Harry, Albus, and Kingsley emerged from the pensieve, still shaking from what they had just witnessed. Adara was curled on the couch, shaking a little, but much more composed than she was earlier. Most likely from the effect of the glass of vodka on the coffee table and the bottle next to it that was two thirds empty.
Aiden opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by Adara. "Just go. Please, all of you. Leave me be."
Aiden still tried to say something but Kingsley nudged him to the door along with Harry, earning a small smile of gratitude from Adara. Alberic remained standing, his expression much softer than it had been earlier.
"This might not have been the point, Adara, but I saw both sides of the coin in the pensieve." Adara opened her mouth in protest, but Alberic stopped her. "I'm not denying that you had a rough childhood, Adara. None of us had it perfect. Clearly, you had the worst of it though. That I truly understand now. But I don't think you noticed that mum and dad went through just as much pain as you did." He waited for Adara to respond but she didn't.
Alberic walked over to the door, turning around one last time to his sister whose gaze was now fixed on the bottle of vodka. "I'm not telling you to do anything Adara. Merely begging. I don't expect you to change your mind about reconciling with Mother but I truly hope you do and if so, you know where to find us. My door is always open."
He looked at her for a while, before suddenly walking over to her and wrapping his arms tightly around her. At first, Adara stiffened, but then soon relaxed and returned the hug. "I can't promise that everything will be fine and we'll all live happily ever after. But I can promise that the moment you walk through the door you'll find many pairs of arms waiting to welcome you home." Adara's teary blue eyes locked with his green eyes. "Just think about it, alright?" he asked softly.
Adara slowly nodded, a few tears making its way down her face as she watched her brother walk out.
Outside, Kingsley stood near the door, waiting for Alberic.
"Where's Harry and Aiden?" asked Alberic as he looked around for his younger brother and the teenager.
"Aiden apparated Harry back to the Burrow. He thought it was getting quite late and that would be worried." Kingsley replied in his deep calming voice.
Alberic glanced at his watch, notcing the time. "Yes, it is quite late. I've no doubt that will be fawning over Harry the moment he steps through the door. Honestly, the way she treats him, you'd think-" But the words died on his lips as he noticed Kingsley staring longingly at the door.
"You really love her, don't you?" asked Alberic softly.
Kingsley nodded slowly, his eyes getting a bit moist.
"Mind if I ask what happened between you two?"
Kingsley sighed. "I fought many battles by Adara's side and won every single one. However, she faced an inner battle deep inside herself everyday. One that I couldn't help her fight. Each time I tried, she pushed me away. Further and further until I was shut out completely."
"I-I'm sorry Shacklebolt. I had no idea."
Kingsley nodded slowly, lost in his thoughts and memories. "Don't worry about it. It's the past and what is done is done. Instead, think about what you will do when Adara comes to reconcile with your mother."
Alberic sighed. "Assuming she'll come at all."
"She will, don't worry. You just can't keep badgering her about it. You've got to let her come on her own. She loathes taking orders from someone else." Kingsley smiled fondly. "That's why she makes such a great Captain. While many aurors fight using only their mind and skills, she always remembers to follow her heart as well."
Alberic nodded, completely blown away at how the taller man knew his sister so much. Probably much more than anyone else knew her. "Would you care to join me for a drink?"
Kingsley shook his head. "Thank you, but I must decline. There's somewhere I must be."
Alberic nodded and patted the man on the back. "Take care Kingsley. I suppose I'll see you around." In a blink of an eye he was gone.
Kingsley stared at the flat one last time, fighting the urge to rush in there and comfort Adara. Instead, he blew a kiss towards her and apparated away.
