A/N: TPOV

Tonks had tried her best to convince everyone, especially Poppy, that she was just fine. I should be out doing something, patrolling, interviewing witnesses to find out what happened to that poor Bell girl, anything but sitting in this damn ward! I only have a few scratches. Remus walked back in the room, his footsteps determined and his back tense. He smiled briefly at her although the lines of worry still marked his forehead. Instead of coming over to her bed he went to talk to Poppy. She watched closely as the two exchanged words and Poppy handed Remus a vial.

As he walked over to Tonks' side she couldn't help raising an eyebrow suspiciously at the rather innocent looking vial.

Seeing her look Remus explained, "Poppy says you can leave just as soon as you drink this potion. Please Tonks, it's for the best." Remus said encouragingly, holding a vial in front of Tonks' face. Tonks' fists clenched the mattress of the medical cot she was sitting on before sighing. She understood their worry, she would be worried too, but she also wanted out of here. Maybe this was the easy compromise.

"Fine, but after this I can go?"

Remus nodded his head briefly and Tonks took the vial, downing the potion in two quick gulps. It was then that she noticed the slight guilt shinning in his eyes, right before she felt the overwhelming tide of exhaustion wash over her. "You…" tricked me! She thought, only having enough energy to get out the first word, as he eased her down to the cot. As her eyes closed to sleep she felt his lips kiss her forehead gently.

When the effects of the healing potion finally wore off her eyes fluttered open to the fading pink light of sunset. Her eyes flew to the clock then to Remus who was sitting at the end of her bed. "Seven O'clock! I've been out for five hours!"

Remus winced slightly before replying, "Twenty-seven. Twenty-seven hours." All Tonks could do was blink in response.

"Twenty. Seven." Tonks said, her voice overly calm. "Drink this and you can leave? You said. You lied." Her voice changed into a cold hiss at the last word.

Remus closed his eyes. "We were worried about you. I was worried about you. You were held hostage by a Vampire, Tonks. You could have been killed." His voice sounded pained in a way she hadn't heard before.

She moved forward and turned his head to look at her. "But I wasn't. I am here and I am fine and I was fine before losing an entire day." She couldn't help but smile at the last part. She wanted to be angry with him, furious even, but she understood why he did what he did. She also had to grudgingly admit that she felt almost as well rested as she had after her and Severus… Severus. "Umm…is everyone else alright from yesterday?"

"Miss Bell was sent to St. Mungo's, Miss Quirke is still recovering from blood loss, but should be released from the ward tonight and MacKenzie was cleared for duty yesterday." Remus smiled encouragingly, happy to give her some good news. Tonks smiled back trying not to show her disappointment.

"And Snape…?" She asked trying to sound innocent. Remus' eyes darkened instantly and this time it was his turn to clutch the cot mattress.

"Just fine." Remus growled and Tonks winced.

"He saved my life Remus. You said it yourself, I could have been killed. I wasn't. Thanks to him. I know you two have issues, but you can't deny the truth." She said gently.

"No… I can't deny the truth, but that one truth is only a single positive mark against a long line of negative. He's a death eater. Snape being in the Order now or saving you doesn't change the mark on his arm. He's dangerous and you need to stay away from him."

"Like I need to stay away from you?" Tonks asked sharply. Remus looked as if he had just been slapped.

He sighed, running a hand through his shaggy hair, "Take care, Tonks. And please let me later after you get home that you are still alright and feeling well." He leaned in, cupping the back of her head as he placed a kiss on her head. Turning around he went directly to the fireplace and used the floo to go home.

The moment he left Tonks wiped her eyes furiously with the back of her hand, refusing to cry. Throwing the covers off her she grabbed her wand and headed for the door. Glancing in the mirror on her way out she realized her clothes and been magically cleaned and were now free of bloodstains. Thank Merlin for small miracles. She ran her fingers through her hair in an attempt to get it to settle somewhat. Taking a deep breath to calm herself she walked out the door, determined to stop by Severus' office to make sure he truly was "just fine" before continuing on to her patrols.