Footsteps came from behind her as she was leaving the common room. She had returned since the stupid snitch ruined her spot. Helena turned as Tracey grabbed her shoulder pulling her to the side.
"You were there. I heard Pansy saying that Draco caught you and Potter walking together," said Tracey.
"Yeah, I was," said Helena.
Tracey looked around to see eyes on them. "Come on let's go take a walk."
They went up and out the doors towards the lake. The grounds were empty people were more likely to be at breakfast this time of day.
"Didn't know you were friends with Potter," said Daphne softly.
"One of the first people I met actually."
"And you became close enough to be invited to their secret organization?" asked Daphne.
"Yeah, I asked Hermione how she felt about not learning anything in Defense Against the Dark Arts and she mentioned it to me."
"Well, tell us the details," said Tracey impatiently.
"What details?"
"About you guys being caught and Dumbledore escaping," said Tracey quickly.
"Um- why don't you tell me what you heard and I'll fill in whatever is missing."
Helena was surprised at the account Tracey was telling her it was considerably accurate. How they found out was a mystery. None of the people in the office seemed like they would be spreading the story in such detail. Marietta was in the hospital wing and who knew where Harry was.
"That's actually all correct," said Helena as Tracey finished.
"There's a notice that Umbridge is Headmistress now," said Daphne.
"That's not good," muttered Helena.
"It's not. I was approached to be a member of the Inquisitorial Squad. Loyal students who can find rule-breaking students and take away points or give them detentions," said Daphne.
"Great," said Helena sarcastically.
"I know, Draco and Pansy are part of it already. I declined, want to focus on OWLs more than being one of her minions," said Daphne.
"I'm glad I didn't have a lovely reputation like yours to get approached," said Tracey who got a little shove from Daphne.
"Let's just get breakfast before it ends," said Daphne.
Right as they walked into the Great Hall.
"Wayne," called Filch.
Helena turned to see the caretaker.
"Yes?"
"The Headmistress would like to see you. Run along now," he scowled then walked towards the Great Hall.
"It's started," whispered Tracey. "The tyranny of Umbridge making all of us miserable."
"Right, well I'm going to find Professor Snape," said Helena walking away.
"Here we are," said Filch knocking on Umbridge's door before he pushed it open. "The Potter boy here to see you, Ma'am. I sent the Wayne girl up earlier."
Harry saw his Firebolt and Fred and George's Cleensweeps chained and padlocked to an iron peg in the wall behind her desk. She had a new plaque on it now saying HEADMISTRESS to go along with the one that said HIGH INQUISITOR.
Umbridge was sitting there scribbling on some note probably another ridiculous decree. She looked up and frowned slightly. "Miss Wayne hasn't come up Argus," she said shortly.
"Not to worry ma'am I will find her and bring her up," said Filch quickly leaving.
"Sit," said Umbridge curtly pointing to a chair. Harry sat and watched as she continued to write on her parchment. He wondered if Umbridge was going to grill him and Helena about the DA.
A knock came on the door. Umbridge looked up puzzled when no one entered after. She then quickly composed herself with an insipid smile.
"Enter."
Helena entered first and Harry was glad to see she was all right who knew how the Slytherins treated her after Malfoy had caught her with him. His smile went away when he saw who was behind her. Out of all the people why did Snape have to come. This was guaranteed to make things difficult for him.
"Pro- Professor Snape. Is something the matter?" said Umbridge surprised at his entrance.
"Not at all," said Snape silkily. "Miss Wayne asked me to accompany her to this meeting."
Umbridge looked slightly flustered. "It is not necessary for you to stay. You can return to your duties."
Helena looked ready to argue when Snape spoke. "I am here in the capacity of her Head of House. I'm sure you know students can request to have their Head of House present to any meeting with other teachers including the Headmaster and vice versa when it involves the Head themselves."
"Yes, yes of course," simpered Umbridge. "Take a seat Miss Wayne."
"What would you like a drink?"
"I'm not thirsty already had lunch," said Helena.
"I insist that you both have a drink with me. I wish for us to have a pleasant conversation perhaps over tea concerning the distressing events of last night." said Umbridge sweetly.
"We've both had breakfast and are quite full. Could you just get to the point? I need to get ready for class," said Helena.
Harry chanced a glance at Snape who had only raised an eyebrow at Helena's behavior.
"Five points from Slytherin, Miss Wayne. Be warned, Albus Dumbledore is no longer here to cater to your whims. The might of the Ministry stands behind me. All communication in and out of the castle is monitored. Every Floo connection being kept a watch over except my own of course. My Inquisitorial..."
BOOM!
The office floor shook. Umbridge slipped as she held her desk for support looking shocked.
Harry could hear running and screaming from below.
"Back to lunch you two. Professor Snape come assist me," cried Umbridge as she dashed out of her office.
Snape curled his lip and followed her slowly.
Harry exchanged a look with Helena and they both followed behind Snape. It didn't take long to find. Somebody had set off a ton of enchanted fireworks. Rockets bouncing, sparklers writing choice words, dragons soaring around, firecrackers exploding loudly. Umbridge and Filch were standing there in horror with Snape and his blank expression.
Umbridge began stunning the fireworks which only made them explode and Filch took a broom to hit the fireworks in the air. Snape made an excuse to check on the rest of the Slytherins and swept away.
Harry grabbed Helena's hand as he laughed he ran towards a tapestry which concealed a door behind it and slipped in to find Fred and George having a laugh within.
"Impressive," said Harry grinning. "They were amazing."
"Those were yours?" asked Helena.
George nodded wiping tears of laughter from his face.
"Tell me what other products you're working on."
"Cheers," said Fred. "We've got..."
Draco walked quickly. Montague had shown up jammed inside a toilet after being missing from the day they got their Inquisitorial Squad assignments. It was absurd how confused and out of it he was. He turned a corner quickly and slammed into a figure.
"Watch it," said Helena roughly. "What's the hurry anyway? We don't have classes right now."
Draco fixed his posture. "I'm getting Professor Snape for Professor Umbridge. It's important."
"Go ahead lackey," said Helena.
"Don't call me that," said Draco angrily.
Helena tilted her head. "Who are you?"
"What do you mean?" asked Draco. Wayne was as irritating as Potter.
"I'm asking who are you, lackey?"
"I'm not a lackey. I'm Draco Malfoy," he growled.
"Are you really?"
"Yes!" What was up with this girl? Speaking like Loony.
"Not from what I see. Know what they said about you after you caught me and Harry. The Malfoy boy found them. That's what you are. The Malfoy boy. That's what you'll always be too, unless you do something about it. They only care about who your dad is not who you are. You're just a lackey to be used at will. Your dad is the one casting the shadow and you'll always be hidden beneath it."
"My father is an important man and I will be too," said Draco.
"Not really, you're only in his shadow. Everything you do is an extension of his influence."
"You don't know what you're talking about. Soon everyone will now the reality."
"What reality? Being a lackey to someone other than Umbridge."
"Shut it, Wayne. You'll want to be on my good side when the truth comes out," spat Draco walking away.
"We're kind of the same," said Helena making him pause, "my dad cast an enormous shadow. He was a powerhouse to be reckoned with. Anyone who stood beside him who weren't powerhouses of their own were always hidden in his shadow. He was Bruce Wayne, I was Wayne's daughter just as my brother was Wayne's son. We were nothing except his heirs. It's difficult to step out of a shadow and forge your own way. My brother did it first and carved an identity just as powerful. I did the same and became Helena Wayne not Wayne's daughter. You could do the same and become Draco Malfoy instead of that Malfoy boy, the lackey."
"I have no time for your stories," snarled Draco.
"Right then, run along lackey don't want to disappoint your masters," Wayne said simply walking away.
Draco grumbled at being called a lackey as he went on his own way. He was not just his father's son. He was more than that and capable of many things. He would be the Dark Lord's and he would be rewarded. He banged open Professor Snape's door.
"Professor Snape, - oh sorry," he said looking at Snape and Potter surprised.
"What is it Draco? Potter is here for remedial potions."
Draco managed a smile still fuming at Wayne. "Right, it's Professor Umbridge, sir she needs your help. They've found Montague stuck in a toilet."
"Very well, Potter we shall resume this lesson tomorrow evening," said Snape as he swept from the office.
Draco followed still mulling over Wayne. He would show her who he really was.
Friday had finally come and this one meant the holidays began. Practically everyone was staying for exams but Helena wanted to go home. Dick had mentioned her suit would be ready by the time the holidays started and she wanted to feel free once again. There were so many plans to put into motion and she was going to make the best of her holiday. Having no interest in taking the train she had mentioned being apparated to London by Professor Snape. It took a slight bit of convincing and he had consented. There was the small matter that Umbridge might intervene though. As of two minutes prior to departure everything was fine.
She was to meet him near the gates to Hogwarts where students would take carriages to the station. A quick pop and he would drop her off at King's Cross where Dick and Tonks would receive her.
"Right on time, Miss Wayne. If only others were so punctual," came Professor Snape's voice from her side. He was stealthy no doubt but not enough to give a Bat the slip.
"I'm sure Professor McGonagall had shown you how to apparate before?" he asked.
"Yeah," said Helena.
He gave her his arm which she gripped tightly. A blur of moments later they were at King's Cross.
"Helena!," yelled Tonks giving her a hug with an attempt to swing her around.
"Hey Tonks."
"Heard you were part of an illegal defense group compromising the integrity of the Ministry of Magic and are disrespectful and need true pureblood discipline," said Dick pulling her in for a hug. "You've become quite the deviant."
"It's the cat in me," she replied.
"As touching as this is, I will be leaving."
"Bye Snape," said Helena.
Snape nodded as he disapparated.
"Surprised you came. No one leaves the castle on holidays during OWL year," said Tonks.
"Well I don't really need actual Wizarding qualifications. I'll learn to the best of my ability and go from there," said Helena.
"What about a career?"
"Don't need a career in the magical world. I'm fine where I belong." Helena looked at Dick who had a small smile. "Why are you being quiet? And with the smile. You haven't said anything about anything."
"Don't feel like sharing," said Dick flippantly.
"It's break there was a whole host of things you were supposed to finish until I got on break," said Helena frustrated.
"Who says I didn't? Despite being followed and my patrols being shadowed by a certain someone." He nodded towards Tonks.
"Oh, why are you following him around?" asked Helena roughly.
"Protective detail from magical elements let's say. And he covers a lot of ground difficult to keep up sometimes. Makes my London shift bearable," shrugged Tonks.
"London shift?"
"That's right. All the Aurors have been deployed to cities to be on the lookout for the escaped Death Eaters from Azkaban. Minister hasn't signed off on it yet but Bones has and she's essentially in charge of our defense force you can say."
"Right, well you won't be needed as a 'magical protective detail' anymore." said Helena with finger quotes.
"Oh really, why is that?" asked Tonks surprised.
"He's got me with my recent magical abilities."
"You're not a trained Auror and wouldn't-"
"Faced worse before. If you'd apparate us home now," said Helena cutting her off.
"Right," said Tonks perturbed by Helena's rudeness.
"That was very Bruce-like of you and not the good part either," commented Dick leading Helena to the more secure part of their new home.
She tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Abrupt dismissal, slight hostility. Anything you'd like to share?" He flipped the lights.
Helena didn't respond taking in the new bunker. It was similar to the one they had used sometimes in the heart of Gotham City. The familiarity eased her tension.
"It's nice. You've been busy."
"Like you wouldn't know. Between this and starting a company from scratch it's been a tough few months." He opened a hidden panel. "And here you go. A gift for the time we've been apart," he deadpanned.
There it was her new suit made completely from the new world they were in. It was exactly the same as her current one but this one was laced in a special material where the black parts of the suit were visible. She inspected her right gauntlet to see it had a slot for her wand where it could touch her bare skin and be used without having to wield it in her hand.
"Well?" asked Dick with a smile.
"I love it."
"Good was a nightmare to find the proper materials and source them. Especially the magical substance to line your suit and make a few batarangs. It's very rare on this earth. One of the rarest carbon materials," explained Dick. "You'd better be careful and not take unnecessary risks. I've only had one made so far spares aren't easy to make."
"Don't worry, Dick," said Helena exasperated. "I'll be careful. Is yours lined too?"
"It is haven't used it yet. Keeping the magical and regular ones separate."
Helena frowned at that.
"Speaking of magical substances there's a geologist who will be coming to the gala later this week. She will be my date since you refused to save me trouble. Which also means you need to find yourself a date," remarked Dick.
"Already have," smirked Helena.
"Really who?"
"You'll find out. Don't want to spoil the surprise."
"It's going to be that way huh? I'll have to beat it out of you then. Want to spar?"
"Yeah! Been training since forever."
It had been two days since she'd joined Dick on his nightly outings. It was fun and surreal. Such a capable muggle who left a trained Aurors in the dust. Mad-Eye still grumbled about the chase they did that one night. Dick opposed her joining him at first and relented only after her constant pestering. She would follow him around while keeping an eye out for magical disturbances which were still rare.
Voldemort had been keeping to the shadows and latest intelligence suggested he wouldn't move forward until after he accomplished a specific task. Not to say he hadn't been recruiting to his cause. His numbers kept growing steadily. Giants and werewolves and dementors had already joined with the promise of additional rights. The goblins and centaurs keeping to themselves for now. The day to day was still routine and despite the cautious nature of the Order to keep some semblance of prohibiting Voldemort it wasn't much. Three different points with different goals.
A week ago she had gotten frustrated and ranted about everything to Dick. He had listened quietly, smiled at her and said "as long as you don't give up and know what you're fighting for, no matter how fruitless, it makes a difference".
Of course she knew it made a difference but it was so little. Her own extended family believed in Voldemort and supported his ideals. Her dad was to be imprisoned and a half-blood mutant like herself possibly killed. It was all so dystopian with a class system and ridiculous superiority complexes.
After her guard shift at the Ministry ended, Tonks apparated herself to a small room in Dick's penthouse specifically designated for apparation and away from all the electronics. Dick had eyed her with a look when she used her wand near the 'computer array' and rendered it useless. She didn't like that look.
She walked over to the secret bunker and pressed her hand in a specific panel she had been keyed to a barely a few weeks ago. It gave a slight vibration to show she was granted access and she walked in to see a suited up Batman watching a suited up Robin run through a simulation. It was always a sight to see Dick working out in his own simulations sometimes suited up and other times in athletic wear. He had a really really toned body. The muscles rippling as he did his gymnastics. She came out of her thoughts when Dick spoke.
"Adequate enough for tonight," said Batman.
Robin flipped over the ropes around the simulation area. "Hi Tonks."
"Hey Helena," replied Tonks. "How'd you do with the sim?"
"Can be better. And it's Robin when I'm in the suit. Don't slip up when you join us for patrol," said Helena restocking her utility belt.
"I am aware," muttered Tonks.
It truly was something when Batman alone patrolled the streets and boroughs of London and it was something else with Robin. They moved in sync with each other traversing the rooftops with ease. And when they actually went into action it was like it was choreographed. Even Auror partners had slight differences in techniques and approaches despite being together for years but these two knew exactly how to approach and with absolutely different techniques. Batman was more fluid and acrobatic not staying put in one place for too long. As for Robin, she was like a waif disappearing and appearing through the shadows with decisive strikes.
Tonks had seen muggles in action before but they were so limited when it came to magic. These muggles were a complete opposite to what the average muggle was to a wizard or witch. This night was tame and quiet, a few incidents here and there. The policemen that arrived on the scenes were always mystified at the presents wrapped for them. A common occurrence was a regular statement: 'Add it to the vigilante file'.
It was getting late and she was getting tired of apparating every so often to keep up to them. Currently they were taking a breather on a skyscraper overlooking the Thames. They were both perched on the side of the building looking down.
"Call it a night?" asked Batman.
"Yeah too quiet and sunrise is far," replied Robin.
"Wait you two go all night?" asked Tonks looking at them from a more reasonable location to the rooftop edge.
Robin glanced at her quickly. "We did but London doesn't have the same crime rates as Gotham City back home."
"How bad is the-," she got cut off by a shout.
"Help!"
"Give me the purse, lady and you leave," snarled a voice.
They were both in motion leaping down without hesitation. It didn't phase them at all but it did to her no matter how many times she saw it. Tonks quickly disillusioned herself and apparated down a short distance away.
She watched as the man lunged with the knife but as soon as he got close Robin slammed right into him from the side. She had used her line gripping thing to swing in a small arc. Batman landed next to the crumpled man and cuffed him.
"Stay here, the police are on their way and you'll need to them what happened," said Robin to the shocked woman.
She stood frozen. Robin nodded at her and they both took to the skies again. Tonks apparating to where they went.
"Do you ever like talk to them after you help them?" Tonks asked Helena when they went back home.
"Not really, sometimes... it depends."
"It depends?" she asked incredulously. "What does it depend on? You helped them they might want to thank you or something get a little bit of bearings back before you leave into the sky making them wonder if you even existed or not."
"It's not necessary. We're meant to be urban legends. Didn't Dick explain this to you?" said Helena.
"He did sorta but he's really busy and moves so fast it's difficult to keep up even after appareling constantly." She shook her head in exasperation.
"Right," commented Helena distracted before focusing and blurting out, "are you Dick's date?"
Tonks colored and her hair turned red for a moment. "Date? For what?"
"You know the upcoming gala. He's been tight lipped about it and keeps pestering to know who mine will be," Helena shook her head.
"I'm not his date. Didn't even know you two were going to a gala," said Tonks.
"We are. It's the night after tomorrow. Thought he might've asked you."
"Sorry to disappoint," said Tonks slightly jealous.
"I hope it's not some airheaded bimbo," said Helena seriously.
Tonks burst out laughing. "Airheaded bimbo?" she sputtered.
"Yeah to irritate me obviously can't hold a proper conversation and I'll have to attempt to be vapid also being an heiress and all. It's exhausting."
Tonks chuckled. "I'll be seeing you later then. Have to head back to Hogwarts day after the gala you know."
"Don't remind me. I'd rather stay here."
Tonks smiled at her and apparated away.
Sirius sat next to Buckbeak bored out of his mind. It had been quiet at Headquarters lately ever since he heard of Dumbledore's departure from Hogwarts. The rest of the Order had been tending to their assignments and the guard duty schedule was set for another few weeks until term let out.
He took out a little mirror wondering about Harry. The boy had been quiet lately. No letters and hadn't opened the parting gift he had given him at the end of the winter holidays. No doubt that Professor Umbridge took over the school even more. He had heard the kids lamenting about her throughout the holidays.
His eyelids fluttered shut. Buckbeak was decent company but still there was so much he could do stuck in that house. He was about to doze off when he heard a distant knocking. He got up quickly wondering who it was and what could possibly be the issue and secretly hoping it was Remus back from whatever assignment he was working on. He strode down the stairs and opened the door to find someone he hadn't expected at all.
"Good you're not busy," she said striding in. "Sorry I came unannounced but you're going to be my date to the gala tonight. I've brought a couple suits, one of them should be your size. And of course we'll have to come up with a name and then change your hairstyle a bit, add a hair tie to differentiate the look. Glasses also. And it'll be fine." Helena looked at him expectantly.
"Er- what exactly is happening?" asked Sirius dumbfounded.
"I'm asking you to be my date to a gala I have to go to," repeated Helena quirking an eyebrow.
"If you hadn't noticed. Let me enlighten you," said Sirius in a slow voice. "I can't leave the house. One wrong move and I'll be back in Azkaban before I know it."
"Not if we do it right," she said pushing him towards a room. "Like I said all we need is a basic disguise, a made up identity and there we go. No one will really look into you and if they do it'll be a day or two after the gala and you'll be back home anyway."
She shoved him in, tossed the suits at his arms, and snapped the door closed.
"You've got an hour! Better be quick." she yelled through.
Sirius stood there for a minute processing the ridiculousness that just happened. He was going out again and to a gala of all things. He shook his head. Might as well get ready. He hadn't worn a suit ever in his life except for James and Lily's wedding. The thought sobered him. To think all that happiness ended so soon.
He took his time using up his entire hour out of spite. That girl had the audacity to just spring this upon him. And he was going along with it. What happened to his independence? Got eroded in Azkaban did it? He was living only for Harry now. The past fourteen years were his penance for seeking revenge instead of taking responsibility. Sirius shook his head again. His mind kept going down that road every time he let it stray. The house and limited company doing him no favors. He took a deep breath might as well enjoy the night and stepped out of the room.
He expected her to be waiting outside for him. It was silly but she did come by at the thirty minute mark to shout he had thirty minutes left. He headed downstairs to the kitchen to make a small glass of firewhiskey to keep the edge off of going out.
"You look nice," said a voice the drawing room leading to the kitchen.
He turned around to see her sitting sprawled on a chair with a little notebook writing fast.
"Thanks. Are we off then?" he asked mindful that she was not dressed at all for the occasion.
"Yeah," she said snapping her notebook shut and stuffing it in her bag.
She looked at him attentively. "I take it you can apparate?"
Sirius nodded.
"Great," she took out a photo from her bag. "We need to go to this location."
Sirius took a good look at it. It showed a plain room with a coat stand and a small painting.
"I've got it," he said.
"Let's go," said Helena.
Minutes later they apparated from the front stairs of Grimmauld Place to the room located in a tower of all things where Helena and Dick lived. Helena showed him to a study and told him to stay put and entertain himself. She needed to get ready and didn't want Dick to know who her date was till the last second. Sirius laughed at that. Sibling rivalry was something he was familiar with. His was different though with his yearmates rather than his own brother but he could appreciate what Helena and Dick had.
He waited for what seemed like forever. He heard noises coming from outside the room but didn't go out to investigate respecting the girl's wishes. He was actually looking forward to the evening. It would be nice to be out of the house. He wondered how she was going to pull it off. His face was plastered all over the magical and muggle world as an at large criminal. He was slightly overshadowed by the large Azkaban breakout though.
The door to the study opened and Helena walked in. She was wearing a nice purple gown and holding glasses and a hair tie.
"I didn't know you wore glasses," remarked Sirius.
"I don't. These are for you," she replied putting them on his face. "They're not prescription but it will differentiate your looks." She took the hair tie and tied his hair into a short ponytail. "So will this and your name is Clark Kent."
"Clark Kent?" asked Sirius.
"That's right. You're an old family friend visiting and I asked you to accompany me to the gala. Be aloof and make up a plausible backstory that's vague enough."
"I can do that."
"Great, Dick's waiting downstairs. I didn't tell him you're here and his date will meet us at the gala," she scowled.
Sirius offered her his arm. "If you'd lead the way."
Helena looked at him in surprise and smiled slightly. "Of course."
It was fun seeing Dick's reaction to Sirius. He was first confused and then pieced it together. Kept calling him Clark while winking at her. If it worked for Superman it would definitely work for Sirius. They pulled up in their chauffeured car to the building. She took a deep breath when she saw the reporters outside. Dick had mentioned they were clamoring to know who H was and now was the reveal. Didn't help that the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for was present. The Secretary was going to speak with Dick as well considering the rapid industrial advancement R&H Enterprises was making.
He hadn't bothered to mention it before and he dropped another surprise at her. He was heading to French Guiana right when she headed back to school for the launch of a few satellites. He was going to be there in part for a new program for European Space future. Soon R&H Enterprises will be at the forefront of a new age of rockets, satellites, communication and space exploration. He was taking his date with him. A geologist who she was going to meet who was studying the rare earth material which unknown to her resisted magic completely. A legacy of their own world which still existed in this new one.
Dick stepped out first and lightbulbs were flashing like crazy. They intensified when she stepped out and before her vision could even begin to clear the first mic was shoved in her face. And the second and then the questions.
"Miss Grayson? What's your name?"
"Your brother's been keeping it a secret."
"How old are you?"
"What are you wearing?"
"Where's your school?"
"Is your brother single?"
Helena cleared her throat causing them to shut up in anticipation.
"My name's Helena. It's an honor to accompany my brother for his recognition. I have no other comments. Good evening."
She swept away with Dick and Sirius coming up behind her.
"That was ruthlessly efficient," commented Sirius once they entered the ballroom.
"They only really needed to know my name. The rest is fluff and unnecessary."
"Here she comes," said Dick.
A brunette came their way. "Hello Richard," she said.
"Dr. Reynolds, meet my sister Helena and our dear friend Clark."
"A pleasure," she said shaking their hands. "It's so good to finally meet you, Helena. I've heard quite a bit about you. But I will admit, I myself and others are apprehensive that you will be sitting at the board come summer."
Dick coughed slightly.
"Well," said Helena gesturing to Dick, "he is my proxy and vice versa. Besides our interests are very aligned. You can expect the same from me as from my brother."
"I see, that is enlightening," commented Dr. Reynolds.
"Helena, Dr. Reynolds will be leading the expeditions in search of the rare earth metals we discussed earlier," said Dick.
"Yes, it is quite a daunting challenge," said Dr. Reynolds her eyes focused and thoughtful. "The metal we're looking for is difficult to find and has no known usage. Despite it's scarcity the value is basically nil. At least I'll be on the lookout for all rare earth metals for R&H Enterprises so I don't come back empty-handed should my search be fruitless."
"We have the utmost confidence in you Dr. Reynolds," said Helena. "If you'll excuse me I'll be showing Clark around."
"Of course."
"Enjoying yourself?" asked Helena.
"A bit, good to be out of the house," said Sirius.
"Yeah, I hate these events. Went to too many for appearances sake. At least Dick's date isn't a airhead," remarked Helena.
"What was it about you being on a board?" asked Sirius.
Helena shrugged. "It doesn't matter since I won't be sitting on it anytime soon. It was a surprise I didn't want to be on it but as heads of the company Dick got us both seats on the Board of Directors so we can make sure the direction it heads in is one we want it to. Dick's my proxy so I'm good for now. Don't know who else is on the board."
"And this little event?" asked Sirius sipping a glass of champagne.
"It's in recognition for the rousing success we've made in such a short time. See that guy." she said pointing at a man talking to Dick. He's the secretary of industry. We're making waves with new tech. Satellites, faster communication. In our world we're at a more advanced point then your present. Gives us an advantage in business." She took a plate of cake from a passing waiter.
Sirius watched her eat. She had said she was a major foodie and it was obvious the way she went from waiter to buffet tables sampling what they had. He joined her and ate just as much. It was all delicious and quality fare. It had been years since he eaten such food.
"Do you see Harry often?"
Helena paused. "Yeah here and there."
"Is he doing okay?"
"He seems okay. Why what's up?" asked Helena.
Sirius turned away from her to look towards Dick. "He's a good kid. Has had a lot of trouble lately. I don't know if the pressure is too much. We would talk before it's difficult now with Umbridge in charge at Hogwarts and I don't know how he's coping. He's very tightlipped."
"Yeah I can see that. I'd say he's doing fine though. A bit of pressure never hurt anyone."
Sirius scowled at her. "It's not normal for a child to go through having life threatening experiences. They should be carefree and happy without the world on their shoulders."
"Normal is subjective to the person. My norm is not the same as yours. And Harry's is his own normal."
Sirius stayed quiet.
"She did," said Helena suddenly.
"Who did?" asked Sirius confused.
"Tonks. She crashed the party. She's talking to Dick right now."
"How do you know?" He saw Dick talking to a tall lithe woman wearing a tight dress.
"I bet she dressed like a bimbo on purpose. Come on let's join them."
They walked over.
"C'mon Dickie it'll be fun," said the girl sultrily.
"I'm sure it will," said Dick, "but I'm unavailable."
The girl pouted.
"Besides," he whispered, "I know it's you Nym."
Tonks deflated. "How did you? I covered all the basics made it very different."
"You tried though," said Helena from behind her.
Both she and Sirius were listening amused as they got close.
"Hi Helena," said Tonks morosely and then noticed her companion. "Sirius?" she whispered. "What are you doing here?"
"Ahem meet Clark Kent. My date for the evening," said Helena.
Tonks eyes widened and then she smiled big. "Wotcher Clark."
"Tonks."
Eventually the evening was over. It was nice but still limited in his opinion. Too much showboating and deal making.
"Thanks Helena, I had a good night," said Sirius outside as they waited for the car.
"No problem."
"Can I ask a favor?"
"Yeah," she said expectantly.
"Tell Harry to open the package I gave him before he returned to Hogwarts," said Sirius.
"Will do."
A/N: Sorry for the delay life came in the way. Reviews appreciated. Please do mention what you liked or disliked or anything I could improve. Thanks for reading.
