A Debt in the Family is an Act 2 side quest in Dragon Age II. The quest is only available if Hawke told Knight-Captain Cullen that Keran should be expelled from the Templars at the end of the quest, Enemies Among Us.
Acquisition
At the beginning of Act 2, the templar recruit Margitte in the Gallows Courtyard will mention Keran's family has fallen into debt if Hawke speaks to her.
Walkthrough
To complete the quest, simply go to the Docks at night and talk to Senestra the Snake. Senestra decides that Hawke's head would be worth more than their help. Combat begins immediately with no other options.
All of the enemies, including Senestra, belong to the Coterie enemy type, thus they have no elemental immunities and suffer additional damage from spirit-element attacks. Senestra is an Elite-ranked Assassin, so defeat her first, then mop up the archers. Among the reinforcements defeat a second Assassin simply called a "Cutthroat," then the rest of the fight is easy.
With no money lender left alive to collect on Keran's family debt, the quest is concluded.
Rewards
Even though Margitte promises a reward, Hawke never receives anything from her.
- 350 XP for the fight and 750 XP for the quest completion
Chum-Cutter – looted from Senestra's corpse
Bugs
If the quest is completed before talking to templar recruit Margitte, she will remain in the Gallows. Her dialog will also remain the same, as if Hawke had not yet completed the quest.