Yes, it was supposed to be a joke. Doesn't anyone in this city have any sense of humor and light conversation? You deflect, and it keeps you safe. But apparently Fiona's the only one who's gotten that lesson. She's not going to lie, which means everyone has to deal with the uncomfortable truth, once she gets near it.

Uncomfortable herself, she shifts in her chair before putting the barrier back up again. Her words come out with a bit of spite, though they aren't directed at Snape. "Nah, my biggest problem is keeping everyone outta jail, and fed, and going to school, and making sure my dad doesn't steal the money we kept hid under the floorboards. But property tax is kinda more fun to talk about, y'know?" At least they have a house.

She shakes her head, that came out all wrong. It's not even connected to the original idea, though she can see the connection in her mind: She doesn't have to pay rent, or for food, or even work if she doesn't want to, here.