Chapter 8 - Goodbyes

The Doctor stayed with his granddaughter's family for another month. They took him on a tour of the rebuilt London, and he took them on a few more trips in the TARDIS, to both the past and future. Sadly, good things do not last, and the Doctor found himself preparing to go back to Hogwarts, where he was still a teacher there.

"Do you have to go, Doctor?" asked David Jr. Of all the children, he was taking his great-grandfather's impending departure the worst.

The Doctor crouched until he was looking into his youngest descendant's eyes. "Yes, David, I have to go. I'm a busy man; I've got places to go, people to see and things to do, most of which you wouldn't understand."

David indicated his understanding and made to move away, but the Doctor held him back.

"Just in case," he said, and pressed something into David's hand before moving away to say goodbye to Ian and Barbara.

David looked curiously and the object that the Doctor had given him. It appeared to be a small photo album. David opened it and gasped. It was a collection of photos of the Doctor in every incarnation! David immediately started flipping through it. His siblings soon noticed what he was doing, and went over to investigate. He showed them the album and they all looked through it whilst the Doctor said goodbye to their parents.

"Goodbye, Big David," said the Doctor, giving his grandson-in-law his signature air-kiss.

"Goodbye, Doctor," replied David. "Have a good trip and don't get into too much trouble!"

"Will do, boss," grinned the Doctor, giving David a salute.

Susan was already crying by the time the Doctor turned to say goodbye to her. "Will I ever see you again, grandfather?" she sobbed as she was embraced by her beloved grandfather.

"Of course you will, Susan, and much sooner than you expect. Actually, I think you'll see me again before this year is out!"

Susan looked up at the Doctor's face, confused. "How do you know that?" she asked.

The Doctor rolled his eyes. "Wibbly-wobbly-"

"Timey-wimey!" Susan finished, comprehension dawning on her face. "You've always been fond of that expression. What number will you be when I see you again?"

The Doctor considered. Should he tell her? Yes, he should. After all, she wasn't surprised when she met his previous selves during the events of the Death Zone; maybe this was why.

"You'll see five, three, two and one."

Susan smiled. "I look forward to it."

The Doctor stepped out of their embrace. "Goodbye, everyone. I'll see you all again...hopefully – no eventually. Take care, live long and remember – bow ties are cool!"

And with that remark, he stepped into the TARDIS. A few seconds later it dematerialised, leaving David Sr and Susan looking at empty space whilst their children continued to laugh at the Doctor's bow tie comment.

"Goodbye, grandfather," said Susan, tears falling down her cheeks. She slowly turned around and started walking home, her husband at her side and their children running along behind them.

The End