“Welcome home dear.” Her mother said gently, her arms embraced Tara as she walked through the door. “You’re so grown up. How have you been?” She let her go and allowed her daughter to enter. “My my, you’re all grown up.” She smiled and walked to the kitchen, with her following along. The day was warm, nice and happy, birds singing and chirping, the curtains drifting lazily in a breeze as the sun warmed up the room. On the side stood an apple crumble, all ready to be cooked, bread and jam rested on the table ready for eating.

As Tara sat down she sighed, her neck ached, as her mother went to pour some tea, her father entered and smiled, soon ruffling her hair slightly. “Hey kiddo, look at you! It would do you well to visit from time to time you know! Give your old man a heart attack from worry.” He sat down with her and sipped at a morning coffee. “So how have you been? Away doing your flying thing?”

“Oh lay off for now, she’s home for now, that is good enough.” Her mother replied with a happy smile, sitting herself down and offering her daughter the hot chocolate. “We have an apple pie on the counter.” She gestured to the window where the night sky twinkled with thousands of stars. “Honey, what's wrong?”

“I’m so sorry. Both of you, I’m so sorry.” Tara said quietly, her mum gave a confused look before the wall behind her exploded, erupting into light, her face disappearing into the blinding noise. “I love you.” She muttered softly.

Tara’s eyes snapped open, she was home, she was safe, or as safe as she could be, her pillow was stained with sweat, she hated this dream, it happened as the moon grew closer, she was always lucid, details changed, they were fuzzy, but her parents reactions, always seemed so real. Or maybe that was just how she remembered them, it has been a decade, how much does she really remember of her parents?

Despite this, it was not something she disliked, she had it as a memory, she remembered it all, it was something she kept close to her, it was a memory strong enough that allowed her to conjure a full patronus. It was not unpleasant to immerse herself in it but she didn’t want it, it was painful, she doesn’t want to see a fake interpretation of her parents each month, her failure to protect them.

She climbed out of her bed and proceeded to pour herself a glass of water, she had a good flat, with her inheritance and job she could afford a fine place, thirteenth floor in a decent location, out in the muggle areas. Bare brick walls, about two rooms, one giant slot for her bedroom with an ensuite separated by a wall, otherwise it had a sliding wall to separate it from the living room and kitchen. With a down of the water she moved onto the balcony, admittedly she was dressed too lightly, but it’s not like anyone will see her in just briefs, the enchantment was in place that only Wix could see but its unlikely many were passing at this hour.

The night sky was nice, cooling her down. She was unable to see any stars, she hated cities for this, it was horrible, but she had a great view of the city from where she was, it almost made up for the lack of stars. The moon was still building up, getting closer to the dreaded full crescendo.

After several minutes gazing she needed that what she needed was more sleep, with a sigh she moved back into her room and closed the door, she opened a cabinet in the kitchen area with her medication inside. She moved away her gillyweed, aswell as some other muggle types, then took a few pills to help sleep, with another small cup of water to help them down.

Slowly and carefully she walked back to her bed, before she collapsed down onto it. With any luck she wouldn't have more dreams, she didn't need them, she didn't want them. She just wanted to rest, and rebuild, she's spent too long wasting her life due to the past.

Her eyes fluttered closed as sleep dragged her into its warm embrace.

“Welcome home dear."