face. "Looks like the oaf has an appeal that he will most likely lose."