the_debt_of_time

"For a Soul Bond to be fully sealed or on its way to being sealed with a ritual, both
parties need to be all knowing of the situation and the bond, willing to openly accept the
bond, and loving of their bond mate."
"That makes sense," Mia agreed. "That's why the bond feels different here. In the
future, Sirius told me he knew about the bond, but here he doesn't, so it's different. Does
that mean we're destined, though? It gives us choice, but.. ."
"But what if you wanted to choose another?" Dorea asked with a smirk. "Perhaps
a young Mr Lupin?"
Mia shook her head, feeling her face burn hot with awkwardness. "No. I know
Remus isn't meant for me," she insisted, the image of Tonks and baby Teddy entering her
mind. "It's just... I feel trapped. Sirius kissed me and left me and told me I should basically
go to Remus instead."
"Then why don't you?" Dorea asked plainly. "Your Soul Bond is not sealed, Sirius
has not proposed marriage, and meant to be or not, you are young. Mia, I grew up knowing
that in the future my parents would choose my husband for me. I would be bound to him
in servitude and marriage, and I would be miserable all my life. But I chose to go against
what I assumed was fate. I made my own, and I found love and happiness."
"Doesn't the Soul Bond existing mean that Sirius would be my happiness?" Mia
asked sadly as tears began to form again.
"Not without both of you being knowing, willing, and loving at the same time."
Dorea wiped the tears from Mia's cheeks. "In the meantime, I encourage you to follow
your letter. Live your life."
"Enjoy my life." Mia nodded solemnly until something occurred to her and she
jolted, looking up at her mother in shock. "Wait. Did you basically just give your teenage
daughter permission to rebel?"
Dorea took in a deep breath. "Charlus is a sweet and naive Gryffindor, but I am not
so trusting, even of my children. But since we're on the subject—diverted from the original
topic of conversation as we may be—do you know how to perform the proper
Contraceptive Spells?"
Mia bobbed her head anxiously and began stammering out, "Umm, yes. From...
before. Not that I... cause I never... I have never... But I knew, because... just in case."
"Good." Dorea exhaled gratefully. "That only leaves one last important thing."