the_debt_of_time

that. I'm guessing they recognised me and decided to try and wrap up a pretty, Padfoot-
sized gift for their dear and fluffy Dark Lord. We outran them but, unfortunately, crashed
my bike in the process and got arrested by the Muggles. Aurors showed up and took over.
Thanks to Prongs's big, swollen head, we were brought here instead of the Ministry."
"Are they charging you with anything?" Mia asked, concerned as she looked over
James's head for any bumps and bruises.
"They haven't said." James pursed his lips in irritation, wincing when Mia's probing
fingers hit a sore spot on his head. "Then again, they haven't been too happy about our
story. Easier to pretend that two teenagers are liars than to admit that Death Eaters are
officially daring enough to fly their brooms in the middle of a Muggle city."
Closing her eyes, Mia focused on her breathing as she slowly felt herself losing
control. The two Wizarding wars truly had not been so very different. Death Eaters
attacking out in the open, and the Ministry looking the other way, blaming a child—
a Potter—for disturbing the peace, and calling him a liar.
Remus scowled. "They think you made the story up, and you're probably hiding
something because of it."
"Which I don't understand," Sirius said. "I happen to think I have a very sincere-
looking face."
"A face that would look much better were it not attached to the rest of you, which
seems to find itself in trouble more often than I care for." Dorea walked through the now
open door, a stern but affectionate look on her face as she stepped inside. She leant first
to kiss Remus's cheek in greeting before doing the same with Mia.
Sighing, she turned her focus on Sirius and James. "Your father has spoken with
the Aurors and explained your history with... that sort," she said, her grey eyes darkening
in anger, "and they're just now trying to get hold of Professor Dumbledore for
confirmation on the Carrow twins' case. I thought I heard them mention Alphard, Sirius,
so they might come back to ask you about Walburga and the others."
He groaned, his head falling back. "Wonderful."
"How's your head, darling?" Dorea asked as she ran her fingers softly through
James's hair, examining his head for swelling.
He smiled, leaning into the touch like a child. "Better."