Chapter 1: The Scottish Magician

"No! No, no come on!"

Jostling slightly as the TARDIS set down with a pained wheeze and groan, The Doctor rubbed his tired face with a hand. He had known something was wrong with the Old Girl since returning Clara to her flat, but he didn't know she'd end up breaking down completely. Gracefully wandering the controls, The Doctor tried everything in his power to get the TARDIS running again but it wasn't any good. She was dead, not in a literal sense but she wasn't going to be moving till her self-repairs were completed. Mumbling a few in-delicacies under his breath, The Doctor smoothed out the lapels of his velvet jacket.

Taking a look at his screens, The Doctor rubbed a hand across the stubble which was already growing on his chin. He was still in Europe, London 1835 to be exact. But where exactly he was in London was still a question. Thankfully his clothing wasn't that unusual for a place like 1835, but he still dawned an old velvet top hat just in case he needed to go out. And it was a good thing he did, as The Doctor turned when there were three knocks on the TARDIS door. Eyebrows rising up into his hairline, the time traveler made a note to check on the chameleon arch the next time he went fiddling. Straightening himself a bit as he walked to the doors, The Doctor threw them open and stepped out.

He was in a beautiful park, the grass green with the beginnings of summer and the gurgling of fountains somewhere in the distance. Looking around, there was no one around the TARDIS. Reminded of his first encounter with Clara before his regeneration, The Doctor turned to his box and looked around one side curiously. A figure was ducking behind a nearby hedge, hiding from his sight.

"I can see you there!" he called out, closing the door to his beloved time machine with a pat, "come on, I'm not daft!"

Shoving his hands into his pockets, The Doctor waited by the TARDIS as the figure rose up from behind the hedge. Immediately, it felt as though his hearts had stopped beating. Clara's doe eyes stared back at him, her round face and dark hair easily recognizable even from a distance. But it wasn't possible, as she had just told him to go to hell not an hour ago. Staring bewilderedly as the girl not ten feet away, The Doctor shook himself. She was one of Clara's echos, one of thousands scattered all about the universe, "you knocked on my door," he spoke finally, motioning to the TARDIS as she continued to watch him, "where I come from, knocking and running away is very rude."

This seemed to shake the girl out of her stupor as she hoisted her skirts up a bit, making her way towards him. Up close, The Doctor knew this version of Clara was much younger than his own. His Clara was in her 30's, while this one was merely a girl. He could tell because her skin bore no wrinkles, and her eyes still sparkled like a thousand galaxies, "so." he said, staring down at her, "you called on me?"

"Your box," the echo spoke slightly, looking to the TARDIS with adoration and curiosity in her gaze, "it just...appeared. How?"

"Magic," The Doctor responded swiftly, "I'm a magician."

"Really? I don't know of any magician who can do such a thing as this." wandering closer to the TARDIS, Clara's echo touched the box very carefully, "is the magic yours, or is it in the box itself?"

"A bit of both, I presume." The Doctor admitted, a smile trying to fight its way onto his face. In any time, no matter how many Clara's he met in the universe, all of them were clever in their own way, "I'm sorry if I scared you."

"It's quite alright, sir." she spoke softly, "I was afraid at first, but it was truly an incredible feat of magic. I don't suppose you'll tell me how you did it?"

"Ah, not today I'm afraid," The Doctor said carefully, "the old girl is in a state currently, I will be staying here for a little while longer before I can move her again."

"That's a shame, I'd like to see another trick. Although, I think it would be wise if you explained your presence to mama. She will have a fit if she sees your box in the garden."

"This isn't a park?"

"No sir." the echo giggled happily, her face alight with youthful splendor, "you and your box are in my garden. My home is there."

Turning slightly, The Doctor stared up at the massive palace not far away. Tightening his lips, he nodded and turned back to his audience.

"It's beautiful. Though I have to apologize, I didn't mean to appear on a private estate."

"I'm sure mama will understand. Though, Sir John may not be as pleased. But I will insist that you are my guest now."

"You are certainly kind to a man who just appeared in your garden." The Doctor admitted, straightening his coat again as the echo merely looked at him for a moment, her face appearing to be in deep thought.

"I do trust you. I'm not sure why, but there is something about you. Like...like I've known you, for a very long time."

"Well, that answers that then, doesn't it? I suppose though if I'm going to be staying here we should be properly introduced. I am The Doctor, but you may call me Sir Basil Smith if you'd prefer."

"What an interesting name, Doctor. I think it suits you somehow. I am Alexandrina Victoria, but my family calls me Drina."

"Ah, yes. You are indeed." The Doctor struggled to hold back his eye roll. Of course, he had to land in the presence of the future Queen of England. It was just his luck that she happened to have the face of someone held close to his hearts, "a beautiful name." Leaning down and kissing the hand of the future monarch, Drina accepted it with an easy smile.

"Come then, Doctor. I will introduce you to mama, and we can do our best to explain your magic box in the garden. Personally, I think it's a lovely addition to the hedges, don't you agree?"

"Indeed it is."

Standing side by side as they looked at the TARDIS, Drina turned on a heel and waved the Doctor alongside her. It was surreal, even for him, to be walking next to someone who would make an incredible impact on the very history of Earth. But even so, he couldn't become attached to the young Drina, even if she had the face of the woman he loved. He had already married one queen in his lifetime, and he certainly didn't need to affect history still so recent to the 21st century.

Entering what The Doctor now knew was Kensington Palace in London, he kept a good distance behind Drina, while also keeping close. The TARDIS had landed him here for a reason, and he could never be too sure when something of alien origin would pop up. He rather enjoyed looking at the palace but was always distracted again by the girl before him. Outside she had been radiant, but in here the tension in her shoulders was visible. Her eyes glistened less, and the smile from outside had all but vanished once she was placed between four walls.

"You have a beautiful home, Lady Victoria," he commented mindlessly, not yet comfortable speaking the nickname of someone so important to history, "the architecture is wonderful."

"I suppose it is," the girl answered, looking as though she were ready to burn the place down with nothing but her eyes, "but I much prefer being outside."

"Do you enjoy London?"

"I don't know. Mama doesn't let me leave Kensington without an escort. And even then, it's always for business, never just to see London."

"That's a shame. I've seen many beautiful places, but London in the summertime is quite lovely."

"I'd like to see it for myself someday."

"Perhaps you will."

Drina smiled happily at The Doctor, but before she could say anything else, her name being called drew her attention again. A stern looking woman was descending the stairs, skirts hoisted high as she hurried towards them both.

"Drina, I've been looking for you everywhere," she spoke, her German heavy on the tongue as The Doctor kept his distance. Didn't want anyone getting the wrong idea of him with the TARDIS out of commission, "who is this stranger?"

"Don't be so cross, Lehzen." Drina chided, hooking onto the woman's arm affectionately, "this is Doctor Basil Smith, I've invited him to stay here at Kensington."

"Really? Whatever for?"

"He's a Magician and a wonderful one at that. Doctor this is my Governess, Lehzen."

"Pleasure, ma'am."

Bowing awkwardly, Lehzen gave The Doctor a stern look before ignoring him completely, turning to Drina.

"Drina, we must continue our study of the Constitution."

"Oh, in a little while. I want to introduce the good Doctor to mama before she has him beheaded. I promise I won't be long. Come along now, Doctor!"

Skipping off away from the staircase, The Doctor tipped his hat and followed the future Queen, still keeping a good distance away as narrowed eyes bore into his shoulders.

"I have a feeling she doesn't like me," he said finally, once the Governess was out of earshot and Drina was by his side again, "is she always that way?"

"We don't get many visitors here at Kensington." Drina admitted, shrugging her shoulders slightly, "you are the most exciting thing that's happened here since I got Dash."

"Dash?"

"My dog. He's my best friend and the only one in this whole place who understands me."

"Ah." Nodding half-heartedly, The Doctor stopped in the middle of the hall as Drina came to a wooden door, knocking on it gently with a knuckle.

"Mama? May I come in?"

There was an affirmative from inside as Drina smiled and opened the door. Inside, a woman was having her hair done, and a man was standing by the fireplace, staring into it as though he were pondering the universe. Only the man turned upon their entry, and he became immediately cross.

"And who is this?"

"Mama, Sir John, this is Doctor Basil Smith. He landed his magic machine in our garden today."

"What are you talking about, Drina? This is no time for your fairytales."

The woman waved away the blonde doing her hair as she turned, face stern but still somehow gentle, "you cannot bring random men into Kensington, it's not proper."

"You can check in the garden if you don't believe me, mama. He's a wonderful magician."

"Your Mother is correct, Lady Alexandrina," Sir John hissed, his face pulled up into a nasty snarl. Already The Doctor wanted to step between him and Drina, just as he would have done with his own Clara, but she seemed unafraid, "you cannot be foolish. This will cause controversy a girl your age doesn't need."

"I've already invited The Doctor to stay here at Kensington while his box is repaired. He will stay in the North Wing. The Imperial suite will do".

"He cannot stay here." Sir John persisted again, "you Sir must leave at once."

The Doctor made a move to defend himself but was stopped by Drina as she strode to Sir John. Compared to him she was only a child, yet the look on her face would give anyone shivers. It was the same look Clara gave her year 11's when she wanted them to shut it, or him when he was being an idiot.

"I think you're forgetting something important, Sir John. I have as much right to bring guests into my home as mama, therefore The Doctor will be staying with us whether you like it or not. Do I make myself clear?"

Sir John snarled again but bowed anyway.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Then it's settled, the Doctor will stay in the Imperial Suite until further notice."

Turning on a heel, The Doctor blinked as Drina grabbed his hand, practically dragging him out of the room in a rather undignified way. When they were far down the hall, the young girl sighed and stopped walking as she released his hand, "I'm sorry, Doctor."

"Are you ok?"

Drina was shaking slightly as she nodded her head, lifting her chin a bit to seem more dignified despite her obvious distress.

"Yes, quite fine. Sir John is my mother's advisor, though he thinks he is able to rule over me as well."

"You seemed to handle yourself just fine back there. I certainly wouldn't want to cross swords with such a strong woman."

"You're so very kind, Doctor. Come, I'll show you to your chambers and you can get settled in."

Nodding his head, The Doctor walked with Drina through Kensington and away from the horrible Sir John. Along the way, they were joined by a King Charles Spaniel whom Drina picked up and carried easily.

"This must be the Lord of the house?" The Doctor asked, unable to keep the smile off his lips as the future Queen of England waltzed with her pooch.

"That's right."

"I've never been very good with animals," The Doctor admitted, "my schedule and living arrangements don't allow it."

"I wouldn't be able to stand living here without Dash," Drina insisted, setting the dog down as they got closer to the Imperial Suite, "do you ever get lonely, Doctor?"

"Often, but you get used to traveling alone after so long."

"You must certainly have had some assistants though? Most magicians do, don't they?"

"Yes, but they don't ever stay. None of them do, really."

"I'm sorry." Drina said, her pretty face contorting into a frown as she pushed open the double doors to a spacious living suite, "here we are. Other then the library this is my absolute favorite room in the house. You have a perfect view of the garden, and you can see your magic box from here."

"Yes. It's quite beautiful."

The Doctor did like the room, but he was more or less staring at Drina. She looked so beautiful in her flowing white gown, her dark hair knotted tightly revealing the sharpness of her jaw and the funniness of her nose which The Doctor found endearing. Shaking his head, he snapped out of the daze quickly. He couldn't have any of that. This wasn't Clara. Well, it was, but not his Clara. Glancing down, The Doctor didn't realize Drina had wandered to stand close to him, staring up into his face with the most peculiar expression.

"You have such sad eyes, Doctor," she said eventually, her gentle lips tugging into a frown, "have you lost someone?"

"I've lost many people." The Doctor said, removing his hat to reveal his head of silver curls, "it comes with age."

"I lost my papa when I was very young," Drina said quietly, "and sometimes I wonder if the ache will ever go away."

"It doesn't. Not ever." Turning to face Drina, The Doctor reached out boldly, taking her small hands in his and holding them lightly, "but don't ever let go of that feeling."

"Why?"

"Because that feeling makes you human. The hurt, the aching, all of it is a reminder that you are living. When you lose that pain, those memories of all the people you've lost, you become nothing. So keep a tight hold on it,"

"You have a funny way of speaking, Doctor," Drina commented lightly, jumping back away from him as the doors to the Imperial suite opened slowly.

"Drina?"

"Lehzen, you startled me." Drina breathed, smoothing her skirts awkwardly as The Doctor sighed and smirked half-heartedly.

"I'm sorry. But we really must get on with your lessons."

"Yes. Yes, of course, the constitution." Flexing her hands nervously, Drina looked to the Doctor, "please, feel free to settle in. Dinner is served when the bell rings. I hope you'll join us?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, Lady Victoria." The Doctor said, kissing the girls hand gently, "good luck with the constitution."

Nodding her head, Drina was escorted from the room by her Governess. When she was gone, The Doctor sighed heavily and walked to the large window, running a hand through his silvery curls as he looked out on the TARDIS. Why did things have to be so complicated?

A/N: Hello all! Rose here, back again with another Doctor Who story! This is technically a crossover with PBS's Victoria, but I'm not going to label it as a crossover simply because there aren't many of them around. Victoria is one of my absolute favorite shows, so I've been meaning to write something like this for quite some time. It was originally just going to be a one-shot but expanded into something much larger. Anyway, this is set sometime after 'Kill the Moon' but before 'Mummy on the Orient Express', and two years before Drina becomes queen in Victoria's pilot. Please let me know what you think of this beginning, I love reading your comments. And for any errors in language or slang, please know that I am an American, and am using words I've heard from watching too much BBC. Anyway, cheers all! :)