the_debt_of_time

notes of the Muggle bourbon that the manager finally managed to bring around in the
middle of their meal, while Mia, Narcissa, and Andromeda discussed Ministry business.
"Oh," Mia said, looking over at Draco, "I forgot to mention that you should be
receiving an owl this week from the Ministry about your vaults."
He sat up a little taller, looking like he was trying to not appear excited. "Is that so?
And how, exactly, did you go about returning me my money, Potter?" he asked, throwing
her name in at the end and flashing a smug grin when Harry looked up as though he had
been called.
"I simply suggested that whatever investigation they had regarding the vaults be
expedited before I send a strongly worded letter to the goblin horde implying that Ministry
officials were thinking about claiming goblin-forged items that may or may not be resting
inside the Malfoy vaults," she said simply, reaching forward and taking a sip from her flute.
"You threatened the Ministry?" Harry asked, his mouth hanging open.
"Of course not. That would be rude of me. I merely offered suggestions and advice
as to how certain things might like to be handled."
"And the manor?" Narcissa asked, hopeful.
"I'm working on it," Mia promised. "Are you each certain you'd not like to retain a
residence there? Because if you're willing to downsize or relocate at all, I have a few ideas
about the property that will have the Ministry giving it back faster than if it were infected
with Spattergroit."
"That stopped being home.. ." Draco frowned and drew his attention down to his
glass of bourbon.
Narcissa silently agreed. "That place is no longer home. The land, however, belongs
to Draco, not the Ministry."
Mia agreed. "It's near the very top of my list of things to take care of."
"What else is on your list?" Ginny asked curiously.
"Many things. There will be a lot to do in the coming year." Mia sighed softly, her
smile turning wider when Sirius leant in, kissed her cheek, and then whispered in her ear.
She nodded without looking at him, reaching again for her glass of champagne.
"Speaking of things to do," Sirius said, clearing his throat as he reached inside his
leather jacket, withdrawing a formal-looking, cream-coloured envelope with gold lettering
on the front and a small, unbroken crimson seal on the back. "Harry, this is for you."