A/N: TPOV

"Hmmm…I will have to find something to wear. This doesn't sound like something combat boots and t-shirts would be allowed at. Nevertheless, I would love to go Severus. It will also give me a reason to finally let my mom take me shopping. It's something she keeps threatening me with." Tonks replied, rolling her eyes at her mother's threat. Severus smiled warmly when she accepted, chuckling softly when she mentioned shopping.
The two of them spent a little while longer watching the sunrise, before getting dressed. Severus walked with Tonks to the main entrance to see her out since was expected at the head table for morning meal.

Tonks arrived back in her room at the Inn, her mind trying to come up with what she was going to wear to the party. She shook her head knowing it was useless and wrote a quick letter to her mom to see if she would be available this weekend to help. As she watched the owl leave with the letter she remembered that Remus had asked her to let him know when she got home and how she was. She sighed and decided she would send him notice when the owl returned and after she had rested a bit.

Tonks met her mom mid-morning Saturday outside of the Leaky Cauldron, having apparated to Diagon Alley. Being in London, her mother had argued that if they didn't find anything on the magical side of things they could always visit the muggle dress shops in the city. Tonks saw her mother, Andromeda Tonks, weaving through the crowd, made thicker by the weekend and quickly approaching holidays. Tonks waved to her excitedly. Due to work and the Order, Nymphadora hadn't had a chance to visit home much and found that she was actually looking forward to the "girls-day-out" that her mom had planned. Her mom gave her a tight hug before holding her at arm's length to look her over in the way mothers do, looking for anything out of place, able to notice a change when the rest of the world remained oblivious.

"Dora, you look happier than the last time you were home. How is everything? Is Remus being more civil? I heard about the incident earlier this week, are you really okay?" Andromeda searched her daughter's eyes.

She's been here for no more than five minutes and already the interrogation starts.Tonks thought. She wasn't angry though and the thought contained humor more than anything else. "I am fine mum, where should we start?" Tonks smiled warmly, dodging the question about Remus.

"I was thinking we would start at Twillfit and Tattings. If any of the shops in Diagon Alley have a dress that will work it will be them." Her mom's smile beamed, showing just how excited she was about finally getting Nymphadora in a proper dress. Tonks tried to return the smile, but as she walked beside her mother through the crowd she felt she would feel more comfortable going into battle, better prepared too. As they walked through the door to the shop and Tonks was greeted by satin, lace, velvet and materials she couldn't begin to place in every color of the rainbow and every length she knew she was in over her head. She had never been so grateful to have her mom there as backup, had she been alone she might have simply walked out.

Tonks stood in the dressing room looking in the mirror, "I'm not coming out!" I know pink is my favorite color, but I look like a muggle Barbie that's been tarred and feathered before being dyed pink.

"Come on honey, just let me see. It can't be that bad," Andromeda, responded encouragingly. Tonks walked out her hands on her hips; she couldn't help but notice the rack of dresses for her to try on already had about ten more choices.This is a nightmare. Her mother looked at her briefly before her own eyes lit with humor and it became obvious she was trying not to laugh. Tonks was less skilled at holding back her laughter and immediately cracked up at how ridiculous her current outfit was, which only encouraged her to spin to really show it off. At least mum is still in a good mood. Tonks thought thinking of the fact that they had already butted heads on whether the dress should be long or short, modern or traditional. Her mom had given in on the fact it should be short. Years of history gave Tonks the advantage of arguing that she didn't need extra material for her to trip over. From the look of the dresses on the rack the second dispute was still being fought.

Tonks flipped through the dresses hanging on the rack, vetoing some right off the bat. She didn't do sparkles and could guarantee Severus didn't either. The topic of who she was going with was one she kept avoiding. Her mother had asked who it was and what he was wearing as a way to narrow down the selection. Tonks had replied that it was just a fellow colleague of hers and that those patrolling were expected to go and that she had no idea what he was wearing. Andromeda had shook her head slightly at the lack of information but didn't press too strongly. Tonks had the suspicion that her mother thought this was her way of making Remus jealous. After the shit that he had pulled with the potion, him apparently calling her "his woman" and then ordering her to stay away from people, she supposed the assumption wasn't too far from the truth. Although, it was just an added benefit to all the primary reasons she had said yes in the first place.

Within the dresses on the rack Tonks saw one she actually thought might work. It was a rich lavender which was a close second when it came to her favorite colors. The dress had a retro look overall with a full swing skirt, halter top, and gathered bodice. Trying it on, she fell in love with it immediately. The dress showed off her hourglass figure and was elegant while still being fun and edgy. Walking out of the fitting room her mum smiled brightly. Her mother walked up behind Tonks as she stood in front of a large mirror, turning this way and that. Casting a quick spell, Andromeda made it so her daughter's now matching lavender locks fell in gentle curls before pulling up one side, twisting it slightly and pinning it behind her ear. "You look lovely," Andromeda said warmly, giving Tonks shoulders a gentle squeeze.

"Thanks mum," Tonks replied smiling at her mom in the mirror before turning around to give her a hug.

"Now for shoes," Andromeda said a little to brightly as she walked over and held up a pair of 4" heels. Tonks smile fell and her look changed to one of horror. Just as she was about to protest, her mom laughed and pulled out a second pair that were flats with a long silver lace that would wrap up her calves and tie just behind her knee. "Can't blame me for trying," Her mom said shrugging after smiling mischievously.