Author's Note: In terms of the Doctor's timeline, this story takes place shortly before the events in very first broadcast episode back in 1963.

Chapter 1 - Hogsmeade

It was such normal occurrence that nobody paid it more than a moment's attention: a Punch and Judy booth materialised out of nowhere in a corner of the tiny village square. After a few minutes two people emerged from the back and looked around. One was an elderly gent with white swept-back hair; his smart outfit topped with a short dark cape. The other was more conspicuous: a girl of fourteen or fifteen wearing clothes currently fashionable in parts of London. It was dusk and few were on the streets, the lights would be lit very soon. The two did not look out of place and nobody looked twice at them; strangers were common and it was considered polite by the inhabitants simply to let them go about their business.

"Grandfather, are you sure that this is 1990, it looks more like 1890 or even 1790."

"Not 1790, child, for there were no Post Offices then." He pointed to a sign across the road. "But after the TARDIS failed to land just now, I checked our position most carefully: this is Scotland and it is 1990." He paused, "Or 1991, it doesn't really matter."

He walked purposefully across to the Post Office, his granddaughter trailing behind. However, the door was shut and would not open for him. He fumbled in his pockets for something, then changed his mind and turned away. "There must be a pub or café or something where we can find someone to talk to; we need to know what's going on here." He had seen two people enter a tiny establishment called "The Three Broomsticks"; but when they arrived there, neither he nor the girl could open the door.

"Grandfather, I'm sure there are customers inside, I can hear them talking and laughing. It's as though we are being deliberately shut out."

"Yes, Susan, and that is something else to investigate. But the first thing is to find somewhere where we are welcome. Let's look for somewhere with an open door."

The dark came on rapidly and an open doorway was betrayed by light streaming out. It was a public house or inn of some kind, but very dingy. They stepped apprehensively across the threshold and were greeted. "Welcome Professor, we see few of your calling in Hogsmeade these days. You and your Bottler will be looking for lodging?"

The Doctor looked puzzled for a split second, but quickly recovered. "Ah! You must know about my – err – booth. I regret that I am not a real Punchman; I do not carry a swazzle. It's just a disguise."

The host, an old man with long grey hair and beard, looked disappointed but unsurprised. "Well, what can I do for you both?"

"Something warming to drink, and some answers to questions if you can spare the time?"

"Hot butterbeer each then. I don't do coffee - not enough call for it - and the youngster will prefer butterbeer anyway, they always do. As for questions and answers, I'll talk with you, but I'll expect answers to my questions too.

"First question: do you have proper money? I can take pounds and pennies, but it'll cost you a lot more on account of the difficultly of getting it changed in these parts."

The Doctor dug into his trouser pocket and produced a large gold coin labelled "One Galleon". He looked at it with interest, never having seen one before. Good old TARDIS, it always saw to it that he was prepared; it was almost like magic. "Will that do?"

"That will be a good start. Excuse my asking, but I get some very odd people in here from some very odd places."

"We are not exactly from round here ourselves."

By now the Doctor and Susan were sitting down at a battered old table. Susan was still wrinkling her nose at the sheer grime around them, but the two old men ignored her. The place did not smell dirty and that was good enough for them. Two steaming butterbeers were placed in front of them.

"You're travellers then?"

"We are here in Britain for a few months. We have been looking for a local school my granddaughter could attend while we're here. I heard of a place called Hogwart's, but it's proving difficult to find."

"Ah, it would. In fact I'm surprised you even found this village."

"It did take a while, but I can find my way to almost anywhere. What has bothered us the reception we have received since we got here. Places seem open but we find ourselves locked out. In fact this place is the only one I could call welcoming."

"Don't take it as a personal affront; most people here are careful to follow the Ministry ruling: their doors will not open to such as yourselves. I ignore the Ministry and so far they've ignored me. All peacable travellers are welcome here, whatever they are."

"'Such as ourselves?' What do you mean? What is so special about us?"

The old man shook his head, "If you don't know then there is no easy way to say it. You are not special, quite the contrary, you are non-magical and this village is for those with magic. Have you never been called 'muggles'?"

"No, I've not heard that word. Nor do I easily accept what you say about 'magic'; I am a man of science. I think you would regard the vehicle we used to get here as very magical indeed; but it is the product of a very advanced science."

The old man shook his head again. "You say 'man of science', but that is not quite the truth is it? Indeed, I question whether you are a man atall."

"You are remarkably perceptive. I am a Time Lord."

"A grand title. It will interest the wizard who is standing on the threshold listening to our talk." He raised his voice: "Come in Albus, and introduce yourself."

A second bearded old man came in, quite unfazed at having been detected. "Good evening sir, young lady. I am Albus Dumbledore, and I am the Headmaster of Hogwarts, the school you could not find."

Susan shot to her feet. "If the school is close by how was it that we couldn't find it?"

"The school is hidden and protected by magic, only wizards and witches can see it."

The Doctor snorted, and Dumbledore acknowledged this politely. "Nevertheless, it is true. Hogwarts is a school for young wizards and witches, only they qualify for admission. I am sorry young lady, but I cannot make you a pupil, even on a temporary basis."

"How do you know that I am not a witch?"

"Because I am a wizard. But there is another test." He turned to the inn keeper, "Aberforth, do you have a spare wand you could give the young lady to try?" The inn keeper, grumbling under his breath, disappeared into a back room and emerged with a piece of stick about a foot long. He shook it and blue sparks flew out. He placed it on the table.

"It won't hurt you. Pick it up and give it a shake. Pretend it's a magic wand, you must have played at magic as a small child."

Acting on the Headmaster's prompt she picked it up gingerly and looked at it.

"Now try it properly, err …?"

"Susan."

"Sparks are the easiest thing. Imagine sparks flying from the end when you shake it."

Susan tried. On the third attempt there might have been a slight glow, it was hard to tell. She put it down again quickly. "That felt rather odd; you try grandfather." She turned to Dumbledore, "Is that OK sir?"

He nodded, "Do try it. But I forgot to ask your name?"

"Just call me The Doctor."

The Doctor, sceptical, but always prepared to be surprised, picked up the wand and flourished it. Nothing happened. He examined the wand with great care, taking his time. Then he gave it an experimental shake. A solitary spark flew out, hit the table and left a tiny scorch mark. "Most remarkable." The Doctor looked smug, everyone else looked surprised.

"Well Doctor, you and Susan do appear to have some magical ability, you are what are called 'squibs.' It is a demeaning name, I'm afraid, but there it is."

"Does that mean I can go to your school?"

"No Susan, but I am prepared to show the two of you round. I do hope you'll say yes."

However, the Doctor had risen to his feet and was consulting his pocket watch. "We have stayed too long. Come Susan, we must return to the TARDIS at once. It is under attack!"