the_debt_of_time

Remus chuckled lightly. "Laurel hasn't changed much."
Sirius joined in on the laughter, shaking his head. "She'll be good company for Mia.
Keep her spirits up. She's always needed a Slytherin in her life, and this one," he said, patting
Draco on the back, "keeps stealing all my good liquor."
Turning his attention back to the women inside, Sirius felt relief at the way the
witches were all smiling politely at one another. He immediately noted the way they were
all sitting, something he was certain none of the other men, save perhaps Draco, if he paid
attention to it, would catch. Instead of a circle to keep them all on equal social standing,
they had formed an obvious hierarchy in their little conversation. Narcissa and Laurel sat
side-by-side with Daphne and Astoria behind their mother. On the opposite side of the
room sat Andromeda with Tonks and Ginny together beside her. Then there, in the centre
of the group, was Mia.
Amongst the Black witches, by all rights, Andromeda—being the eldest present—
should have been the centre of the group, followed by Narcissa who claimed standing, not
only by her blood but by wealth from marriage. Even Tonks—a half-blood—could have
stood above the others due to her position as Andromeda's daughter and an Auror to boot.
But it was the adopted Muggle-born that the women deferred to, either because of
her status as Dorea Black's daughter or her relationship to Sirius, their official Head of
House.
"It's frightening to see my mother politely conversing with Granger over tea and
biscuits," Draco said.
Sirius quirked his lips at his young cousin. "Don't get too comfortable with the
sight."
"Why's that? You think it's a once in a lifetime event? Do you think Mother's
pretending to be polite to manipulate her or you through her?"
"Merlin, no. Don't get comfortable because the polite conversation you're referring
to―" He turned and looked at the witches with an amused interest. "—I believe, is the
subject of an arranged marriage... for you."
Draco turned back to look at the women with wide eyes just as Mia stood up and
moved to sit between Laurel and her daughters. Mia was grinning, her eyes sparkling as she
said something quietly to her friend, who then looked at each of her daughters. Both girls