the_debt_of_time

"Everything's cleared up," Charlus announced as he walked into the room. "As soon
as the Healer says James is good to go, we can all head home."
"You take the children―" Dorea began.
"Children?" Sirius scoffed.
"You take the... little ones," Dorea amended and smirked at Sirius before turning
her attention back to her husband, "home, and I'll see you all late tonight. Malfoy is putting
up a fuss. He says if the care for Muggles and squibs is so important, why don't we just
ship them off to their own kind, and let them pay for the privilege." She rolled her eyes
and then added, "Tosser."
Sirius grinned, looking up at Dorea with admiration. "Battle of the serpents. Watch
out for his venom, Mum."
"Oh, darling," Dorea said with a sweet laugh, "he's a grass snake who
merely thinks he's a cobra. I, however, am a viper, and my bite can take weeks to fester
before it kills you." Her look of seriousness was only detectable through her cold eyes, as
her tone was as sweet as honey.
"Little scary, Mum," Mia pointed out.
"I'm aware. Now go on, my lovelies. Take care of your brother," Dorea ordered,
kissing Mia on the forehead. "James, no flying for at least a week. Sirius, don't you dare get
on that motorbike until it's been properly fixed. And not by yourself," she added before
kissing both boys and then turning to Remus in the corner of the room and sighing, the
smile on her face fading only slightly. "Remus, love, I'd like to have a chat. Just the two of
us later, all right?"
"Did I do something... ?" he began with a worried expression.
"Absolutely not, dear," Dorea promised him, taking his face into the palms of her
hands before kissing his cheek. "I simply have a little gift for you."
"Okay."
"So, what did the Aurors say?" James demanded the moment the door closed
behind Dorea.
"Mia and Remus, would you mind fetching something to drink for us all?" Charlus
requested, scratching the back of his neck, his jaw tight.
Mia knew that look. While Dorea could sweetly scold when she wanted, Charlus
would not let his wife take all the credit when it came to disciplining the children. Despite