A/N: Tonks Point-of-View.
Tonks scanned the room when they entered, taking into account the wide variety of people. She hadn't realized this was such a big event. She had really only expected students and staff. The bright colors, the livery, the food; Horace had pulled out all the stops for this event. She glanced down at her dress, even more thankful to have had help with it. I am just glad Severus seems to like it. She thought as he guided her over to a corner. She watched closely as he produced a rectangular box.
"Nymphadora, I wish to give you a present, but I fear that I will be indisposed at the Solstice and unable to entertain guests over Christmas. Tonight seemed to be as appropriate as any. When a Dominant and a submissive begin to get involved… bugger." Tonks smiled warmly and encouragingly at him, even as the butterflies she felt were flying around in her stomach grew. "Allow me to rephrase that. Suffice it to say, I have enjoyed our interactions together, and would like to begin a path for us to formalize our arrangement. This gift is symbolic; the Dominant who offers this collar to the submissive is expressing an interest in pursuing a relationship with said submissive beyond the range of a casual acquaintance or even that of a Top and bottom. I must add, that accepting this collar from me means that you are equally serious in the understanding that our relationship has progressed. Should we ever find the time to spend together with the greater BDSM community, this collar would indicate to others that we are forming a potentially serious relationship."
Tonks gingerly opened the box. There were two things she wasn't ready for, after everything he had said she had expected a collar and with that she had never expected anything this nice. "It's not a collar." She almost felt like he must have grabbed the wrong box and this couldn't possibly be for her. The intricate design of the interlocking chains gave it the appearance of being delicate without looking overly fragile. She ran her fingers over it lightly wondering what it would look like, feel like on her wrist.
"Well spotted, dear. I'd have given you a literal collar of leather, but you'd be unable to wear it at all times. This chain is charmed to me; if it is removed by anyone else but you, I will be alerted and will come to your aid. You can also use it to locate and apparate to me if ever that is needed. I find myself quite fond of you, dear, and hope that you accept this."
She smiled up at him, loving the attention to detail and consideration that had gone into this choice. She noticed him leaning in and started to as well only to have him practically vanish before her eyes. An abrupt laugh escaped her lips at the surprised look on his face right before he was literally pulled into a conversation between Horace and Harry. She took the few extra moments to continue admiring the bracelet. She already knew she was going to say "yes" to his offer, it had never really crossed her mind not to.
Looking up she noticed that Severus' posture had become tense and that he was glaring down his nose at Harry, who was adamantly returning the glare. Looks like someone could use an intervention. She thought and began her way over to the current standoff. The task had seemed simple enough, but between house elves, decorations, and the ever moving crowd she was finding obstacles the entire way.
"The Aurors are part of the Rotfang Conspiracy, I thought everyone knew that. They're planning to bring down the Ministry of Magic from within using a combination of Dark Magic and gum disease."
Tonks looked up to see who was talking and try to put that statement in context. As she saw Luna Lovegood she realized that context was not something she needed to figure out any longer. Tonks liked the girl, even though most of her statements failed to make sense, she had an unyielding sense of individuality and creativity. Tonks felt the sharp edge of a metal tray hit her shin and stumbled wincing at the high pitched cry of surprise from the elf. Recovering quickly, she checked on the elf, who had not only managed to save the tray, but who was not apologizing profusely to her. She steadied the elf, making her apologies and commending him on saving the food. The elf nervous composure morphed into a broad smile at the compliment.
Looking up she saw Severus glance over at her his eyes sparkling briefly in humor before mouthing the words "gum disease". Tonks could only smile and shake her head before filch came barging in with Draco. Tonks watched as Severus' scowl deepened as he took charge of the younger boy and escorted him out of the party, nodding briefly to her on his way out.
Tonks sighed and looked around, figuring this was as good of a time as any to explore the party. As long as I can avoid crashing into any more elves I will be fine. Tonks thought as she reached down and plucked a treacle tart from a passing tray. Tonks froze as she saw Kirley Duke and Myron Wagtail, the lead guitarist and singer of The Weird Sisters, and had to force herself to calmly walk over and introduce herself rather that run over like the obsessed fan girl she currently and completely felt like.
They talked about their latest tour and upcoming music release and were even kind enough to give her a signed photo of the band. Looking down at the photo she didn't realize she was about to walk into someone. Their hands gripped her shoulders just before a collision would have taken place. Tonks looked up quickly, startled, and was met by the dark slightly predatory eyes of the vampire Sanguini. Her mouth instantly went dry as her adrenaline peaked. Looking up into his eyes the room seemed to fade to the dusty, darkened rooms of the Shrieking Shack. Shaking her head sharply she quickly pulled out of his steadying grasp and attempted to put as much distance between him and her as possible. The large room suddenly felt too crowded with people and she made a quick dash for the entrance, thankful not to have too hard of a time navigating the crowds.
Once outside she felt like she could finally breathe again and as she leaned back against the wall she was thankful for the cool sensation of the stone along her back. Bloody hell. She had never had a panic attack like that before in her life. She ran her hands up and down her arms trying to shake the feel of his touch. Her attack in the Shrieking Shack was the most helpless she had ever felt and one of the closest calls she had ever had while on the job. She had been trying to ignore it and act like nothing had happened since then. He's not even the same vampire; he is a guest at a party. She scolded herself, embarrassed she had reacted like that, but unable to even consider the idea of going back in and seeing him again to apologize. She stowed the autographed picture in her clutch, her fingers brushing over the box still containing the bracelet. It hadn't felt right putting it on without Severus present. I haven't even really given him my response yet. She thought glancing around for him, fully ready to wait out here until he returned or her nerves steadied enough for her to go back into the party.