A/N: Tonks' Point-of-View

A knock resounded on Tonks' door an hour after Remus had left. Tonks stomped over to her door, flinging the door open. "Remus so help me…" She stopped short, her eyes flipping between her mother and her aunt. Her hair previously an enraged shade of red, changed to her natural brown, before settling back into her usual shade of pink. She had never seen her mother next to either of her aunts. She had only met Narcissa before at Ministry functions, back before Lucius was imprisoned in Azkaban. Bellatrix she had only met in battle. Tonks had no intentions of altering either of these status quos. And yet here is Narcissa, standing at the door to my room…with my mother. As far as Tonks knew, she had more contact with her aunts than her mother did, something that was reflected by the two witches standing as far apart from each other as possible without being considered outside of the entryway.

Tonks narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "I don't need an intervention. So whatever this is, you can forget it."

"Ny…Dora, we just want to take you out and get a bite to eat, talk a bit and have some family girl time." Her mother responded, trying to keep her voice light even as she glanced over at her sister.

"The last time we had girl time, we bought a dress…look how well that turned out." Tonks shot back in reply, hoping it would be enough to get her mom to back off this little mission she seemed determined to see through.

Andromeda opened her mouth to respond, but Narcissa cut her off, "From what I have heard from Severus, it turned out rather well. You found a gorgeous dress and had a lovely time. I only wish I could have found robes that looked just as flattering on him." Narcissa smiled, even as her sister shot her a glare as she realized the possibility that Narcissa had known about this entire affair before her.

Tonks could tell she wasn't going to slip out of this, there was a certain gleam in the two witches' eyes that told her they would drag her out if they needed too. "At least let me grab my cloak," she grumbled.

The three of them walked down the streets of Hogsmeade toward Madam Puddifoots. Tonks felt outnumbered, flanked by the two witches. She also noted that she could cut the tension with a spoon. They stepped into the small tea shop and chose a table in the corner of the room. A hurried looking witch bustled over and took their order. Tonks requested peppermint, Andromeda rosehip and Narcissa Jasmine along with a tray of scones and tea sandwiches for the table.

Andromeda was the first to speak, "Dora, you mentioned the vampire attack and when I asked when we went shopping you said you were fine. You never mentioned that it was Severus who saved you or that he had to use a dark potion to do so." Tonks stayed quiet, her eyes focused down at her hands. She still hadn't quite come to terms with the fact that he had given up two years of his lifespan to save her or that he deemed her worth such a sacrifice. Her fingers subconsciously ran over the bracelet at her wrist in comfort and affirmation. When she finally trusted her voice enough she looked up, only to find Narcissa looking down at her bracelet. Narcissa's eyes were wide with surprise, a small knowing smile playing on her lips.

Tonks turned her attention back to her mother, "Yes he saved me. He was the first to realize I was missing and the first to arrive. He did what he felt he had to in order to save my life…I owe him my life mother, the least I could do was go with him to a party." She said trying to make her mother understand the depth of her gratitude towards Severus while downplaying her current involvement. She was beginning to understand what Severus had first meant about the two of them being together. If going to one party had caused this much of a stir, the last thing either of them needed was anyone knowing the full extent of their relationship. From the knowing smile on Narcissa's lips, Tonks was afraid at least one person already did.

Andromeda took a few moments to let that sink in, she hadn't realized just how dire the situation had been. There had been many falls as a child where Nymphadora had sustained more injuries than she had from her run in with the vampire. Because of that, she hadn't realized how close to death her baby girl had actually been. If Severus hadn't come when he did…Andromeda shook her head, determined not to focus on such outcomes. "So, did you at least enjoy the party?"

Tonks smiled, more overjoyed to be back in a somewhat neutral territory than be discussing the party. "I did! Kirley Duke and Myron Wagtail, from the Weird Sisters, were there! I got their autographs."

The small talk continued, for which Tonks was grateful. Tonks talked a bit about the party in general, Narcissa talked about Draco and his school years, Andromeda about her latest breakthroughs with charms work. It was all a well coordinated dance as each sidestepped their own aspects of life that would bring the conversation to a screeching dramatic halt. For Tonks it was Severus and Remus, Narcissa it was Lucius, and Andromeda it was Ted. All families had their problems and complications, but as Tonks took a sip of tea she had to wonder if hers was trying to shoot for a record. Which was why, when Andromeda excused herself to the ladies' room and Narcissa leaned in, lightly touching Tonks bracelet, and said, "I understand what you and Severus have, if you have any questions, please let me know," Tonks felt she really shouldn't have been at all surprised.