AN: Now that the DLC for Scarlet and Violet is out, I have an idea when Helena returns to Hogwarts. Anyway, enjoy the chapter.

Sirius: 6

Hermione: 7

Ch 81 Lost Child

Steven looked in his mirror, fixing up his red cuffs. He wore a red dress shirt, a white detailed tailcoat, white detailed dress pants, and white boots. "My, Steven you look handsome." He turns around and sees his Mother coming into his room.

"Mother," Steven smiles at his Mother walking in,

She wore a seafoam green ball gown with vines etched into it. She has three roses over her right shoulder strap, one red and two blue. Her green gloves were made like vines that wrapped around her arms. Lydia's hair was over her shoulders with a braided strand following her hair.

"After all these years you can't straighten yourself without help, can you?" Lydia sighs, walking straight for her Son. She reached her hand to fix the rose on his breast pocket. "Your Friends will be there, Stevie. They will look all nice in the dresses they got for the event, oh picture the nice Photos that would be taken." The white-haired Woman smiles,

Lydia jumps in joy, thinking about adding another Photo of her Son to her personal album. "Oh, I do hope Helena would show. It's been a while since I've last seen her." She said, thinking about that Girl she met. She then heard her Son giving a light chuckle, prompting her to ask. "Alright, what's wrong, Steven? My Motherly instincts are going off." She looks at him like she does when he is hiding something.

Steven gave a light chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "Heh, sorry Mother, I guess I'm a bit nervous about tonight." He admitted to his Mother.

Lydia tilts her head, curious why her Son was nervous. "Why are you nervous, Steven? We've done this event in the past." The white-haired Woman asked Steven,

She looks at her Son, seeing his cheeks a bit flush almost like…blushing. "Steven…what are you hiding?" Lydia asked, watching the steel-blue-haired Champion.

"Nothing in…peculiar…just invited someone to be my plus one…." Steven places his hand over his neck.

Lydia covered her mouth with her hands, a smile etch on her face. "Oh, my, is it Helena? Please do tell me it's Helena, Steven?" She asked, praying to Arceus if it was her.

"Mother, you're assuming things again," Steven said, feeling a bit flustered by her words. "You're getting too excited over a small thing,"

The White-haired Woman smiles with glee, "How am I getting too excited? You and Helena are finally dating." Lydia excitedly said, "I always wanted you to have someone be on your side. Plus you two really do have good chemistry,"

Lydia gasps, now thinking about something. "Ooh, I can picture it now. You two dancing on the dance floor, looking at each other while dancing, and soon you might get married, having…Children of you-"

"OKAY!" Steven held onto his Mother, walking her out of his room. "I think you watch too much Soap Oprea with Father, Mother!" The Champion said, already embarrassed by what she was going to say.

"Okay, okay, but really though...when are you going to give me some Grandkids?" Lydia giggled as the two entered the Hallway.

Steven blushed more, practically shoving his Mother down the Hall. "Mother, l-let's not talk about this yet, okay?" He asked, begging her to stop.

As the two enter the Second floor, Joseph Stone is wearing a navy blue military uniform, a white cape with artificial fur on the hem. "Lydia, Steven what's going on?" Joseph asked, seeing his Son and Wife walking towards them,

"N-Nothing, Father! Just a normal talk between me and Mother." Steven chuckles, scratching the back of his head.

Joseph turns to his Wife, seeing dry tears on her cheeks. Knowing that Steven wouldn't make her cry, making him to assumed that Lydia was thinking about Grandchildren again. "Lydia, are you talking about having Grandchildren for Steven again, are you?" He asked his Wife.

Lydia quickly went over to her Husband, smiling at him. "But, Joseph. Steven is dating Helena, the Girl we met during his Journey." The white-haired Woman exclaims with joy, truly happy for their Son.

Joseph blinks, turning to their Son if he heard Lydia right. "Helena? Ah, Professor Ceder's Apprentice." He said, remembering the black-haired Girl he met in the Pokemon League. "I remember her when you were competing in the Evergrande Conference. An interesting and kind Girl,"

The navy blue-haired Man smiles, looking at his Son. "You have done well in nabbing her, Steven. I may not know her well unlike you two, but I can tell she's a good match for you." Joseph congratulates his Son for getting the Girl he likes. "I remember when I first met your Mother. I was smitten by her, took me a while to finally ask her out."

Lydia smiles, "Your Father was just exaggerating. It took him a year before he dared to ask me out." She giggles, walking over to her Husband, reminiscing about their youth.

"I bet it's easier for you guys, I have to convince N that I don't have any other intentions with Helena." Steven sighs, sharing with his Parents his trouble dating Helena.

The white-haired Woman couldn't help but laugh at her Son's predicament. Joseph soon joined in with her, seeing the similarities between them and Steven. "Why are you laughing? Mother, Father?" Steven asked, wondering why they were laughing.

Joseph looks at Steven, telling him why they are laughing. "Son, the reason why we're laughing is because your Uncle Rodrick was quite protective over your Mother back in the day." He explains to him that something similar has happened to them.

Steven's eyes widen, never hearing this story about them and his Uncle. "Uncle Rodrick? I never knew Uncle Rodrick was protective of Mother." The young Champion said,

"Of course, Rodrick was very protective of me when younger." Lydia smiles, continuing to tell her Son about his Uncle. "Right, Joseph?" She looks over to her Husband.

The navy-blue-haired Man nodded, remembering the hard time his Brother-in-law was giving him when he was dating his Wife. "Yes, Rodrick was very hard on me when I was dating your Mother," Joseph explains to Steven.

Steven saw a way to have a better relationship with N, "Father, can you tell me how you and Uncle Rodrick got to your relationship now?" He asked, determined to know how his Uncle and Father get along.

Joseph chuckles, seeing his Son's determination. "I get why you're doing this, but you should ask your Uncle, Steven." The navy blue-haired Man said, hinting something to Steven.

The Steel-blue-haired Champion blinks, catching on to what his Father was hinting. "Wait, Uncle Rodrick's here!?" Steven asked, not expecting his Uncle here at the Masquerade Ball.

"Along with your Cousin, Steven." Lydia continued, informing him who was accompanying her Brother. "Now, let's head down. It's almost time for the Masquerade Ball." She stated,

Soon, Steven walks down the stairs and heads to the Ballroom to greet the guests.

"Meta," Metagross looks at his Partner, walking down with his Parents. He still has the Mega Stone holder warped around his leg, a black tie beneath his jaw, and a half-white mask over one side.

"Roserade," Roserade came running over to Lydia once she saw her coming. The Grass/Poison-type wore a red dress with a golden tiara on her head.

Lydia smiles, seeing her Partner in a beautiful outfit like she used to wear during their Contest Days. "Oh, Roserade, you look beautiful as always!" She cried with joy. "Just look at you, Metagross! I knew that bow and mask would fit you,"

Metagross closed his eyes, allowing his Partner's Mother to pet him. "Meta…"

Steven steps forward as Roserade looks up at him, "Mother, seems like everyone's here." The Steel-blue haired Champion said, petting her Partner on the head.

"Yes, Steven's right." Joseph walks over to the white-haired Woman, offering his hand to her.

"Right," Lydia smiles, taking her Husband's hand and preparing to greet their guests. She looks at her Partner, "Roserade, are you ready?" She asked the Bouquet Pokemon.

Roserade nodded, walking next to her Partner. "Roserade," She responded with a joyful tone.

Steven knows what to do during the opening of his Family's Masquerade Ball. Unlike before, where he just greeted the guests and socialized with Business Partners for his Father's Company, this time he's looking forward to this year's Ball.

The reason, Helena's going to be his Partner for the dance. "Meta," Steven turns to Metagross, ready to head into the Ballroom.

"Yeah, I'm a bit nervous. This is the first Ball that I'm willing to dance with someone I like." Steven said to his Partner, placing his hand on Metagross's leg.

"Meta," Metagross comforts his Partner, ensuring him that there's nothing to worry about.

Steven smiles, appreciating Metagross's attempts to comfort him. "Thanks, Metagross, you always know what to say," He said to his Partner,

Metagross merely nodded as they entered the Ballroom, following Steven's Parents.

The guests and their Pokemon look up, seeing their hosts for the Ball.

Both Joseph and Lydia smile, greeting everyone. "Welcome everyone to our annual Masquerade Ball!" The President of the Devon Corporation announces to their guests. "Every year, we host this event to better relations with our Company and invite trainers to keep up with the trends."

Steven stood behind his Parents, watching them as they greeted the People. "I heard you became Champion, Steven. Here I thought you wouldn't make it to this year's Ball due to your new responsibilities." The young Champion turns around, hearing a familiar voice next to him.

The Man walks over to him, wearing a blue suit and in his pocket a white mask. He has Steel-blue hair like him and an elderly appearance. "Uncle Rodrick," Steven smiles, seeing his Uncle here in Person. "It's good to see you again, the last time was…"

"About the same time as last year at the Ball. Yes, it's been a while," Rodrick smiles, catching up with his Nephew. His blue eyes look around, seeing that someone isn't with him, "Uncle Rodrick, where's Tory?" He asked the Steel-blue haired Man.

Rodrick looks around, searching for his Son. "Huh, he was here before…I wonder where he went to?" He asked himself before seeing a brunette Woman wearing a red dress and a red mask in her hand.

"Professor Lund, I'm sorry but I lost your Son in the crowd." Rodrick's Assistant told him, apologizing for not keeping a better eye on him.

"It's fine Yuko, Tory is quite an explorer. As long he's around the Ballroom then we'll find him quickly." Rodrick Lund told his Assistant, not wanting her to over-worry. He looks over to Steven, apologizing to him for ending their conversation quickly. "I'm sorry Steven for making this short. You know your Cousin,"

Steven nodded, remembering his young Cousin. "Of course, I'll help too." The Champion of Hoenn stated, offering his service.

The Professor smiles at what his Nephew said, accepting his help. "Thank you so much, Steven." He turns to Joseph and Lydia, heading over to them.

"Rodrick, Yuko, glad you two can make it." Joseph greeted his Brother-in-law and his Assistant. "Huh? Where's young Tory?" He asked, curious where his Nephew was after hearing him attending the Ball.

"Joseph, Lydia, it's great to see you as well." Rodrick greeted the two after so long. "We'll catch up later, I have to look for my Son." He said to them.

Lydia nodded, understanding her Brother. "Of course, good luck, Rodrick." She said as they watched them head into the crowd.

Helena, Roxanne, N, Kirlia, Nosepass, and Zoroark looked in awe at the Ballroom. It was like the room was ripped off from a storybook page and plastered onto the room. "W-Wow, this Ballroom could easily pass as a Gym," Roxanne commented, impressed by the size.

"You can say that again, Roxanne," N said, the room reminded him of the Ballroom inside his Castle in Unova.

Zoroark nodded, thinking the same thing as his Partner.

N looks at his Partner, petting his head. "It's alright, Zoroark. I'm fine,"

Helena looks around, taking in the environment. It had her thinking about her Future with Steven and how she might eventually will be hosting with him one Day. "Oh, Ellie, there's Roxanne and Brawly!" She came out of her deep thought, turning to Roxanne and pointing to their Friends.

She saw Flannery wearing a red and orange dress that reached her knees and a matching red jacket. She had her hair tied in a long ponytail while her mask was on her head.

Meg was wearing a sequenced orange/red cape with a stylist mask on her.

"Oi, over here!" Flannery called out to them, ushering for the six to join them.

The three trainers and their Pokemon made their way to Flannery and Brawly. When they face them, Helena and Roxanne are surprised to see Brawly dressed up. He wore a sky-blue shirt along with a grey vest and dress pants.

Machamp was wearing a sleeveless tux and a Hawlucha mask, "Machamp!"

Brawly also combed his hair back, he turned to his Friends greeting them. "Sup guys, gnarly party here, right?" The Fighting-type trainer said,

"I didn't take you for someone to come to this sort of event," Roxanne said, surprised to see him in this event. "Gotta say, you look nice when you clean yourself up." The brunette trainer commented.

Flannery chuckles, crossing her arms. "Surprising, right? Who knew that Brawly owns a tux." The red-haired trainer commented.

"Well, you guys don't know everything about me." Brawly chuckles, offering his hand to Machamp. "Up high, my Dude!" He said to his Partner,

"Machamp!" The Superpower Pokemon got the gesture, high-fiving the sky-blue-haired trainer.

Everyone rolled their eyes at him but still retained a smile as they continued to speak.

They continued to talk to each other while Helena looked around. "Kirlia," Helena paused, looking down at her Partner.

"Hmm? Oh, Kirlia." Helena smiles at her Partner, looking down at her and answering her. "I was wondering where Steven is, he should be meeting us here by now." She looks up, looking for her Boyfriend.

"Kirlia," Kirlia nodded, understanding why her Partner was worried. "Kirlia!" The Duel-type decided to help out, looking out for the Hoenn Champion.

N placed down his glass, hearing his Sister's plight. "If you're worried about Steven, then don't be." The green-haired trainer said, "His Family is hosting this event, so it's understandable that he might get caught up by something."

Brawly chuckles, looking at N already knows of his relationship with their Friend. "You're still salty about Steven dating Ellie bro?" The Fighting-type trainer asked him.

"I'm just making sure he can take care of her properly. Call it…me testing him," N smiles softly, not minding that they think he's overprotective over Helena. "Besides, that's what we older Brothers do,"

Zoroark nodded, agreeing with his Partner's statement.

Roxanne smiles, lifting her drink. "More like you have a Sister complex, N." She commented,

"Nosepass, Nose." Nosepass supported his Partner, agreeing with the term.

"Nothing's wrong with that, Roxy," Flannery said, seeing that N truly wants the best for their Friend. "Even though we know Steven is a good Person, there's nothing wrong in having a little tough love." She said, supporting N's statement.

N nodded, motioning his glass to the red-haired trainer. "You get it, Flannery." He smiles, seeing Flannery returning the gesture.

Helena didn't mind having N be protective over her. She didn't say anything, not wanting to make a problem over it since he didn't go overboard. "Well, sooner or later you have to get along with it, N. Hmm?" She looks down, feeling Kirlia tugging on her shawl.

"What is it Kirlia?" Helena asked as everyone looked at where Kirlia was pointing to. They all saw a young Child around looking around for something.

The young Boy has Steel-blue hair, he wears a white tailcoat, pants, and dress shoes. He doesn't have any mask on him, however by the looks of it, the Boy looks lost. "That Boy, he kinda shares a resemblance to Steven, doesn't he?" Brawly asked, "A Relative?"

"Machamp," Machamp agreed, seeing the similarities.

"Whatever he looks like, he seems to be lost." Helena started to walk over to the Boy with Kirlia beside her.

"Ellie? Where you're going?" Roxanne asked her Friend, curious what is she doing.

The black-haired Girl turns to her Friends, answering Roxanne's question. "I'm going to see if that Boy needs help," Helena explains to them. "I'll be right back after helping him,"

Helena walks over to the young Boy, seeing if he needs help. She approached him, seeing him looking around. 'He really looks lost,' She thought before asking him.

"Hello there," The young Boy looks up, seeing Helena and Kirlia standing before him.

"Are you lost? Do you need help to find your Parents?" Helena asked, seeing avoiding her gaze.

Kirlia looked up at her Partner, pulling her dress, "Kirlia, Kirlia," She said, pointing to him.

Helena nodded, understanding what her Partner was saying. She kneels down to his level, introducing herself to him. "Sorry, I didn't introduce myself to you." She apologizes to him, placing her hand on her chest. "My name is Helena Potter, I may not look like it, but I'm a Professor at the Pokemon Trainer School." She introduced herself to the young Boy.

The young Boy looks up, hearing about the Pokemon Trainer School. "M-My name's Tory Lund, a-are you really a Professor? Like my Daddy?" Tory asked Helena,

"Hmm? Your Father's a Professor?" Helena asked, shaking her head seeing that's not the issue now. The important thing is to find this lost Boy's Parents. "Never mind, do you happen to know where the last saw your Father?" She asked,

"Um…over there, but I was with Yuko before I got lost," Tory said, looking at Kirlia after finally noticing her. "Um, is that your Pokemon?" He asked,

Helena looks at Kirlia before answering him. "Yeah, Kirlia is my Partner for tonight. She's going to help me find your Father." She said softly,

Kirlia approaches Tory, smiling at him. "Kirlia, Kirlia," She introduces herself to him.

"N-Nice to meet you too, Kirlia." Tory smiles as he reaches out his hand to her.

Kirlia responded by reaching her own hand to the young Steel-blue haired Boy.

Helena stood up, now looking for anyone who resembled Tory or anyone looking for a Child. "Now, where do I start looking," She said to herself, scanning the room.

"Tory!" Helena flinched, hearing someone calling the young Boy's name.

Tory looks up, smiling at who was calling him. He laughs, rushing over to him as Helena turns around. "There you are, your Father and Yuko were worried about you." A familiar voice spoke to him.

"Stevie, this nice Lady tried to help me. She's over there," Tory drags the Person over, wanting to thank her.

"Then let's thank her together…Helena?" Steven looks at Helena, his cheeks blushing at the sight of her in a dress that enhances her beauty. "U-Uh…I…"

Helena was surprised to see the Person that Tory was dragging was indeed someone familiar. "Steven? You know Tory?" She asked, now seeing the similarities.

"Helena, this isn't what it looks like. Tory here is my-"

"He's your Cousin, I can tell since Grusha does share your hair color too," Helena answered, seeing that her theory that they're related was correct.

Steven blinks, not expecting Helena to be calm about it and might confuse Tory with something else. "O-Oh, um, I didn't know you knew. A-Anyways, thank you for finding Tory for us, Ellie." The young Champion said, appreciating her help with this.

The black-haired Professor shook her, "Anytime, I helped out lost Students a lot in the Halls. This is like second nature to me." Helena responded as Kirlia approached.

"Kirlia," Kirlia smiles, happy that Tory has found someone he knows, releasing some sense of worry.

"Well, now that you're here, why don't you come with us?" Steven asked his Girlfriend, knowing that his Family would like to thank her. "Uncle Rodrick will definitely want to thank you personally for finding Tory for us." He said,

Tory nodded, "Daddy is a nice Person, he's always thanking someone for doing something for him." The Steel-blue haired Boy stated, really wanting Helena to meet his Father.

Helena sighs, ultimately agreeing with Steven's suggestion. "Alright, but Steven everyone's waiting for you over there." She points to their Friends, waiting for them.

Steven waves, motioning to Tory which they understood. He turns to Helena and Kirlia after getting their approval. "They understand," He shrugs, "Now, let's go, we worried Uncle Rodrick long enough." He said, escorting Tory, Helena, and Kirlia.

AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.