the_debt_of_time

in a challenging type of way, as though there was a silent understanding between the two.
He had never seen anyone look at Albus Dumbledore that way—except maybe McGonagall.
Mia looked like she was a breath away from daring Dumbledore to scold her for her
actions. Something about that look in her eyes sent a vibration through Sirius's chest. A
warmth built out from his sternum, reaching to the tips of his fingers. He rubbed his thumb
and index fingers together unconsciously, wondering if it was his Animagus instincts that
made him want to touch her over the dominant display. He licked his lips and let out a
slow exhale, doing his best not to draw James's attention; he really was not in the mood to
be punched for salivating over his best friend's sister this morning.
"Miss Potter," Dumbledore said loudly, and the noise in the Great Hall began to
die down, save for the lying witches who now sobbed openly. "Lovely demonstration.
However, I would be remiss in my duties as headmaster if I were to leave so many lovely
young women disfigured as such. May I request that you demonstrate the counter-curse?"
Clever, Sirius thought.
"Certainly, Professor. Though, it's up to each individual witch to remove it herself.
The charm showcases a liar," Mia explained. "To remove it, they simply have to tell the
truth." Her tone of voice was simple and soft, as though she could not believe that everyone
did not know this particular spell that she had created.
"I did not have sex with Sirius Black."
Everyone turned to see a bitter-looking, teary-eyed, and crimson-faced Callista
Hitchins stand. No sooner than the words left her mouth, the splotches vanished, leaving
behind only the scathing burn of embarrassment and lines from where tears of horror had
streaked through her makeup.
An enraged Elora Zabini stood, glaring more at Sirius than Mia.
He glared right back at the bitch.
"I did not have sex with Sirius Black."
Elora hissed when her fellow Slytherins laughed openly at her, none more than
Regulus, who actually looked more amused than anyone over the declaration. It made
something old and familiar bloom in Sirius's chest, but when their eyes met across the
room, Regulus turned away from him, and Sirius buried the brotherly affection back down.
Echoes of "I did not have sex with Sirius Black" rang through the Great Hall until
awkward silence blanketed the room. When every girl had confessed her lies, Mia returned