That weekend Daphne and Tracey explained the status quo in magical Britain. While Helena had already heard most of it from Hermione during her first Care of Magical Creatures lesson, Daphne explained the more in-depth nuances in the Ministry of Magic.

Helena disliked the blatant institutionalized discrimination based on birth status. It seemed every society had some sort of class problem ranging from wealth, race, birth location, or birth status.

Apparently thanks to the Dark Lord and his supporters the notion of blood purity had taken root in the school as well. Tracey was looked down upon being half-blood amongst purebloods. Daphne and Tracey both were under the assumption Helena was a half-blood as well because of her lack of understanding of blood purity and the sharp divide between wizarding and muggle society. She merely let them come to their own conclusions not bothering to correct them.

The coming weeks were tough. Her supplemental instruction was getting harder as they progressed further in the curriculum. She could brew potions with ease but found understanding the properties of various magical substances to be much harder than a periodic table. Professor McGonagall found her charm work to be very satisfactory but she struggled in performing animate to inanimate transfiguration and vice versa. McGonagall attributed it to a mental block that Helena was unable to conceive the possibility of such transfiguration. In Defense, she kept reading her own text much to Umbridge's annoyance. Umbridge would continuously scowl in Helena's direction. But with limited practical experience, Helena was getting frustrated. She had to get time alone with Hermione. She knew Hermione wouldn't sit quietly with the prospect of not learning anything for an entire year.

It took some time to corner Hermione. She waited in the shadows between two suits of armor as Hermione walked past alone heading for her dormitory. She reached out and quickly pulled her in muffling her scream with her palm. She brought her face in Hermione's line of sight to which she visibly relaxed after which Helena removed her palm.

"Helena," whispered Hermione harshly. "What was that about? You gave me a fright."

"You're the one who said we needed to be discreet about our meetings. I have no problem walking up to you in public to have this talk."

"Alright alright fine. What is it?"

"How are you satisfied with Defense? I figured you would be anxious about the exams. Are you really confident you will be ready for the exams?"

Hermione bit her lip deep in thought. Helena did know a considerable amount of their secrets already one more wouldn't hurt.

"Well, you see. I'm part of a defense group. A bunch of us get together every week or so to practice spells."

"A defense group," said Helena, "and I take it you didn't tell me before for some reason?"

Hermione squirmed, "I'm sorry, really. It's kept so quiet I had forgotten to mention it."

"It's fine as long as I come to the next one. I need as much practice as I can get," said Helena.

"Great! I'll -er need to make something for you. I'll give it you during the next meeting. It's tomorrow evening at six. Come find me here and I'll take you to the meeting."

"See you then," said Helena melting away into the shadows.


Two girls swayed slightly as they walked home from a fun night out.

"Well aren't you two quite the lookers?" came a leering voice.

They turned frightened to see a bulky man leering at them with lust.

"Hand over your purses and it will be all okay," he said. "We might even have some fun."

Terrified they started running away haphazardly with the man giving chase. They barely made it a block when he grabbed hold of their hair drawing screams.

Three blocks away a shadow resumed its nocturnal activities after multiple weeks. He enjoyed the relief from his current state of affairs and the thrill of flying across the rooftops. The exhilaration of his freedom was only to be shattered by shrill screams. He quickly changed direction effortlessly crossing the distance to see a man angrily pulling down two women with their hair into an alley.

The shadow dived landing silently behind the man.

"We could have had easy fun if you didn't run away. Now it's going to be rough fun," growled the man at the girls.

The two girls were silent in fear tears coming out of their eyes but one cried out at the sight of the shadow towering behind the man.

The man turned finding his face in front of a symbol, a bat symbol. He had no time to react as the shadow knocked him out. The shadow bound the man's hands leaving a small bat-shaped device.

"You're safe now," he told the girls. "The police are on their way."

The girls were too frightened to say anything and watched as he flew into the air only to stand vigil at the nearest building. He waited motionlessly until the first siren came close to them and then disappeared from their sight.


Walking softly she made her way to the little alcove Helena kidnapped her in. She was early hoping to startle the other girl when she came at the arranged time. She barely came close to the hidden alcove when she was pulled in by the same girl. She let out a gasp at least this time she didn't have a palm covering her mouth.

"Hi Hermione," greeted Helena. "You're early."

"Yes well I had some spare time," Hermione said primly. "It's not far off. We should make it unseen."

Helena nodded matching Hermione's quick stride. They walked down two corridors stopping across a tapestry depicting trolls dancing. She watched Hermione walk back and forth three times. The third time a door appeared which Hermione opened beckoning her in.

She hadn't even taken a step inside with Hermione right behind her when a voice called out.

"What's a snake doing here?"

Helena glared at the blond boy making him shiver slightly. Hermione was taken aback by the animosity.

"She's here on my invitation. This group is meant to help prepare everyone who needs it. Anyone have an objection?" asked Hermione primly looking around for any disgruntled expressions.

"Your invitation?" said Smith. "You invited a snake. "

"I don't want a snake in here either. They would just turn those spells on us," said Michael Corner.

"I don't need spells to take you two down," stated Helena looking them both up and down.

"Did you- She just threatened me," accused Zacharias.

"No she didn't," retorted Lisa Turpin. "I trust her. She's my friend."

"I will not turn her away," said Harry strongly, "or anyone else who is serious about learning Defense."

Michael accepted Lisa's statement while Zacharias still looked indignant but gave a nod.

"She'll sign the list also," said Hermione turning to Helena with a concerned expression. She had forgotten to mention that little tidbit as well.

Helena merely nodded at Hermione and went over to the list proudly displayed on the wall. She wondered why they had named it Dumbledore's army. There was too much going on in this world she was not privy to.

"Well now that's that," said Harry after Helena signed her name, "er- today will be a revision day to go over any spell you have trouble with. So find someone who knows the spells you need."

He went over to Helena who was talking to Hermione in whispers.

"Hi Helena -er good to see you again," said Harry then looked over at Hermione. "Hermione didn't say you were coming."

"It was a recent development," said Hermione, "I was just telling her both of us would help her catch up with every spell we worked on in here."

"Every spell?"

"Yes, Harry every spell. She needs to protect herself just like anyone else."

"I know, I know it'll just take a lot of time."

"Then we better get started."

Throughout the time Harry and Hermione worked on spells with her, she knew others were watching her closely. Some with suspicion, some with disgust, others with curiosity. She didn't mind as disgust and curiosity were old friends she had coped with for years but suspicion was new. By the end of the session, she had mastered the disarming spell and improved on the stunning spell though she hadn't been able to do either silently. After everyone had left it was only the three of them and Ron.

"You did quite good for your first time," said Harry.

"Adequate at best," replied Helena.

"Adequate? That was better than adequate. The first time we did this barely anyone mastered the spell in one session," said Hermione.

"My standards are different."

"Er- would those standards be with what you were wearing the first time we met you?" asked Ron hesitantly.

"Precisely," answered Helena.

"You still haven't told us what you do with that?"

"It isn't necessary for you to know, Ron," said Helena noticing the curious expressions on all three faces.

"Not even a hint?" persisted Ron.

"One hint then but this is not to spread outside of you three," said Helena looking at each of their faces for confirmation.

"Of course."

"Yeah."

"Definitely."

"Read the paper. I'm sure Hermione can get one from London for you."

"Read the paper," asked Ron incredulously. "What's the paper going to tell me?"

"That's the only hint you're going to get."

"We can find out from the paper, Ron. Stop badgering her."

"How do we know which paper to read? We can't go through every London newspaper," asked Harry not looking forward to sifting through every London publication.

"True. Well, I'm sure I'll get the exact paper when it does come out. I'll give it to you then. See you around," said Helena heading for the exit.

"Wait. I need to give you this," said Hermione. She handed Helena what was a gold coin. A galleon to be precise in their currency.

"What do I need a galleon for?" asked Helena having no need for money.

"It's a fake. It's charmed to mirror Harry's with the next meeting time and date," explained Hermione.

Helena turned over her galleon a couple times pondering the implications of such a charm. "I'd like to borrow you for a weekend. I have an idea that I'll need your help for."

"Sure, I can make some time. Let me know at the beginning of whichever week you choose."

"I will. Bye now."

They left a couple minutes after Helena had.

"She's something else, I'll tell you that. So mysterious. But I like her she's nice."

"You still fancy her don't you?" asked Harry.

"Er- well Harry she's beautiful. I don't think I'm the only one who would fancy her."

"Her brother is quite dreamy," said Hermione with a soft sigh.

"Hermione!" exclaimed Harry and Ron together.

"What? You two didn't have a problem talking about Helena's looks," said Hermione narrowing her eyes at both of them.

"But it's... it's Helena in school. Not some older man," said Ron thoroughly disgruntled.

"Hermione is into older men, remember," said Harry only to be smacked by Hermione.

"Yeah! How is Vicky these days? Still writing to him?"

"I have," said Hermione delightfully, "and you should know Harry has started writing him as well and also Fleur.

"What?" exclaimed Ron, "since when Harry?"

"Er- sometime during break after we found out Hermione was writing to Krum thought I might catch up with them," said Harry quickly.

Ron merely grunted in response as they entered Gryffindor Tower.


A young man sat down next to a middle-aged woman reading a magazine on a bench.

"I'm curious, what is your natural appearance?"

The woman spluttered, "I have no idea what you are talking about young man."

He raised his eyebrow at her giving a charming smile. "My mistake, Nymphadora."

"Don't call me that!" she said visibly agitated and giving up on the farce.

"It is your name, isn't it? Quite unique even somewhat... magical," he said teasing with his sparkling eyes. "We hadn't been properly introduced so I asked Sirius for the name of my stalker."

"Stalker!" she said indignantly, "I am not stalking you."

"Right," he said unconcernedly looking down the street for a cafe, "how about we grab some lunch?"

Tonks was thinking furiously. On one hand, she was caught by him again though most times he just smiled at her continuing his business or whatever he was doing. On the other, she would finally be able to get insight as to what he actually was doing. Mad-Eye would bark constant vigilance at her and think she was daft as for Dumbledore he might be appeased if she got something.

"Yeah sure, I'm a bit peckish."

"It'd be nice if you change back to your natural appearance."

"Fine," grumbled Tonks as she morphed back, "it's not like you get fooled anyway."

Dick merely indulged her with another of those dazzling smiles that caused so many girls to swoon at him. The constant attempts to grab his attention by them always made her roll her eyes. He was very fit and quite handsome to boot with an amazing arse and no not thinking about that. He's just an assignment.

"I have an idea," said Tonks deviously.

"What's that? asked Dick.

She didn't answer instead grabbed hold of his arm pulling him into an alley before apparating to the Leaky Cauldron.

"Welcome to the Leaky Cauldron. You probably can't see it right now. There's a notice-me-not charm to keep away muggles unless they know what they're looking for."

"That explains why I see it now."

"Good we're going to grab lunch here," she said internally grumbling how he wasn't even fazed at the sudden apparation.

Dick followed Tonks to a corner table where Tom, the landlord, came by to take their orders.

"Have you seen Diagon Alley?"

"Not yet been busy."

"Yeah, I noticed."

"So tell me Nymphadora how's life been treating you?"

"Just call me Tonks," she said.

"Why do you go by your last name?"

"Wouldn't you if your mother named you Nymphadora?"

"Not really, Nymphadora sounds like a nice name and you can always have a nickname. I'm Richard but friends call me Dick. You can go by Nymph."

"You're impossible and I am not going by Nymph," she said annoyed. "My dad calls me Dora but mum insists on using Nymphadora."

"To everyone else," she emphasized, "I'm Tonks."

"Might wanna go by Nym, it's short and pretty nice sounding. Don't you think?"

"It's Tonks!"

"Yeah, yeah, so what do you do for a living?"

"I'm an Auror."

"Auror? You work for the magical police department?"

"Yeah the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. There's the regular magical law enforcement squad and then the Aurors specialized dark wizard catchers."

Tonks went on to explain the Ministry of Magic and the various departments and functions pertaining to the wizarding population which Dick listened to intently.

"What have you been up to? And don't tell me been busy."

"Getting our townhouse ready and business up and running. Need a place to live and a means of income."

"That's it?"

"Yeah," said Dick amused.

"But what about what you were wearing that night?"

"Costume party," dismissed Dick.

"Yeah right," said Tonks sarcastically. "You've got to do better than that to get me off your tail."

"I don't need to," said Dick his eyes hardening, "it doesn't concern you, whoever you report to and the magical world at large. It will only concern Helena and myself."

"Okay," said Tonks hesitantly take aback by the cold indifference.

"Which reminds me," he had a smile on his face again, "Hogsmeade weekend is coming up soon. Would you apparate me there?"

"Why?"

"I want to visit Helena. See how she's doing."

"Oh yeah, sure I'll apparate you there."

"Great. Is eleven good?"

"Yeah, that'll be fine."


Helena woke up earlier than usual thoroughly excited for the day. It was Hogsmeade weekend which was supposed to be a delight but more importantly, Dick had said he had arranged to be there by noon and that she should finish everything by then. Last night Tracey had told her she would be in the Three Broomsticks after she finished her shopping and to meet her there. That cleared up anyone who would be accompanying her when she started testing. It took some time to get past the caretaker who meticulously checked the list.

Once outside the school gate, she followed the drive for a bit and then moved over to the side behind a clump of bushes and a few straggler trees. She pulled out a phone and a communicator from her pocket turning them both on placing the communicator in her ear and waiting for any adverse effects. Fortunately, neither device shorted out which cleared the dangers of having it on away from a magical building but there wasn't a connection. She got back on the drive walking towards Hogsmeade further away from the castle hoping for a connection until she reached the High Street. She sighed at the partial failure of the test and powered down both devices erring on the side of caution. She wandered about seeing the wanted posters, browsing the shops and observing the students and villagers. She did enjoy Honeydukes and bought quite a bit of dessert for herself and Dick.

As it started to rain, she made for the Three Broomsticks. It was still quite early Dick wouldn't have arrived yet and Tracey should still be shopping. It took some time to get inside practically everyone was entering some shop or another to get out of the rain. She had barely made it a couple of steps in when she heard her name.

"Helena, over here."

Tracey was sitting at a table a couple of feet away with Daphne and Sophie Roper. Sophie was a quiet girl who kept to herself. Helena hadn't really spent much time with her since Tracey was always there, the ever-present joyful girl that she was.

"Thought you might come here like we did when it started to rain," said Tracey. "Were you able to get your things done?'

"Yeah, didn't take as long as I expected."

"Great! Now sit tight I'll be right back with a butterbeer. My treat."

"Were you doing homework?" asked Sophie.

"In a way, it was more of a personal thing."

"Oh okay."

"Here. Butterbeer. Drink up," said Tracey her eyes lit up in anticipation.

Helena took a sip. It was quite delicious and warmed her up nicely.

"Well?"

"It's good."

"Great! Now you've passed Third Year."

"What?"

"She means you've passed the Third Year rite of passage every student goes through when they first go to Hogsmeade. Drinking a butterbeer," explained Daphne."

"I see, well I guess I've passed Third Year now two more to go."

"Oh, my! He's handsome," said Sophie.

All three heads turned to where Sophie was looking at the entrance to see Dick taking a look around and Tonks right behind him.

"And he's coming this way," said Tracey.

Dick walked right up to their table eyes fixed on Helena a bright smile on his face. Helena knew he was going to do some big brother act. She loved him all the more for it.

"Hey kitten, are you being good?"

"Dick."

"Couldn't resist," he said looking at each one of her friends his smile causing slight blushes. "Seeing you sitting here with your friends."

"Of course you couldn't," Helena deadpanned.

"Now if you ladies will excuse us," he said tilting his head towards Helena. "I'll be borrowing her."

"After I'm done I'll probably be at Scrivenshaft's and we can head back to the castle."

The girls nodded in acknowledgment before walking away in whispers glancing back every so often.


"You really can't help it can you?" said Tonks at the girl's reactions.

"Help what Nymph?"

"Agh. We went over this," said Tonks as she took her seat.

Dick merely winked at Helena who was watching them.

"How long are you going to stay?" asked Helena not really looking forward to him leaving.

"As long as I can or until she has to leave."

"I don't have to leave I'm off duty today," said Tonks excitedly. "And I can ask you things. Have you noticed your brother is ridiculous?"

"I'm aware. I'm very aware," said Helena smiling broadly, remembering a conversation a time long ago. "Some might say it makes him endearing."

"Endearing am I?" chuckled Dick reaching forward to muss up Helena's hair.

"Endearing! It's annoying that's what. He's starting calling me Nymph," she shuddered at the nickname. "I'm Tonks. Only Tonks."

"Her name's Nymphadora Tonks," said Dick to Helena's confused look.

"Oh, you have a nice name though."

"Not you too," grumbled Tonks.

"Well as nice as it is to go over that again." Dick reached into the bag he brought along. "Here's the newspaper you requested and it does have a little appearance."

"Thanks. Curious people you know."

"Of course." He pointed at Tonks. "My own personal stalker. Been stalking me since we got here."

"I am not a stalker," said Tonks. "I'm merely assigned to look after you."

"As amusing as your stalker problem is. What's new?"

"Well taking a bit of time to get some equipment. Our home is ready though. I've moved in and you can customize your rooms when you come back for a visit."

"The earliest I can come is in April. We have holidays then."

"Great," said Dick then dropped his voice to a whisper, "by the way, Auror, do you know of a privacy charm or something to block out eavesdroppers?"

Tonks lifted her wand and made an intricate motion and waited until a soft chime came from her wand.

"We're good now."

"I want to know that spell," said Helena eagerly.

"Sorry," Tonks shrugged, "Auror level spell can't tell you unless you get into the Auror program."

Helena frowned, "Knowledge should be freely available. It makes sense if training is limited to the Auror Department but not when it comes to knowledge regarding spells."

"You're right but I don't make the rules," said Tonks.

"Well can we have some privacy? I'd like to speak to him alone."

"Sure I'll be over there," gestured Tonks towards the bar. "The spell will be in effect until I take it down."

"Thanks, Nym," said Dick with a bright smile.

"Yeah, yeah," said Tonks shaking her head as she walked away.

"So how was your night out?"

"Not bad still need to get used to the streets, stopped a mugging or two."

"And are we being investigated?"

"Probably not. Only been out twice. Most likely only exist only in crazy stories the purse the perps and victims make up. Appearances go up and most likely an investigation would start."

"Good, how's the corporate life?"

"The usual but without excessive media attention since we're no longer Gotham royalty."

"I'm glad, I hated my titles. Gotham's Darling. Princess of Gotham," She said mockingly.

Dick chuckled. "Well, there's one other thing my dear Kitten of Gotham as the head of RH Tech and being a rising business star under 30. I have been formally invited to the Young Entrepreneur Gala during your holidays.

"No," said Helena vehemently. "Absolutely no way. Get some random date to go with you."

"Aw, cmon Helena. If you come along I won't be bored out of my mind bored out of my mind. It should only be this once and the inquisitive business reporters will stop bothering me at every opportunity."

"Why are they bothering you?"

"They found out the 'R' is for Richard and are wondering who the 'H' is for. They think it's another partner so by presenting you they can finally leave me alone."

"Fine," she said with a sigh, "but only this once."

"Great I worked out our backstories here," he said handing her an envelope.

She took it glancing it over. "So any progress on my suit?"

"I've made the modifications on your right gauntlet for your wand. It's taking some time to source materials of the same standard. I'm hoping I'll have at least one suit for you by the holidays and a backup of course."

"That's too far away. I've been without it for too long already," complained Helena.

"Did I just hear a hint of Bruce coming out of you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Bruce was never truly comfortable outside of the manor unless he was in his suit." Dick tilted his head cradling his hands lovingly along his cheek. "So adorable like father like daughter."

Helena burst out laughing at his absurd impression.

Dick smiled. "The trackers worked by the way even though communication didn't. I don't know how soon I'll get a plane but I can work around that for now."

"Good and I think I can find a magical solution for when I'm at Hogwarts."

"It's good to see you don't mind it here."

"I'm getting used to it. Slowly."

"Great, well I'm going to head out. Lots to do. Busy days and soon," he winked at her as he got out of his chair, "busy nights."

"Be careful," said Helena giving him a quick hug.

"I always am," said Dick returning it while beckoning Tonks over.

She waved her wand dispelling the charm and waved to Helena as she followed Dick out.


"You didn't stay long. Didn't even try a butterbeer. Did you even listen to the things I told you about Hogsmeade?"

"Of course I did. And you can bring me back another time," he said with a smile.

"I am not your personal transportation," said Tonks affronted.

"Never said you were. I can drop by myself if need be."

"And how are you going to do that?" said Tonks disbelievingly.

Dick merely winked at her holding out his arm waiting to be apparated away.


Helena sat at her table silently drinking her butterbeer long after Dick had left. It was still early yet she had no desire to explore the village anymore. She missed her room, the cave, the bunker, and the many hours she spent there. She hated the lack of privacy in her dormitory and slept fitfully for hours. Sleep had not been the restful experience it once was. Suddenly she got up leaving behind some money. Right now was an excellent opportunity to test out her theory. Most of the school was at Hogsmeade and very limited people would come across her. She headed off towards the castle her brooding changing to anticipation.

She made it to the seventh floor in record time blending in the shadows to avoid detection. She walked past the wall opposite the tapestry of trolls attempting to dance concentrating hard visualizing every detail. After her third walk past it was there. The grandfather clock she had used so often. She walked up to it glancing down the hallway making sure it was still clear. She moved the hands on the clock to the appropriate time until she heard the telltale click. She then pulled the pendulum causing the clock to swing forward. Anxiously Helena entered the room gently closing the clock behind her watching it melt away back into the wall. She turned around and was astounded by the sight. It had worked! A full replica of the Batcave training area. It had also made a complete version of her suit in the glass case. She hadn't expected that to work at all. She willed another clock to appear to be aware of the time and opened the glass case.


"She must have gone back into the castle," said Daphne as they waited another fifteen minutes at Tracey's insistence.

"Should we go looking for her? asked Sophie Roper. "She could still be with her brother."

"Would you stop?" said Tracey. "Yeah he's handsome but Helena is our friend. You can't be lusting after him all the time."

"I'm not lusting after him," protested Sophie blushing read. "I just... I just wouldn't mind seeing him again."

"Well, I'm going back to the castle. It has been a long day and we will probably see her at dinner."

"Fine let's go," grumbled Tracey.

Dinner came and went and Helena wasn't seen throughout. She didn't even return to the dormitory at night or the next day for breakfast.

"I think we should tell Professor Snape," whispered Tracey.

"I did already, went to his office before breakfast," said Daphne buttering her toast. "I told him we were concerned when she missed dinner and didn't return to the dungeons after curfew," she added at Tracey's inquisitive look.

"And what did he say?"

"He'll look into it."

They finally saw Helena when she arrived for Herbology on Monday morning.

"Sorry Professor I woke up late," said Helena as she slid into the spot next to Tracey.

"Where have you been?" whispered Tracey threateningly.

"Around I've been busy."

"Busy outside the common room? We didn't even see you in the library."

"I've been busy," said Helena sternly. "Thanks for looking out but there are some things I have to take care of alone."

"I... oh all right. I don't mean to be overbearing but I you didn't even have meals."

"Oh I did," said Helena smiling broadly, "and they were delicious meals. The kitchen elves are really talented cooks."

"You've been in the kitchens?" asked Tracey surprised.

"Yeah, I haven't you?"

"No. No one really knows how to get to the kitchens."

"Must be secret for the students then."

"You're not going to tell me how to get there?" Tracey pouted.

Helena laughed, "You've been here five years. I'm sure you'll figure it out soon enough."

For the next couple days, Helena only took lunch with them and show up to classes. She would disappear after every class and during breaks and practically nonexistent after the last class of the day.

"So if one of us sees her before the match we strong-arm her into attending. Sound good?" asked Tracey.

"Perfect. It should be an interesting one with it being her first too," said Daphne.

"She hasn't seen a Quidditch match?" asked Sophie.

"Hey Wayne," came a mocking voice, "Where have you been hiding? Trying out a new diet, are we? The starve yourself?" Malfoy laughed along with Crabbe and Goyle.

They both turned to see Malfoy sneering at Helena as she walked into the Great Hall.

Helena didn't even glance at him heading straight to where Daphne, Tracey, and Sophie were sitting a couple feet down.

"I'm talking to you, Wayne," snarled Malfoy, "Locomotor Mortis."

Helena sidestepped the spell reacting as though someone cocked a gun when he said the spell. She turned around to face him and watched his face turn red. She gave a small smirk continuing on her walk. Since this happened right near the entrance and not as loud no Professors were alerted to the small conflict.

"Are you doing this on purpose?" asked Daphne.

"Doing what?"

"Antagonizing Malfoy?"

"Me antagonizing?" she said in disbelief. "If only I were."

"Oh my, Malfoy's really going to get you back. He's really irate right now," said Sophie watching Malfoy conversing roughly with his entourage.

"He can try. I was a bit careless before but I'm tr- practicing again," said Helena recalling the constant hours she spent in the Room of Requirement. It was just like home.

"Is that what you've been busy with?" asked Daphne.

"Pretty much, yeah. I've had to attend supplemental instruction with Professor McGonagall to catch up you know," said Helena deflecting what she really was doing.

"Going to watch the match with us?" asked Tracey.

"I'm not really interested. I was planning on catching up some more."

"You can do that another time," said Tracey emphatically, "today we will go to the match."

Helena didn't protest again. She was sure somehow Dick would find out what she was doing and would be disappointed in her. Professor McGonagall had inquired into her daily habits just yesterday. It would do some good she thought to watch some game let loose a little.

The game was very close. The teams were neck to neck throughout. Ron was a terrible goalkeeper but his team was pretty good despite the handicap. The Gryffindor team was supposed to be much better but Harry, Fred, and George had been given a ban by Umbridge earlier in the year for some scuffle on the pitch. She was glad to be out of her clutches after one meeting.


Thursdays were always good days. Barely any classes to attend and no extra instruction from Professor McGonagall or Professor Snape since they were both very busy. It gave her plenty of time to train and get stay in shape. She was really looking forward to the holidays when she could finally patrol the streets again alongside Dick. She missed their nighttime adventures.

Lately, she had missed many momentous events that occurred during the time she had spent holed up in her "private" quarters. Tracey, the bright ball of sunshine, made sure she knew whatever happened while she did her "disappearing act". The Quibbler article she was given a copy of was very interesting to read. It clarified a couple things from Sirius' abridged version and gave a list of important targets should she get involved. It was only a matter of time before they did. They only needed to have their resources in place. For instance, her suit was definitely a priority which Dick assured her in every letter that it would be done by the holidays.

Tracey had also told her about the Divination Professor being sacked. It was a huge spectacle but the Headmaster had insisted she continue to live at Hogwarts as she had for almost sixteen years. Tracey reminded her so much of Stephanie, the lovable optimistic blonde who was part of the Batfamily's war councils. Stephanie had kept her in the know about plans and operations her dad had deemed not necessary for her to know. She met Stephanie a week after she arrived at the manor when Darkseid invaded. The invasion led to her being drawn into her father's real world. Stephanie had died during the last days of the war. She had known her for barely six months yet she was one of the closest friends she had. It made her miserable thinking about all those days at the computer waiting and watching the feeds only to see her own father's death at the end of the war. Frustrated with her thoughts Helena closed the potions text she was attempting to read and went to the training area to let loose.


Another intense session later, Helena was leaning against the wall taking a breather when she heard voices.

"It's always worked after the third time."

"I don't know, Harry. It could be anything."

"Good thing we came early, isn't it?"

Helena quickly changed back to her school uniform. Time had passed very fast and they just had to come early when she wanted to tire herself out. She was still distracted and didn't answer any questions but circumstances always happened. She willed the exit to appear.

"Hold on, it's changing."

"A clock? Why a clock?"

"It's not just a clock. It's a grandfather clock."

Helena slowly pushed open the clock to see Harry, Hermione, and Ron all pointing wands at her.

"Um, hey guys," she said unenthusiastically. "You're early."

"Helena?" questioned Hermione not expecting her to appear.

"What in the bloody hell happened to you?"

Damn. She hadn't made herself presentable enough. She probably looked like a disheveled mess based on Ron's question.

"Nothing really," she said quickly changing the subject and looking at Harry, "What's on the agenda for today?"

"Er- going over shield charms again then the reductor curse," said Harry.

"Great, want to get the room ready?" she half demanded, half suggested.

"Yeah hold on a bit," said Harry as he started pacing for what was possibly the fourteenth time.

"Helena," said Hermione, "what were you using the room for?"

"Remembering familiar things," answered Helena with a smile fondly recalling the replica of her home she would see daily.

"Familiar things? Why would you go with familiar things when it can do anything?" asked Ron confused.

"I don't think you would understand," said Helena shaking her head. "But it does remind me."

She reached into her side bag and pulled out a newspaper handing it over to Hermione."Here. Dick got it for me on Hogsmeade weekend. There is an article well not really much of an article but it does mention a… sighting, I guess. Be careful though."

"Oh," said Hermione finally understanding what the newspaper was, "yes, of course, we will."

She made to put it in her own bag but changed her mind when the Room's door materialized. She walked into the room decisively commandeering an armchair as the four of them entered.

"Since we are early enough, I'm going to look over the newspaper Helena just gave me," she said already skimming through it.

"There's a small mention," she said haltingly. "Two victims say they were saved by a mysterious figure in black but are unsure. The figure disappeared before they even registered his appearance. Police believe they are traumatized. Perpetrator found unconscious at the scene with significant injuries."

"That's it," said Ron incredulously. He remembered how frightening it had been to see the Dementor looking thing in Sirius's kitchen. "That's not much. How did they not notice him?"

"Well," said Helena, "we are quite skilled at working secretly in the shadows."

Something stirred in Harry at that statement. A discussion at dinner after he had been rescued from the Dursleys. They sounded like Voldemort all the operating in secret and working on plans quietly. "What do you mean?" he asked his mind racing at the implications.

"Harry, they're vigilantes," said Hermione remembering the same discussion and wanting clarification. "You are vigilantes, right?"

"Pretty much. It's sorta the family business," said Helena

"It said… it said the perpetrator had significant injuries," said Hermione hesitantly not really looking forward to Helena's answer.

"He had it coming probably wanted to sexually assault the girls," said Helena disgusted. "We apprehend based off of the crime. Think of it as an incentive for them to never do it again."

"Are you like Muggle pleasemen?" asked Ron interested.

"Muggle what?"

"He means policemen," explained Hermione.

"Yeah, that."

"No," Helena laughed, "we're not. We're vigilantes like Hermione said. We don't work for anyone. We do our own thing."

"What did you mean by family business?" asked Harry softly his thoughts going from being outraged at the similarity to Voldemort then to longing for joining a family in anything.

"Well, Dad who was the original Batman was the first to start. Dick took over after he died. He was the original Robin. There were others too but Dad was the first laying the foundation for the rest of us. Mom always said Dad didn't do what he did for vengeance and only did it to protect the innocent. That it always was about protecting the innocent and nothing else," said Helena fondly.

"Were you close to your dad?" asked Harry.

"I had six of the best months with him before he died," said Helena reminiscing sadly. "He was busy fighting an invasion at the time. Now it's just me and Dick though."

Helena refocused her sight from where she was staring at a wall to find stricken looks on all three faces. "Anyway, I became Robin sometime after Dick took over as Batman. It took some convincing though and that's pretty much it," she finished leaving much unsaid. She didn't want to go into specifics about why she knew her father for only six months and how long she had known Dick. Too much history and an excessive amount of explaining if she went that route and there were questions that didn't need to be answered despite how curious others may become.

"Why are you guys early anyway?" Helena asked moving the conversation away from herself.

"Well, we were going to increase the frequency of DA lessons and wanted to plan out the next couple sessions and make a list of spells to work on," answered Hermione.

"Oh okay," said Helena not very pleased with the development. "Is it going to be very often?"

"About as often as we can get. Is that not okay with you?" asked Hermione seeing Helena's small frown.

"No, it's fine. I just use the room practically every day."

"Is it to… remember what you lost… when you left your world?" asked Harry carefully knowing how sensitive some topics can be to people.

Helena looked at him with a calculating look. "Yeah, it is."

"Can we see?" asked Ron bluntly only to be nudged harshly by Hermione. "I mean is it all right if we can see whatever it is?"

"Uh…" Helena didn't think they would come down this route. "Yeah… okay, I'll show you guys after today's session. I think people will start arriving soon."


After everyone had left, Helena was nervously pacing as she envisioned her home. She never had to show the cave to anyone before since everyone she had met was already aware of her dad's life and had visited the cave way before she had come to the manor. She didn't have anything to fear though it wasn't comprising her home. It was more of a replica of what was and definitely not what Dick was working on in London. Even she had no idea what her new home was going to be like until the holidays.

Soon enough the clock appeared, she had already made sure they were waiting far enough away so that they could not see the time as she strode up to the clock. She quickly moved the hands to the appropriate time and pulled the pendulum gesturing them inside before they could even have time to process what she had done to gain access. Stepping inside she was surprised to see that the Room had created the entire Batcave rather than just the training areas she would request in addition to her room.

She watched them slowly process the magnificence that was the cave. Ron began wandering towards the trophy gallery. Hermione looked around in astonishment at all the electronic devices and the huge supercomputer dominating the main level. Harry was heading straight toward the display cases and memorial gallery. Leaving them to explore on their own until they had any questions. Helena went over to the command chair specifically her dad's chair at the supercomputer and sat down. It was a constant presence for her all those times she sat in it watching the feeds when her family was out. The barrage of memories wouldn't end especially because the chair didn't exist anymore to give her comfort whenever she wanted it.


Harry was very intrigued by Helena's description of her family business. This was something new to him but he knew there were many things she left out. He had never thought families would function like this in a normal way. The only way it came to him was Death Eaters but Helena was the total opposite to them. The huge lit up display cases caught his attention as well as the large gallery of different suits. As he walked past a couple of the display cases he noticed the inscriptions on them. He stopped at a red suit with a lightning bolt on it which reminded him of his own scar but this was a symbol proudly displayed.

Flash
Wally West
Justice League Founder
Best Friend & Brother

He went on reading the inscriptions each suit had most of them were members of the Justice League who had died in some conflict or another. Some had personal anecdotes indicating a relationship. Soon he came to the end where the suits were considerably darker mostly black with accented colors.

Black Canary, Dinah Lance
Huntress, Helena Bertinelli
Black Bat, Cassandra Cain
Batgirl, Stephanie Brown
Red Robin, Tim Drake
Oracle, Barbara Gordon
Batman, Bruce Wayne

The last name must have been Helena's dad, the original Batman. He was very close to the big screen looking thing where Helena was sitting in a chair staring out into the place. What was this place even called? Helena hadn't mentioned it.

"Er- Helena what's this place called?"

"The Batcave," came the disinterested reply.

The Batcave. How imaginative thought Harry. It makes sense in a way, he wondered who named it.

"You have a lot of cool stuff," said Ron ambling closer. "Do any of those things back there work?"

"Not here," said Helena. "The Room just makes perfect replicas of what existed but nothing works since electricity doesn't work at Hogwarts or something."

"That's right but the cave is truly amazing. I find it fascinating that you kept this a secret from others in your world and without the aid of magic too," said Hermione who had joined them.

"Yeah, Dad was great at anything he put his mind to. The Batcave is basically a product of all his work over the years," said Helena.

"Er- you know the red suit. The one with the lightning bolt," he clarified at Helena's raised eyebrow.

Ron and Hermione perked up in curiosity of another lightning bolt.

"Yeah, what about it?" asked Helena.

"I have a lightning bolt scar," he said moving his hair out of the way to reveal it.

"And?" stressed Helena not understanding what was so important.

"You don't know," said Hermione softly. "The scar is very important. It doesn't define Harry but it places him in history for Voldemort's first defeat. It's the mark of him surviving the Killing Curse as an infant."

"I see," said Helena slowly."

"Er- yeah but the Flash is it? Were you close to him?" asked Harry.

"He really was Dick's best friend. They were basically brothers so he treated me like I was also his sister. He was one of the best," she explained. She never had a shortage of people caring for her who were either her father's or brother's friends.

"He died too?" asked Harry.

"Yeah, most of the suits on display are memorials. Dad started them to remember those who had fallen even after the world had forgotten them," she said. "Dick always said it gave Dad an extra drive to keep fighting."

"Was it the same war?" he asked.

"Not all of them died in a war," said Helena passionately. "Every single person died protecting innocents. War or no war we do what is right." And those that lived suffered. She remembered the time when Diana had left for Themyscira when she and Superman were the last remaining founders and when Superman shut himself in the Fortress of Solitude after Lois had died.

"Most were members of the Justice League," she said gesturing, "and these belonged to Gotham's protectors. The Batfamily some called us."

"Family? How are you all related?" asked Ron.

"Blood is not the only thing that makes a family," she replied.

"This is where you come every day?" asked Hermione still impressed at the cave.

"No, it's more toned down just my bedroom and the training area of the cave," answered Helena. "I'm still not sure how the Room took my instruction to make this."

At their insistence, Helena ended up showing them what she really came to every day. She was happy no one asked her why she created her bedroom. She definitely did not want to say she spent her nights there also. That was her business alone but it soon might not be. She pressed the importance of secrecy to no resistance and was satisfied with how things worked out. Now she only had to make sure to be more aware of DA meetings to not alert anyone else.


Another night of surveillance not that it mattered. The lights were out and all was quiet like it had been every other night she had been on surveillance duty. It was decided that she would continue to monitor their dimensional traveler despite the complete lack of evidence of any threat. Apparently, it was in the best interest of the dimensional travelers that they were kept safe with what was coming. The muggle specifically since the girl would be able to learn magic to defend herself.

Even though he was a muggle he was crafty and very intelligent. He would always pick her out when she tailed him. It irritated her that he could do that so easily even wizards had a hard time when she morphed herself but he would never put her down for it and would instead join her and start a conversation. He was always curious about the magical world. She felt it was more because his sister was involved in it than anything else.

"Tonks," came Kingsley's voice in greeting pulling her out of her musings.

"Wotcher Kingsley. Didn't expect a visit from you," said Tonks.

"Albus thought a different perspective would come in handy," said Kingsley as he looked up at the building.

"He's inside?"

"Yeah."

"Tell me more."

"Well from what I've seen so far his days are pretty much the same. He wakes around ten makes sure construction is going well then goes to work. Spends some time roaming around every evening reading newspapers and chatting up waitresses. Heads home around nine then lights out at ten. Nothing after that," Tonks reported.

"Have you checked for human presence?"

"Always after lights out and it registers."

"Any charms?"

"Alert charms at every door. Never been alerted of him leaving."

"Windows?"

"From that high?" asked Tonks in disbelief.

"It seems impossible but every base should be covered," explained Kingsley.

"Didn't do the windows."

"Check for presence again."

"Homenum Revelio," she said only to find it registered no presence.

"There's no presence."

Kingsley looked at her in disapproval. "I'm sorry to say this Tonks but as of now, you are temporarily off surveillance duty. This might have been going on for a long time without us being aware of it. We already know how adept he is at avoiding anyone tailing him."

"But... there was no indication absolutely nothing that would point to him disappearing on watch," said Tonks defensively. "Alert charms on every door, not the windows but it isn't expected for a muggle to leave from such a high window."

"I understand Tonks. We are clearly dealing with a person that surpasses typical muggle tendencies and is skilled enough to avoid wizards. I'm merely exercising caution and due to your vehement defense you can stay on duty but I will be assisting you," said Kingsley alleviating any adverse feelings Tonks was an excellent Auror and to see her floundering with a muggle was quite something.

"Good, I want to get him back for this," said Tonks irritated.

It was decided Kingsley would follow him the next day and in the evening they would meet up along with Mad-Eye to find out where Mr. Grayson would disappear every night.


Night was falling as two waited for a third.

"So Albus finally decided to let me observe," said Alastor Moody. "Can't say I'm surprised."

"We're dealing with a not so typical muggle," commented Kingsley.

"Of course we aren't," grunted Moody. "You weren't there that night. Defensive posturing, limited but effective communication, I'd say military if it wasn't for the costumes."

"Yeah, yeah we've heard Mad-Eye. We even know she managed to immobilize you accidentally," said Tonks.

"I did say they were needed keeping an eye on too. Powerful raw emotions in that witch," growled Moody.

"Well do your thing," gestured Tonks towards Moody who was already scanning the building with this electric-blue eye.

"He's inside all right. Working on something by the looks of it," said Moody. "Charmed the area?"

"All openings and exits covered," answered Kingsley.

"Lights go out around ten," commented Tonks as the time neared.

Soon enough the lights went out indicating the occupant had turned in for the night.

"He's walking to a wall..." said Moody his magical eye slowly tracking. "Moving about possibly changing... walking to balcony... and moving east at a very fast speed," said Moody.

"Remember not to call him by name," said Tonks mindful of the conditions Dumbledore had agreed on.

Moody growled and Kingsley nodded in assent.

"Disillusionment spells on then we apparate to the roof and go by broom from there," commanded Moody. "Good things it's a moonless night."

They apparated to the nearby roof before mounting their brooms. While Tonks was initially indignant about Dick losing her every night she was apprehensive for when they actually caught up to him. He had mentioned before to let whatever he did with the "costumes" go. It was the harshest she had ever seen him be to anyone.

"Last I saw he was heading toward Trafalgar," said Moody as they flew together scanning the rooftops.

At Trafalgar Square, there was no sign of him even with Moody's eye.

"We should split up," said Kingsley moving along the banks of the Thames.

Kingsley continued east, Moody went west, and Tonks was to go south.

As she explored Walworth for any signs, she saw police lights blazing with officers standing in an alley with a couple and two knocked out men.

She slowly flew closer just close enough to hear and not be spotted.

"Well this is the second response of the night," said an officer lifting up one of the restrained men to be placed in their car.

"Second for us. Dispatch confirms nine responses and three more calls so far," said the second officer dismissing the couple.

"Where to next?"

"Peckham since that's closest. Seems whoever this phantom, wraith whatever they're calling it is moving along east this time."

Tonks perked up when they mentioned wraith. That was exactly how Dick was mentioned during his first appearance in Grimmauld Place way back in December. So this is what he did as Batman take down criminals and leave them for the police to respond to after being apprehended.

Flying high enough she sent out a patronus to Kingsley and Moody telling them what she found. They would meet up at the Royal Observatory Greenwich much further east of the last call. She really hoped it would be a pleasant meeting once they found him. He could be surprisingly cold when he wanted, a vast difference from his usual personality.

She was the first to reach the observatory. She dismounted her broom at the top of the dome waiting. Soon enough Kingsley and Mad-Eye joined her.

"I've also noticed the police responding to calls and witness reports of a wraith," said Kingsley.

"None on my side. It's clear he is heading east as he goes," grunted Mad-Eye scanning the surroundings with his eye.

"Yeah that's why I picked a location far enough from the last report," said Tonks.

"I see something," growled Mad-Eye his pupil contracting and moving slowly as it tracked something. "Fairly sure it might be him."

He mounted his broom swiftly the others following his example. They flew towards the river where Mad-Eye had initially spotted him.

"Over there he's crossing the river."

This time they all could see him. He was far and moving fast but not so fast they couldn't catch up to him with their brooms. They were barely six blocks away when he suddenly stopped standing straight his cape covering his entire body and his white eyes narrowed. He had noticed them how she didn't know but he noticed them and by the glare he was emanating. He was definitely not pleased with his followers.

"Was I not clear?" came the sharp, commanding, intimidating voice.

Tonks shivered hearing it. It was definitely a sharp contrast to what she was used to hearing from him.

"Clear about what laddie?" growled Moody. The implications were quite clear this was a man of authority and skill but Moody had never let anyone cause him to falter.

"He means not interfering when he's in costume," clarified Tonks.

"He mentioned this before?" asked Kingsley. If this was part of the understanding between the Order and the dimensional travelers there would be repercussions. The initial conditions while simple meant something and now any new conditions would have little meaning to the Order but would surely benefit the dimensional travelers whatever those conditions might be.

"Yeah, I included it in my report," said Tonks.

"We weren't informed," said Kingsley attempting to mediate.

"Why were you following me?" the question came as an order to comply. It was a skill all Aurors had learned during training.

Mad-Eye's normal eye narrowed. "Disappear from surveillance and you will be followed."

"We will not discuss this here," the voice was sharper than ever. "Do not follow me again."

"It is for your protection," said Kingsley.

"My protection is not your concern."

"Let's be reasonable-" started Kingsley only to be interrupted.

"This conversation is over," interrupted Batman his glare not letting up.

"Wait, look I know this didn't work out... we had good reasons. Can we at least talk about this later?"

They waited for a response. It seemed like forever but soon enough. "Noon tomorrow the house we first met," came the short, succinct reply.

Tonks was about to say something in reply but he shot out his hand she heard a noise and he was swooping away from them.

"Well... that was eventful," said Tonks trying to break the silence.

"Eventful," scoffed Moody. "It was informative."

"Indeed," agreed Kingsley. "Yet there is still much to know and the consequences from our excursion haven't come out yet."

"Not looking forward to that meeting," said Moody.

Tonks didn't say anything in reply. Hopefully her questions would be answered tomorrow.


The sun was actually visible in the morning a cloudless sky bringing a respite from the constant overcast London had for the past weeks as a man was sitting at his desk looking over a finalized report when a knock came at his door. He glanced up scrutinizing the visitor to see if the interruption was important enough to divert his attention. He gestured her in after evaluating the stack of papers in her hand and the smile on her face.

"Detective Inspector Alcana, what do you have for me today?" said the man.

"Detective Chief Inspector Lestrade," she greeted. "I've got a gift for you." She handed him the stack of papers and sat down. "It's not really for you it's more for both of us."

"A gift?" he asked looking at the huge stack with slight interest. "I'm guessing it's better than the drivel of an investigation we just completed.

"Definitely better. We are tasked with the recent "wraith" vigilante," she said exuberantly.

"The vigilante," he said interested. There had been small reports of a possible vigilante but there was so little to go on.

"The vigilante," she confirmed. "I've just received orders from the Chief Superintendent. It's our case now."

"I take it these are all reports hinting possible involvement,"

"They are," Alcana confirmed, "all from the very beginning to last night's activities." She waited as he went through some of the reports that she had already gone through when getting them together. "He's only active at night."

"If it is a man," he contradicted.

"I had the same thought but most reports indicate a man," countered Alcana before conceding, "Of course it could also be a woman perfectly imitating a man to divert attention."

"Not much we can do now. I'll catch up on these reports by noon and head home. You should do the same. Tonight will be pretty busy. We might even have to switch to the night shift considering the pattern."

"That's the one thing I'm not looking forward to. See you later," she said heading out the door.


A/N: Hey there. I'm still writing and this hasn't been abandoned. I've edited the previous chapters again and this new one would have been done in July but Season 7 of Game of Thrones came and I dived headfirst into the GOT/ASOIAF fandom and it took so long to resurface. I still haven't fully resurfaced. Anyway, hope you enjoy the new chapter.

Please leave a review or send a message. I want to hear your thoughts, what you liked, disliked, areas for improvement etc.