"I can't believe what a wretched woman she is...coming here and taking over. I can't believe Dumbledore won't do anything about her." Hermione huffed as she and her two best friends walked out of Hagrid's hut. Of course Hermione knew this was what the Ministry would do. But the woman had hurt Harry and was now abolishing everything that made Hogwarts her home. Growing up, she didn't make friends very well. She kept to herself, buried her head books. When she got her letter, she was thrilled to know that there were others like her, people who she could connect with. But when she did begin life at Hogwarts, it was still hard for her to come out of her shell, that was until the night Harry and Ron came to save her. It was then that the bookworm knew that she had found people who she could really count on. And from then on, she did. Hermione was so thankful to have found a new home and to have it slowly dissected was terrible. So she was thinking about starting an underground club to help those around her actual learn useful magic.

She had yet to tell Harry the idea. It was just something she tossed around with Ron from time to time. It would be a dangerous proposition. Umbridge was everywhere and monitoring everything and everyone. If they were to put together some club, it would have to be done with the utmost care. As they headed up the hill towards the castle, as it was nearing dinner, there was a large blue object hurdling from the gray sky overhead. Hermione grabbed her wand and Ron reached out for her arm but she tugged it away. "Come on." She said. Harry seemed to agree but Ron stayed where he was until she and Harry vanished into the woods. He then yelled out and ran after them. "Honestly, Ronald, after what we've been through this shouldn't be a big deal." Hermione smiled at the redhead. They walked around until they saw a blue police box amongst the broken trees. Her breath quickened and she held up her wand. "Hello?" She called out. She glanced to Harry but nothing happened. Should they report it?

It was hard to imagine how one's life could change so suddenly. But it had for Rose Tyler. Hours ago she was a girl who worked at a retail shop and then she met The Doctor. The man claimed to be an alien and even had a spaceship that looked like an old police box. He ran around and tried to save the city from some giant blob which control all the plastic in the world. It was so hard to believe and yet it was something that she couldn't just walk away from. The Doctor asked her to come with him and see the universe and the only thing she do was kiss Mickey goodbye and dash into the TARDIS. And that's what happened, simple enough. Rose paced around the glowing controls and looked at the man. "So anyplace you wanna show me, alien boy?" She asked teasingly, sticking her tongue out a little as she trailed her hands along to controls. Before there was any time to settle, the TARDIS began to rattle and wail. "I-I didn't do anything I swear!" She held up her hands as she stumbled backwards.

Soon enough the chaos subsided and she got to her feet. "What the bloody hell happened?" She rubbed her head. "I'm alright, you?" She asked the Doctor. Rose moved to the door and cautiously opened it and found her staring at a trio of students. "Um hold on a sec, kay?" She shut the door and leaned against. "Oh my god...I think...I think I just saw Harry, Ron and Hermione...is that...is that possible?" She gasped and looked down at her clothes. "Are we...is...is Harry Potter real?" Sure, she read it as a child but to her knowledge, it was just fiction. But then again if aliens were real, who was she to question magic being real as well? It was then quickly explained that J.K Rowling was really someone who could travel in time, but not a Time Lord, and that Harry Potter itself was real. "Wow..." She said and opened the door to see the three still standing there. They were a bit younger than her but not by much. "Hi there...I'm Rose Tyler..." She said awkwardly.

"Just hold on again. Sorry." She closed the TARDIS door again and whirled around to face the Doctor. He explained that the TARDIS has locked onto some odd signal which only Time Lords could produce. But sadly it was dim and unable to lock on the signal itself. Whatever was really going on, was really interesting. "Okay so we just pretend to go to Hogwarts and figure out who might be a Time Lord?" She asked him with a shrug. All she was told was that it was rare to find another Time Lord, that the Doctor thought he was the last of his kind. Rose glanced down for a moment, not really sure what to say. To her, he was still just a stranger. How could she comfort someone she just met? "Okay well here goes nothing." She said and turned back around and stepped out into the Forbidden Forest. "Yeah so um I'm late...uh should have been sorted a while ago but I had some troubles and yeah." She said and glanced over her shoulder to see the Doctor wasn't following her out.

After seeing a blond girl twice, she finally came out and Hermione offered her hand in greeting. "I'm Hermione Granger, we're fifth years. This is Harry and Ron. Are you alright?"

"Yes I'm fine...just shaken up is all." Rose replied and brushed a bit of her hair behind her ear.

"Okay." Hermione offered a small smile and the four headed up to the castle. Hermione spent some time talking to Rose, trying to get any information she could. "It's almost time for supper. I'll take you to the Headmaster's office." She offered and put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "I'll see you guys at dinner okay?" She said and with that, she motioned for Rose to follow her. They talked to the Headmaster and then headed down to dinner since Rose didn't appear injured. Hermione had an odd feeling about the girl but didn't say anything. It seemed Dumbledore had allowed her so who was she to question it? "Hey guys." She sat down next to Harry and Rose sat on the other side of Hermione where Ron was. "The Sorting Hat put her here so it looks like we've got a new friend." Hermione smiled an began to make herself a plate. "You alright?" Hermione asked Rose who seemed a bit preoccupied. Rose looked to Ron and then over at Harry and nodded silently.

"I just...I just..." How could she explain to them that they were from a book? Books she loved. She felt like she was dreaming and yet drowning at the same time. She was supposed to be helping the Doctor find someone. "Is there anyone here you may have an issue with? Someone who just seems...weird?"

"There's Umbridge." Ron said as he took a mouthful of meatloaf.

"Someone else..." Rose muttered and shook her head, it was still tough to adjust.

"Harry, I actually wanted to talk to you about something later tonight." Hermione mentioned, thinking it would be a good enough time to bring up a Defense Against the Dark Arts club. "Maybe Ron can show you around." She then said to Rose.

"Oh I think I can find my way around on my own." Rose replied and looked over at the teachers who were sitting at a long table. "I guess I'm a Seventh Year...I wonder what I'll have to take..." She said quietly.

Throughout the years here at Hogwarts, this had to have been the toughest one yet; at least from Harry's perspective. The year before he'd taken on the challenges of the Twi-Wizard Tournament, had witnessed the 'rebirth' in a sense of Voldemort, The years before that? It was complete madness, but nothing had ever compared to this year so far. No, not in the slightest. Much had happened thus far, too much for the green-eyed Gryffindor to just walk away from unscathed both physically and emotionally. First was the attack from the Dementors when he was with his cousin Dudley, they'd of been killed if Harry hadn't conjured his patronus so in a sense it was self defense. But with how the hearing went? It sure as hell didn't seem that way, He'd been expelled which was later taken back and he was given the chance to return to his beloved home. Yes, Hogwarts was his home, it was so much better than his home with the Dursleys, any day. But now? After returning to the school to find that Dolores Umbridge was their new defense against the Dark Arts Professor? That was a load of crock, the Ministry sure had their fingers busy with tearing down the school's morals and this sickening menace was their advocate.

The two Gryffindor male's walked on either side of Hermione, just the anger radiating off of her was enough to give the shivers to anyone. It would have for Harry if the Gryffindor wasn't already as fuming as she was after their trip to Hagrid's. "I honestly don't think he can, Hermione" spoke Harry as he kept up with her as they headed back for the castle since it was nearly dinner time but after their news? The wizard wasn't even sure he had an appetite to eat anything. He knew Hermione would get on his case if he didn't, but at the moment he wouldn't be able to force anything into his throat, he was far too upset to eat. Before they even reached the castle, something blue racing through the sky caught their attention, Harry instinctively reaching for his wand within seconds of seeing it. Not having to be told to go along the brown haired wizard took off in rapid haste toward the forbidden forest, it wasn't like anything the wizard had seen before. A big blue blur, when was something that royal of a blue hurdling through the sky? Never, not even in the wizarding world, until now of course.

The two soon to be joined by Ron, the scaredy cat of the bunch, after a bit of searching through the forest they came upon a big blue police box. Harry immediately raised his wand, holding it at the ready in case something came their way but for now, Hermione spoke for them. Meeting her gaze the wizard looked just as puzzled as she did "Whose in there?" called out Harry to the box with his wand still raised. "It couldn't have flown itself, someone or something has to be in there… but a box? a blue box that reads… police public call box?" slowly his arm began to lower but he kept a firm grip on holly wooden wand just in case. "That's from the muggle era… isn't it?" questioned Harry quite puzzled "What on earth is it doing here?" the Gryffindor looked between his two best friends.

After their adventure with the 'living plastics' the Doctor had actually gotten this girl, this Rose Tyler, to accompany him on his travels, his adventures. After the door was shut the Doctor moved about his control panel "How about the five thousand years into the future, eh?" the Doctor gave a grin "It'll be a treat, such a spectacular sight" with a final press of a button the TARDIS was off. Yet to the Doctor's surprise something went wrong, yeah sure things went wrong on occasion, but that was normally due to his driving of the TARDIS but this wasn't even his doing. hearing Rose's words of not doing anything all the Time Lord could do was hold onto control panel and try his best to keep his girl steady and threw up as many shields as he could in case they broke through a time barrier that wasn't meant to be broken into. When the TARDIS finally landed, the Time Lord had been floored to the grated metal panel, literally on the floor as he laid there before hopping to his feet within seconds. "Yeah, never better" he gave a slight crack of his neck before shaking out any discomfort from shocked muscles.

As she opened the door, the Doctor moved the monitor of the TARDIS to get a good look at where they were, slowly raising an eyebrow the man reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his black horn rimmed spectacles and slid them up the bridge of his nose. Was he actually reaching it right? Apparently it was correct due to Rose's reaction. "Well.. yes. It's a bit complicated, you see" the Doctor began explaining that J.K Rowling was actually a time traveler and that Harry Potter and the other fictional characters from the books were actually quite real. Yet to his surprise Rose had taken the new quite well. It was a shock to him but in a way he was glad, the more he got see her and her reactions the more he felt that she would truly be the one companion to stay by his side for the rest of his travels. That was until the inevitable happened of course, as they did with all his companions, having them leave one way of another. The most he could do now was hold onto hope, right?

After explaining what he could about the TARDIS' odd behavior, it was a rather big shock for the Time Lord as he'd read on the monitor after further inspection that the TARDIS itself had locked onto traces of Time Lord d.n.a. Once he was left alone, leaned against the main console and stared at the screen "… another Time Lord. How in the blazes is that even possible, it can't be, it just can't be. There is no one else left… just me" His hearts were thudding quite rapidly in his chest at the thought. He wasn't sure what to think, what to do. Then again he knew what he had to do but did he want to? He supposed he could take his time with all, be a part of the wizarding era, taking his time in finding the other Time Lord that had been picked up on.

A girl had popped her head out twice which was odd enough, Harry could only blink as his mind was overflowing with questions. As Hermione introduced them, Harry gave a smile and a wave and before long they headed with the new girl, Rose, toward the castle. "Be careful, Hermione, Rose. You know how the stairs can be" bidding them safe travels with how the school was, Harry and Ron entered the Great Hall for dinner. Ron had started to dig into his meal like normal, Harry served himself up a plate and a glass of juice, taking his time to eat while keeping a watchful eye on the entrance. It was just in his nature to be that way. When they were joined by the two the green eyed wizard smiled to them both "Welcome to Gryffindor, Rose" he resumed eating then blinked, mid bite of his baked potato that Rose had been staring at him and Ron. Was something wrong? At her question and Ron's answer which didn't seem to be enough Harry was now quite the puzzled wizard. When Hermione called his name the wizard heard her words an gave a nod "yeah sure, no problem" he smiled to his best friend.

Back at the TARDIS, the Time Lord had searched for a set of robes to throw over his suit and tie, it wasn't like he was going to change his signature attire just because he landed in a new time era. Heading up into the school he made his way to the Head Master's office, he'd read the books several upon several times he knew everything happened, knew where everything was surprisingly. After showing his credentials from the psychic paper to the Head Master, introducing himself as Derek Logan, and after much discussion the Time Lord was actually given a light position as a substitute for Herbology and a full time for Muggle Studies. Tomorrow would be his first day of his trial teachings. never in his nine hundred years did the Doctor believe he'd be a professor at Hogwarts, never, but it was indeed a very thrilling thought.

"Thanks." Rose replied to Harry. Just keep calm. Keep calm. Rose could keep calm right? She was just sitting in the Great Hall, now sorted into Gryffindor, smack dab in the middle of a random scene straight from a movie or book. The blond knew Umbridge would be dealt with later on and didn't think she would be who they were looking for. Rose had some kind of advantage at least, she already knew the ins and outs of the people around her. It was quite exciting, rather than plainly terrifying. Even so, she took a deep breath and decided it would be best to do some investigating on her own, rather than muck about with those she idolized and day dreamed about. At the mention of Harry and Hermione spending some time together, a grin crept up. "Oh yes, you two should definitely hang out, talk and stuff..." Rose said and then went back to eating. As Ron was on his third helping, she got up from her place at the long wooden table. "I'm going to go to bed I think, I'll see you lot in the morning at class." She smiled and headed off.

"G'night." Hermione said and waved to the new girl. She then looked back to Ron and then to Harry. Something was unsettling, the bushy hair girl could sense it. But what exactly, she wasn't sure. Sure, that big blue box was weird but there was something else. Though rather than dwell on it, Hermione just finished her meal and when Harry seemed ready to go, she headed off with him. Several other students had decided to also turn in for the night or get started on any homework prior to going to bed. "It's all a little weird. I feel like something is up but I cannot put my finger on it." She mentioned to Harry as they headed towards their dormitory but then found an empty classroom to which she could talk to him without being interrupted. "What I really wanted to discuss was..." She glanced out the window. It was dark outside, even so, specks of white snow could be seen falling from the dark sky. Winter was descending upon the school. It felt like yesterday since they arrived back at school and were greeted with drastic and sinister changes.

Hermione looked back to Harry and gave him a tender smile. "Ron and I have been thinking about how Defense Against the Dark Arts is being handled. It's absolute rubbish. No one here is going to stand a chance when danger comes for us, and it likely soon will." She said and fidgeted. A hand fell upon one of the dusty desks and she drummed her fingers. "Well, we were thinking about starting a club. A club where students could learn how to fight and defend themselves. Obviously we need to take the teaching into our hands. And well who better to lead us than someone who has the most experience?" The girl's smile widened a bit. This was surely a suggestion right out of left field. Here she was suggesting something that would break all of the rules being set by the nasty woman in pink. And it was a risk, someone could let their secret slip. But that risk was nothing compared to leaving the innocent unprepared. "Ron and I would help of course. I already have some ideas I've been mulling over." Truthfully she had a book locked away under her bed with ideas and notes regarding the club.

If anyone knew her, they wouldn't be surprised though.

Meanwhile, Rose had managed to get herself lost, despite reading all the books and seeing all eight films.

"Great." She sighed and looked around. "What I wouldn't give for the Marauders Map right now..." She ran a hand through her messy hair and pulled it back into a loose bun. She had been told to get into her robes which would be provided to her by her new bed. Rose had a feeling the aged Headmaster knew she wasn't really a witch, but even so he seemed more than accommodating which was quite odd to her. Then again, she knew the man was busy trying to deal with Umbridge and all the other new conspiracies coming out in the Daily Prophet. So either he knew and didn't care or he knew what was going on entirely and was okay with it. She suspected the latter of the two and just continued to wander around the old castle. It was still sinking in that she, an ordinary girl, was now in a place of fantasy and magic. The blond turned to see she had somehow stumbled into a corridor where all the teacher's pictures were hanging. She found her way to the most current one and scanned for anyone out of place.

Her dazzling blue eyes caught sight of man who she had never seen or heard of. He was the teacher of Charms. She looked at his name in the credits under the photo and saw he called himself John Smith. "Yeah, sure, that's not suspicious at all." She muttered sarcastically and smiled inwardly. "I think I may have to pay him a visit." She felt rather pleased that she had found a lead so soon. Before she could trot onwards and figure out where his classroom or office was, she found a large woman coming towards her. Rose's blood turned cold. "Professor Umbridge...g-good evening." She said and pressed her back against the wall. Sure, she had just been battling a plastic army but they had nothing on the terror nearing her.

"You're violating dress code. What House are you?" She hummed with a thick lipstick smile.

"Um Slytherin." She said, trying not to smirk.

"I'll be docking fifteen points, now run along." Umbridge waved at Rose. The blond Londoner hurried past the woman and took the stairs down another level though made sure she wasn't somehow going down to the dungeons. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. That may have had something to do with the bewitched pictures and portraits around her.

"Can one of you point me to the um...Charms Classroom?" She asked one of them. After getting directions, Rose headed back toward the Great Hall and then took a left and headed down several passageways until she reached what she supposed was her destination. The girl pushed open the door and saw no one was inside. Rose hoped the professor was still out eating or chatting, the longer he was gone, she could do some snooping. "I wish I had a wand." Well, even if she did, she wasn't sure if she'd even be able to use it. And there was no telling if she'd have one waiting for her when she got up to the dorms. All she could do was assume supplies would be provided and just focus on the task at hand, which wasn't quite legal, she supposed but she brushed that little bit aside and walked up to the desk. She moved around and tried to open the drawers but not surprisingly, they were locked. "Of course there'd be charms on them." She cringed and sat in the large seat and leaned back, thinking back to when Ron, Harry and Hermione had charms and had to levitate the feather.

Laughing softly, her nerves lightened and she sat up and began to push papers around. Nothing was standing out to her and she wished the Doctor was around to give her hand. She had saved his life, the least he could do was not just abandon her in the middle of Hogwarts for god's sake. But she assumed he would take on the role of some professor and they'd meet up the following day. The last thing she needed was Umbridge or Snape taking notice to her and the Doctor's sudden appearance. Rose let out an annoyed sigh and was about ready to give up when she saw something shiny out of the corner of her eye. It would have helped if she knew what she was looking for. Time Lord trivia wasn't something the blond had a vast amount of. She picked up the small pocket watch and sat back in the chair. It seemed so simple, so plain and yet it had caught her eye. How come? It was then the lights suddenly came on and she ended up dropping the tiny item. "Bullocks." She hissed and crouched down and picked it up. When she got to her feet, she saw the professor in the doorway, looking puzzled.

"Hi um. I'm new and thought I'd come here...cause Charms is one of my favorite subjects. Yeah. I just um transfered from uh Beauxbatons." She quickly made up. "I'm Rose Tyler." She saw no sense in trying to come up with a fake name though, that would just make her undercover even more complicated than it already was. "Sorry." She set the watch down and shuffled away from the desk and walked over to the tall man, trying not to seem as nervous as she really was. The more she studied him, the more she became suspicious. "I should just go though. Goodnight Professor." She then squeezed by him and hurried toward the Gryffindor dormitory a few floors up. As she walked along, she kept an eye out for the Doctor. As she rounded a corner she ran right into something. "Sorry!" She then realized it just happened to be the alien himself. "Doctor! I've been looking everywhere for you." She then saw he had robes and she gave him a bit of a look. Unfair. "I think I found a lead but I'm not sure yet." Before she could say anything more, Draco and his goonies appeared. Lovely.

"Anyway I'll see you tomorrow." Was all Rose said before she gave the man a wave and hurried on her way.

Hermione meanwhile, was still awaiting any ideas from her best friend. "I know it's a lot to think about." She knew his mind was still stuck on the events that happened in the graveyard and that he was still trying to talk to Sirius without alerting anyone. And he always had the burden of the nightmares which plagued him. And on top of that, he felt as thought Dumbledore was ignoring him whist Umbridge was ruling over the school with an iron fist. It seemed things for Harry were only worsening and Hermione wished she could help. For a moment, she did consider throwing the idea away, that he had too much to handle. But she found herself believing that this would be a nice outlet for him. He was still dealing with Cho Chang, who Hermione was friends with, all Hermione wanted to do was help carry some of the burden that weighed Harry down. And maybe if it meant co-planning a new secret club to combat the ignorance fueling the current teachings in class, so be it.

"I think it could be fun." Of course it wasn't meant to be fun, per say. "I mean..." She sighed softly and walked closer to him. Hermione placed a hand on his shoulder. "You've been pulling away from us, having angry outbursts and I know you don't get much sleep." Ron had told her about it, but Harry's face also gave it away. "I'm just trying to help you and I know in your heart, you want to help others too." Hermione reminded him, her smile still gently present on her lips. Then she pulled him into a tight hug. "Think about it, alright?" She said quietly. A mass of students passed by the hall and she released him, as she knew it was time they completed their route to the dorms. "Come on." She said and headed out of the classroom and waited for him. Once he caught up with her, they continued to the dorm. After the correct password was given, they headed into the cozy common room. "I remember spending long nights doing homework during our first year." She laughed to Harry.

Those were the days, weren't they?

Or were the ones they had now, better?

"Good night." She waved to him and hurried up the stairs and turned into the girl's dorm.

Even though Rose seemed a bit on the peculiar side, the green eyed Gryffindor smiled to her. She was definitely a change to their group, but where on earth did she come from? where did that box come from? Harry's mind would drift to his thoughts as he ate his dinner slowly. As if he didn't have a lot on his plate already with Dumbledore's odd behavior, Umbridge being a rabid menace to his home and now Rose showing up in a mysterious police box that obvious wasn't from this time era or even this wizarding world. There was just something very odd about it, but right now Harry knew that in time the truth would be revealed, it had to be right? Everything came to surface at one point or another, at least that's what Harry thought, believed in and held hope in. Nothing could stay hidden forever. Harry was pulled from his thoughts as he looked to Ron who was serving up a third helping of food, the teen's eyes softened as he smiled 'Typical Ron' that boy had an endless pit of a stomach it seemed. When Rose spoke up he brought his attention to her and gave her a nod "Be careful, Rose, the castle is full of all sorts of things" the teen wizard warned. He gave a wave "But do sleep well, good night"

Once she was gone, Harry brought his attention to his two best friends his eyes moving from Ron then to Hermione staring to his bushy haired friend as he gave her a smile before finishing up his food. It wasn't long after that he and Hermione got up and headed off leaving Ron chatting with others until more students turned in. As Harry headed out of the Great Hall with his best friend he and Hermione traveled up the stairs, taking their time as they ascended up the stairs at a slow pace, whispering amongst themselves. "Yeah I'm getting a weird feeling too. Rose isn't from this time, that much is certain but how did she get here? What brought her here? what's her purpose?" he reached up combing his fingers through his untamed hair with a heavy sigh. "The way she looked at us .. I know time travel is possible we've been to the past but it didn't look like she had a Time Turner. and that big blue box? this is just … too confusing right now." he drew in an even heavier sigh than before. As the subject was dropped once they found an empty classroom, Harry walked in with her inside and moved to lean against the wall near the window as he glanced out at the falling speckles of snow in silence as he listened to her speak.

Hearing what was brought to the table with her discussing with Ron he continued to stay silent after her first statements. Harry brought his green eyes to Hermione as he saw her smile and returned the kind gesture "You're right, Hermione" he voice with shake of his head "With Dumbledore not doing anything, Umbridge digging her hands into places they really don't belong. We're not being taught what we should be. We're all at risk, it's like she wants us to fail in protecting ourselves its ridiculous" a worried look came over Harry's face as he continued to listen. Harry himself being a leader and instructing people? Harry? a leader? really? He'd done it throughout the years yes, but this would be breaking every single rule at the school that would no doubt result in immediate expulsion if found out. But to hear this? Hermione herself having so much confidence in him that he could pull this off? That gave Harry a feeling of warmth as it spread through him but then came the dread "I'll have think about it, Hermione" he gave her a look of unease "You're right, but this is a lot to ask of me. You more than anyone else know what I've been through" sometimes Harry had his doubts like now, but with this particular case he knew that this had to be done there was no way around it, he knew that much.

The Time War had done it's damage to the Ninth Doctor, so much death and destruction he needed to get away from it all. After setting his home planet a blaze, with the use of 'the moment' oh how he wanted to just be gone with all and not have to see the world again. But the moment saw it as the price to pay for doing such a horrendous crime of destroying everything he'd grown to love in order to save the universe. The way he'd pay was that he'd survive, he'd be the only survivor of the wreckage, of the destruction and so it was; he'd survived. But now? It wasn't like he'd remember it, no. Something had happened and his memories were wiped, stored in an old fob watch. The woman who'd found him went by the name of Patience, that was all she ever told him. She was a beautiful woman, petite, long curled brown hair, light shade of freckles over her cheeks and to compliment her already stunning features she held the most sparkling hazel honey brown eyes he'd ever seen. Little did he know that this was 'the moment' in disguise as a very familiar face, but one that he couldn't remember. The Moment wanted to leave him where he was safe, where he could escape his memories. She wanted him to have a good life.

Having been fed false memories, from what he knew, John Smith was his name and he held a position of authority at a school called Hogwarts. The Charms professor is what he was, and after speaking with the Headmaster of the school, Professor Smith had slipped into his position quite well, sharing and splitting the years between himself and Professor McGonagall. Upon doing so, he never saw that woman again, Patience. Who was she really? Where did she come from? After time went on, she slipped from his mind and he went on teaching, if one could call it that. John Smith was an easy going guy, didn't like be too hard on the students He himself wasn't a hard minded man either, he was more lazed, didn't like to be put under pressure. Didn't like to have his students under pressure, it wasn't the best when it came to teaching a class and having the students follow through with his explanations but still the class was learning, surprisingly. This evening, it had been another normal day for him, teaching Charms, well rather yapping on about charms. That was the Professor's form of teaching was to give his knowledge and whoever wanted to write down notes, could. It was their choice really if they passed or failed for the year, not his. After finishing up dinner at the Great Hall, the Professor sat and chatted with some of the other adults at the table before bidding good night.

Exiting the Great Hall, John Smith headed along the corridors until he reached the corridor that led to his classroom. As he neared it, he was surprised to see the door open, he knew he always closed it when not in there so for it to be open? Who was in there? Walking up to the door his blue eyes scanned the room as he slowly leaned against the doorway his eyes falling upon a blonde young woman. A young blonde woman who was rummaging through the items on his desk, what on earth could she possibly be looking for? Then she picked it up, his fob watch, one that he always had on him but never opened. With a wave of his wooden wand, there was light in the room as the candles all about the place lit up in an instant. That seemed to cause the girl to drop the item after she'd picked up and finally noticed him, the man couldn't help but tilt his head in confusion at her word.

After introducing herself, who she was and where she was from, John Smith watched her as she neared him. It didn't add up, it only made him more curious about this girl. She claimed she was a transfer from Beauxbaton? That was hard to believe for she didn't hold the thick French accent that at least ninety nine percent of the students and faculty held. He remembered due to having been at Hogwarts the previous year during the Tri-Wizard tournament, and she wasn't even there for the tournament itself. He was more than certain he'd remember seeing her as he never forgot a face. But now wasn't the time to question, no, now was the time to just get her out of his classroom and off to her respected house common room. "Hello " as he spoke with a wave and a smile, his voice held a Northern accent to it, but it was something he never questioned as there were teachers from all over the world. "It's alright, Miss Tyler but next time you are curious, please wait outside my door, it's not that I don't mind having you barge into my classroom but … after dinner? That catches me off guard. During the day is fine. But at night I'd prefer to be prepared rather than taken by surprise. No harm done though, have a good night Miss Tyler" he gave her a smile and was about to step aside out of the doorway when she insisted on squeezing right by to get out.

Not having been able to stop himself from getting a really good look around the school in all perfection that had been written perfectly in those novels, the Doctor found himself wandering the corridors, peeking in on empty classrooms, why not just allow himself a little free time before the actual 'undercover' investigation started the following day? The Doctor had been having such a grand time, he almost felt like a kid in a toy store almost it was that good of a feeling. Never in his nine hundred years had he ever visited this place but now he actually was and he found that to be spectacular. With a grin upon his face he looked toward portraits on the wall, they were really moving, yes he knew of magic and had seen the movies but this? Oh this was beyond brilliant. His thoughts were interrupted though as he had been ran into by Rose.

"There you are" he grinned to her then blinked as she gave him a look "Sorry…" he knew why she'd given him that look. He'd sent out her of the TARDIS unprepared, well he was more than certain she'd be given what she needed. When she began to explain on a lead his eyebrows shot up in surprise, wow she worked quick. Though sadly before he was even able to get any information from her he heard three pairs of footsteps rounding the corner. "Right, of course" as she walked off he turned his attention to the three Slytherin misfits. Giving them a stern look the Doctor watched as they were on their way. His eyes followed them closely before he was left alone in the corridor. Only then did he head for his sleeping quarters to turn in the for the night. Not that Time Lords slept all that much but after everything with the living plastics the Doctor was feeling a bit tired.

In the classroom with Hermione, Harry stood there his mind was racing and stretching out in all different directions it was more than a lot to take in for him. She was asking a lot of him and the wizard wasn't really sure on how to go about it all if he even decided to do it. hearing that it could be fun, Harry gave a somewhat puzzled look to his face, was she serious? that would be fun? But Harry wasn't looking at it with an open mind, no he was looking at it from the 'consequences' view. That was until she began to list off what he'd been going through, no doubt Ron about the not sleeping much for sure. When she spoke of trying to help him, Harry couldn't help but smile as he gave a nod. Before he could even answer she had stepped close to him and was pulling him into a tight embrace. One he returned instantly as he held her close to him a feeling he never got tired of, she always knew when he needed a hug, a shoulder, an ear to listen. Through everything, Hermione was there for him and he appreciated her for it. "I will" was his answer to her as he followed her out of the classroom. Catching up to her instantly as they ascended up the steps toward their common room. Once the password was given the two stepping into the common room itself. Harry looked around his gaze falling to Hermione as he heard her laugh and smiled "Those were the days, when things were simple at the very beginning" he stood there his mind drifted for that one moment before Hermione spoke to him again, pulling him from his thoughts "Night" he waved back and decided to head to the boy's dorm to turn in.

~*~*~

The morning sun had risen over the horizon, it's warm rays blanketing the school grounds and castle in its bright welcoming light. The staff was up earlier than students on this morning, showering, preparing for their day, John Smith was up and in the Great Hall catching a quick bite to eat. By the time he exited the Great Hall the Doctor was entering it "Good Morning" greeted Smith with a nod as he did any faculty member in the morning, the Doctor giving a respectable nod as he headed for the table for a cup of tea and some breakfast. The two had just passed each other and the Doctor didn't get an inkling of anything, didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Then again he hadn't been looking questioningly at this so called John Smith, he was wanting his morning tea before anything else.

By the time students were filling into their respected classrooms for lectures to begin, John Smith sat at his desk where he normally did, the old heavy and tattered book where he cited most of his lectures from lay sprawled out on the top of his desk as the class filled up with students. Waiting for the last student to enter before he began his lecture, as the final student closed the door John Smith looked about to see who was there and who wasn't. Everyone seemed to be present which was always good, he hated deducting points and would often times just let it slide, he was that sort of lazed professor when it came to such things. "Morning to the lot of you" he gave them a smile "can anyone tell me where we last left off at?" one of the students in the far back raised their hand and answered "ah right right" Professor Smith thought for a moment as he tapped his chin before addressing the class once more "How about we start today with something a bit more challenging? Obviously you lot have been doing great, no need to hold anyone back" he gave a wave of his hand and turned a few pages "let's see here" he skimmed the title of the chapter "Cloaking charms" with that the Professor was off like a rocket babbling on about the proper uses, what should be avoided, how to properly cast and so forth. Those who listened took notes, those who wanted to learn something took notes, but mostly the notes were needed, the Professor never gave exams.

The Doctor hadn't thoroughly checked the castle the night before, he'd been tired and had passed out the moment his head had touched the pillow. So now? he was running late to his first class. His sonic screwdriver had been cloaked as a wooden wand, a little help from his TARDIS' chameleon circuit which had just enough residual energy to cloak his screwdriver to make it more 'wand like' when it came to 'spell casting'. In full professor attire the Doctor walked through the classroom doors, as he headed up to the desk "Good Morning Class, I'm Professor Logan, I'll be teaching you about muggle studies this year, nice to meet you all" the Doctor actually held quite the professional attitude to him, he was actually taking his 'undercover' role quite seriously, though he knew it didn't matter but he wanted to, it could be fun in his opinion. "Hope you're all ready to gain some knowledge about those fascinating muggles." he stepped in front of his desk and leaned against it "from their trinkets, to behaviors, emotions. They're quite spectacular bunch those muggles. you never know what to expect from them really" he reached behind him to grabbed a book before turning his attention to full on class "Any questions before we start?"

Harry said he would think about her offer and that was all she could really ask for. The last thing Hermione wanted to be was another burden, another weight to rest upon Harry's shoulders. What she wanted was to be the opposite; help. Hermione wanted to see Harry succeed, even with everything that was going on. In the back of her head, she did consider his thoughts on Rose Tyler, the mysterious girl. Could she be a time traveler? Hermione wasn't sure, but then again there were things even she didn't know about. Hermione made a note to talk to the older blond in the morning. When the next day did arrive, she headed down to the common room to wait for the boys. Once they were all together, they headed down, along with Rose, Ginny and Neville to get something to eat. They kept the conversation light, soon they ran into Luna who also seemed ready for the day. Once the introductions were done and over with, they parted their ways to eat.

As breakfast wrapped up, she looked at her schedule, which happened to be Double Charms. She thought back to what the man had said to her the night before. He seemed rather cheerful and easy going. And well, she had plenty of strict teachers in school so she was looking forward to one who didn't seem quick to crack the whip, so to speak. She had found the night before, that she had been given an old trunk with various supplies and even a simple wand. Rose was a little curious, unsure if the Doctor or Dumbledore himself had provided such supplies. Either way, it would help to keep up with appearances. She glanced down at her robes and tried to adjust them as Ron passed her some jam for her toast. "Thanks." She said and applied it and took a bite. "I'll see you guys at lunch or something, okay?" She said and got up and dusted herself off. As much as she wanted to just lounge around and enjoy the dream come true, she couldn't. She was at Hogwarts to help, not indulge herself. Ron gave her a wave but she just hurried off with her things.

Thankfully she remembered the classroom and slipped in along with everyone else. As class began, she settled into the back and tried to figure out how to actually use a quill and ink. It was so old fashioned when pens and pencils were perfectly useful, even in the 90s. Rose hadn't a clue why they just upgrade a little but she figured they liked things done a certain 'old' way so she quickly dug a pen out from her jeans, under her robe (since she decided to neglect the jumper and skirt laid out for her) and started to scribble down notes. 'This isn't fair, going to school and doing homework...' She started to think to herself. Her bitterness didn't linger though. As the teacher, Mr. Smith began to talk about cloaking charms, Rose smiled to herself. She was at Hogwarts, a little note-taking shouldn't be so torturous. As the class winded down for a break before the second hour, she looked at her notes and wondered if they'd ever be put to good use or not. If she was a muggle, then she couldn't do magic. Could she?

Now she wished she paid more attention to Filch's situation.

Meanwhile, Luna, Ron, Draco, Harry and Hermione were all situated in their muggle studies course.

Hermione watched their new substitute saunter in. She straightened up in her seat a little. It seemed she wasn't the only female in the room to take notice to Mr. Logan's great appearance. Except perhaps Luna, though her head was buried in a mess of notes. The class was a mixture of all the Houses, since the class itself was limited, it was open to anyone who could or needed to take it. Hermione bit her lower lip and felt the need to ask a question, just because it was in her nature, but she had nothing to say for some reason. So instead she pulled her hair back over her shoulders and cleared her throat. Draco and his goonies were sitting on the other side of the room and were just muttering to themselves, probably about their new teacher. "Why should we care?" Draco then raised a hand. "I mean, they're useless, can't do magic, they're as bad as mudbloods." He sent Hermione a glare, one she quickly threw back at him.

Luna raised her head when she sensed a disturbance.

"If you trace our history back far enough, it is supposed that magic and muggles could co-exist together. Some scholars even believe muggles created magic and soon labels were given depending on your bloodline and genetics." Luna said calmly. "To think in today's time people discriminate against history when really history tells us to get along...it's a bit alarming to look at the future." She set her quill down and Hermione looked to the blond girl, rather surprised to hear so much from the normally quiet odd duck of the class.

"She's right." Hermione huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. "People like you give magic such a poor reputation." She looked to Draco Malfoy.

"The wizarding world owes our family a great deal-" Draco shot back but it seemed the teacher intervened and class began, the air slightly tense. As class carried on, Draco ended up just taking a nap and then near the end, he and his mates just talked about the Quidditch season and what they'd be doing for the holidays. Meanwhile, Luna and the Gryffindors were fine taking notes and asking questions. As everyone began to pack up, Hermione could sense that Draco wanted to stir up more trouble. Looking to Harry, she wished they had his invisibility cloak or something. Even so, she wasn't going to let the git get under their skin. Especially not Harry's. As the students filtered out of the classroom, she put an arm around the boy-who-lived and hurried out. Draco was as predicted, right behind them making crude comments. "I bet you'll ace that class, Granger. You might as well teach everyone how mudbloods think." He laughed. "Oh sorry, I mean muggles..."

Hermione rolled her eyes and headed toward the dungeons, as they had Double Potions before lunch.

Rose felt proud of herself. Thanks to some guy, she dropped out of university, but being back in a learning environment felt rather nice. She packed up her things and looked over at the teacher, the best suspect she had come across. Who else could it be? It had to be him? But how could she tell if he was a Time Lord like the Doctor? Her Doctor. She hadn't a clue how to get close to him and get proof. She wasn't sure why he'd be hiding in Hogwarts though, unless he was hiding from something? Or someone? Like some evil alien race? Rose honestly didn't know. If someone could help, it may be Hermione, if not the Doctor, who was off teaching. She walked down to the center of the room and decided to try something, anything. "So Mr. Smith...where you from?" She asked him. "Have you ever...traveled through time?" She asked him. She wanted to be more subtle but nothing was coming to mind except the obvious. "I mean, time turners don't count." She quickly waved a hand. "I mean it would be amazing if you could also travel through space, rather than just time..."

Now she was sure she sounded like a nutter.

The other students were mingling outside, stretching their legs before the class would resume. "I just...um...you just seem like the kind of guy who could do more than teach." She shrugged. Rose wished she knew more about the situation, she needed to talk to the Doctor and not get interrupted.

As everyone left the classroom, Luna was slow to make it out herself. There was something about their new teacher. His aura gave her the idea that he was so much older than he looked. When she looked at him, she saw images of people and places that were far beyond that of Earth itself. Luna wasn't sure why, but she found herself quite puzzled. Usually people left her alone because she was in her own world, and somehow she got the similar impression when she looked at Mr. Logan. She walked over him, closely studying him. He looked normal but then there was this light just swirling around him in her eyes. As some students for the next class came in, she noticed she had just been standing and staring for a bit too long. "Sorry, you just have a fascinating aura about you." She told Mr. Logan. "I've never seen or felt anything quite like it. Your...your eyes have seen so much-"

"Hey looney." A sixth year boy threw a parchment ball at her head. Luna flinched and looked down at the projectile at her feet.

"Sorry, sir." Luna gave him a smile and hurried out to get to her next class, Double Potions as well.

The class was filled up rather quickly, the Doctor hadn't expected to see the full main lot of main story characters those Harry Potter books so quickly but here they were. He waited for the students those who had questions but of course he should've known that Draco Malfoy being, the pompous git that he was would try and start trouble. Oh it was going to be quite the long class session and he knew it, he absolutely knew it the moment Draco raised his hand. Hearing the Slytherin's words, the Doctor took in a breath and was about to scold him for making his snide remark toward Hermione. But to his surprise another student spoke, one who seemed to hold quite a bit of knowledge and truthful knowledge at that. The Time Lord averted his gaze as he took in what Luna was saying, a rather intrigued look came upon his features as he leaned against his desk and turned his attention fully on the blonde haired Ravenclaw.

"You are absolutely correct, Miss Lovegood. Thank you for that" his gaze them turned to Hermione as she spoke in a tone toward the Slytherin and as Draco started with a new rant the Doctor gave a clear of his throat "Owes you and your family?" his tone in a slight annoyed manner the Time Lord brought his gaze to the blonde Slytherin. A stern look in dark brown eyes "oh don't be do daft, Draco. The wizarding world was around a lot longer than even your family." he shook his head knowing that was out of line. "Alright, enough of that. Any more questions can wait until after today's lecture, eh?. Let's begin class, shall we?" Not allowing any other student to interrupt the morning's session the Doctor took off with his teachings. He'd read about the Harry Potter Era and had even visited a few times during Gordric Gryffindor and the other creators of the school were kids, during previous regenerations of course. So needless to say he knew quite a bit about the era.


Class went by rather smoothly after that small outbreak due to Draco, the Doctor was just glad that his first class ever taught went by great without much of a hitch and that students were actually listening and paying attention, whole heartedly asking questions and ever so interested in the class. At least most of them, aside from the Slytherins and their pompous behaviors which the Time Lord didn't appreciate at all. But after meeting Salazar Slytherin he could see why all the Slytherins were as foul and cold blooded as serpents. The class rounded to an end, the Doctor gave a smile and thanks to the class. "That'll be all, thank you all for making this teaching session quite enjoyable" the Time Lord gave a smile and dismissed them all.

Harry had packed up his messenger bag quickly, he didn't mind the class, quite enjoyed it to be honest but right now? After the outbreak from Draco? Being so foul to Hermione? That bothered him a great deal but right now he wasn't up to dealing with anything at all. He had way too much on his plate as it was. Once all packed up, his bag over his shoulder he blinked upon Hermione taking his harm but hurried with her as they walked out of the classroom together. Of course right when Harry hoped that they were free, Draco's voice rang in the green eyed wizard's ears and his words caused Harry's anger to spike. He was about to comment which would have probably broken out in a full on argument or worse but Hermione pulled him along toward the dungeons for their Double Potions class.

In Double Charms, Mr. Smith had rambled on about charms the differences and for those who had possibly forgotten how to cast which he knew that they didn't but he still had that feeling that Rose Tyler wasn't who she truly said she was in terms of Beaubaxton so the demonstration was still mainly for her. The class had went on rather nicely, no interruptions, no annoying students it was a very pleasant teaching experience. Then again like he'd notice, Mr. Smith was a more laid back sort of guy, didn't matter to him who paid attention, who didn’t. That was just his form of teaching. As the class rounded to an end and went about their own way for a break before the second half of the class, Mr. Smith sat at his desk his eyes scanning over the next chapter he'd be discussing when all of a sudden he hear a voice asking him a question. He remembered that voice and knew who it belonged to, without living his gaze he answered "Carlisle, a city in North West England" however her next question threw him off guard.

Bringing those blue eyes to meet hers Mr. Smith gave a look of confusion but soon a smile tugged at his lips "Through time yes, I have been curious about the past. But as you say a Time turner doesn't count? Well then I suppose I haven't" he slowly closed his book and brought his elbows upon the desk top as he looked directly at her, she'd managed to get his full attention with her statements "Now traveling through space would be quite the adventure, eh?" his smile broadened at the idea "Sadly though no, I'm just a Charms Professor is all. Sorry to disappoint, Miss Tyler" hearing her final words there they got the hidden Time Lord to blink "Really? you think of that of me? Well thank you kindly, Miss Tyler. It's not often I get comments and compliments such as that" he looked to her closely "I suppose I can say similar about you" he gave a glance at her attire "You look and dress and actually sound like a girl out of her element. Nothing wrong with that at all, I might add" he smiled to her before preparing for the second half of class.

The Doctor had already set up for his next class by the time Luna walked up to him. He found himself leaning back against the front of his desk, he waited there quite patiently as she simply stared at him. The Time Lord wasn't bothered by it, but why on earth was she staring at him, she was studying him, what was she seeing? This very much intrigued the Time Lord as he slowly brought his arms to calmly cross over his chest as he looked to her quite the curious look upon his face. When she finally snapped out of it and spoke to him, the man raised his eyebrows in surprise at her words. His aura? she could see his aura? Well she really was quite the peculiar one, wasn't she? The Doctor couldn't help but give her a smile "Thank you for the observation, Miss Lovegood." but she continued speaking of his eyes. Something about her caused the Doctor to be a bit taken aback, what was this sudden realization? He looked to her with curious eyes as he smiled to her.

Yet she was cut off, his eyes falling upon the parchment ball that sat her feet. He gave a light sigh but looked to Luna "It's quite alright, Luna, no harm done.. for the most part" his eyes fell upon the paper on the floor. When she hurried out of the classroom, the Doctor gave a sigh "Oi!" he spoke out to the student and with a wave of his 'wand' the ball was levitating in the air, with a flick of his wrist it raced for the student who had flung it and smacked him square between the eyes "Just for that interruption, you can stand for the entire class period" his voice stern as he moved the chair with another flick of his wrist. With an adjustment of his robes the Doctor went starting the lecture.

Rose found herself very well and determined to get to the bottom of this otherworldly mystery. She was to find someone like the Doctor but who might not know it? If her suspect didn’t know it, how could she? Rose knew she needed more help from the Doctor but with him teaching different classes than the ones she was taking; it wouldn’t be easy to get time together without alerting any onlookers. Rose had to wreck her hair to try and come up with cover ups on the spot and she was worried she might mix them up if she wasn’t careful. As she looked at the Charms Professor, she had to force herself to remain in the present. She couldn’t let her mind wander off to the books she was now smack dab in the middle of or to the Doctor who was an alien traveling in a big blue box, who had just saved the world. She especially couldn’t think about her mother and friends back home. She missed them but at the same time, the change of pace was too exciting to take lightly.

Mr. Smith then countered her statement by saying she also looked a bit out of place. Rose knew for a fact that Mr. Smith was out of place, he had to be the one she and the Doctor were looking for. But to make a statement that he was also a Time Lord or whatever, was a bit risky. If she overstepped any sort of line, things could become ruined beyond repair and if Mr. Smith was someone important to the Doctor, Rose didn’t want to mess things up. So should she keep her distance or not? It was a tricky situation and she was growing more frustrated with it. “Um thanks I think.” Rose replied and brushed some of her hair behind her ear nervously. The rest of the class continued, Rose sat in the back and took notes while doodling a little. When it ended and lunch rolled around, Rose held back and kept close to Mr. Smith.

When she made it to the Gryffindor table, everyone was eating. “Hello.” She greeted and saw Ron pat the saved spot beside him. Rose caught Hermione who rolled her eyes a little. Rose took a seat and started to make herself a plate. “How was everyone’s classes this morning?” She asked, mostly as way to be polite and to get her mind off of certain things. It seemed like everyone had a nice morning, as was the usual for the beginning of any week. The blond from London however, kept glancing up at the table where all the staff resided. “Is there a way to get a teacher’s help, say after hours? Should I stop by their office or something?” She asked Hermione as they ate. Maybe there was a way Rose could get “help” from Mr. Smith and the Doctor and it wouldn’t raise any red flags. Hermione explained students could tutor one another in the vast library while teachers could answer questions during their allotted office hours.

That was enough for Rose, it was a place to start.

Things went by as smoothly as possible for Hermione.

Double Potions was uneventful much to her relief. Hermione was worried that the spat with Malfoy would put Harry in a rotten mood but he seemed to brush it off soon enough. By now, she was used to the blond’s outrageous remarks. They did very little to get under her skin but they could still irritate Ron and Harry and that was something she would have to deal with. With Umbridge stalking the castle and making ludicrous rules every other day, they had to be careful. Not to mention, his first detention with the portly devil had injured him. She didn’t want her friend getting hurt and she didn’t want Umbridge to get away with it either. From being baited in Defense Against the Dark Arts to Potions and Charms, there were plenty of pitfalls laid out for the golden trio. Hermione had every right to be worried about them, rather than the brat, Draco Malfoy.

As Double Potions let out for the start of lunch, she saw Umbridge wobble in and ask to speak to Professor Snape. Hermione had no intention of sticking around for whatever discussion was about to unfold. “Come on.” She said gently to Harry and they headed up to the main floor of the castle. “So tonight we can probably do most of our homework and get it out of the way.” She mentioned as they headed into the Great Hall. They were reunited with Neville and Ginny, with Ron trailing behind Harry and Hermione. Five minutes later, Rose had joined them and inquired about extra help with classes to which Hermione was more than happy to explain. As she finished her lunch, Hermione looked across at Harry who had the displeasure of having Ginny next to him but it seemed like he didn’t really pay mind to the redhead.

“How about we head to the library?” She suggested. Hermione couldn’t shake the feeling that perhaps, perhaps Rose was a time traveler. Harry had made some good points and some research could take their mind off of the rocky morning they had. “See you.” Hermione waved to her friends and headed off with Harry since it was clear Ronald had no interest in tagging along, which was fine with Hermione. They headed out and went up the staircase. “I’ve been thinking about what you said about Rose.” She told Harry as they walked toward the library. “And the blue box is also very peculiar. If she is a time traveler, she could be from the future if she used something besides a Time Turner.” She mused as they finally arrived at their destination. Not many students were in there, as most were either at lunch or roaming the castle and avoiding any unnecessary work. A break didn’t appeal most students if it was in a library after all.

“And if she is from the future, I feel like it’s for a reason.” She finished her train of thought as she scanned the shelves of books. “I just don’t know what. Do you think it has something to do with Umbridge and the Ministry’s sudden and unjust interference?” She asked her friend.

After Luna parted ways from Mr. Logan, she headed off to her next class. Her mind kept drifting back to the two Professors who were clearly hiding something. She didn’t have anyone to confide in though. She had Cho but they weren’t close. And there was Ginny but Ginny was always busy with Quidditch or those in her own House. And while she sometimes like to chat with the Gary Lady but she felt like she really hadn’t a soul to turn to and it made the girl feel utterly lost. So the best she could do was jot down her musings in her notes and write to her father. As lunch rolled around, she pushed the food around her plate and decided to do some wandering around. It was one of her favorite past times

She got up from her seat and quietly headed out. She only just exited the grand room when she heard someone call out her name. Luna whirled around. “Hello?” She asked but then a loud crash greeted the top of her head. She looked down at herself as a purple goo coated her entire body. She saw Draco and his goonies run off as she put a finger to her nose, trying to discern what she had been hit with. She hadn’t a clue and before she could go wash up, an intense pain overtook her. Luna fell to her knees and let out a loud cry. Thankfully some students had exited the Great Hall and notified the nurse to someone having been attacked. Luna was promptly taken to the infirmary and diagnosed.

When she finally came around, she found it terribly hard to breathe.

Luna tried to move her hand but then when she looked at it, it appeared to be changed. Slightly, but still changed. She sat up and put a hand to her chest. Something felt off. Something felt not right. Something was wrong. She rubbed her head and saw Madame Pomfrey standing by her bedside. “You’re alright Ms. Lovegood.” She said.

“What happened?”

“You were attacked with an aging potion and it’s been botched so the cure isn’t as readily as it would be.” She replied.

“It was Draco Malfoy, he threw a vial at me.” Luna insisted, an anger rising inside of her. “Someone has to do something.” It hadn’t yet hit her that she was older, different than ever before. She then noticed Harry and Hermione in front of her bed looking concerned and slightly shocked. Hermione handed Luna a mirror and Luna looked at herself. She was older by perhaps ten years. She looked similar but her features were more smooth and mature. Now her heart was beating too fast and she quickly went to set the mirror down but instead it broke on the floor, having fallen from her shaky grasp. “What’s going to happen?” She whispered. As a student, Hogwarts was her home but if she was too old…where would she go? How could she fit in? Time had been so hastily taken from her and everyone was acting like nothing was wrong!

“Dumbledore is talking to your father as well as Draco’s.” Hermione said timidly, unable to digest what Draco had done. Somehow in the back of her mind, she told herself it could be her in Luna’s position and it sent chills down her spine. She grabbed Harry’s hand tightly. “Don’t worry, I’m sure this can be fixed…” She tried to assure her friend. Having heard about the accident while at the library, the two hurried to find out what had happened. And in that moment, the bookworm was ready to lash out at Draco with everything she had.

Meanwhile, Rose had gotten up from the table sometime after Harry and Hermione. She decided she could go make an appointment with Mr. Smith and maybe in doing so, she could find out more about him. She had made an effort to stop by Mr. Logan’s office as well but he wasn’t anywhere to be found which bothered Rose, as she felt like she had been left to fend for herself. All she could do was just carry on see if Mr. Smith was around. She knocked on his door and slouched against the wall to wait. She dug out her cell phone which she stashed in her pocket and saw no signal, which wasn’t a surprise. It just solidified the fact that she couldn’t call her mother, who was probably worried sick. She put it away with a heavy heart and saw her number on suspect coming down the hall.

Now she wished she had made a better plan because all she could blurt out was, “Have you got time to tutor?” She asked, which to her sounded a bit absurd.

The entire encounter between the hidden Time Lord and Rose Tyler was a peculiar one, but that didn't seem to bother the man one bit. There was just something about her that was very off. A student not wanting to wear the school's attire? That hadn't happened in his years of teaching there at the school, but here she was a young woman claiming to be from Beauxbaton. Granted she was a beautiful young woman but she didn't hold the near perfectly flawless features of a French witch, nor the accent so of course the Charms professor had numerous questions buzzing around in his head. Just standing there looking to her the man could tell she was a bit nervous, but about what? "You're very welcome, Miss Tyler" Maybe she needed someone to talk to? The hidden Time Lord wanted to offer an ear to listen, it was just the good nature in him but at the moment? He had a class to teach so he spoke nothing of the sort and went along with the task of teaching his students.

--
Double Potions, Harry never enjoyed Severus' classes but he knew he had to admit that the man was quite the man knew what he was doing. But there was still that loathing, boiling anger almost hate that the Gryffindor held for the school's potions master. Double Potions, Harry didn't only have to look at that greasy hair, listen to that monotone voice, stare at that darkness for not only one class hour but for two. Why double potions? Harry would often think to himself. But having his friends by his side things were better in his opinion. The first hour class passed by soothingly without a hitch, the second hour on the other hand was a bit more difficult for the boy who lived to swallow but he managed to do it. Once the finale of the two hour class came to an end Harry took in a deep sigh of relief, it was over, it was finally over. Just as Harry was packing up he saw her, the woman who had already caused him quite a deal of pain, making him more than likely permanently scarred for the rest of his life. His eyes averted down to the marking 'I must not tell lies' and his blood almost immediately began to boil.

Thanks be to Merlin, Harry thought as Hermione's voice pulled him from his angered thoughts. Slowly but sure his green eyes tore from the pink wearing spawn of evil to the brown eyes of his best friend. Having heard her words clearly, then feeling the her pull him along he didn't have to be told twice and gave her a nod following her out of the classroom. As the two headed up to the main floor of the castle Hearing her suggestion Harry could only not "That's a brilliant idea Hermione" was all he could really say, she truly was reading his mind per say. It had happened a lot, perhaps that’s why they were best friends? they understood each other nearly completely. The morning classes had ended and lunch was upon the school in its entirety With that Harry and Hermione walked together into the Great Hall to get some well deserved food after what had gone down that morning.

Sitting at the Gryffindor table, Harry was sitting across from Hermione yet had Ginny and her smothering nearly clinging to his robes. He was already half way through his plate when Rose joined them. "Hello Rose" the green eyed boy gave a smile to her before returning his attention to his plate and continuing to eat. He hadn't eaten much of breakfast that morning and after the hell from Draco during Muggle Studies and his body going through a battle to not lash out at the annoying blond slytherin. In other words, Harry Potter had worked him into quite the hunger frenzy, he needed to eat that much was certain. When Rose began to ask Hermione questions that in a sense drew the attention of both the brunette and redheaded best friends of Hermione to turn their gaze to the two. Why would Rose need help? She was a witch wasn't she? Ron's interested waned quite quickly as he turned his gaze to his other side and return to striking up a conversation with his fellow Gryffindors.

Harry on the other hand sat there, no longer eating and just listened to Hermione give her an answer to Rose's question. It seemed this blue police box riding blonde was raising even more suspicions from the green eyed Gryffindor and those suspicions were raising questions that weren't getting answered. Why was this bothering him so much? He figured he'd voice his questions to Hermione once given the chance. Again as if by 'magic' she spoke to him suggesting the library. "Sound like a perfect idea, Hermione" he pulled his robes free from Ginny who gave a roll of her eyes and resumed talking to her friends, her eyes occasionally glaring to Hermione as the wild haired gryffindors exited the Great Hall. When it was just Harry and Hermione the usual duo walking side by side as they ascended up the staircase toward the library her words rang as clear as day in the boy's ears as he listened. It often amazed him how in sync they were with one another. "We're on the same page there Hermione, I have been making mental notes since the moment we saw that box, saw her. Then Professor Logan? There are too many … sudden appearances for this to be normal. Once Rose doesn't dress in uniform. I'm more than certain she was provided with something. Two she comes out of that box. It's not even from this time or place. It looks muggle made but we both know looks can be very deceiving."

As they arrived to the library, Harry stayed beside Hermione and listened to what she had to add to his words and gave a nod "Well if she is from the future, she couldn't have come alone. Think about it. She arrives and the day after we get a new substitute for Muggle Studies, a man we've never seen before. They have to be together, but why are they here? What is their purpose? With Umbridge running the show I think well… at least I'm HOPING with them being here it will bring some good." he remained by her side his eyes scanning the book titles, not exactly sure what they were looking for to being with so he could help. "Merlin knows we don't need any more bad right now. He took in heavy breath as he sighed "I just wish all of these questions spinning around in my head would receive answers" he slowly reached and removed his round spectacles and rubbed his eyes. "It's so frustrating" he gave a tired sigh.

After a bit of time in the library the news of Luna Lovegood getting attacked had reached Harry and Hermione, almost immediately the two wrapped up what they were reading up on and headed toward the infirmary to see if their friend was okay. At first they weren't allowed in, none of them were but once given the okay the two headed right in. Expecting to see just a regular Luna probably all snuggled up in her pajamas under the covers what they saw was something Harry was more than certain neither one of them expected. Was that Luna? Harry at first was at a loss his eyes slowly turning to Hermione "Poor Luna.." who could it have been? He listened to Madam Pomfrey explain to Luna once she awoke what had happened. He knew it, it had to have been that pompous jerk, Draco Malfoy who would do this to Luna.

Harry stood there his green eyes taking in Luna as she began to examine herself in the mirror as she gave a small 'freak' out and dropped the mirror it breaking upon impact on the floor. The wizard winced at the sound before returning his attention to the mid twenty year old Ravenclaw in the bed. He didn't speak a word and let hermione do the talking, when she grabbed his hand, Harry held hers, giving her a reassuring squeeze to let her know he was there. It was their connection of sorts. It seemed the two had the same anger since at that moment, Harry wanted to beat the snot out of Draco with his bare hands.

--

Professor Smith sat at his desk going over parchment after parchment of assignments students turned in during his previous class before lunch. It was more of a skim through the first few paragraphs if it made sense he'd give a positive grade and on some if they really caught his attention he'd put in 'Fantastic' in his own lettering but those were rare. If the papers didn't meet his requirements he'd toss it aside and go to the next. He worked diligently until there was an abrupt knock upon the door, he was in mid 'fantastic' write when the noise had caused him to scratch the needle of the quill against the parchment "Ah well" he tossed both the quill and parchment aside before getting to his feet. 'Who on earth could that be at this hour?' he thought.

Making his way to the door he opened it and a brush of blonde locks came into his immediate view "Ah Miss Tyl--" but before he could even finish his statement she blurted out her question to him. A tutor? why would this girl need a tutor? The hidden Time Lord could only give her a smile "A tutor you say? you're in luck then, Miss Tyler. I'm free all week after classes." he opened his door fully and stepped aside "Please, come on in, Let's get to scheduling something that works for you. Don’t want to take up all your time, of course" as she were to enter Mr. Smith closed the door and headed over to his desk where he sat down and took out a rather new leather encased book for writing. He opened it and took up his quill dipping it in the ink. Writing her name he began to make a few lines before lifting his gaze to her "Let's see here. I'm more than certain you'd want to enjoy your time with your newly made friends in Gryffindor this week so I won't keep you too long. How about tomorrow evening an hour of tutoring? or perhaps if you want something sooner, this evening after dinner? Your choice, Miss Tyler"

--

The Doctor had finish with lunch, finished with his grading of papers and had went about the classroom putting things in order. That was until he opened his classroom door and watched as students moved about in the corridor. It seemed like normal student behavior, nothing to really pay attention to, that was until the words of a student rang in his ears 'Did you hear what happened to Luna? Draco Malfoy is in for it for sure.' for the pompous git to be in grave trouble, he had to have done something very horrible. but what? Would it be wrong for the Doctor to check up on one of his students? Should he just leave it at that and not draw suspicion? But the Time Lord couldn't help it, he was very curious and wanted to know if she was alright. She was one of his students, so why not see if she was alright?

Deciding to go ahead and head off the Time Lord headed up the stairs, making his way toward the Infirmary, he'd seen Harry and Hermione at the bottom main floor of the castle when he gave them a hello and headed up. It wasn't long until the Doctor stepped into the infirmary and was immediately greeted by Madam Pomfrey.

"Hello Mr. Logan, can I assist you with something?" she asked him curiously yet she had an idea as to why he was there. "If it's about Miss Lovegood, she will be fine"

The Doctor gave a nod "She's a student of mine, I heard something had happened and just wanted to pay my respects and visit her"

The nurse gave a nod "Of course, follow me" with that the Doctor followed the woman as she showed him to where Luna was located she left him be.

The Doctor took a hold of the curtain and pulled it back just a bit, stepping through he was taken aback as he looked to her appearance. There was a look of shock upon his facial features "Luna?" she looked like herself just more mature. It took him a moment to rid himself of the shocked expression but he soon gave her a sad smile but still a smile "I heard that something had happened to you and.. felt I needed to see if you were alright" which was true, but why? Why was he so captivated by this girl? Well not really a girl anymore but young woman. Perhaps because he saw a bit of his personality within her? They were similar in a few ways, just their thought patterns is what the Time Lord could make out from those few moments of spending time with her after class.

Slowly but surely the Time Lord neared her "I won't hurt you I just need to check something" he reached into his robes and pulled out his sonic screwdriver which was chameleonized to look like a wand. The tip of his wand began t o glow a shade of blue as he did a full body scan of Luna. her entire D.N.A had matured, there was no refusing it. It couldn't be reversed that's what he was getting from the feed of the Sonic's readings. "You seems to be alright health wise. Steady heart rhythm and all. You'll pull through just fine, Luna" he gave her a smile "But.. I want you to know you're not alone, if you ever need to talk about something that's on your mind. Regardless of how ludicrous it may sound. You can always talk to me and I promise you it won't go passed me. Whatever you and I discuss will be completely confidential" he spoke to her in a confident and trusting tone giving her a reassuring smile to let her know that everything would be alright.

It was very kind of her friends to visit her but she felt like she wasn’t herself. She felt like she was someone else looking at the scene from up above. She wanted to go home. School had always been challenging in terms of being social but this hasty change of events was the final straw for her. On one hand, she didn’t want to leave, she loved Hogwarts. But on the other hand, she felt like she no longer belonged, no longer would be welcomed. A thick fog of uncertainty hung over her head and even the faces of Hermione and Harry couldn’t help cheer her up. What had happened was absurd and it took some of the sanctity of Hogwarts away from her mind. It saddened her greatly and she just gave a nod when Harry and Hermione excused themselves to go to class or whatever. Luna kept her gaze down at her lap even when she heard muffled noise.

When the curtain was pulled back, she flinched, not quite expecting another visitor so soon. Who could it be? The thin blond woman blinked and saw it wasn’t a student like Ginny or Cho, but was in fact a professor. Confusion overcame her, she didn’t have Charms for another day and a half, why would Mr. Logan pay her a visit? He explained that he had heard of the incident itself but not of the consequences. Her heart sank, knowing that if she could stay at school, she would be even more ostracized than even before. “I see.” She said quietly and returned her gaze to her lap. It was hard to focus. There were so many things swirling around in her head, yet at the same time, there was somehow nothing at all in her head. She felt so disconnected and lost and didn’t think she’d ever want to leave the infirmary.

Would anyone even care if she just ended up vanishing altogether?

Because that’s how she felt, she felt like fading away and hiding, while at the same time screaming out for someone to notice her and not just what she somehow now looked like. Her mind was apparently adjusting to the physical change and she was already noticing subtle changes in the way she thought and organized things logically. Somehow she had spells in her memory that she had never even heard of and yet she knew them, she knew them for a witch of her age. That frightened her and worried her. As the teacher leaned in closer and pulled out an odd device, she gave him a look. She heard a faint whirling noise and tried to keep perfectly still, as she hadn’t a clue what he was up to. It wasn’t that she felt as if she were in danger, but she just had no idea who she could trust or even why, for that matter. Once he was done, he began to talk and she did her best to keep up and pay attention.

“Alright, sir.” Luna said quietly. Then he said that if she ever needed to talk, he would be available, that she wasn’t alone. That meant a lot to her but she could just silently nod as he left. She slumped back into bed and looked off. Time trickled by painfully slow and she was allowed to go back to her dorm as supper started so she wouldn’t run into anyone. Luna gathered some items, as she was told she would be staying in a spare room in the castle since she no longer needed to be under medical supervision. She found her room with some guidance from Madam Pomfrey. “Thank you.” She said and let herself inside. Luna made herself comfortable and found herself not only bored but restless. While waiting in the infirmary, she had written to her father about the events and she now had to mail it, which would be a bit of a hike from her temporary room. She poked her head out of the door and saw the coast was still clear.

The girl made her way up towards the aviary and attached her letter to an owl and sent it off. As she started to head back down, she saw Mr. Logan up ahead, he appeared to be looking around for something or someone. She bit down on her lower lip, finding herself a bit anxious. But still, her curiosity couldn’t be helped and she jogged over to him, still getting used to her taller body. “E-excuse me.” She said. “I was just wondering…what is that thing you used earlier? The metal wand? It’s not normal.” If anyone knew what normal was and wasn’t, it was her. Luna looked around, not really looking forward to running into any students, most would just stare of mock her.

- - -

Upon getting a formal invitation from the man, she entered. “Thanks.” Rose said and looked back at the door for a moment. He moved to his desk and took out a book to likely jot down her appointment. Rose really wished she could have made a plan with the Doctor before getting ahead of herself. Once again she was torn between going on ahead or playing it safe. And Rose wasn’t always a fan of playing it safe, not since her whole world had been changed. Now her world was so much bigger than it ever was. There was life beyond the dull shop and date night with Mickey. Life could be so much more. She was in Harry Bloody Potter for God’s sake. She was at Hogwarts, solving a mystery. So maybe she could ease up on herself for being so gungho.

“Um what?” She looked back to the professor when he asked her something. “Oh um yeah uh tomorrow night’s good.” Rose said faintly and walked to where his disk was. She trailed her fingers along the edge of the desk and looked up when he said it was all right. “Great great.” She looked up and smiled weakly. Now that something was settled, she was determined to make sure she got to talk to the Doctor before her next encounter with Mr. Smith. Now what? Rose wasn’t sure what else to do now. Lunch was about over and classes would be resumed. “Guess I better go then, um thanks again.” She said blandly and headed back out of the classroom, feeling rather awkward. Where was the Doctor when she needed him? Where was the Marauder’s Map when she needed it?

The rest of the day passed by without much concern, Rose did her best to keep a low profile and not get on anyone’s bad side, namely the large woman in pink. Sadly, Rose did have Defense Against the Dark Arts as her last class of the long afternoon. Since they were just taking notes and reading, Rose spent her time doodling and playing M.A.S.H, the game she used to play as a kid on the playground. You picked a guy, the number of kids, etc and pretended to make a life out of chance. The grumpy professor snatched her parchment as she hobbled past. Rose looked up, more annoyed than reproachful. Umbridge shook her head and told Rose to see her after class. Just what she needed, detention when she had a hard enough time figuring out where the Doctor was.

As the rest of the class filed out of the room to go get dinner, Rose had to linger and get a dull lecture from the teacher. “I am aware you’re new and that Christmas is right around the corner but you are close to graduating, you cannot slack off at a time like this. You need to buckle down. Hmm?” She said. Rose put on a sorrowful expression, one she often used on her old teachers back home. “I have a meeting tonight but let’s see if we can’t find someone else to look after you.” She said and they walked out, down the large hallway. Up ahead, Mr. Smith was spotted. “Excuse me, I have a student here who has an hour of detention to make up, I’d like you to administer it.” Umbridge told the man and walked off to continue to the Great Hall.

“I’m very sorry.” Rose said sarcastically as Umbridge waddled off but it seemed like the nutter didn’t hear her.

Looking back to Mr. Smith, the blond gave a bit of a shrug. It was quickly decided that she’d find his office after dinner and they could figure out something for her to do. Rose felt a bit bad that Mr. Smith had to deal with it, though in her opinion, what she didn’t wasn’t even a big deal. She went to dinner and news of Luna was the only thing people could talk about. Most of the students felt bad for Luna while some weren’t too concerned. Rose was actually worried, she didn’t think such an event was even supposed to happen in the timeline. She was even more determined to hunt down the Doctor and see what was going on. In the meantime, she excused herself after eating a bit and headed back to the Charms classroom. “I didn’t even do anything wrong, you know.” She protested as Mr. Smith met her outside again. “I shouldn’t even have to take notes and do homework, it’s not like it really matters.” She muttered.

- - -

Hermione had often brushed Draco Malfoy off as a jerk with a misunderstood sense of himself but after what he had done to her friend, she would never forgive him. Never. What he did took a lot of skill, or what she had heard, lack of skill. But to know he sat down and threw together such a potion to harm another student? She would be surprised if he wasn’t expelled within the week but her gut was telling her that his father would come up with some excuse to get his son off the hook for such a crime. It was unthinkable and for the rest of the day, she could barely focus on her school work. She and Harry had spotted the new professor, Mr. Logan after they left Luna’s beside. But even so, she had little interest in digging up her and Harry’s investigation on him and Rose.

At dinner, no one really spoke unless it was about Luna which only made Hermione even more sick and therefore unable to really eat anything. It could have been her, Luna was an innocent girl. Sure, she as quiet and a little weird, okay really weird, but why did she need to be bullied by Draco? She hated Draco. He was a git with no concern for anyone but himself. And she knew plenty of people would have it in for him now and she honestly couldn’t care less. As she looked to Harry, she knew her concern should be focused on him. She knew he was fuming over the incident as well and he couldn’t afford any more trouble. As she took a drink from her goblet, she looked over at the Slytherin table and saw Draco was boasting about his attack on Luna.

“Appalling.” She huffed. Thankfully McGonagall came over and grabbed the blond brat by the arm and led him out of the Great Hall, likely to take him away from the other students. It was then that Rose excused herself, muttering something about a pointless detention. It at least snapped Hermione out of her trance. Aside from Luna, Rose was the other mystery on their hands. She turned to Harry and frowned. “I think we should try talking to her tonight after detention.” She told Harry. “We have questions but there’s no point in having them if we can’t get any answers. If she’s here for something really important, then there’s a small chance she’ll tell us.” As much as the bookworm wanted to do some digging, the attack on Luna had somehow put things into perspective.

If Rose had something to hide, maybe it for good reason?

And she still needed to know if Harry was on board for the secret training. If he was, they had to act fast. The attack on Luna could serve as minimal distraction for the clever Slytherins who could easily rat them out. Hermione knew they’d have to be careful but with the holidays closing in on them, it was better to act now and prepare as much as possible for whatever was watching them, namely Voldemort. Once they were done eating, she, Harry, Ron, Neville, and Ginny headed back to the dorm to work on homework or hang out. The golden trio talked about doing something for Luna, such as get her some candy or something. George and Fred joined them and said they’d be happy to throw in some gags if it would cheer the Ravenclaw up.

“Thanks.” Hermione said to the twins as they entered the common room. “We can put something together tomorrow.” She told them as they all disbanded to go do their own thing. She then turned to Harry and motioned for him to step out with her. Once they were back in the hall outside of the portrait, but out of its earshot, she brought up the club again. “I know this isn’t the best of times but with the attack, I can’t see us waiting any longer to start the club.” She said nervously. “If you’re still not on board, that’s okay. Ron and I can set up a meeting in Hogsmead someplace for anyone who is interested and if that’s what you need to decide…” She trailed off. “I just know, with what has happened, people would be interested in what you have to offer. And you won’t be alone either, Ron and I will help too.” She assured him gently, resting a hand on his shoulder.

The Time Lord in a sense expected her reaction as he watched her face and read her expressions almost instantly. She was scared, she was hurting and ever so confused that much he could read in that instant by just looking at her. His two beating hearts went out to her, in a sense he didn't know how she truly felt but he could empathize with her. The Professor stood near her bed beside her "I cannot begin to fathom what could possibly be going on in that mind of yours. But in a sense, I can. You feel confused, lost, if you were feeling out of place before this happened. You are feeling it even more so now" with that he pulled out his sonic screwdriver and did his scan of her body taking in the readings that were being linked to him. 'It can't be reversed? … this isn't good news for at all… Poor Luna…' He thought and slowly slipped his 'wand' into his robe pocket once more.

"I know this must be extremely hard for you, Luna" the man slowly extended his hand out and placed it upon her shoulder in a gentle manner "As I've said before, you're not alone. I will be here to help you through this tough time. I too know what's like to feel lost, to feel confused and very much alone." his mind drifted back to his memories, that feeling of loneliness creeping back to him as he shook his mind free of his thoughts and brought his deep chocolate brown eyed gaze to Luna as he gave her a faint smile "I shall leave you so you can get some rest as I am more than certain you need it. Plus time to think" he gave her shoulder a gentle pat "Remember if you need me for anything you know where to find me" his voice held a gentler tone, a more compassionate and understanding tone. "Rest well, Miss Lovegood" with that the Doctor turned and headed out, closing the curtain behind him to leave Luna with privacy as she rested and thought a bit to herself.

The Time Lord took his time as he ventured down the stairs to the first floor of the castle, looking about as students passed. Everything that had happened so far was beginning to leave a weight in his chest, in his hearts. The Time Lord needed to get away from the school, that would probably be the only way he could get some time to clear his head and think for a bit, dwell in his thoughts per say. Sure being here again in the wizarding world and actually partaking in the adventure was all fine and dandy but for right now he needed to be in his TARDIS to clear his head. Without suspicion the Time Lord entered the forbidden forest, knowing exactly where the TARDIS had crash landed. With a snap of his fingers the door opened and he entered the big blue police box and removed his robes tossing it over his brown trench coat in its usual spot. "Hello there ol' girl" he spoke to his TARDIS and neared brushing his fingers along her control panel of the main frame.

Just being in his TARDIS at this moment he was already feeling a bit better, as if his mind was being read the lights in the TARDIS began to dim until the gentle blue glow of the spaceship's main frame was the only light that echoed through it all. "I wish I had answers for all of this. You locked onto .. a trace of Time Lord d.n.a that's what brought us here" he was speaking to the TARDIS as he'd done many times in the past. She was very much alive that much he knew. "I only wish I could figure out who it is. I'm the last one, no one else made it out alive. They couldn't have" his mind was a whirl of chaotic thoughts as images of the past returned to him bringing warm sorrowful tears to the Time Lord's eyes at the memories. "That day I ended it all… I should have died with them.." the Doctor gulped thickly and took in a deepened shaken breath, wiping the tears that broke free from the corner of his eyes.

"But no such luck… I now travel this universe alone. Yes sure I met Rose but I have a very strong feeling in the bottom of my hearts that she won't be accompanying me for long. I barely even know her…" he shook his head "But Luna…. she holds such a gentle soul, she's been through so much even more so now than ever. That potion… whatever it was it can't be reversed." He was still wording his thoughts mainly to himself aloud, now. With a heavy sigh the Time Lord reached up and combed his fingers through his extremely unruly yet amazing hair "Perhaps… no … that's just a daft thought." he shook whatever thoughts he had, free from his mind. Closing his eyes the Time Lord allowed his body to relax as he succumbed to a very gentle slumber that had been beckoning him since his classes had ended for the morning.

Time had passed and the Doctor was awake getting a clean refresher in both his body and mind, taking up his robes the Doctor slipped them on and headed out of his TARDIS and back to the castle. He resumed with the remainder of his classes until his schedule became free and figured Rose would be too. Then again he didn't know much of the classes other than the students who attended his own but it was worth a shot. After some time of looking he figured the blonde was probably in a classroom somewhere and instead of poking his head around to try to find her, The Doctor figured he'd just head up to his room, yet that wasn't what happened when he heard rapid padding of footsteps which was rare and scarce during class time and as they neared. The Time Lord slowly turned around to find Luna Lovegood heading his way in a small jog. The man couldn't stop himself when a smile graced his handsome features as he watched her near he opened his mouth to greet her yet before the words could come forth he listened to her words which caused those deep brown eyes of his to widen as a rather shocked expression played across his face. Stunned for that moment is what the Doctor was "You saw a metal.. wand?" he slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out his sonic screwdriver, it looked like a normal sonic screwdriver to him but he knew the chameleon circuit was still working so how was it that Luna could actually see it for what it really was? This young woman was getting even more spectacular by the moment in the Doctor's eyes.

"You truly are a gifted witch, Miss Lovegood" he gave her a broadened smile, slipping his sonic back into his robes "Come with me" he slowly extended his hand out to her "We'll talk in my office, I'm sure you have questions that have needed answering" was he going to do it? Was he going to explain it all to her? He'd only just met her earlier this morning, but she could see him for who he truly was. At least his aura and his Time Lord technology, she really was a gifted individual, perhaps she was the one? The one destined to be his new companion? In a sense the Doctor hoped so but only time would truly tell.

As they walked the Doctor began to speak to Luna about things as they headed through the corridors, in a sense trying to comfort her as she seemed even more timid and uncertain than before. "Things are changing all around us… in every single moment of time that passes" he held onto her hand which at the moment he felt she needed. A hand to hold, a reassurance that things would be okay. At this moment in time, he was there for her and he wanted her to know that. Leading the way into his muggle studies classroom and into the back to his office the Doctor moved to his desk and sat down with a wave of his sonic screwdriver still under the 'magical' influence of the chameleon circuit he pulled up a chair for Luna to have a seat.

"You've spoken to me about auras. you've been able to see my aura.. I can tell you right now, Miss Lovegood. No one has ever told me that before. You are the first" he gave her a smile and slowly set his sonic screwdriver. His eyes moving to the device "You've been able to see my aura, see my metal wand as you called it." He took up his sonic and held it out to her "This is called a sonic screwdriver. It's not a wand, it's a device that helps me unlock doors, change codings in technology, in .. science ... things" he cleared his throat for a moment realizing she wouldn't understand much of it "It's not from this time, not from this world in fact. And in a sense neither am I" he pursed his lips together for a moment and thought before reaching into his robes, and into his suit jacket and pulled out his psychic paper. He thought of a phrase 'Hello there Luna. I'm the Doctor, I'm an alien species called a Time Lord' is what the paper would say if she could see it. But if she was as clever as he thought she was, he was more than certain she'd just see it as a blank piece of paper inside a leather casing.

--

Professor Smith sat there as he spoke "No problem at all, I always have time to help out my students. So what evening is best for you, Miss Tyler?" his clear blue eyes lifted to Rose as he awaited her answer only to find that her mind had wandered elsewhere for she stood there looking off into 'space' per say. A rather amused expression crossed the hidden Time Lord's face as he watched her return to reality "Welcome back to the present, Miss Tyler" he poked a bit of fun at her as a smile touched his lips. finally hearing her answer the man gave a nod and made a note in the book before blowing a bit of air on it for the ink to dry faster as it did he shut it and placed the quill back in the ink bottle his eyes lifting to Rose once more "All set, I'll be seeing you tomorrow evening after dinner. Until then Miss Tyler, please do be careful." he gave her a wave as he waited her exit his room.

Once the man was alone he slowly took up his wand and gave it a wave his classroom door shutting. Setting the wand down he took up his fob watch and slowly but surely the man sat back in his chair his fumbling with the watch as his mind wandered. Sitting back even further he brought his feet up to rest crossed at the ankles in a relaxed position as he closed his eyes and allowed his body to rest up a bit his finger unconsciously running along the beautifully etched designs on the front of the fob watch.. It was his down time, his off time, Lunch was over, sure he had to finish grading his papers but in his opinion that could wait, it wasn't like it had to be done right this instant, no. He could do that later, it was just a bit of his laid back lazed attitude poking through his unknown façade he was living at the current moment.

As he rested his eyes closing as his fingertips traced the watch's designs something he'd subconsciously do from time to time without even noticing. As he did this deep in his subconscious mind images began to form. He could see through a fogged haze what looked to be twin suns rising over the horizon. Within moments the images became clearer and clearer as if he were seeing it all in real time. The twin suns rising over the mountains, shining against silver leaves of the trees, its petals sparkling radiantly the reflections of light catching against the crimson grass below. It looked absolutely beautiful as he rested a smile touched the man's lips. 'The shining world of the seven systems' a voice rang, his own voice deep within the crevices of his subconscious. 'The shining world' echoed once more. A warm comfort spreading over him yet in an instant he was pulled from his relaxation as his classroom door opening caused the man to snap from his thoughts, and subconscious images.

Students began filing in and taking their seats one by one, sitting there the man lowered his feet from his desk and stood up looking to his class, the last student entering and closing the door before taking his seat. Professor Smith looked to his class, a somewhat distant look in the man's eyes "open your books and review a bit of yesterday's chapter. I shall return shortly" he picked up the book he'd jotted Rose's appointment in and disappeared into his office the door shutting behind him. He'd seen glimpses of the twin suns, the silver leaved trees but this was something in such detail it almost felt real. "The shining world?..." moving to his desk he opened his book and flipped to the back pages and jotted it down. Never before had he heard his own voice echo those words before within his mind. On the page beside the blank one he'd just written in were scribbled words, pictures, a box he'd drawn every single thing that came to him in his dreams he'd write down and sketch across. Stories, fairy tales, there was nothing of the sort here. Sure it was a world of magic but that blue box seemed much more than magical. It held a different structure 'The seven systems' he heard his own voice repeat in his now conscious mind. shaking it from his head he jotted that below his previous entry and slammed the book shut. After several moments of sitting there, simmering in his thoughts he stared down at the fob watch in his hands. Sliding the watch into his robe pocket he arose to his feet and headed out of his office to begin his class.

A few students had questioned if he was alright and all the man could do was give a smile and nod "Of course, just a bit of mental preparation for today's lesson is all. Now" he pulled out his wand "shall we begin?" the hour had passed a lot quicker than the Professor had expected but in a sense he was more than glad it did. Making his way out into the hallway and headed down the corridor the man was about to head to the main floor of the castle when a very familiar and quite annoying voice rang in his ears. Slowly turning around he looked to see he was correct upon seeing the pink tailored women heading his way and surprisingly with Rose behind her "Ah.. Dolores, pleasure to see you" he man gave a fake enthused smile, his lack of attention or interest shun through as he listened to her explanation but gave a nod "of course, I'll take care of her. Go on" when the pink woman walked away the man turned his gaze to Rose a rather amused expression upon his features "I'll see you after dinner at my office, Miss Tyler"

After his small relaxation session in his office, that image, that scene, the beautiful sense of warmth that had washed over him. That was something the hidden Time Lord wasn't able to push from his mind, he needed that air most definitely. Heading out the double doors of the front of the castle the professor found a place to relax, he leaned up against the building his eyes lifting to the moon as he sat there beneath the stars. Throughout dinner the man stayed outside until he felt it was the right time to head inside. He didn't want to keep Rose standing outside his classroom waiting for him, that would be rude. Making his way back into the castle he headed down the corridor leading to his classroom, Rose coming into view. having heard her protest the man couldn't help but smirk a chuckle leaving his lips as he neared "I'm sure you didn't, Miss Tyler. Half the students she puts into detention are falsely accused and horribly punished for it. She's a bit of a nut job if you want my opinion" he opened his classroom door and allowed her in before following behind her.

What struck him though was her final statement "shouldn't have to take notes you say?" he questioned curiously "That it doesn't matter?" his blue eyes moved to her a rather curious look lingering within his eyes "Why Miss Tyler, is that implying something?" the amused expression from their earlier encounters was once again upon his features as he looked to her "Please do share what's going on in that mind of yours" heading into his office he opened the door and gestured for her to follow "Being in your seventh year, final exams upon you. the chance of finishing. I would think that would be really important to a young witch" he moved to his desk and took a seat, bringing his feet up to rest against the desk crossing at the ankles "I really have nothing planned for your detention. So by all means I'll just be keeping you here for an hour. it was an unscheduled detention. No plans were made. How about we just throw all rules out the window and relax, get rid of titles and let loose and just talk shall we?"

The Hidden Time Lord lowered his feet down and reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small chest with sweets "Let's see here.. I've got chocolate frogs, bertie bott's every flavour beans, licorice wands and oh my favorite" he pulled out a red velvet bag and placed it upon the desk gently before tossing the others beside it. Putting the small chest away he reached over to the velvet bag and untied its rope and pulled a rather modern looking bag, opening it he plucked out a few and popped them into his mouth before holding the opened package out to her "Would you like a Jelly Baby?" he questioned with a smile.

--

Harry Potter was truly furious with Draco for what he'd done. Not only to him but to now Luna? That git had it coming to him. Harry had fought with himself many times in the past to not lay a finger on Draco Malfoy but that pompous platinum blonde was really asking for it especially after this. Harry wasn't sure how much longer he'd be able to hold back resorting to violence, literal physical violence. He knew Dumbledore would find a way to get Draco expelled but the young wizard was more than certain that the Slytherin's evill git of a father would find a way to bend the system and get his son back in school. To think, Draco honestly had it in him to be not only a conniving jerk, but actually cause bodily harm to another student. Another student granted she was a bit off and weird at times, but she was still a friend to Harry and did no harm to anyone, why did Draco focus his wrath on Luna? It was pointless in Harry's opinion. Poor Luna, Harry thought. He hoped it could be reversed because having ten years of life stolen from you in the blink of an eye was the worst thing ever.

As dinner was upon them, Harry walked with Hermione into the Great Hall the entire place was buzzing about what had happened to Luna Lovegood and for the most part, Harry wasn't feeling up to hearing it at all. it was near sickening the wizard as he pushed the food around on his plate with his spoon. He ate a bit here and there but it wasn't all that much to begin with. Just seeing what Luna had to go through, just seeng her confusion, her fear, she worried facial expression. It was all too much for Harry and he wasn't even the one going through it. With a deep dragged in breath, Harry gave a sigh and looked to Hermione having heard her huffed word. From what he could tell they were both feeling similar feelings about the whole thing.

Perhaps they needed time away from this? Just then Rose muttered pointless detention, the green eyed boy turned his attention to her before looking to Hermione the two locking eyes and then Hermione's voice speaking to him he gave a nod. "Yes I agree with you, talking with Rose, try to get answers to our now boiling questions. I do hope she tells us at least something. We have to know, even if it’s a small piece of information. I doubt she's a threat, perhaps she's here to help? I just hope she cooperates" he spoke to Hermione in a whisper. As dinner came to an end the small group of Gryffindors returning to their common room to finish up homework that they couldn't earlier.

As they sat in the common room suggestions of doing something special for their Ravenclaw friend was buzzing about. Harry tossed in a few suggestions as did the others. The boy who lived had gotten numerous desserts from Hogsmeade in past trips and figured they'd do good in cheering Luna up. at least he hoped so. Once work was done, suggestions for the gift to Luna was planned out and done with, Harry turned his attention to Hermione as he gave her a smile and nodded, agreeing to meet her out in the hallway. In a sense Harry figured why she wanted to meet with him, he'd told her just the other night that he'd think about the forming of the club and in all honesty. Harry did think about it, quite a bit during his sleepless nights and in the end he had decided to do it. It wasn't going to be just for him, it wasn't just for him but it was for everyone who was willing to join in and help. For those who could see the deceitful changes and lies that were going on in the school.

Once the two were alone in the hallway he leaned up against the wall and looked toward Hermione, as she spoke to him he could instantly tell she was nervous. But why be nervous? "I understand, Hermione. After the attack on Luna, things have been pushed forward, that wasn't just a simple fifth year potion. Those type of potions takes years of mastery to produce. So how did Draco even learn it? Sure Fred and George did that last year to cheat their ways into the Tri-Wizard tournament but this potion was far more advanced. I hate to say it, Hermione but … Draco is dangerous. A lot more than we ever expected" Harry hushed and listened to her final words, he felt the gentle weight of her hand upon his shoulder. Reaching up he placed his hand over hers and held it gently.

"I know I’m not alone. I know I have Ron and the others but … to be honest I wouldn't care if they were by my side or not" he spoke his words truthfully." Having you there with me means so much more, Hermione" he gave her a smile "So yes, I will do it. This isn't for just us. this is for the safety of the entire school. Hogwarts is my home. I will not let this castle fall. As long as I'm stil alive and breathing I will fight." his voice was confident, strong, Harry Potter was a true leader after all.

When the brown haired man pulled out what she had spotted before, she nodded. “Yes, that.” She pointed to it. “I’ve never seen it before, it’s just…it’s quite pretty.” She couldn’t help but blurt out thoughtfully. It was definitely an item of importance, that much she could tell. The professor put it away and noted that she was very gifted, this caused her cheeks to brighten slightly. “No no, that’s Hermione Granger, not so much me.” Luna said bashfully. It was pretty rare for her to receive any sort of praise of compliments. And if she did, they were usually spoken in jest or sarcasm. Her self-esteem wasn’t low though, she knew she had uniqueness about her and she was content with being in her own little world of sorts.

But to have someone, a professor with an oddity himself no less, pay her a kindness, well it was just a bit shocking. “Alright.” She bobbed her head slightly and followed him along to his office. Her chest felt heavy, even with the letter having just been sent to her father. Her whole life was hanging up in the air. Sort of like her sneakers. Sometimes kids would steal her things and hide them in curious places. She recalled on more than one occasion, she found her shoes hanging up in the foyer of the entrance to the school. It was like a fun little scavenger hunt for her, she never held any sort of malice toward the others. And when she thought about it, her anger towards Draco had soon subsided. She wasn’t one to want to dwell on sadness or anger, not when the world was so fascinating.

Her thoughts were disrupted by the man speaking to her about change and time.

Luna wasn’t sure where he was going with his comment but she found some comfort in it. Then he took hold of her hand which caught her even more off guard. She didn’t pull away but instead glanced down at it, the physical contact. Her mind was still trying to catch up to her body’s growth, but she could see this was a gesture of faith and kindness, nothing weird like the teenagers she saw in the hallways during study hall. She offered him a small smile in gratitude as they continued to walk. It wasn’t much longer until they came to his office which was attached to his classroom like every other major subject and professor. He glided into his own seat and pulled one out for her. “Thank you.” She said straightforwardly. She took a seat and leaned forward, hands resting on her lap.

Of course she expected to get some more information about him, his device and everything else. Something told her that there was a bigger picture to everything. Something was going on and he was at the source of it. On top of that, the woman noted that he was in fact rather calm and in control. He was very interesting. He began to speak, telling her that she was the first to mention his aura. Then he took out his odd device and set it down on the desk between them. Her round eyes darted from it, back to the man speaking, hanging onto his every word. Then he gestured to the thing he called a sonic screwdriver and kept on going. Luna was able to follow long, certain that he was in fact telling her the truth. She could see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice and feel it in his presence. He seemed like the sort of man who wouldn't lied.

Mr. Logan then reached into his robes and pulled out a small badge of sorts and extended it to her. Luna looked at it and frowned. Was it supposed to say something? “Um I really don’t know what that is.” She told him. She wasn’t sure if she was to write on it or not. Sitting back in her seat, she found herself starting to relax as his words settled in the root of her mind. So if he wasn’t from this time, he must be from the future. His screwdriver looked very futuristic. “You’re from the future?” Something told her that he didn’t use an ordinary Time Turner such as the ones she read about. She then sat up a little, her large eyes sparkling a little, showing a glimpse of the things he must know. “If you’re from the future, then does this have to do with what happened to me?” Luna couldn’t help but inquire. “Are you here to fix it?” She asked him, a swell of hope crashing against the wall of her heart.

- - -

“You have no idea, it gets way worse in two years.” She muttered under her breath, thinking back to how awful the school turned out when Harry and the others were off doing their own thing in the last book. Still, Umbridge was a brute and would get hers in the end. The blond glanced to the man with the big ears and stepped inside for what felt like the millionth time that day. A sly smile crept to her lips as he told her to say what was on her mind. She wasn’t sure if he would even believe her if she told him. She paced around the small classroom and looked around boredly. It sucked. She could be talking to the Doctor but thanks to Umbridge, she was forced to waste an hour doing nothing. Then Mr. Smith mentioned snacks and her eyes couldn’t help but dart back to where he was. She did love sweets. And she had always wondered what the characters in her favorite books ate.

“Jelly bellies? You have jelly bellies? Blimey.” She walked over to him, unable to resist the temptation. She reached in and grabbed a few and looked at them before popping them into her mouth with a very satisfied grin, the one a cat might wear after having just caught and killed a pesky mouse. Then she stepped back and looked to him, not sure if he was just being nice to her in order for her to open up about her cryptic cynicism. “I’m not even a witch.” She told him and leaned back on one of the stray desks. “I’m not even from here, I mean I’m from London, yeah but not here.” She waved around the empty space in front of her. “I’m from the future and I didn’t get here by some fancy Time Turner or floo network or whatever, I’m just from the future.” She sighed.

Tilting her head to the side, she knew she sounded nuts. “I came here in this big blue box that can go anywhere in time and space and it’s much bigger on the inside than it is on the outside and it’s flown by this weird alien who doesn’t look alien at all and we sort of saved the planet from these plastic things and then he promised to show me the stars and well, what girl can resist sweet talk like that?” She caught herself rambling and quickly shut her mouth, blushing slightly. That and she needed to catch her breath all over again. “And the spaceship thing somehow crash landed here and I can’t tell you how exactly but I know this timeline and I know what happens and you’re not supposed to even be here and the man I came with, he’s called the Doctor, I don’t know why, says he’s looking for an alien just like him.” She paused again.

“And I think it’s you.” She finally came to her conclusion and caught her breath once more.

“I mean if a professor and student should be speaking, it should be Harry and Snape.” She couldn’t help but grumble as an afterthought. “I mean what that man sacrificed, I don’t think even Lily understood…” Rose trailed off, getting ahead of herself in terms of important events. “Sorry sorry, rambling.” She waved a hand at him. “I haven’t really gotten a chance to even talk to the Doctor since we got here and it’s bloody annoying, I feel like I’m on my own here and totally imposing on you and-“ She stopped herself again, knowing how it must sound, that she was only getting close to him as a spy. That wasn’t exactly it. “I didn’t mean…I just…” Now she felt like she was saying all the wrong things, and on top of that, she just spilled everything without consulting the Doctor beforehand. ‘Severs him right for ditching me.’ She thought bitterly to herself and folded her arms, a bit angry with herself for mucking things up.

“I just wanna figure out what’s goin’ on is all. And if you are someone who doesn’t belong here, then maybe you’ll find a better place than just teachin’ and gradin’ papers. Not that um that’s bad or anything but…” She sighed and tried again. “I just met the Doctor but I know he loves whatever it is he does, like travelin’ the world an’ all, and in that crazy ship of his, if he found someone like him, I bet it would make him really happy. But of course I wouldn’t know, I’m guessing here, like I said, he totally abandoned me and we haven’t met up since. So yeah, taking notes and preparing for life after Hogarts is kind of the last thing on my mind. I miss my mum and my bed and I was just hoping the Doctor could help me figure out whatever my life is missing. Funny thing is, I never knew I was missin’ anything until he popped up and maybe you could understand. I dunno.”

- - -

Much to her fretfulness, Harry had a point. Draco was dangerous. The skill to even attempt such a potion was cause for concern. Could he have gotten his hands on a potions book from someplace like Knockturn Alley or perhaps the restricted section? “He is very close to Professor Snape, you don’t think that has anything to do with what happened.” She commented but then quickly corrected herself, cross that she had even suggested such a thing. “I know he hasn’t been kind to you but I know he wouldn’t want to harm a student. It’s possible Draco nicked the book from Professor Snape’s office, if anything.” She considered. Her friend places his hand on top of hers which caused her to smile, the tension fading into the air between them. He understood, he always could.

What he said next bothered her a bit. She knew he had been struggling ever since the start of term months ago. She also knew he and Ron weren’t as close as before. In a way, she could agree, but still it did alarm her to think Harry was growing indifferent to his friends being on his side. “There are no sides here, Harry.” She tried to explain. “I know in our second year it felt as though no one was on your side but you had me and Ron and things are different now.” She admitted. “But still, there aren’t sides. We’re all fighting for one thing.” She said firmly. He then said that having her meant so much more to him. The girl held her breath for a moment, not sure if she had even heard him correctly.

Spoken in confidence with her mother, when she went home for Winter Break in her first year, she had confessed that she did have a fancy for Harry. He was nice and sure, she had read about him but she didn’t look at him as if he was some famed statue or hero. How he survived was incredible, yes but Hermione had gotten to know him during that first year. She saved his life during a Quidditch game, he saved her life when it came to the encounter with the troll. Harry meant so much to her, more than some famous boy or friend who she helped with homework. They got along so well, she couldn’t help but babble to her mother about Harry in her letters and visits home. It tore her heart out that he didn’t ask her last year to the Yule Ball and instead Ron ruined her evening by lashing out at her for no good reason.

Harry then said he would agree to do it. That was wonderful news. It almost made up for the awful day they had shared. He then explained how he would keep his home safe and help those who were willing to fight. “Thank you Harry.” She gushed and threw her arms around him and held on tightly. She soon relented and let go of him. “I know things are difficult but I promise, you’re not as alone as you think you are.” She said and gave him another hug. It was then that the portrait opened and Ron came over to them. She slowly let go and looked back to Harry. “He says he’ll do it, isn’t that great news?”

“Yeah, bloody brilliant.” Ron just muttered and retreated back into the common room.

“I haven’t a clue what’s got into him.” Hermione brushed off. But she did. The brightest witch of the age knew exactly what was wrong with her red headed friend. She had first suspected he had feelings for her during their second year, it was a brief thought that crossed her mind but she didn’t think much of it. It wasn’t until their fourth year that she figured it out. Much to her dismay, Ginny confirmed her theory and said Ron did like her. Hermione only saw him as a friend, at best, so she hoped that if she ignored it, that he would move on. “Come on, let’s go in before we get into trouble.” Hermione told Harry and followed Ron inside. Once they were in the common room again, it seemed to have cleared out. For once though, she didn’t feel like tackling her homework. “I guess all we can do is wait for Rose to show up.” Hermione shrugged and sat on the couch, only to see Ron head up to the boy’s dorm for fifth years. She just patted the spot beside her for Harry, as it was now very much available.

Luna Lovegood, just by looking at her, sensing the calmness mixed with curiosity that was emanating from her matured form, the Doctor knew she was understanding everything he was telling her. What had that aging potion truly done? It was a horrible potion for stealing years of her life yes, he had to admit to himself that the fact that it could have possibly given her abilities that a now young woman of her age would likely know and probably more than just that. It was just absolutely fascinating to the Doctor, he held a hint of intrigue as well as an overpowering amazement within his eyes as he looked to her. Yet he still couldn't help but feel bad for Luna. Deep within his hearts he knew this had to be one of the worst things anyone could do to someone. Why this? Why Luna Lovegood? Losing years of your life and not being able to have the chance to grow up, it was horrible, it must have been.

So many thoughts swam through the Time Lord’s mind as he looked to her. If she could see his aura, his sonic the psychic paper would seal the deal in his opinion. It would prove to him she was far more than a normal witch, she would be an amazingly brilliant being. Reaching into his suit jacket he pulled it out and held it to her with a note and as she took the paper he saw her frown then heard her words this caused a small smile to curl upon his lips as he looked to her. “It’s called psychic paper, it’s normally intended to say whatever it is you want it to say to a person. It comes in handy when you’re in a sticky situation” he gave a chuckle and placed it upon the desk top.

Hearing her question about him being from the future the Doctor gave a nod “Well in a sense yes, then again.. No? It all depends really on how you look at it.” he thought for a moment “You see .. people assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect. But actually from a nonlinear nonsubjective view point.. It’s more like a big ball of … wibbly wobbly … timey wimey … stuff.“ being a Time Lord at times would be difficult to explain to people. As Luna continued he could see the hope in her eyes he in a way could almost hear it thudding in her chest in a way. The Doctor didn’t answer right away, his facial expressions had in fact changed, his smile had faded and a look of sorrow replaced it. He truly felt bad for this girl, he wanted to help her so much. Even being a Time Lord, he couldn’t reverse what had happened to Luna. Slowly getting up from his chair behind his desk the man made his way over to her and took a seat beside her. Reaching out he took a hold of her hands and held them gently.

Sitting there the man lifted his deep chocolate brown eyes to her silver grey ones his voice much more delicate than his normal tone. It was comforting in a way. “Even with being from the future… I’m sorry, I’m so sorry Luna. But I can’t reverse what has been done to you.” he took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled as his eyes drifted to his sonic screwdriver. “I did a full body scan with my device and … the aging is permanent. Even with this being a world of magic and wonder, some things just can not be reversed. This... happens to be one of them.” The Doctor knew that she would be feeling so many mixed emotions at once, he knew right now she’d need someone at her side and at this very moment he wasn’t about to leave her. No.

Instead he moved closer and gently slid an arm around her shoulder as he softly pulled her close to him “I know this is a lot to take in, I’m sorry this happened to you, Luna” his voice a whisper, a soothing tone he was trying to ease her worry and dismay that had more than likely risen to the surface. “But you’re not alone, I know you feel it right now but you’re not. I won’t leave you, I promise you that I will remain here by your side through all of this” holding her close the Time Lord rested his head against hers gently. “I know what it’s like to be alone. A wretchedly horrible feeling it is” he gave a sigh “I’m… the last of my kind. They all died centuries ago. I’ve been traveling alone for two hundred years now”.

Without knowing it his fingers began to comb through her delicate light blonde locks as his mind wandered as his voice slowed. “I’m ‘The Doctor’ I’m the last of my race known as the Time Lords. I come from the planet Gallifrey on the constellation of Kasterborous. It’s a planet far… far away” he finally now realized what his fingers were doing and immediately slowed the combing until his hand was simply resting against her. Lowering his eyes to her, the Time Lord gave her an understanding gaze “Just remember that you’re not alone” he whispered, making sure she was alright he finally pulled back from her and rested in his seat.

"I did hear from the some of the faculty that you've been moved to your own quarters. If they can't find a place for you then you'll be sent home. Now…. I know Hogwarts is amazing with its magic of sorts and for what it truly stands for." the man couldn't help as a smirk curled on his lips for a moment "I'm still technically a professor here. I can speak with Dumbledore and see if he allows you to stay here as my aide to help me during class. How'd you like the sound of that?" his smirk turning into a rather charming grin.

--

Getting worse in two years time? What did that mean? Mr. Smith was starting get questions of his own as he watched this girl. When the two were finally in the classroom the door closed so they could begin the session of detention. When he spoke to her of having nothing planned then pulled out his literal treasure chest of sweets he offered her some of everything and grinned as that seemed to have caught her attention. "Yes Miss Tyler I do, they are my favorite after all." When she popped them into her mouth and gave a rather interesting smile the hidden Time Lord sat back in his seat and tossed a few into the air catching them in this mouth.

Sitting there chewing he listened to what Rose had to saw next about not being a witch. The man couldn't help it when a very triumphant smile touched his lips 'I knew there was something off about her' were his thoughts. Yet as she continued on with being from London and from the man slowed in his chewing. When she mentioned the big blue box at that moment the man was in mid swallow of his chewed candy and nearly choked on the jelly babies and began to pound his chest to get the candy to go down properly. Once that crisis was over the professor was listening more intently now it seemed. Watching her pause for breath the man was about to open his mouth and say something when she mentioned the alien's name.

He could see his leather encased book in his peripheral vision and remembered jotting that down in there for his notes in his dreams. Could his memories be of this alien called the Doctor? What significance did that have with him? He was John Smith, a charms professor.''and I think it's you' were her last words that dragged the man's blue eyed gaze back to this future girl before him. Mr. Smith's mind was swelling with questions as he looked to her, his mouth shut, his mind racing he didn't take his eyes off her until she finished her spilling of information. The hidden Time Lord figured she'd tell him something but all of this? How was he supposed to answer to everything he'd just heard? Maybe she snuck into his classroom and looked at his book? No that was a ridiculous theory.

The man heavily swallowed a knot that had formed in his throat after listening to what she had to say. It was starting to mess with his mind, mess with his memories, in reality it was messing majorly with his head and at this point he beginning to become a bit confused. How could she know the blue box? "that is quite a bit of information I'm honestly surprised you haven't had a complete mental break down, Miss Tyler" he gave her a light clap "Bravo to that. But really. You're from the future and you travel in a blue box?" the hidden Time Lord was beside himself in disbelief. All of his dreams were finally being brought to the surface of his mind.

Reaching for his book the flipped to the back and began to go over the notes and images he'd sketched across the parchment paper that filled the book. "The Doctor" he pointed to his writing "and then the blue box" he turned a pages and showed her "It's absurd to say that I'm some alien, I'm only a professor, a full blooded wizard I come from Carlisle England." he looked to her "But I have … visions, dreams I just feel that this … Doctor is somehow connected to them." he held his book out to her for her take before moving to sit back in his chair, subconsciously taking up his fob watch and running his fingers along its etched designs. During his times of confusion and worry, the watch helped calm his mind. "Time is a funny thing, you never know what's going to happen, how to handle it when it does happen. It's brings along new experiences that cause you to realize that something is truly missing from your life." the man blinked for a moment upon revising his words just spoken. That was odd of him to say. He shook his head and rested back.

His blue eyes closed, his fingers idly tracing the outer casing of the watch. "So you say the blue box crashed here? where exactly? the forest perhaps?" what was this feeling that was coming over him? Could it be a hint of excitement? His eyes opened as he looked to her "I'd like to see it" he was on his feet sliding his fob watch into his pocket "We'll cut your detention early. we have maybe half and hour or so left but that's alright. with Dolores in a meeting she won't know you're not serving it. Besides I'm more than certain you need to…. catch up with your newly acquainted friends" he gave a smile. He seemed a bit antsy at this point like he wanted to bolt and go searching for the box.

--

There could be so many possibilities how Draco would have made the potion. Harry knew it took a great deal of skill to even come up with as strong of a potion that Draco had. Did he have help? did he do it on his own? Where did he get that book? Harry simmered in his thoughts his mind trailing off until Hermione's voice pulled him back to reality as he looked to her "I.. I don't know Hermione. We accused Snape back in our first year and it turned out he was trying to help which… is.." he ceased in speaking and shook his head as she recanted her first statement and replaced it with another. "We know how Malfoy is, he got that book from somewhere and has already started causing havoc. It angers me to the core, Hermione. That could've been you and if it were you in Luna's place I swear to Merlin I would give Draco what he ha--" he realized he was getting heated, an anger heat at that and immediately silenced his voice

Hearing her reaction to his statement the He listened to her words and slowly nodded, a sigh passing his lips as he did "I know there isn't. But you have to admit it Hermione. Things aren't the same. They haven't been for awhile. The way he acts to not only me but you? You think that doesn't bother me? Well it does. When I see you hurt and suffering, it hurts me, Hermione" he was being truthful with his words as he looked to her a sincerity deep within his eyes. After explaining that Hogwarts was his home and he'd do all he could to keep it safe he was taken aback when she gushed and threw her arms around him. An immediate smile formed upon Harry's lips as he returned the embrace until she pulled away from him.

Listening to her words he gave a nod "Deep down I know I'm not alone, truly." when she hugged him, he wrapped his arms around her embracing her close as he smiled. Just then the portrait door opened and Ron headed their way, feeling Hermione's arms slide away, Harry too removed his grasp from around her as they now both looked to Ron before looking to each other then back to Ron again. His response to Harry's agreeing to do it was far from enthusiastic which Harry didn't pay any mind to it and merely shrugged it off as normal Ron behavior. "I do…" he shook the thoughts from his head "But let's not dwell on that now" his mind always went to Ginny when he thought of a sour faced Ron. Those two. Yes they were friends but Ron was turning into quite the huge git, Ginny was getting even more annoying by the year. Harry did what he could to block it from his mind and put his focus on Hermione.

It was then suggested they head inside and to Harry that sounded like a good idea. Following suit he made his way into the common room, shutting the portrait door behind him as he turned his attention to common room which surprisingly was pretty empty except for the three of them. "Well this is a rare sight" Harry gave a slight smile "It's been awhile since it's been just the thr--" before he could even continue with his statement Ron was on his feet and up to the dormitory "apparently I stand corrected" he gave a smile to Hermione as she pat the spot beside her. Moving over the green eyed boy sat down beside her "I'm fine with it being just us two" he smiled to her "feels like old times, doesn't it?"

Getting himself comfortable he leaned back against the cushions of the sofa as his green eyes peered through his round spectacles "Do you think "Rose will tell us about that new professor while she's at it? I really hope she does. Both of them seem very off. Don't they? Well Mr. Logan is professional I'll give him that but .. I don't know they might be working together. If they're from the future maybe it's because of Umbridge?" Harry knew what he was saying and knew at this point it would be a good time to just shut up and wait for Rose before he hurt himself jumping to conclusions. "I'll stop…" he realized he was getting too far ahead of himself "…Sorry" he spoke before looking to her. Reaching down, he took a hold of her hand, it was just something he found himself doing a lot more lately. She was his bestfriend and just having her near comforted him. He wouldn't have it any other way.

A part of her felt a little disappointed that the psychic paper hadn’t been effective on her. She could guess its usefulness. For now, there were other matters to attend to. He tried to give a decent description of the issue of time itself, which wasn’t very helpful. While Luna was perceptive and had a unique perspective of her own, she still had believe time was simple and not something you could easily bend to your own will. However, in the past fifteen minutes or so, everything she knew had become distorted and pulled into question. It was a long shot to think that such a mysterious man would come all the way to a school in the middle of nowhere to help her but still, she had hoped it could have been the case. The man got up from his desk and moved around to sit beside her, perhaps an action to show he was trying to be supportive, prove that despite all hardship and human error, that he was on her side.

Luna looked down at his hands holding her own. He said there was nothing that he could do, he was sorry but unable to reverse the potion’s harmful consequences. It was difficult to swallow. She felt her chest getting heavy with the truth as it settled against her heart. She was stuck as herself, an older version of herself. How was that fair to her? She had lost her mother and barely got by with her father and now this had to happen. Why did it have to happen? He continued to talk but most of it didn’t register in her head. Luna had dreaded the final conclusion, as she feared for the worst. And the worst had happened. The world was the same but she had sped through it all and came out as if nothing had happened. A tidal wave of sickness overcame her and she started to shake a little.

What could she do?

The man moved an arm around her cautiously and she remained stiff and in shock. She tried swallowing again as he tapped his head against hers gently and began to speak. She did her best to keep up with what he was saying but her mind was practically frozen in place. In the back of her mind, she knew she was still catching what he was saying. She then noticed his fingers against her moonlight colored hair. She wasn’t sure what to make of it, it was a bit soothing but then she had to remind herself that while she wasn’t technically a student or a teenager anymore and he wasn’t really a professor, or even human for that matter, it still felt a little weird. They had just met and then her life changed and then everything started to spill out from both sides.

The Doctor, as he called himself explained that it was likely she wouldn’t be allowed to stay in Hogwarts since there wasn’t a real place for her. She nodded at his promise to talk to the Headmaster. “I’d appreciate that, thank you.” Luna offered him a smile. Her eyes located the time and noticed it was almost curfew. But since she wasn’t a student, she knew she didn’t have to worry about it. Still, old habits were tough to break and she announced that she should be getting to bed. The Doctor agreed and she headed out, saying she could make it to her quarters on her own just fine. “Thank you again.” She bowed her head a little and left. There was a lot to take in and she needed some rest, or at least time to herself. While the Doctor had insisted that she wasn’t alone, she still needed time to think and take everything in. She had just been told by an alien no less, about time travel and everything else. There were so many questions about him but she needed her space as well.

Once back in her room, she got ready for bed and drank a potion given to her by Professor Snape to assist in her sleep.

When daylight broke, she was slow to rise. She looked around and wearily reminded herself that none of her friends were with her in the dorms. No. She had her own place, decorated in Ravenclaw colors to perhaps soothe her. It was comfortable but still isolated enough to make her worry that she wasn’t even in Hogwarts anymore. Luna got dressed in the clothes provided for her, a long cotton flora skirt, a belt, and a simple green top with a tan cardigan over that. She brushed her long hair out and picked up her wand and slipped it between her belt and herself. Then she pulled on some spare boots and headed out. It was the end of breakfast and most students were off to their first class, if they had one. Others were likely in the library or hurrying back to their common rooms because they forgot something. Luna found herself going toward the Great Hall.

In her mind, she recall what her week’s schedule looked like. She should be going to Transfiguration but instead she had nothing to do. If the Headmaster wanted to see her, she was sure he’d send word somehow. Luna found her way into the kitchens and asked if she could have a basket made up. Luna decided if the inside of the castle would be swarming with kids, the outside would be all hers. An elf made a large basket filled with sandwiches, cookies, and other picnic foods. She thanked him and went on her way. She paused outside a long hall and decided to see if Mr. Logan, or the Doctor rather, was free or if he had classes. She knocked on the door and waited. He answered it and she saw he didn’t have class. A smile quickly flashed across her face. “I know you said you were a little lonely last night and that you and I could relate very well to that…and I thought you might like to join me for a picnic out on the grounds.” Luna said simply and held up her packed basket.

- - -

“Yeah same here.” Rose shrugged as he mentioned how she hadn’t had a breakdown yet. “I’m getting there though.” She said. The man then pulled out a book and showed her some of his scribbling and other notes. Rose looked them, a little worried she had said too much too soon. But still, it seemed he had his own theories even if he didn’t want to admit to it. He spoke of how absurd it was but that he felt some connection to the Doctor. She looked at the pages, wishing she could help him more. But if the Doctor hadn’t gone off somewhere, she could have insisted the two finally meet face to have and talk everything out. Rose had a feeling Mr. Smith was who the Doctor was looking for. There was damn near evidence to prove it! He sat back, clearly bothered by whatever she had said to him. She didn’t blame him.

In fact she started to blame herself.

If he was another time lord or doctor or something, she could go home. The case would be solved and she could go see her mother again and get back to her life. She shook her head a little. Space seemed appealing too though. She had no idea what she was involved with or even who. She did just meet the Doctor after all. It was then brought up as to the whereabouts of the box. “Oh um…something like that sorta.” She kept her response vague, as she wasn’t sure if him seeing the TARDIS would be alright or not. And Rose wasn’t sure exactly where it was, though she didn’t think it would just vanish without her knowing about it. And the Doctor wouldn’t leave her behind, would he? No of course not. That was an unsettling thought though.

“Um yeah right. Fine by me.” She said faintly as the man suggested they cut the detention short. Rose felt a little more than awkward for what she had said. After all, if he wasn’t who she was looking for, she could have seriously done some damage to her cover and the Doctor’s. What she did was stupid, even if she was certain he was their target. “Sorry about just spurting nonsense at you. G’night.” She said and headed out rather quickly. What she had been shown had proved that she was right, that Mr. Smith was probably a time lord but somehow forgot. But who could forget such a thing? She found herself restless as she made it back to the common room. She hurried up to her room and turned in for the night, not even noticing Harry and Hermione passed out on the sofa in front of the dim fire.

The next day arrived and Rose had written a note for the Doctor, “I think I found what you’re looking for, Mr. Smith may be able to help. We need to talk ASAP.” She couldn’t risk writing anything else and was going to slip it into his office on her way to breakfast. She got her things and hurried down but paused when she saw the two people passed out on the couch. The morning was still early and no one else was up, which was probably why they remained undisturbed. ‘I hope they weren’t waiting for me.’ She cringed. “Um hey guys.” She prodded them slightly, not confident about just waking them up. ‘They look so cute together.’ Rose couldn’t help but think to herself.

- - -

She knew things were difficult among the three of them.

It wasn’t had to miss actually. Still, the girl had hoped things would sort themselves out soon. She had looked so fondly at their younger years at school and she hated to think that something could wedge itself between the trio of mates. Hermione was sure Ron would come around in time. She could at least enjoy her time with Harry, as it was fairly rare and would continue to be such once they started their little club up. Harry began to speculate again as to what Rose and Mr. Logan could be to. “I don’t know, Harry. She seems nice enough, harmless. If they’re from the future they may not be allowed to tell us what’s going on. All we can do is try.” She considered. “Though if they know we know something, I don’t know if that’s wise or not.” Hermione frowned. Time travel was dangerous and it could ruin people’s lives if it was misused or found out, in certain circumstances. People could go insane from one mishap.

“We need to be careful when we talk to her.” She concluded. Harry stopped his rambling and she threw him a smile. “It’s alright, I’m just as curious as you are.” She said. If Rose hadn’t come in that great blue box, she wasn’t sure how the term would be, probably a lot more depressing. He took her hand and she smiled. They hands always seem to reach for one another. He was a comforting person, despite all the chaos in their lives, she felt at peace when they were together. And over the years, they had been able to learn to rely on one another in many situations ranging from the everyday with notes and homework, to the extraordinary like how to battle a dragon or make a potion that changes your appearance. Hermione was sure the next few years at school would be just fine as long as she didn’t lose Harry.

She tightened her hold slightly.

He was always so close to death, she hated it. Harry had suffered so much and she wanted this year to be the one that didn’t involve them in trouble. But thanks to Umbridge, that wouldn’t be the case. She leaned her head on his shoulder and looked at the fire. “We’ll just sit and wait for her to come back.” She muttered. Before long, she found herself and Harry fast asleep in front of the fire which had already gone out. Her dreams were short but filled with various bits from the week at school. Hermione dreamed about Luna and Rose and school. She dreamed about Ron and flying police boxes. She soon woke up and saw Rose standing in front of them. Hermione lifted her head from Harry and shook him awake. “What time is it?” Hermione asked.

“About six or so, I was just on my way out to uh do something.” Rose said.

“Rose,” Hermione looked to make sure Harry was at least halfway for the next bit. “are you a time traveler?”

“Bloody hell.” Rose breathed and rolled her eyes. She couldn’t believe she had to tell another person her life’s story about the Doctor. She was still tired herself and quickly debated whether or not to tell them or to keep it to herself. Fresh anger toward the neglectful Doctor burst out of her as she crumpled up the parchment in her hand. “Yeah I am.”

Hermione looked to Harry again and stared at Rose. “Are you here because of our current events?” She asked, holding her breath.

“I wish I was, but no. I’m here because I’m looking for someone who isn’t supposed to be here.”

Hermione recalled their first conversation in the Great Hall and her chest fell. “So you’re sure it’s not Umbridge?”

“It’s not her, I’m sorry. Look, I can’t tell you much else. I already blabbed a lot and I don’t wanna say too much. I know what the future holds for you guys though and it gets better. I swear it gets better.” She then looked to Harry and her face fell. “Well um sort better.” She thought back to him and Sirius and then all the time and effort it would take to locate the Horcuxes. “I have to go, see you at breakfast.” Rose then quickly headed off. Hermione got up and stretched. She rubbed her sore neck and flashed Harry a smile. At least they knew something, sure it wasn’t what they wanted but it was something. And they weren’t crazy, they were right.

Rose headed off and found the Muggle Studies classroom. It was open thankfully and she let herself in. She put her note on his desk and backed up, not sure if she wanted to leave it out in the open. The content of it seemed innocent enough but it was still important. It was Thursday morning and if she remembered corrected, many would be leaving the following day to go home for the holidays. They would have about two weeks off of school before they would come back and get ready for their finals for the fall term. Then spring would begin anew. The girl let out a sigh and exited the classroom and headed for the Astronomy Tower as it was one place she knew she could go to while she waited for the school to wake up. When she got there, she saw she wasn’t as alone as she thought. “Oh uh morning Mr. Smith.” She said awkwardly and looked down. She wondered if he had gotten a wink of sleep after what she had said.

“I can go, I mean you were here first.” She started to say. She caught sight of the view and she let out a sigh. It was beautiful. “I’m sorry for last night by the way, I had like no right to dump all of that on you.” She said. “I mean, I’m not really a time traveler, that would be weird. I was just a little stressed with um the holidays and tests comin’ up really, forget I ever mentioned anything.” She said and glanced down. Still, she didn’t outright deny everything from last night. Rose just didn’t want to worry the guy, and if the Doctor was really going to see him sometime soon thanks to her note, Rose didn’t want to do anymore damage. “The view's great." She had always wanted to see it for herself. "Anyway, sorry again, professor." She turned to head off to breakfast.

- - -

“Maybe she’ll be more willing to talk some other time.” Hermione offered to her best friend. “Come on, we better get ready ourselves.” She pulled Harry off the couch and headed up to do just as she suggested. When she came down a while later, she and Harry headed down to the Great Hall. One their way, she kept her eyes out for Rose. Hermione took a seat by Harry and looked around. Everything seemed the same but it didn't feel the same. She heard Ron talking with his siblings about going away for the holidays. Hermione did wish to go home herself but she didn't want to leave Harry. She set her juice down and wiped her mouth. "Harry, I haven't decided if I want to go home for the holidays or not." She brought it up slowly. "I know Ron is leaving and you might want to spend it with Sirius back at the Order but after what's happened you may need to get away from even all that. I can send word to my parents if you'd like to stay with me for the holidays." She finally finished. "We don't do anything extravagant but it would be nice to have them officially meet you besides just seeing you at King's Cross." She smiled.

"And maybe getting away from magic for a while would do us some good." They could easily prepare for their lessons for their club or just walk around her part of town and relax. She just wasn't sure two weeks at Hogwarts would do either of them any good at the moment. "Besides, how can we possibly enjoy the holidays with our very own grinch here?" She looked over to Umbridge who was talking to Dumbledore.

Her entire reaction to what he had to say was definitely expected, the Doctor wished he could reverse it, bring calmness back to her life once more but that wasn’t an option. It wasn’t possible. But Luna wasn’t alone, in a sense the Doctor understood how she felt he only wished he could do more than comfort her. Sitting there the man held her in a gentle comforting matter, was giving his life history in a sense. It was just how the Doctor was, rambling on, it was one of his more interesting quirks. The time between them at this moment was growing a tad lengthy, the Doctor felt it was time to let her know the idea that had been bouncing around in his mind. He’d talk to Dumbledore, he knew that Luna loved this school and didn’t want her current predicament to take her away from her comfort zone than she already was.

After giving her the news and hearing her reply, her response, seeing that smile. He knew it was genuine but he could still see the unsettling uncertainty within her eyes and knew that even with him saying all that he had she was still somehow internally battling with herself and this new change. Hearing her mention heading out the Doctor gave a nod "That sounds like a wise idea, Luna" he gave her a smile and was on his feet showing her out of his office, out of his classroom. Standing in the doorway of his classroom his eyes focused on her until she disappeared around the corner of the corridor. Only then was the Time Lord able to take in a deep breath and allow his body to fully relax. Reaching up he ruffled his fingers through his untamed brown tousled hair a sigh escaping his lips before pinching at the bridge of his nose "At least she's resting now" he whispered to himself before giving his body a stretch, Heading back into his classroom where he tidied up, got papers ready for the following day of classes, yet something within him told him that he might not really be able to keep this facade up for much longer. Deep within him the Doctor could sense an impending danger afoot.

After a shower, a cup of tea the Doctor sat upon the windowsill in his sleeping quarters, a pair of blue and white stripped jimjams. Sitting upon the sill, his deep chocolate brown eyes moved to stare out at the land below, it indeed was quite beautiful at night, the moon's rays delicately sparkling against the lake's surface. A comforting warmth began to spread through the Time Lord as a smile touched his lips, his eyes partaking in the beauty of this world in its entirety, it truly was magnificent. That however was disrupted when there was a knock upon the door of his quarters. For a moment the Time Lord turned his attention to his door, who on earth could that be in such a late hour? No one ever visited him. Getting to his feet he took up a blue night robe and slipped it on before heading up to the door. However upon opening it, he met a pair of half moon spectacles and long white beard. At first a look of confusion took over the Time Lord but soon the smile from the elderly wizard caused the extraterrestrial to calm as he snapped from his momentary confusion. "Good Evening, Head Master, is ... there a problem?"

"My apologies for visiting you in such a late hour, Derek. But I knew you were trying to comfort Miss Lovegood during her current predicament. I was meaning to discuss with you a possible placement for her" the elderly wizard explained with a soft calming aura emanating from him. At first the Time Lord wasn't sure what the Headmaster had heard, if he was even spying. There was a slight worry setting in the man as it could slowly be seen forming in his eyes yet it was as if this wizard saw and slowly lifted his hand "No need to become alarmed, Derek. Whatever was discussed in your office has stayed between you and Miss Lovegood"

*

That was definitely a relief, yet now the Time Lord in a sense realized that perhaps the elderly wizard knew about his whole 'act' and wasn't saying a word. The Time Lord gave a nod "Thank you, Headmaster, now.. a placement for Luna? I was going to head to your office and speak with you personally about the matter, but since you've ventured all this way. It seems we both have the same idea in mind. I would like for Luna to become my assistant, my aide during my time of teaching. I know she loves this school and would hate that she would be pulled from this comfortable area in her life after everything that has happened thus, Sir"

"My thoughts exactly, Derek" the man gave him a smile "I will leave it to you, to give Miss Lovegood the news of her position as an assistant under your authority. I shall hold your time no more, I bid you good night, Derek" the man gave him a nod and slowly headed on his way.

"Thank you, Headmaster" the Time Lord watched him leave, a very curios look within his eyes. The Doctor didn't close the door until the wizard was out of sight and only then did the Time Lord return to the windowsill. Being a Time Lord, he didn't need much sleep, perhaps ten, twenty hours a week but even so, it was mainly his excitement that was truly keeping him awake, excited and active. That was until a very familiar sense washed over him, the Doctor was on his feet and lowering his gaze to the stone floor beneath his feet. 'What is that? ... is it him?' were the Time Lord's thoughts. Making his way to the door he placed his hand upon the handle but it seemed as quickly as that sense of familiarity washed over him, it disappeared and so did his grip upon the door handle.

*

As the sun rose over the horizon the following morning, the Time Lord was already showered, in a his clean blue pinstriped suit, his still sonic in his jacket pocket and red converse upon his feet. Giving his hair a good comb through, his usual spike of tousled mane the man headed down to his classroom to get things ready for his classes but his whole morning was free so he didn't really have much to do. He'd just finished going through parchment notes he'd taken during the night and organized them upon his desk in the classroom when a knock came to his door. The Doctor wasn't anticipating any visitors, no students really needed help with the subject the man was teaching, so who could it be? Making his way up to the door he opened it and upon seeing Luna Lovegood in front of him the Time Lord couldn't help it when a smile curled upon his lips "Good Morning, Luna" hearing her words he spoke of having a free morning and his light smile turned into a rather Cheshire cat type grin "A picnic? that sounds like a brilliant idea Luna" Deciding against grabbing his 'wizard' robe the Doctor stepped out of the classroom and held his arm out to her after closing his classroom door "Shall we?" if she were to take his arm or not he led the way.

~*oOo*~

The Hidden Time Lord had to admit, everything that Rose was telling him was quite a lot to take in, not to mention that it was almost like the perfect puzzle piece to help set together his confused mind. Those images, those dreams, this Doctor, that blue box. Whoever that Doctor was, Smith knew he was in some way tied to him but how? His mind was running in such a frenzy of thoughts he barely even was able to focus on Rose's words, Yet he somehow managed to do so and snapped out of his frenzied state, bringing his blue eyes back to his student before him "It's quite alright, Miss Tyler" he walked with her toward the door "With everything you've told me, I can understand why you needed to let it out. By all means if you need to speak with me again, you know where my classroom is" he gave her a small smile and escorted her out before dipping back into his classroom and shutting the door.

Making his way back to the desk he sat there, taking up his book, a quill and dipping it in the bottle of ink. Opening the book he began to scribble words of the encounter, taking notes per say. After nearly three pages the man sat back, taking his fob watch out of his pocket he began to trace the designs once more. Several moments had passed, The Hidden Time Lord seemed to calm down, his mind easing as he sat up and lowered his gaze to the watched. He'd seen it before in his dreams, he'd opened it and had seen a golden light. But it just a dream, right? His fidgety fingers brushed along the top knob of the watch, he was ever so curious, he wanted to know but at the same time he didn't. Drawing in a deep breath the man held the watch up to eye level and clicked the button the top of the fob watch.

In an instant golden light poured out from the opening watch and aiming straight for the Hidden Time Lord's eyes 'Last of the Time Lords from Gallifrey the Shining world of the seven systems on constellation of Kasterborous,' it was his voice that rang within his mind. Images began to form within his head, images he hadn't seen before and in that instant John Smith had enough and quickly snapped the watch shut, tossing it across the classroom. His heart was racing, his ears were ringing and for that moment the hidden Time Lord lost consciousness, blacking out in the very seat he sat in. As the man physically rested his mind raced with thoughts, with images, the blue box he saw it's interior 'The TARDIS calls to you' the wheeze and huff of the machine sounded as clear as day within his mind. It was a noise he knew he heard before, a strange tingle had come over him the night Rose had appeared, but he didn‘t know that. Not now at least.

The hours passed and unbeknownst to him, the hidden Time Lord had been visited by the Headmaster and with a spell the elderly wizard transferred the man to his room to rest with the fob watch upon the Time Lord's night stand. The conversation could wait for another day. Hours had passed and slowly but surely John Smith began to awaken, much sooner than normal, his mind was racing the moment he consciously woke up 'Time Lord... The TARDIS' blinking awake the hidden Time Lord sat up then realized he wasn't in his classroom instead in his bedroom. How did he get there, reaching up he buried his hands into his face and groaned.

Even with as clouded of a mind as he was dealing with he noticed his fob watch "It glowed... I know it did.." reaching for it he looked at it, his finger idly traced near the knob but he wasn't about to do it again. He wasn't about to open it. It started to swarm into his head the possibility that Rose was right. What if he was an alien? A .. A Time Lord. Staring at the watch, his heart was thudding in his chest as he gulped thickly "... that's preposterous..." he sighed faintly and was on his feet just getting ready for the day since he was more than certain he'd be unable to sleep.

~*oOo*~

Sitting with Hermione the boy-who-lived listened to her cautious words and gave a nod "You've got a point Hermione." his mind was no longer focused on Ron. Ever since their last year maybe sooner and his didn't notice? Their redhead friend was growing more and more irate and hard to talk to at least in Harry's opinion. The two had stayed up talking, just waiting for Rose, Harry had reached for Hermione hand and they continued their conversation of the 'what ifs' and 'time travel' and all speculating as the hours passed. Harry Had Hermione by his side, she and his godfather were all he really needed in his mind. Sure there were their other friends and he had the Order and those close to him. But even then Harry felt content, for the most part at least, sure there was the thought of impending doom ahead, something just didn't sit well in Harry's gut with everything but only time would tell what would happen and how things would really play out.

It wasn't long after when Harry fell asleep, Hermione joining him soon after, they had a full day of classes, then Luna's predicament and finally the two staying up and waiting for Rose it was inevitable when Hermione fell asleep, Harry pulling her close protectively even and soon after he too joined her in slumber. As the green eyed gryffindor slept he dreamt of Rose, Professor Logan, the box, Luna's predicament but most of all the dream changed to more on the side of a nightmare as Umbridge appeared, then Voldemort's words of 'Avada Kedavra, the look of Cedric's lifeless body, his lifeless eyes staring at him. Harry's head jerked and thrashed every so often in his sleep, his face coming contorted yet as time went on those horrible images faded and he was able to sleep rather comfortable.

As hours passed, Harry was awoken by being shaken and soon a look of shock came over him as his eyes opened wide "wh-what?" his glasses were crooked for having falling asleep with them on. He was still half asleep and allowed his head to fall back against the cushioned couch arm his green eyes closing. Yet as Hermione's question left her lips, that was definitely picked up by Harry who was now brought into full alert as he brought him to sit up and quickly adjust his glasses, his green eyes moving to focus on Rose awaiting an answer. She now had his full attention and after getting the answer, a smile formed upon Harry's face as he looked to her. So His and Hermione's speculation were correct, Rose was from the future so they weren't completely mental for thinking it.

As Rose and Hermione conversed further, Harry remained silent as at this point? Harry was still too groggy to even think of questions to ask, not to mention Hermione was the best to deal with the situation. Hearing Rose speak that things would get better he was relieved but seeing the look on her face, when she looked at him and in a sense recanted her statement to give a more realistic answer, Harry's heart nearly skipped a beat. How bad was it going to get, honestly? When she spoke of seeing them at breakfast, Harry's mind began to wander, his eyes lifted to Hermione as he saw her smile and returned it "Well we finally know. I'm glad"

- - -

Up in the Astronomy Tower, John Smith had found his way up there. Throughout the time he was awake he couldn't clear his mind yet whenever he was there being able look down at the vast and beautiful land the man actually found a hint of peace. A feeling of calm serenity washed over him as he stood there leaning against the railing as his eyes closed allowing the cool crisp breeze to brush against his face as his body eased greatly. It would seem hours of being in that position in that spacious haze the faint sounds of footsteps climbing the stairs sounded. Hearing a familiar voice his blue eyes opened as he glanced back to her, a smile forming upon his lips "Good Morning Rose. I hope you managed to get some sleep" hearing her next statement his smile fell a tad but he shook his head "Don't be silly, I wouldn't mind the company. There is more than enough space here."

She continued to speak and the man looked to her, taking in her words. He wanted to believe what she was telling him, he wanted to but deep down John Smith knew that it wasn't possible. There was far too much that had happened, her first words speaking to him about the Doctor and the Box which he now knew was called the TARDIS. Then the opening of his watch, it was just far too much information for him to believe that it wasn't true. He kept the watch in his robe pocket but he wasn't about to open it again. Not after what he'd witnessed the night before, Watching her turn and leave the hidden Time Lord stood there leaning against the railing look at the spot where she'd been standing moments ago. 'A girl from the future. An alien and a blue box known as the TARDIS. well... what does that mean about me? I'm John Smith from Carlisle England and yet she claims that I'm the alien like this Doctor. This Doctor who is an alien race known as Time Lords' he slowly gave a sigh and reached up to rub his face slowly 'Why? ...would this happen? How could this happen? I'm starting to question if .. this life I'm living is even real? Am I even a wizard?'

the man shook his head "That's absurd.. completely mental. I am a wizard. the Charms professor have been for years. no more questioning my existence... I can't or else I will definitely need to be thrown into St. Mungos" he shook his head and left the astronomy tower to start his day.

- - -

Harry soon got to his feet with Hermione's help before they parted ways to their respected dorms to get ready for the day. A simple shower, clean uniform and his robes with his wand tucked into his robe pocket the green eyes Gryffindor headed down to meet up with best friend. together the two heading downstairs to the Great Hall for breakfast.Sitting at the table with Hermione beside him, Harry looked about then overheard Ron talking with Ginny and Twins about traveling with the family for the holidays. It must be nice to have a loving family. Then again he did have Sirius and knew that his godfather would probably enjoy his company for the holidays but right now? Harry just didn't see himself wanting to go anywhere near Grimmauld place.

The boy-who-lived was ins his own world but Hermione's voice slowly pulled him from it and turned his full attention to her. She was offering for him to join her? To stay with her and her family? Hearing everything she had to say she wanted him to meet her family "That's really kind of you Hermione" his voice was warm as the boy couldn't help but smile, "I would like that a lot Hermione, Thank you." he resumed eating and listened to her words "I have to agree, being here in the castle for two weeks it wouldn't be much of a holiday. Spending it with you and your family I'd love that, the sound of it. I hope your parents are alright with it. if they're not I understand". If this were to go as planned he knew Hermione and Himself could plan out things about the group. When she mentioned grinch, he himself was actually up to date on that reference and looked over to Umbridge "Looks like pink is the new green." he gave a slight laugh.

Had her offer been refused, she would have understood though based on their interaction the night before, Luna doubted that the man would turn her down if he had free time to spare. And what better to do with free time than to explore and nibble? In a sense, she was trying to kill two birds with one stone. And to her knowledge, she had plenty of time to spare. She knew she was likely free to roam but with Umbridge still lurking behind every corner, butting into everyone's lives, she had to show some caution. And if they were off of the grounds, they were less likely to get into trouble with the said tyrant. She took a step back as he agreed and then offered his arm for her to take hold. Luna took her arm in his and they set off towards the outside. It had been raining on and off for the past few weeks and Luna was sure snow could descend upon them at any moment. But she was sure there was some kind of repellant spell in her new arsenal that could help them if they were to find themselves in any sort of trouble.

Not to mention that the man beside her was an alien and time traveler, she had nothing to really worry about.

Well, not exactly.

Still, Luna was determined to have a good day. She had spent enough time the day before moping and crying about her situation. If nothing could be done then nothing could be done. She had to just face it like the adult she apparently was. And she wasn't alone. Her mind was adjusting and she would be alright. As they walked outside, she peered up at the gray sky. It wasn't a welcoming sight by any means, but it was better than being cooped up in the hospital or inside a stuffy classroom full of annoying classmates. Her mind momentarily went to Draco and the consequences that he should receive. At first she was ready to have him expelled. What he had done was dangerous and spiteful and honestly, unnecessary. But as she could settle into a more mature mindset now, she wondered about how much use it would be to just expel the blond from school. Obviously he didn't take it seriously so other matters should be considered, more thoughtful ones.

If anything, she was still somewhere interested in whatever consequences the Headmaster could come up with. She knew that the boy's father would somehow find a way to brush off the incident as something teens did when they rebelled. Luna's life had been the price for such rebellion and she needed to know that another student wouldn't be attacked like she was. That was more important, to prevent anymore attacks or mishaps. Honestly she wasn't even sure if Draco would learn his lesson, he wasn't someone she paid any mind to so she couldn't give much of an opinion on the boy's mental capacity. And she didn't want to attempt it either, she knew her time and energy could be better spend doing something else. In a way, she was over the whole incident, finding it much more productive to move on and adjust, rather than grit her teeth and drag her heels along the road to acceptance.

"I do hope the weather holds." She commented to the Doctor. "Even if it doesn't, a little rain or snow can't hurt." She said simply and looked back from the sky to the tall man beside her. Even though she was older now, she was still not up to his height. She looked over her shoulder and to the Doctor who seemed just as content as she was. It was weird to feel such tranquility with her entire world in ruin, but to know she had company, it made the healing process much more smooth. Luna was aware that there would be a long road ahead of her but for now she wasn't alone and she was very grateful for that. The two of them explored the lush outside until they decided it was time to eat. Even though it was now noon, the day hadn't warmed up at all. If anything, it had gotten even colder and small white flakes of snow were fluttering down from the sky above them. Luna let out a small laugh as they just decided to go inside the TARDIS to get out of the snow. "I sensed something strange, I suppose this was it."

She ran her hand along the painted blue wood. She then walked around it and placed her head on the side of one the four long walls. "It's been through so much." She could feel it, almost see every encounter and planet and person who had been in contact with the spaceship. Luna looked at it and then the Doctor opened the door and let her inside. Her heart was pounding as she entered it. "She's beautiful." She said in awe. Walking up the metal ramp, she basked in the green and yellow hues of the lights around them. "Thank you for showing me your TARDIS." She said, trying to remember what it stood for. It was a mouthful indeed so the acronym was useful. "Well shall we?" She set the basket down as they walked down below to where there was more room to sit and eat by the coils of the beating heart of the machine. She sat down and handed him a wrapped sandwich as she picked out an apple for herself. Looking up, she stared at the intricate engineering and shook her head. "You're very brilliant, someone like you shouldn't be alone." She commented. Though she hadn't clarified if she meant the Doctor or the TARDIS itself.

- - -

Should she keep pressing the matter?

Rose didn't know.

At breakfast she didn't make much conversation. She was rather torn between badgering Mr. Smith and not. She left a note for the Doctor but she looked up and saw he wasn't at the table. She wondered what he was busy doing. went to class and saw that it was altered, that everyone just had a half day since everyone who was traveling would either leave tonight or the following day. She looked over at Harry and Hermione to see them making plans to go off. She just shook her head and decided not to think about Christmas back home with her mother. They didn't do anything big or special but they were together. They would get a little tree and put it in their flat, they'd make good food and walk around the city and window shop. It was nice and now she was stuck in a fantasy novel with no one to help. She was even beginning to question why she was here, she felt like she was the only one doing anything.

And on top of that, she was beginning to wonder if she was going mad. Was the Doctor even real? Rose rubbed her face and just headed to class with everyone else. It was an uneventful couple of hours of her not really taking notes nor paying attention. At lunch, people were already beginning to say their goodbyes and take their leave. Rose wasn’t sure what she would do for the rest of the day. She still was uninspired to actually do the homework assigned to her because she didn’t even know where to begin. “I miss real paper and pens.” She muttered to herself as she walked around the halls of the school. In a way, she had been looking everywhere for the Doctor. Since her encounters with Mr. Smith had been rather forced, she was sort of avoiding him as well.

Rose’s feet were beginning to hurt and her patience was wearing thin the more she thought about her own family and how she had landed in one of her childhood series. She had looked everywhere for the Doctor and no one knew where he was. The blond watched some third years, a brother and sister, leaving to catch the train back home. She shook her head and sat outside. It was beginning to snow and while it would normally be a magically tone at Hogwarts, she was in no mood to be happy. She was just growing more and more irritated by the minute. Here she was, trying to help the Doctor and yet he was nowhere to be found. What did she have to do to summon him? Kill the Headmaster? She felt a headache coming on and she decided to go back inside and get some tea.

Tea was always her mother’s answer for everything. As she headed back inside to the Great Hall, she heard Draco bragging to Crabbe and Goyle to what he had done to Luna. The area was somewhat crowded with people coming and going. “The look on her face was priceless, she never saw it coming.” He laughed. “I only wish I had saved some for that filthy mudblood that Potter fancies.” He sneered.

“Will up just shut up?! You’re a psychopathic git that no one even cares about!” Rose shouted at him across the foyer. Everyone quieted down and looked to them.

“What did you say to me?”

“You think your father will always be around to bail you out?” Rose scoffed and folded her arms. “I would be a million pounds that in two years, you’ll be forgotten. There will be a war and you’re too cowardly to pick a side. You’ve wasted your life being an angry arrogant prick and you know that deep down inside that you haven’t got any real friends. You think it’s all fun and games to toy with people who you think are beneath you but you know that you’ll never be as happy or as important as Harry or Luna or Hermione and your jealousy eats you up inside and soon there’ll be nothing left except a shell of a pathetic waste of talent and misplace ambition.” Rose slowly approached the boy.

“Who the hell are you to say-“

“I’m stuck here! My home is in another decade in another time. I don’t even belong here and you think you can push me around like one of your poor toys?!” She began to raise her voice. “You need to get your life together! I’m trying to help you but knowing you, you’ll just laugh it off and tell yourself I’m wrong but I’m not.” She snapped. “I want to go home! I’m sick of being here and watching things I can’t change. I’m sick of being ignored and not being able to even enjoy myself here. I’ve dreamed of coming here but it’s all wrong.” She glared and waved her hands at Draco. “I don’t even know what I’m supposed to be doing, I’m all alone and you’re just making everyone worse! Bloody hell, if any of you knew what I know, you’d lot be preparing for the war that’s coming! But you ruin everything because you can’t even see where your loyalties lie.” She shot Draco another glare after she had looked at the crowd.

“I miss my mum and even Mickey who was a god awful nightmare when his team lost a match. And I miss my job but I lost that and thought, why not take some weird bloke’s invitation to have an adventure and suddenly I’m here in the past which would make a bloody good story, I gotta say, but no one here even sees the big picture and it’s getting pretty foggy for me and I just want some answers!” She huffed. “Guess I got a bit carried away there…” Rose cleared her throat and took a step back. “Sorry…lost my mind for a sec…” And now she felt even more abandoned as she saw the Doctor wasn’t even around to help her out.

- - -

Hermione was very pleased that Harry had agreed to come back with her for the holidays. She was certain that it would do him some good. She also thought that they could stop by and see Sirius at some point if they played it safe. “My parents would love to have you over, Harry.” She said to him. “I’ll send word to them and we can go tomorrow morning.” That should be enough time to pack and tie up any loose ends they had. Hermione and Harry soon finished breakfast and headed off to their last round of classes. It was kind of Dumbledore to let everyone have an early break of sorts. She wondered if he wanted students to leave and escape the wrath of Umbridge. She didn’t want to mull over that idea too much that perhaps even the elderly man was weary of the woman. That wouldn’t be a good sign.

Once the classes had ended, Hermione headed off to send word to her parents. She burrowed Hedwig and sent her off with a note explaining that she would be coming back with Harry. She didn’t want to list a reason but she was sure her parents could guess the reasons. Hermione headed down towards the main part of the school and when she did, she saw a large crowd morning in front of the Great Hall. Hermione tried to get a closer look but couldn’t and from the sounds of it, it was Rose. A knot of worry tightened in her stomach and she wondered if the girl from the future was alright. It soon dissipated though thanks to the Charms Professor. Hermione carried on and found Harry and Ron in the common room doing their own things. “Hey.” She waved to them and first approached the redhead. “So you’re leaving to stay with your family?”

“Yeah.”

“When?”

“Tonight.” Ron replied.

“Oh well…hold on.” She ran up to the girl’s dorm and came back and handed her friend a small wrapped parcel. “Don’t open it until Christmas, alright?” Hermione smiled tentatively. He took it and looked it over. He thanked her and they hugged briefly before he went on and headed up to his dorm. Hermione let out a sigh, knowing that it had been a tense encounter when it really shouldn’t have. She wondered when things would get back to normal. Rose had said they would get better but that wasn’t helping their current predicament. Finally she looked to Harry who was by the couch. “I sent word to my parents, I’m sure everything will be fine.” She informed him lightly. “We can leave tomorrow, we already made plans to have them pick me up at King’s Cross around eleven or so, the train should be running on time.”

She wasn’t sure what else to say.

“I guess we have the rest of the day to ourselves.” Ron was pretty much out the door already and Hermione had a feeling that spending it in the library reading or studying wasn’t what would entertain Harry. “I think I heard we could go to Hogsmead so maybe we could go there and do some shopping.” She knew it was snowing but she didn’t think it would bother him much. It brought her mind back to their third year and all of the mess that had happened. She remembered the turmoil Harry had gone through when he thought Sirius had betrayed his friends but then it turned out to be a misunderstanding. And since then they’ve been there before but she would always remember going without her friend and then finding him crying alone after spying on the teachers. Her heart hurt just thinking about the past pain he had to endure.

“Come on, let’s bundle up and go.” She encouraged him and headed up to get her Gryffindor scarf and a jacket. She met Harry down in the common room and they headed off to go on a little outing. As they walked, Hermione began to talk about what they could go when they were at her house. “I think my parents already put up the tree but they usually leave some things off it so I can add them when I’m home.” She said. “And my mum makes the best tea and snacks for Christmas Eve.” She told him, her face brightening up as they headed out into the cold. “And there’s this park right by the library, either are great for getting some reading done. And there’s a new cinema in town too but I would prefer books to film.” She said. “But we can see one if you really want to.” She added as they arrived at the snowy Hogsmead shopping district connected to the castle. “Where to first?” She asked him. “My parents may be dentists but they do like sweets, believe it or not.” She laughed a little.

The Time Lord wasn’t sure what to think, here she was, Luna Love good a kind compassionate magical being actually wanting to come over and invite him out to have a picnic? Now the Time Lord was more than certain that it never happened to him before. He was always zany and peculiar he knew that but it seemed that in a sense Luna was the same way and understood him. That was a first in his opinion, most of his companions, come to think of it all of his companions didn’t really understand him on a complete level they just understood him for what he allowed them to see. He hoped in his two hearts that Luna was indeed different, because from what he saw? She was already a spectacularly brilliant young woman and he knew there was quite a more beneath the layers of her personality that had yet to show themselves. The Doctor knew or at least hoped for the most part that it would indeed happen one day.

As she took his arm the two ventured through the corridors heading to the main floor of the castle before making their way out the double doors. The Doctor had hoped they’d be welcomed by sunlight but he saw nothing but dark smoke like clouds blanketing the sky above. The Time Lord wasn’t too happy by that fact but he was going on a picnic with his new friend, Luna. “Well… It’s better than staying inside a stuffy and muggy ol’ castle, yeah?” were his words as he glanced to Luna with a smile “Precisely” he answered his own question. Yet as his eyes glanced down to the young woman holding onto his arm he noticed at that particular moment she was a bit spaced out, lost in her thoughts. A thoughtful, understanding smile touched the man’s lips as he spoke no more and continued walking with her, giving her a chance to sort through those thoughts of hers.

She broke free from her thoughts the Doctor soon figured out after she commented to him “You’re right, a little rain or snow won’t do us any harm.” though the darker clouds above looked more like snow clouds than rain clouds “What I wouldn't do for a good old dose of the sun but this weather is fine so I’m happy” it took a lot to bring the Doctor’s mood down, it was just how he truly was. Well when he had company that was. Always alone, for over two hundred years he’d been alone but slowly being around Rose at first and now Luna? It was truly helping his lonely hearts mend. Feeling her eyes upon him the man slowly lowered his deep chocolate brown eyes down to meet Luna’s gaze as he gave her a contented smile. As the two of them walked arm in arm, yet as they had continued to explore the weather was indeed getting much colder and just as the Time Lord had expected snow began to fall. Extending his free hand out he caught a few snowflakes on his palm “One thing I’ll always love about earth, the changing of the seasons, it’s quite a beautiful sight” hearing Luna’s laugh, that was a first for him and he had to admit it was one of a kind. Bringing his gaze to her he smiled “Lets get out of the snow, wouldn't want you getting sick” with that he lead her into the forest toward his TARDIS.

When they arrived the Doctor stopped and released her arm as she neared his TARDIS, the man took in her entire interaction with his spaceship and gave her a nod “Yep she has, over nine hundred years of life.” he pulled out the key to his TARDIS and neared opening the door for Luna and let her inside. Just seeing her expression, hearing her words caused the Time Lord’s hearts to warm a tad as he followed her into his blue box, the door closing behind him. “You’re quite welcome, Luna” he looked to her and headed down for more sitting space and took a sandwich as she handed it to him. Hearing her final words he gave her a smile yet his mind wandered off a tad to his generations before. Shaking his head from his thoughts he began to unwrap the sandwich “In the end being alone is always the ending factor” which proved to be true throughout his years but he shook his head “But even so, traveling the worlds, taking in this entire galaxy as a whole its quite the sight” he unwrapped his sandwich and took a bit. Chewing and swallowing the bit in his mouth “I could show you places that would be absolutely beautiful. Perhaps one day you’d fancy a trip through the stars with me in my TARDIS?” he held a hopeful look in his eyes. “It doesn’t have to be now, no, but one day perhaps when you’re ready” he took another bite and leaned back enjoying his lunch with Luna.

Some time had passed and things were going rather swimmingly and smooth. That was until the TARDIS made a somewhat unusual noise, in mid chew the Doctor lifted his gaze to the ceiling for a moment "that's odd…" he swallowed the last bit of food that was in his mouth. He was too far from the school perhaps? Or maybe too distracted with his current company to feel that presence of the other Time Lord. Getting up the Doctor was racing up to the main floor of the TARDIS and pulled the screen over yet just as the TARDIS began to lock on the trace it was lost. With a semi-annoyed and slightly angered notion the Doctor's hand balled into a first but he refrained from lashing out and as a result took in a rather shaken inhale which he held for several silent moments before releasing 'Where are you?' was the question that raced through his mind as he looked to the screen.

- - -

During breakfast there wasn't much for the hidden Time Lord to do, a part of him wanted to further question Rose Tyler about her words to him, then taking them back this morning. There was just so much on the man's mind he wasn't even certain he could handle it all. To think, a world outside of Hogwarts? She'd given confirmation of the blue police box, the TARDIS. Oh how he would love to see it in person or even see it to prove that he didn't need a trip to St. Mungos. Though he was excited that he'd received confirmation of its existence the Charms Professor still held quite a bit of doubt deep within his beating heart. Breakfast had went by as 'smoothly' as it possibly could given the circumstances though the man barely even touched the food he'd served on the plate. How could he even begin to fathom the thought of eating with his mind running chaotically from thought to thought?

After breakfast, the Great Hall emptying out, the hidden Time Lord headed to his first class lecture, yet little did he know that with his mind running fiercely as it was now there was no way he was able to even hold a steady stream of thoughts to even teach the class. His teachings for the first class dealt with pauses, eerie silence followed by barely comprehensive words from the man. It was quite unlike him, but for the moment he could barely even keep a steady grasp on who he himself really was. It was that nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach, perhaps much further than that, it wouldn't go away and if it wouldn't go away the man couldn't focus.

As the hours went on, classes continued and to his final class before lunch, they were quite relieved when Professor Smith released them half way through the lecture without question or significant reason in doing so. It was a half day, no harm would come of it, right? For that half hour the confused man sat in his office, his fingers one more tracing the designs of the fob watch. Images began to swarm to his mind once more, images of the past, perhaps the future? 'Open the watch..' was the voice in his head, his own voice. Unknowingly to his conscious self, he'd opened it and when his eyes opened he was hit with a stream of gold light once more. He could hear voice, see images, not wanting this, not one bit he slammed the watch shut and arose to his feet. Reaching up he held onto his head and sighed.

It took the hidden Time Lord several moments to compose himself but when he did he exited his office, his classroom and made his way down the corridor making his way toward the Great Hall. As he ventured toward his destination he could head yelling which became clearer as he neared the hall. It was Rose but to who was she talking to? The professor pushed his way through the crowd, his ears taking in all that she was saying "excuse me" "coming through" "step aside please" By the time Rose had finished with her explosion the Professor was at her side, he placed an arm around her shoulder and looked around to see the crowd "Go about your business, nothing to see here. Just the stresses of classes and what not. C'mon, get moving" his eyes lowered to Rose "It's alright, Miss Tyler, I've got you" he whispered in a calm and soothing tone. Leading her out of the Great Hall away from the students he used a non-verbal incantation to summon a spare robe of his and slipped it on over Rose's shoulders.

"That was quite the show, Miss Tyler. I can see what you mean about stressed out" his northern accent quite noticeable, more than before, what could have happened? "I mean Blimey that was took quite a bit of gut to do what you did" he gave her a smile "I commend you for that impeccable performance of rage and anger that put Draco Malfoy in his place. Bravo, Miss Tyler" he gave her a broad smile. Walking out through the double doors of the castle the man walked with her, remaining by her side as the two ventured beneath the falling snow toward the lake where the Professor knew the merpeople were singing their songs and in sense hoped that it would help calm Rose's current emotions to diminish and a calmer more peaceful demeanor to come forth.

- - -

Sitting there the green eyed Gryffindor looked to Hermione as she spoke, her words the tone of her voice caused a smile to touch his lips as he kept his eyes upon her, taking in every single word she was saying. "I'm glad, Hermione" resuming eating his breakfast the two getting up together and heading out to their respectable morning classes. The boy was grateful that it was only the morning half of classes because a full day under the hawk like gaze of Umbridge would have been too much for the already nearly 'cracking' boy to stand. Harry had to admit it to himself that he truly did need a break from everything and what better way could he possible spend it than with his best friend with her family in the muggle world away from chaos and destruction.

The morning classes went by rather quickly in Harry's eyes and in a way the boy was grateful, Harry decided to stay in the common room after the classes were done, not wanting to be around anyone really. not with how he was feeling lately. He sat upon the couch, a charms book in his lap, actually reading. Which even for someone such as him was a bit odd. Ron had taken note of this when he walked into the common room after having packed all his luggage for the vacation. A rather peculiar expression spread across his face as he stood in the doorway of the staircase that led up the dorm rooms and just stared at Harry in somewhat of confusion. Though rather than saying a word to his 'friend' the redhead headed off to the side to a table across the common room and set up the board of wizard's chess. It was sad that the two 'once' best friends were so strained that it was actually would hurt anyone who had known what they actually had before. But even so, nothing could be done. Ron in a nutshell was a jealous man and as the years went on was having a pretty foul attitude that Harry was finding to be rather annoying.

When Hermione entered, both male's lifted their gaze after hearing Hermione's voice, Harry wasn't hurt that she went to Ron first but the redhead had developed a rather smug look upon his face as he shot Harry a glance who merely returned to his reading, practically and purposely missing the look thrown at him. Once Ron was out of the room and Hermione spoke to him, Harry finally closed his charms book and lifted his gaze to her, having taken in his words as he nodded. "That's good then. and I'm more than sure that Hedwig will enjoy the breeze. I haven't sent her out a lot lately." Harry had his reasons obviously of course "and trust me, the train is always on time" he gave a chuckle at a very interesting memory his second year. Back when he and Ron were great friends.

"Last day at Hogwarts before we leave on break" his eye watched as Ron was zooming by but he didn't say a word and turned his attention back to Hermione. When she brought up Hogsmeade the green eyed boy's eyes widened for a moment. Hermione Granger wanted to do something other than head to library? that was a first in Harry's opinion but the boy wasn't objecting to her suggestion one bit "That sounds like a great idea to me" What was it about Hermione Granger that always managed to left the troubled boy's spirits? Looking to her with sincerity in his eyes Harry gave a nod "Yes, let's go, a nice break from here sounds like a great plan" without another word he was on his feet and heading up the stairs to the fifth year boys dormitory to get his jacket, and scarf. After he was all bundled up Harry made his way downstairs where he met up with Hermione and walked with her out of the common room. Instinctively reaching for her hand to hold as they ventured side by side toward the tunnel that would lead them to Hogsmeade.

Hearing Hermione speak of her family's traditions the boy grinned as images of it all popped into his head. "It sounds wonderful. I can't wait to be take part in your family's traditions. I'm sure it will be a very memorable holiday and .. thank you, Hermione for inviting me. I really do appreciate it" he gave he a smile. As they arrived to Hogsmeade blanketed in snow Harry looked around and took in a deep breath taking in the smell of a snowy winter before "I find adventures in book more enjoyable to be quite frank. Because what you see on a screen is another persons interpretation of what you've read and sometimes it might not come out to be as you pictured which can be very disappointing. The park though does sound lovely" hearing her final question Harry looked about "how about Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop for a some sweets and a cuppa tea? We can then stop by Honeydukes and pick up some treats for the winter break, yeah?" he gave her a warm smile.

Spending time with the Doctor was very pleasant for Luna, a breath of fresh air if you will.

She didn't think she had any peers of whom she could get along with. She had only just recently been befriending Hermione and her friends. Luna otherwise was an outsider in a world that was already full of cliques and alliances. She and her father were usually out of the loop. They lived where no one could touch them, they trapped themselves in a cozy glass bubble. And now that Luna was out but still alone, she was very glad to have the company of someone who understood her and appreciated her. That feeling of being someone's equal filled her with such warmth. Writing for her father and aiding in his eccentric endeavors was part of her childhood and upbringing but it felt as though her life was beckoning her to a new chapter in her life. Maybe it was a bit rushed but the more she sat around with the Doctor, the more she thought she was ready to find a new place.

The two of them sat around and enjoyed their makeshift lunch of sorts. The inside of the TARDIS was lovely, it had a very peculiar but alluring sort of glow about it. She looked to the man when he mentioned loneliness was something he was used to and it's how things usually ended. She couldn't help but frown a little at that way of thinking. She enjoyed her space but now that she had some mutual company, she didn't want to think about ever being lonely. Being alone and lonely weren't quite the same but she decided not to kept on that conversation and instead her eyes lit up at the idea of traveling somewhere with him. "I'd love that." Luna said in awe, unable to sustain her excitement. Her mind began to race, trying to imagine the sorts of places he could show her. Her imagination knew no bounds as many already knew but to see them sprawled out in front of her in real life...it would be amazing.

"Now would be fine with me..." Luna couldn't help but say to herself as he said that he wouldn't mind taking her, once she was ready. In a way, she had been ready since the day she was born, somehow destined for a life beyond the world she had been born to, beyond the stars and gasses of glowing lights and dust. She dusted her hands on her skirt and looked up when the machine that was housing them emitted an odd noise. It seemed the Doctor was curious as well and went up to check it out. She became a little anxious, unsure as to why. Was the TARDIS anxious about something and thus Luna was empathizing with her? She got to her feet and headed up to where the Doctor was hunched over his machine's controls.

Rather than ask what was going on, she simply put a hand on his shoulder to calm him down, and possibly the TARDIS as well. "Maybe we need some fresh air." And maybe they could look around and see what was wrong. Luna didn't really like seeing people upset. It only made her upset in turn. She looked toward the door, where the outside was barely visible. She walked to and pulled it open. She stuck her head out. Everything seemed to be normal, nothing out of place. She looked back over her shoulder and smiled. "Come on." She urged him and stepped back out into the brisk cold December. She waited for the Doctor to join her and when he did, they began to walk around the thin woods, avoiding the dense parts of the forest for obvious reasons. "You know, I'd love to see the universe." Luna mentioned as they walked, her eyes still lit up. "It sounds wrong of me to ask this but I'd love it if you showed me something...sometime." She bit her lip and looked off. "I clearly can't stay at Hogwarts forever..."

"I don't know what to do but if I'd be glad to keep you company if you'd like." She offered quietly.

- - -

She barely paid any mind to the Professor who had managed to make his way through the fray to get her out of trouble.

Rose looked to him and shook her head slowly. "Sorry..." She still was shaking. By this time, Draco had fled and Rose was sure she shouldn't pursue him, even if she wanted to. Stupid git. She found herself walking along with the Charms teacher and before she knew it, she already had a robe draped over her shoulders. Looking to him, she blinked, finally taking in her new surroundings. Where were they going? Wasn't she going to get in trouble? Shouldn't he be calling someone like Dumbledore or Umbridge? Rather than question it, she just trudged along, feeling a bit numb and empty. It was then that Mr. Smith began to speak that Rose noticed they were heading outside. The blond let out a sigh, not too pleased with her insane actions.

It still felt good to let everything out though. Rose smiled a little at his words. "I was bloody close to decking him in the face to be honest." She told him. They exited the castle swiftly and soon headed down towards the lake. She smiled a bit more, thinking back to the previous year when Harry tried to save more people than he was supposed to. He really was a good kid. She wished she could be helping him instead of some alien she just met. But she was out of her depths and slowly losing her mind. And now she was bothering people's lives who were probably innocent. Did Rose still believe Mr. Smith was a Time Lord? Yeah but she wasn't sure if she wanted to keep trying anymore. She was doing this for someone else who clearly didn't care anymore. She shook her head again, wishing she could just go home.

When they made it to the bank of the lake, they took a seat. Rose put on the spare wizard's robe and looked up at the sky. It was cold and dull. Snow was falling down but it wasn't enough to warrant them to go back inside. "It rarely snows back home. Well it snowed on New Years, actually but I had to make sure my mom didn't drink too much but she ended up going out anyway so I stayed home by myself." She shrugged a little. And soon another new year would be upon her but it would be one from her past, even though it was really her present. Time was weird and thinking about it made her head hurt. "It's real pretty out here. I used to go camping with my mom to places like Forest of Dean and all that but she's not the outdoorsy type so we stopped after a few years." She commented.

Having a father around to do all the work would have been nice. But Rose was used to it. She had Mickey and he was okay. He was good enough, sometimes. She curled her legs up and wrapped her arms around them. "I get that you don't really think you're an alien who travels in time. I mean you're used to whatever's going on now. Change is scary but there's the Doctor who sounded like this was really important to him and...I don't know if you'd really rather teach a buncha kids, that's great an' all if ya do but you need to at least admit who you really are." She shrugged a little and rested her chin on her propped up knees. "And maybe you don't know it yet. I dunno. This is all new to me but...I may have only gotten as far as Hogwarts but from what's happened, being a time traveler seems bloody amain' to me and maybe you need some adventure in your heart." She told him.

"God knows I do..." Rose couldn't help but mutter.

- - -

Had Hermione caught Ron's smug look, she would have hit him.

But she hadn't and instead she carried on with Harry to go out for a bit. Normally yes, she would love to stay at school for a long as possible. She already checked out plenty of books to read over the break. But there was just something about cozening up with a book in front of a fire. But for now, she could see that Harry needed to get away, even if it was just to a small lot down the road from school. Hermione smiled to Harry as they held hands. He thanked her for the invitation to which she nodded. "Of course, any time." She assured him. Though she wished she had invited him sooner. She was sure with all the horrid stories about the Durselys, he would have liked to come to her place over any sort of break. How they treated him was awful. Harry made a lot of sacrifices for the world already. It was awful to think he still was used like a house elf, or worse.

At his suggestion to get some tea and cakes, followed by a trip to Honeydukes, she nodded. "Alright, that sounds lovely." She told him. They headed for the small shop and were seated. Some other students were there, but not many. Many were paired up as if they were dating. Hermione could tell some upperclass students were likely trying to enjoy a romantic holiday with an equally romantic outing. For a moment she felt uncomfortable. Did she and Harry resemble a couple? She quickly turned her attention to the menu and just asked for a pot of tea and some cakes. A light snack to wash away the cold of winter. Hermione liked Harry, had fancied him for some time but she was sure that right now he didn't need any drama. Besides, she was certain he still had feelings for Cho. And she didn't want to ask about it so she didn't.

Their tea came and they began to enjoy themselves. "I hope when we come back, the whole school hasn't been painted pink." She grinned a little. "I'm sure when the new terms starts things will be better and we can begin our club so hopefully we'll be prepared for whatever Voldemort is planning." She said as she put some jam on her scone and took a bite. She figured out a name that could work and she decided she could try and run it by Harry because they at least needed a name. "So I was thinking we could call it Dumbledore's Army. I mean if an army is being recruited to take us down, it's only right we make one of our own." She told him. "And we can call it the D.A which doesn't sound too bad either. And after break, we can hold a meeting and start to get things rolling." She couldn't help but bring it up, even though she wanted to take things easy since they were outside the castle.

"I promise though, we won't have to talk about school or anything once we get home." She assured him and raised a hand. She then went back to her tea and sweets. When they had their fill, they paid and headed off to the candy store which was much busier, and for good reason. She picked out some things for herself and reunited with Harry when he was done. He had offered to pay for candy and she couldn't turn him down. As they made their way back towards Hogwarts, she held her bag in one hand and hooked her arm on Harry's with the other. "I hope we'll safe in the muggle world." She considered quietly. It had just occurred to her since Dementors had attacked Harry and his cousin, they could very well come after her and her family. "You'll have to teach me how to conjure a patronous." She told Harry firmly. She had read about it after their third year but had been unsuccessful. There had been one attempt that was almost good but still, she lacked the 'happy ompf' you needed.

What made her really happy? She looked to Harry and smiled a little.

Standing there the Time Lord in a sense could feel his TARDIS' dismay at losing the trace. She wanted to find this other Time Lord as much as the Doctor did. "It's alright, girl. You did your best" he gave an endearing pat to the console. But who was he? Why couldn't the Doctor fully pick up on the other being's scent? He'd gotten recognizable traces here and there these past few days yes but nothing truly solid. It was almost if this time lord had gone into hiding, but how? why? Was there another TARDIS? Perhaps he could scour the school in the dead of night, quietly as to not arouse suspicion. So many thoughts were swarming through the Time Lords mind as he was about to ravage his hair in a furious manner. Which was in fact something he did quite often when trying to solve things, bring up memories to the surface, but also when annoyed. And this time? Well it just happened to be one of those annoyed, and somewhat angered moments. Before he even lifted his hands to do such an act he felt a hand upon his shoulder.

For a moment, that was enough to pull him out of semi-fury, his mind instantly rushing back to reality from his angered annoyance he'd somewhat drifted into. Slowly the Doctor turned his gaze to Luna, his dark chocolate brown eyes taking in the image of her face, hearing her words. It was snowing and she wanted them to leave the warmth of the TARDIS and venture into the snow covered ground of Hogwarts. Before the Doctor even answered he watched as Luna headed for the door and opened it before looking to him with a smile. It was that smile that caused the Time Lord to calm as he returned the smile. He didn't speak a word, oh no not a word. Instead the Time Lord took up his brown trench coat from its usual spot in the TARDIS and walked out, shutting the door behind him. He had his suit jacket and was perfectly fine in the weather. But Luna? With the thin fabric she wore? He knew she'd probably get cold on the walk in the snow.

Walking up to her the two headed through the woods, taking their time. The Doctor took it upon himself to make sure Luna was warm and slipped his coat over her shoulders "To keep you warm" he gave her a smile as they walked. Yet as they moved further through the brush, the Doctor listened to the blonde's words, so she did want to travel?" the Time Lord couldn't help but feel over elated at the thought. "That's brilliant news, Luna. Because I would love to show you so many places. The world doesn't just revolve around here. Out there" he pointed to the sky "Passed the stars lies a galaxy, a place of numerous gatherings of stars and planets of ever sort that you could possibly think of and more" the more the Time Lord spoke the more his hearts were beginning to race as that sense of 'adventure' began to swarm through his body.

A grin soon formed as he spoke further, mentioning some of his favorite planets he'd visited; and of course he had to bring up Barcelona the planet which held dogs with no noses. When Luna spoke of nothing being able to stay at Hogwarts forever, the man gave an empathetic gaze followed by a nod "We can always come back just.. at a different time of course for.. reasons" he went on explaining the reasons of intervening in time lines and so forth. As the duo walked side by side they headed toward the Lake. Something the Doctor always loved from his first visit to the wizarding world was the song of the merpeople. It truly was beautiful and with each visit he always made sure to stop by and get a listen in.

- - -

The hidden Time Lord walked side by side with Rose, listening to her speak as they ventured through the snow blanketed ground, hearing the soft muffled crunch with every few steps as they neared the waters of the lake. The man couldn't explain to himself why, but this truly felt recognizable in a sense, in another worldly sort of way. As if he'd spent hours before his time here at Hogwarts admiring the song of the Merpeople. But that would be preposterous.. right? If only the man knew who he truly was, but with his memories still locked away in the watch, he himself being too stubborn and not wanting change to try again with opening it, that was how it was going to stay. He'd pushed his doubts of this life aside, not wanting to believe that he was in fact connected to this 'Doctor' Rose had mentioned the night before.

Deciding not to bring up any more of the poor girl's explosion in the Great Hall moments ago the hidden Time Lord stayed her and once they reached the bank of the lake and took a seat. It was a completely different atmosphere in a sense. Calmer, much calmer, the gentle hums from the water the delicate speckles of snow falling to the earth around them in a gentle sporadic array all around the school grounds. "Not much snow, aye? Well that's a lot of rotten luck. It's really a beautiful sight, hm?" when she brought up New ears, it snowing but her not being able to enjoy it the man gave a nod he opened his mouth to speak but she continued on with speaking. Camping? well to be honest the man didn't see her as a camping type, but again he could be wrong. She did seem like the type of person who enjoyed an adventure. Just hearing her voice, then the slight dismay at the end of her comment the man wasn't truly sure how to answer at that point.

With her shift, his eyes pulled from snow around them, the calming atmosphere to focus on the blonde girl beside him. She spoke again about him being an alien. then the Doctor. To be honest it was all very confusing, very troubling for the man but he knew Rose's heart was in the right place. His mind wandered back to the times he'd opened the watch, the golden light that would race for his eyes, filling his mind with images and thoughts he'd never seen before. With a gulp the man slowly reached into his robe pocket and pulled out his fob watch, his thumb tracing the designs on the cover of the watch as he gave a sigh. The image of the blue police box popped into his mind "The TARDIS … is what the blue box is called." he gulped thickly at his own words. At the images that had raced for his mind the time before when he'd opened the watch "… it … it stands for Time and Relative Dimension in Space… this.. watch.. showed me that.."

He tore his gaze from the watch to Rose "I.. don't know where this came from. But I had it with me when I woke up here in the infirmary two years ago. I don't remember anything before that. I truly don't. I just know that I'm a wizard, a charms professor.. I know I was born in Carlisle.. at least" he looked to the watch once more "At least I think I was…" what was this? A sense of unease and somewhat emotional pain began to form in the hidden Time Lord's heart(s). "I want to still believe that this is who I am… but after looking into this watch… twice already… I know that isn't the case… it can't be. But this? … this notion that I'm some alien from a distant planet? That's … that's just daft in its own right."

- - -

As the two entered Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, it was a beautiful little shop, quite cozy in Harry's opinion. Yet as they were seated, a look around their atmosphere 'romance' being a 'theme' it seemed as the tables were filled up with pairs of two each. Giggling, smiling, giving googley eyes to each other. In a sense it was a romantic notion on its own but Harry at that point felt quite uncomfortable. If he'd known this would have been the outcome of their visit he would have suggested 'Three Broomsticks' instead of here. But they were already there and seated and handed menus. Taking up his menu, Harry looked it over and ordered a cuppa tea and some sweets. Sitting there after handing the menu to the waitress he brought his eyes to Hermione and smiled warmly to her.

Given his past, his fancy for Cho and being rejected in a sense for Cedric, Harry was a bit hurt yet at the current time? He wasn't really certain he was fancying Cho all that much as he had in the past. Sure he had an opening with Cho now but, was he really wanting a relationship? With how troubled his life was at the current time, the boy wasn't even sure he should be questioning himself about such a topic. To his relief the tea and food were brought, that was enough to snap Harry out of his momentary thought. After his first sip of tea, and bite of a sweet cake the green eyed Gryffindor gave a sigh of relief as he rested back in his chair, his mind finally able to relax wholeheartedly as a relaxed essence washed over him.

It seemed that was the key to get the two to calm down with such an atmosphere around them. It also was noted that Hermione was speaking, something the two hadn't done since before they entered the shop. She went on talking about the school being painted pink "Oh Merlin's beard… I hope that doesn't happen. With the school being mostly empty during the Holidays, I see Umbridge attempting that to pass the time with hardly any students around to torture, that treacherous woman." he gave a slight huff of annoyance yet noticed Hermione's grin and gave her a smile, his mood calming in that instant. Taking in what she said about Voldemort, the club and actually coming up with a name. Harry's brows raised as he looked to her 'It really does seem like you've put in quite a bit of thought into this, yeah?" a grin crept upon his lips as he filled his cup of tea up, having finished it during her ramble of information.

"Dumbledore's Army, I do like that, very much actually, it's brilliant" his grin only became broader at the thought. Their time in Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop had ended the two entering Honeydukes to get sweets, Harry immediately insisting on paying for all of their treats in a way as a thank you for inviting him as well as allowing him to stay at her place for the holidays. On their way back, arm in arm Harry heard her words and as they walked the attack from before in the muggle world emerged from the crevices of his mind yet hearing her final words the boy lowered his gaze to his brown eyes friend and gave a nod "I will, and it's not really easy to do it the first time few times because it takes loads of focus and tuning in with that one very special, very happy memory in order for the conjuring to be successful"

He'd lifted his gaze to their surrounding but soon brought it back down to Hermione as he smiled to her "You're not alone in this and neither am I. We have each other as it's always been since our previous years" well more like their third year just the two of them but in all honesty, Hermione was always there for him and Harry was ever so grateful he only wished he could truly show her or tell her how grateful he was to have her in his life. She was truly an amazingly brilliant witch and he cared for her more than he himself knew.

When the Doctor put his coat around her, she blinked a few times. It was a very kind gesture, a gesture that hadn’t been bestowed upon her before. She blushed a little, likening herself to some fair maiden in a fairy tale where the men were actually gentlemen and the ladies were treated lovingly. “Th-thank you.” She told him sheepishly. Luna listened at the man began to speak about the other places beyond their current point in time. His voice began to quicken and she tried to keep up with his train of thought but the more she spoke, the more mesmerized she became. If that was possible. His smile faded slightly as he said they could come back, just during another time. Luna frowned a little, getting the idea that Hogwarts would change, and possibly for the worse. But with danger in the air now more than ever, it wasn’t really unexpected, just sad.

“Well we shouldn’t get too far ahead of ourselves.” Luna told the Doctor. Something was pulling at her mind, telling her to just be careful. But be careful of what exactly? So far, this man from the future was kind and funny and so strange and she really felt drawn to him. Was that alright? She knew a lot about him but she still wasn’t sure it was enough to run away with him in his lovely time machine. What about her father? A bout of worry overcame her and she quickly looked down at her feet, feeling as though she were ten years old again. It was further away from her than she thought. While they had been eating, he mentioned he had come with someone and they were looking for another Time Lord which was supposedly impossible from what she had been told. This possible person was in hiding and could likely be a companion, another part of him which could banish away the loneliness from his eyes.

- - -

As it turned out, he wasn’t too bad of company.

Rose looked to him as they continued. The supposed teacher pulled out that odd alluring fog watch again and she wondered if that had something to do with this messy situation which was horribly confusing to everyone involved. While she felt for the guy, she knew they couldn’t lounge around at Hogwarts forever. And with Umbridge on the prowl, Rose would have preferred any other year, even the seventh one. “Yes! That’s right, I think.” She smiled as the man recalled what TARDIS stood for. The man began to talk in circles though, one step forward but two steps backward. She let out a sigh and rubbed her head. The blond girl took the watch from the man and looked at it. It seemed ordinary to her, well there were some odd etching on it but she couldn’t figure it out.

Looking up, she saw the Doctor coming into view and then someone else. An older looking Luna Lovegood? For a long dreary moment, Rose was very confused. Didn’t the Doctor have class or something? Did he even get her note about what she had found out? Here she was, losing her mind by doing his dirty work and he swanning off, taking a stroll with some cute Luna Lovegood. Rose made a bit of a face and she marched over to the two, still clutching the pocket watch. “Doctor! What are you doing?” She demanded. “I’ve been on my own, not knowing what to even look for and you abandoned me to go on a date with Luna Lovegood?” Luna was a nice girl, someone Rose liked in the books but not at the moment, this had become suddenly very personal.

“D-date?” Luna’s eyes widen. “It’s not a date, he’s been keeping me company. I didn’t know I was keeping him from you. I’m sorry.” She said, quite sincere in the apology. Luna felt bad now, she didn’t mean to trouble Rose but she also felt a little cross with the Doctor, not on Rose’s behalf but because Luna didn’t want to be someone’s reason for avoiding something important. “You should have been talking to her, not me.” She told the Doctor, frowning.

Ignoring Luna for now, Rose continued her tirade towards the Doctor who seemed to have put his coat over Luna. Oh jeez. She rolled her eyes. “Did you even get my note about him?!” She gestured to the professor. “I’m pretty sure he’s who you’re looking for but you don’t care at all. You took me away from my family and then left me here to do homework and get detention while you were off making eyes at Luna Lovegood!” Rose huffed. “I can’t do all of your work for you!” Rose glared. “How could you just forget about me?! I’ve been trying to get hold of you for nearly two days and I find you out here? I’ve been trying to help you but you won’t even help yourself.” She felt terribly used and betrayed even though she had just met the guy. And she felt stupid, as if this was some horrible joke.

“I should go I think.” Luna said and gave the Doctor a disapproving look. “I had thought someone who traveled the galaxies would treat their friends better. I’m not sure I’m the right person to be traveling with you if you just forget about them.” Luna said sadly.

“You what?! He asked you to go with him?! Wow, I feel really like a replacement now.” Rose let out a breath and put her hands on her hips. She couldn’t even comprehend how she felt. It was a mixture of pain, anger, sadness, and foolishness. “I don’t even care anyone, just take me home.” She said, giving the Doctor a very cool look. But before her rage could subside and turn into depression, she turned her eyes on the charms professor. “And as for you,” She hadn’t forgotten him standing in the background. “you need to grow up! You’re clearly a Time Lord who somehow hid in Hogwarts. I don’t know why but maybe talk to him!” She pointed to the Doctor. “I can’t be bothered to care anymore Frombut if you really can travel around and save people, why the bloody hell would you want to stay here? Of course change is bloody scary, a week ago I didn’t know aliens even existed!” She said.

Dropping her hands, Rose shook her head, fed up. “Clearly this stupid thing is a key to you getting answers so why don’t you just go for it already? Stop worrying about your life here and figure out what you really love to do because it clearly isn’t teaching. It’d be a damn waste to spend your life here, seriously. You need to make a decision and deal with it instead of fiddling around. Same goes for you, mate!” She glanced back to the Doctor, her tone becoming deadly bitter with the final hiss of a word. Then she stormed back towards the castle, throwing the pocket watch towards the professor but didn’t bother to aim. Luna let out a breath she had seemed to be holding. Her round eyes looked from both of the men.

“From what I could gather, both of you are acting like idiots.” Luna said and removed the long coat from her shoulders and handed it back to the Doctor. Luna glanced back to the other supposed Time Lord. She merely flashed him a small smile and stepped back. “Thanks for the company but it may have been misplaced.” She told him and quickly followed after Rose who still seemed seething from the sudden crossing of paths. Luna caught up with the younger blond and put her hand on Rose’s shoulder. “I really didn’t know I was getting in the way, if I did, I would have never invited him out this afternoon.”

“I believe you.” Rose sighed.

“I think we should go see if the Library has any spare seats. We can call for some tea and get lost in a good book.” Luna advised warmly. That sounded like a plan to Rose so she just nodded and headed off to the Library with the witch beside her. Finally it felt like someone was on her side.

- - -

Hermione was pleased that Harry liked the name suggestion. She wasn’t great with creative ideas, it was a weak point of hers. She could over think things while Ron, for example could come up with the most interesting of stories and ideas. While she liked reading, it seemed she lacked a talent for writing anything related the fun fanciful fiction. The trip back was thankfully uneventful for the two. Harry reminded her that neither of them was alone, that they still had each other in the tough times. “You’re right, we can’t forget it either.” Hermione agreed warmly. They finally arrived back at the school and it was nearly time for an early supper.

She and Harry stopped at the library to look for some extra reading and saw Luna and Rose who said they weren’t really in the mood to eat. Hermione decided it was best to leave them be as it seemed something had upset them. And not wanting to bring down her or Harry’s mood, Hermione bid them an early goodnight and headed off with her friend toward the Great Hall. Hermione wondered what was wrong with her two friends but figured it just had to do with the holidays. They could make anyone a bit stressed or upset for various reasons. The bushy haired girl sat down with Harry. It seemed the Great Hall itself was pretty vacant save for about fifty students or so from different years.

Most of the students though, were at least in their third or fourth year. She could understand the younger kids wanting to go home and be with their loved ones. One thing Umbridge was good for, was that she could put things into perspective and make people grateful for what they had at home, loved ones. As they ate their meal, there wasn’t much to talk about. With school pretty much done for a while, they could actually focus on something else. The girl was a little worried though. She hadn’t done anything with her fellow mates outside of school. Sure, they met close to the start of school somehow but Harry was actually going to be coming to her house soon. It was a lot to take in. She never had boys over before, especially not ones she wanted to impress.

Once they finished their early dinner, they headed back to the Gryffindor Common Room. By then, Ron was already gone, along with Ginny. That seemed to relieve some of the stress in the atmosphere. It seemed Neville was the only familiar face around them. The three of them talked, eventually the D.A was brought up and Neville showed interest, much to Hermione’s surprise but she welcomed it. They needed all the people they could get. No one should be denied extra help after all. Neville soon excused himself, saying he had detention to get to. Hermione waved him off and looked back to her friend. “I can’t be he’s got detention and on a half day no less. I bet this is Umbridge’s doing. I mean Neville is totally harmless in class.” She pointed out, scoffing a little.

It was unbelievable.

“Absolute rubbish.” She muttered. “She’s turning our home into a madhouse and ruining everything.” Hermione said. It seemed even without seeing the menace, she could ruin their otherwise nice day. “Well we better pack since we’re leaving tomorrow. Maybe I can see about us saying bye to Rose before we go.” Something told Hermione that it would be best to try talking to her again, sooner rather than later. She hoped the blond would be around when they got back to the school. Rose could be the only one to deal with Umbridge, even if she said that wasn’t why she was here, she still knew about things, including events that hadn’t even happened yet. “I’m willing to bet that she knows about the D.A and how things turn out. We need her help.” She told Harry. “Anyway, goodnight.” She reached over and squeezed Harry’s hand gently.

And with that, she hurried up to the girl’s dorm which enchanted, not allowing any male entry.

The weather was chillingly cold, but it didn't seem to bother the Time Lord, his main concern was making sure Luna was comfortable. As they walked, the Doctor's voice had lessened, There was something troubling Luna, that much the man could tell, but what? He had to mentally remind himself that the witch by his side had been through a traumatic experience and was still struggling with herself emotionally, juggling two different ages from time to time. That had to have been the case, right? The Doctor's dark brown eyes pulled from the sky when she finally spoke of not getting too far ahead of themselves. Bringing his gaze down he looked to Luna a slow nod was his response to her words. What could he say really? She was conflicted, that much the man could tell. "Understood, we can take as long as you see fit, Luna" a reassuring smile touched his lips as he headed along further with her toward the lake.

The two walked and from what the Doctor saw in the distance made him a tad hesitant to continue venturing further but there was something pulling at his hearts. But it wasn't joy, in a sense it was dread. Why was he dreading moving forward? What was there? Who was with Rose? He could see her with something in her hands and a man in his robes, a professor? Why would Rose be outside by the lake with a professor? Well what she did on her own time was her business but really? That indistinguishable feeling began to weigh in the Time Lord's hearts with each step he took.

- - -

Sitting beside Rose, the hidden Time Lord pulled out his fob watch and spoke to Rose but to his surprise she plucked the watch from his grasp and stood up. The man stayed staring at his hand as if a part of his soul had been snatched up, why was that? Slowly the man arose to his feet as it seemed Rose recognized someone. As he stared to Luna Lovegood, he knew that girl instantly, but this man? He had no idea but there was definitely something about him the man couldn't put his finger on, there was a strong sense of familiarity but then again there wasn't. The hidden Time Lord's mind was doing back flips it seemed as his mind was trying to awaken certain parts of his memories that just weren't there.

The Doctor neared with Luna and sure enough, Rose wasn't happy, not even in the slightest, her tone, that look of anger, The Time Lord throughout his time did dealt with women, and their anger at times but Rose? At this moment? Well.. he'd rather take on a Dalek than face her angered spirit to be quite honest. She voiced her angered words which got the Doctor's eyes to widen and his face to contort into that of momentary confusion "What?" he looked at her with a hint of unease forming in his words. "It's not a date" he spoke immediately after her words of him being on a date with Luna "Rose, Listen to me--" but he was cut off as she continued with her fury induced tirade which by now the Doctor knew she had every right to be. It seems the Time Lord had been so 'taken' by Luna, the sparked connection they held as well as her predicament, the man wanting to help her ease from that stress and worry.

Words were exchanged between the two women, Luna's frown, Rose's anger. Sometimes the Doctor wondered why couldn't he just travel alone to avoid this? But he knew deep down that the loneliness was overwhelming and it had gotten to the point that he just couldn't handle it much longer which is why he'd asked Rose if she wanted to go with him. His mind drifted from his thoughts enough to hear Rose mention a note, she'd left him a note? Hearing her words even further the man winced a tad as the overwhelming feeling of guilt began to set in his hearts. He'd used Rose and he hadn't even made the attempt to seek her out. At that moment, he realized how badly he'd hurt, as well as used Rose. The Doctor couldn't think of anything he could say at the moment that would help soften things.

When Luna handed him his trench coat back, he took it into his hands and watched her while listening to her hurt words. Then Rose’s next explosion which pulled the Doctor’s gaze from Luna to Rose as she continued then to Luna once more. A rather painfully hurt look came over the Doctor’s face as he watched both women walk off. As he stood there, he glanced to the watch that had hit him, in Rose’s anger she had every right to have horrible aim. Yet as he stared down at the very familiar fob watch that lay upon the ground resting against his shoe he reached down and picked it up. He hadn’t bothered to look to the man Rose had mentioned, but to look at this watch? The Doctor’s hearts began to sting at the realization of what was to come. “No … this can’t be.. It just can’t be!!” a look of horror took over his eyes as his hearts began to race within his chest, thudding harshly against his rib cage.

“That was quite the scene, you've sure gotten yourself into a mess of trouble with those two” Mr. Smith neared “Mind giving me my watch back?” he extended his hand out.

The voice was far too familiar to be anyone else, the watch in his hands an exact image of his own, because it was his own just newer in a sense. Slowly the Doctor turned around and met a very recognizable face. “What are you doing here?” Slowly his left brow arched as he stared straight at the man in front of him. "You..." was all the Doctor could muster at this moment to voice at the realization of what was taking place, he knew it. "How in the hell did you get here?!" his eyes lowered to the watch as he sighed and reached up furiously beginning to comb his fingers through his hair. "of course.... Of course!! No wonder I couldn't sense you!" he'd glance between the watch and the hidden Time Lord ".. now why couldn't I remember this? Why didn‘t I see it? ... this.. this right here!" he gestured at the watch and walked right up to the man before him "Tell me, what do you know? you've opened this twice, I sensed it, what memories have come back to you?" there was silence from Mr. Smith "I'm in no mood for your silence, speak up!"

The hidden Time Lord looked to the man before him, “What?” a very confused look came over Mr. Smith as his heart rate began to quicken. “Y-You know of…”

“Yes, I know of everything. I’m the Doctor” he slowly held the watch out to the man before him “and so are you. And believe me when I say this. You must open this watch. You need to get your memories back. Because of what is to come, it's inevitable and I will need your help” when Mr. Smith took the watch the Doctor drew in a breath and spoke no more, his dark chocolate brown eyes not moving from the man’s face.

Mr. Smith took the watch as he looked at it, having listened to this man’s words, all of them to be in fact “You’re saying that I’m you? That’s absurd! And to be quite frank I don’t know what I saw. I just know there is a blue box called a TARDIS, that there is a planet with red grass and silver leaved trees.. And now you’re telling me that the life I know isn’t really what it is? That I’m not real? Me, John Smith? A charms professor here in Hogwarts doesn't truly exist?!" took a moment to try to recompose himself "... I'm sorry, Doctor, but that's just preposterous”

“Preposterous sounding or not, I know what I’m saying” the Doctor’s words were stern as he stared to the man with a slight tone of agitation in his voice “You need to open this watch”

Mr. Smith was looking to the watch and finally up to the Doctor, his blue eyes showing the same pain that the Doctor had shown during the earlier events. “I don’t need to do anything of the sort” he tucked the watch into his pocket “Good day, Doctor” not giving the man another word, Mr. Smith walked around him and headed for the castle.

“What? … you need to open that watch now!” the Doctor moved after him.

“No I don’t” answered Mr. Smith as the two men headed toward the castle but finally Mr. Smith stopped walking and turned around "You're telling me to get rid of this life that I've known since I woke up just because it would benefit you?" A rather insulted look came over the man's face "You're saying that I'm you and quite frankly with what I've seen? I'm not liking that notion too much, Doctor. Good Day" speaking no more the hidden time lord headed into the castle.

Now stunned and in fact quite hurt, the Doctor stood there looking to where the man had just been standing. He didn't know what to say, not like his words could reach the man now even if he did. The Time Lords mind began to race with a fury enraged vengeance. ’A paradox… a paradox happened… with my past incarnation… with the both of us being here… a time paradox is the dread that’s been flowing. The consequences… what are they? … I don’t want to find out but my gut is telling me I will..’ the Time Lord lifted his eyes to sky watching the snow fall. A cold feeling beginning to engulf the man from head to toe. The feeling of emptiness, loneliness was taking over. Drawing in a breath he sighed and ventured into the castle.

Once in the castle, the Doctor had so many different scenarios playing out within his mind as he ventured up the stairs. He stopped at his room for awhile taking up his own fob watch he’d left on his nightstand. It was something he normally carried with him, at least in this era to keep track of time. The Time Lord waited for a bit before venturing out, giving Rose a chance to cool down so he could explain things fully to her and the new predicament that had risen. He’d stopped short of the library, how did he know they’d be there? In a sense he didn’t but he knew if he were upset and as frustrated as they were, he’d seek out quiet solitude and the best place for that? A library. It was only Rose and Luna in there by now, the Doctor stepped in through the doorway and took his time walking toward them. The three held a momentary converse of words before Luna was on her feet and out of the library leaving Rose and Doctor alone. The tall thin man finally moving to take a seat beside his companion.

The two spoke, caught up, the Doctor giving his apology and more. Yet the topic of the new ‘doom’ that had arisen, what had actually happened, who John Smith truly was. The Doctor only hoped the man would open that watch, because in all honesty it would make things so much easier but he knew how the man felt. Not wanting to give up the life he had and the pain about his said life was made-up and simply a story. Now? The Doctor held everything of John Smith within his mind, he knew all that had happened and only now realized it all. As if his memories of the façade life had returned to him after the realization of who the hidden Time Lord was. Funny thing how that worked. After wrapping things up with Rose, the two on good terms, the Doctor went off in search of Luna, knowing she needed closure as well as an apology and self name calling to boot for what he’d done. But he just couldn’t deny himself the connection he felt with Luna. It was near magnetic from his perspective. All was said and done, in the end the Doctor was able to calm things with the two angered women yet he knew he’d have a lot of work to do rebuilding trust with them both.

- - -

The walk back to the castle was quiet, but enjoyable, the two walked arm in arm up the road back to their 'home away from home'. Well technically for Harry, Hogwarts was his home, yet deep in his heart he hoped to perhaps one day have a home with his god father. Shaking those memories from his mind he focused his attention on Hermione's words, her reassurance of his previous statement. "I'm glad you agree, Hermione" the two had ventured into the castle and since there was still time for the two to relax a bit before supper the two agreed on heading up to the library. Harry hadn't expected to find Rose with Luna there, after a momentary conversation between the two groups it was more than certain that something had happened. But what could it have been? Both women seemed very hurt.

Was it because they had no one with them for the holidays? Wouldn't Luna be able to spend it with her father? that's if the news of her change had even reached him yet. So many questions were rising in Harry's mind but it was something he didn't need to concern himself about, at least for now, he thought. But then there was Rose, with definitely no one. In a sense that brought worry and sadness to Harry's heart, to his mind as he walked with Hermione, the two heading into the Great Hall. Once seated at their table, the Great Hall was quite scarce which in a sense was quite relieving for the green eyed Gryffindor. It wasn't crowded, it was quiet, but it wasn't a nerve wracking quiet. There wasn't much conversing going on between Harry and Hermione as the boy was simmering in his thoughts of the what was happening now as well as the upcoming events.

After supper had been consumed the two headed out of the Great Hall and up to the Gryffindor Common Room, not many students of course which was expected with the school day only being halved so students could get to their carriages to the train to head for home. Surprisingly to Harry, Neville was still around but that was comforting in its own accord to have a familiar face. He joined Harry and Hermione in the common room, the three beginning to talk about the holidays to start things off on a light note yet as time progressed the D.A was mentioned. To Harry's yet again surprise Neville was interested. If Neville was interested there had to be more students that were in time right? once word got out?

In a sense that filled the boy who lived's heart with hope, that this 'army' would in turn truly work out for the best. At least Harry was holding on to hope that it would. It wasn't long after their conversation really began that Neville was up and speaking how he had detention to go to which in fact left Harry wide eyed. Neville? Detention? really? Those were definitely the questions that were roaming through the green eyed boy's eyes as he watched his friend walked out through the door. "that is truly unbelievable… I bet it was Umbridge" he sighed to Hermione before nodding in agreement to her muttered word of rubbish. That Pink menace, she really needed to go Harry only hoped that her being at the school wouldn't last much longer because frankly? it was driving the boy into madness.

Hermione's words of going to pack, then saying goodbye to Rose before they left caught Harry's attention as he turned his gaze to his friend. "You've got a very good point there Hermione, I'm more than certain she does." Rose being a girl from the future who ended up in their world and knows so much? She had to know more than she was letting them in on. Harry only hoped she'd be willing to talk as well as help. Getting to his feet he gave Hermione a smile as she squeezed his hand "Good night, Hermione. I'll see you in the morning" By the time she'd left, the entire common room was empty with only Harry now standing in front of the grand fire place. His green eyes glowing orange with the flames just feet away from him. He'd watched her leave as finally drew in a deep breath a calm smile touching his lips. A full Christmas break with Hermione in the muggle world, the idea got Harry excited for the time away from magic. He was truly looking forward to it. With a wave of his wand he dimmed the fire with an incantation before making his way up to the boy's dormitory to pack then sleep for the night.