From the Grave

Chapter Nineteen- Venus

Luna has me wrapped in a comforting hug when Draco and Harry walk in. At first I think it's Remus and Sirius from the way Fred and George lose their minds again, but then I glance up and see the ties around their necks and realize. Yuck. Luna sees me make a face. "What's wrong?" She asks in that silver bell voice of hers.
"Oh, I'm ace, so the idea of sex is kinda gross to me." I explain, trying not to sound like a total dick. Sex is a normal thing. I'm the weird one for not wanting it. "I don't think you're weird at all." Damn it. Did I talk out loud again?!? I have GOT to stop doing that. "It's ok," she giggles, her laughter sounding like wind chimes blowing in the breeze. I flush red and duck my head to hide my embarrassment. Luna gently places her hand on top of mine. I turn even redder, if that's possible.

   After dinner, I gather with the small group to discuss what we're going to do about the new developments. I totally went batshit crazy back there, and I'm a little embarrassed that everyone heard me yelling those personal things at Trelawny. They were really meant for my parents; I just lost my head a little when she deadnamed me. I try to explain this, but I really just want everyone to forget about it. No such luck, though. "Venus, would you like to set up some therapy sessions with me over tea?" Professor McGonagall asks gently. "It seems like that might do you some good."
   Lupin nods. "I agree. From what we know, your dad killed you. I don't know much about your mom, but your dad certainly gave you a lot of trauma while you were alive."
   "I know," I say. "I usually don't explode like that though."
   "All the same, I'd like you to at least consider it," McGonagall tells me. I nod so she'll drop it, and thankfully, she does.

"In other news, we're holding Lucius Malfoy in the dungeons," Sirius says, changing the subject. "He and Trelawny certainly seem to be in cahoots." Lupin chuckles at his last words and the two glance at each other playfully. I try not to gag in disgust. Public displays of affection are new to me, and I'm not used to seeing adults actually like and get along with each other. I try to focus on Sirius's words. "Have they said anything yet?" I ask.
"No, not yet but we're going to mix up some veritaserum and we'd like you to be there, Venus,"
Professor McGonagall says. "Seeing as how you seem to be connected to Trelawny's plan."
I nod and take a deep breath. I'm not so sure I want to see her again but I don't think I really have a choice. We've got to get to the bottom of this.