AN: Alright so taking a little break from Adara's angsty, everlasting depression to go into a more neutral zone. Enjoys!

~Chapter 8~

Adara took a deep breath as she stared at Dumbledore Manor, anxiously awaiting what was about to come. Kingsley stood beside her, marveling at the similarities between Adara and Dumbledore Manor. Both were breathtakingly beautiful on the outside, but plagued with dark, painful memories inside. Whispering words of comfort, he wrapped his arm around her and led her inside.

Alberic stared into the fireplace intently, deep in thought. His gaze broke immediately when they noticed Adara and Kingsley.

"Where is she?" Adara asked softly.

Alberic stood and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, leading her up the stairs towards her parent's chambers. Adara gazed around at the familiar house, tears welling in her eyes as she recalled a few more memories. The door to her parent's chamber opened, and Aiden stepped out.

"Adara!" he gasped as he engulfed her in yet another bone crushing hug. Adara winced. As glad as she was to be back in her brother's lives, Aiden's habit of giving out enormous, painful hugs was getting to be really annoying.

After a good three minutes of just standing there hugging, Alberic stepped in, gently prying Adara away from Aiden's death-grip. "Alright, that's enough. Aiden. Aiden, for Merlin's sake get a grip. You won't be doing anyone a favor if you snap Adara in half."

Reluctantly, Aiden released Adara, patting her on the back on last time before going downstairs. Alberic stared at Adara a minute, before smiling softly at her and giving her a smaller, more gentle hug, which Adara accepted and returned. "Be sure to knock first. It's been sixteen years. You might just end up giving her a heart attack." He cautioned before following their younger brother down the stairs.

Adara took a deep breath in an effort to calm all the emotions running through her, and knocked timidly on the door, precisely three times (an old habit of her's).

"Come In," she heard her mother's familiar voice call out weakly.