the_debt_of_time

"We're currently living off of my personal inheritance from the Black vaults,"
Narcissa replied, turning her attention to Sirius and smiling softly. "Sirius has been very
generous to us."
"I take care of my family," Sirius said firmly, bringing his glass of firewhisky to his
mouth as though to end the point right there.
Mia smiled affectionately at him, brushing her fingers against his bearded cheek.
"You always have. Still, regardless of what Lucius did with his money and reputation,
Narcissa and Draco have a right to what's theirs." She shook her head, adding this to the
list of things that was wrong with the Ministry—things she fully intended on bringing up
with Kingsley very soon. "Don't worry about a thing, Cissa. Sirius isn't the only one who
takes care of his family."
Likely because her words sounded far too much like charity, thus wounding his
pride, Draco snapped, "We're just fine, Granger."
"Draco, don't be rude," Narcissa quietly scolded her son.
Whether it was out of respect for his mother or perhaps genuine remorse, Draco
gave a reluctant silent nod of apology to Mia.
Mia smiled wryly at them both. "Don't worry about it, Cissa. His petulance has
surely become habit by now. I'm afraid there's nothing to be done."
Draco returned her smirk, and Narcissa rolled her eyes, muttering, "We shall see"
under her breath.
"Do you plan on returning to Hogwarts, Draco?" Mia asked curiously.
"What on earth for? Once my vaults are returned to me, I plan on taking the Malfoy
family seat in the Wizengamot," he insisted, speaking loud enough that perhaps the
Minister could overhear, but not so loud as to draw unwanted attention from the rest of
the group. "Buildings and castles aren't the only things in need of reconstruction."
"I agree," Mia said, ignoring the choking sound that Ron was making at the end of
the table. "I wonder if you'd be willing to help me with a few projects before you become
too involved in boring politics."
Draco raised a pale eyebrow with mild interest. "Projects? Calling in that life debt
already?"
"Hardly. I plan on saving that for a special occasion. No, this project would be
mutually beneficial, I assure you," she said, her eyes briefly glancing toward his left forearm