the_debt_of_time

"I could file a claim," Mia offered.
"Mia—Miss Potter, you have your own vaults and inheritance from the Potter
family, which I know for a fact was one of the wealthiest families in Britain, third if I
remember correctly," Kingsley said, looking at Draco, who clearly stood as the Head of
House for the first wealthiest, "and you're soon to marry into the second wealthiest family."
Kingsley turned his attention to Sirius, who sat in the audience, smiling politely at
the Minister, his dragonhide boots kicked up on the pew in front of him.
Dropping formalities, Kingsley sighed. "Mia, what would you even do with the
money from the Lestrange vaults?"
"That's really no one's business but mine. I was assaulted; a victim of war," she said
clearly. "Did the Ministry have plans for the Lestrange vaults? Perhaps raises for the
employees? Or a Wizengamot bonus?"
Some members suddenly averted her gaze.
Thought so, she told herself.
"If we're all chatting up about paybacks for unfair treatment in a time of war, I have
some suggestions."
All eyes turned to see a glaring Sirius Black.
Kingsley turned to look at Mia and Draco, noting immediately their lack of shock
over Sirius's outburst. Had Mia not called in his life debt, the Minister for Magic would
have likely ended the sessions immediately, perhaps to scold the lot of them. As it was, he
was bound to serve until the debt was repaid.
"How much, exactly, would twelve years' worth of room and board in Azkaban
cost?" Sirius asked pointedly.
Parkinson sneered. "And who would pay the reparations, Mr Black?"
"Lord Black," Sirius corrected.
Draco and Theo snickered from their Wizengamot seats like a couple of third years
who giggled during Quidditch practice any time their captain said balls.
"As for who would pay me what's owed," Sirius began and then narrowed his eyes,
"and it is owed, and expected to be paid, the arresting Head of the Department of Magical
Law Enforcement would be responsible, wouldn't he?"