After that disturbing encounter, the Doctor immediately set about artron energy proofing. She made sure to key her signature as well as Jack's in so Idris wouldn't automatically kick them out. Anyone else she wanted to permit entry to would have to be added later.

It was something she should have done a lot earlier but she was always too busy or distracted to do it. However, after learning that wizards and witches could just appear on board whenever they fancied it, she had a feeling she should do it sooner rather than later. It would also come in handy next time she regenerated - the TARDIS would be less destroyed afterwards.

Her next order of business was figuring out what to do next. Perhaps the envelope would be helpful in that? For the next ten minutes, the Doctor relentless searched for where she'd put it only to realise it had been safely tucked away in her hoodie pocket. Typical. Just typical. The problem with being a genius was that you deleted trivial information like that.

The Doctor unfurled her letter curiously.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Miss. Granger,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on 1st September. We await your owl by no later than 31st July.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

There was a list in the envelope as well as another letter and a ticket. The Doctor looked at the ticket curiously - it seemed she was to go to platform 9and3/4 wherever that was. Strange. The Doctor eagerly unfolded the second letter. Her eyebrows raised higher and higher as she read. Carrionites were so weird.

Speaking of which, she had a couple of theories as to how Carrionites ended up like this:

1. Their powers had gradually weakened over time so they had to start using conduits like trees - though wood would probably be best- wait, McGonagall had a stick! What did they call that then - a wand? She certainly had the hat, all The Doctor needed to see now was a broomstick! It was like Robin Hood again.

2. She was working on it alright! Theory 1 seemed sound enough anyway! Perhaps the Carrionites had switched from words to woods? But why? Did they finally realise that words took time to say? But where was the tetradecagon (14 sided shape)? Could they use fortnights or something?

She was going to stick to 1. for now.

Right then, time to go to Diagon Alley!