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Ch. 10. Nothing to Talk About

"Are you going to go inside, or just stand there Severus?" I look up at the man, clad in black despite the early August humidity, as Sirius enters the Burrow ahead of us. Storm clouds are billowing in the east and I sigh, welcoming the chance of rain during our evening Quidditch match.

"What is it to you?" His eyes glint as he looks down his nose at me.

Years ago, I would have cowered under his gaze, but now I know it's nothing more than a facade he tries to keep up, but usually fails at, "I don't give a damn, but don't cry to me when you pass out from heatstroke."

"When, Venus, have you ever seen me cry?"

"I vaguely remember you getting sniffly when I bested Draco in a duel."

"Sniffly?" I shrug, biting back a laugh as he finally smiles. "Fine, lead the way."

Pushing open the door, we're met by raucous laughter. I cringe, "Seems like Brown is already here."

Severus just lifts an eyebrow. The man has never been one to look comfortable, but the tension inflates anytime he sets foot in the Burrow, no matter how close he is to everyone now. I pat his arm before ducking into the kitchen, desperate to avoid Ron's fiancé for awhile longer. Of course, I run smack dab into Molly's back.

"Oh, Venus, dear! How are you? Anything new?"

She wrangles me into a hug as I laugh, "Molly, I just saw you last weekend! Nothing new to report."

Releasing me, she waves her hand towards the Sunday paper, a pull quote bouncing below a picture on the front page of The Daily Prophet. My face turns scarlet as she tuts, "Hmm, well you looked absolutely wonderful last night on your date."

"WHAT?" Lunging forward, I flop against the counter, grabbing the paper towards me. The entire front page is dedicated to Sirius Black's new love interest, which happens to be 'the youngest Auror and Head of Office in Ministry history, Venus Arabella Delphine.' The image depicts the exact moment that Sirius had leaned into my hand at the table, kissing my palm. I groan.

"It's not a big deal, sweetie. You know how that Rita Skeeter is-"

"What did that beetle do now?" Hermione enters the room, hair tucked into a braid to tame the curls. I wordlessly hand her the newspaper, "Oh Venus! You look wonderful!"

"'Mione, we were with you last night," I mumble.

Draco's booming laugh echoes through the kitchen, "If you couldn't tell, she was pissed last night." Hermione swats his broad shoulders, giggling. He just grins down at his petite wife while blocking the doorway.

"Malfoy," Katie shoves him into the room further to step past him, "are you sure you aren't part giant? Get out of my way."

Fred ducks his head in a minute later, "She's hangry, don't mind her... but maybe stay out of her way." His wife flashes an obscene gesture that makes Molly start.

Popping a muffin into her mouth, Katie peeks over Hermione's shoulder, "Venus you clean up real nice. Why don't you dress like that more often?"

I huff, "Is this really the only thing you all are noticing about this?"

"Love, we all knew about you and Sirius," Molly squeezes my shoulder.

"There's nothing to know!" I defend, tilting my head back to glare at the ceiling.

Sirius chooses that exact moment to enter the room and plant a kiss on my lips, "Darling, you wound me."

Molly saves me from more embarrassment as she starts handing people dishes, shooing them into the dining room and announcing lunch is ready.