Tides of Time
By Michael Weyer
New Year, Old Friends, New Faces
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"Now, you're sure you'll be fine?" Sirius Black asked. Harry rolled his eyes as he pushed his luggage cart forward. The two were heading toward the awaiting Hogwarts Express which was having its usual pre-term madness of students and families milling about.
"Sirius, quit worrying," Harry said. "Honestly, you don't have to be around me every minute of the day!"
The older man chuckled. He was dressed in a nice velvet suit, his appearance much better now that he was free. He still retained his dark beard and mustache which were well trimmed, along with his black curly hair. His eyes seemed to twinkle with a newfound spark and humor absent the first time Harry had met him. There was no denying that exoneration agreed with Black very well.
"Just catching up on all the years I missed, Harry," he said with a gentle smile. "Sure you're ready to go back?"
"As I ever am," Harry said. In truth, it was strange. The last four years, he'd been overjoyed to go back to Hogwarts after a summer with the Dursleys. But the last months spent at Sirius' ancestral home in London had been quite happy for Harry. His godfather had given him a history of both their families with mementos left behind by his parents. It lifted Harry's spirits to be so connected to the past and have back someone who truly loved and respected him.
"Can't imagine what Hogwart's will be like without Dumbledore in charge," Sirius mused. "Minerva as Headmaster…that will be a sight."
"At least we have a decent DDA teacher this year," Harry noted.
Sirius smiled. "Yes, have to give it to Dumbledore for taking a stand and insisting they put aside any problems and get Remus his job back. You'll need to learn all you can to face Voldemort's forces."
Harry nodded, his smile fading a bit. It was true that the Ministry had stepped up searching and arresting Death Eaters but there were still many dark wizards out there willing to ally with Voldemort. That wasn't to mention the various other creatures who could throw in with him, leading to rising tensions in the far too peaceful Wizarding community. At least people knew the truth, Harry thought and with Dumbledore in charge of the Ministry now, they had a chance to fight him off.
"You sure you'll be all right?" Harry asked. "No more getting into blistering rows with would be apologists?"
Sirius rolled his eyes. "If I have to hear 'we knew you were innocent all along' one more time, I might have to kill someone for real."
"Don't joke like that," Harry said. He paused at the train to hug his godfather. "I'll write soon."
"I may drop by to visit," Sirius smiled. "Remember, give a note if you need anything."
"I will," Harry smiled as he boarded the train. He looked out to see Sirius waving to him and felt his heart soar once more as he let the train take him back to his old school.
It didn't take long for him to run into Hermoine and Ron, the three soon sharing stories of the summer. His best friends were naturally interested to hear how Sirius had quite the load of money saved up during his imprisonment and that Harry had a secret vault inherited from his parents.
"Best not to let the twins hear that," Ron said with a grin. "They'll yank you into one of their schemes so fast, you won't know what hit you until you're down to a hundred galleons."
Harry chuckled, looking out at the hallway and saw a familiar blonde-haired figure walking by with a solemn expression. "Is that Malfoy?" he asked. "Since when does he lower himself to take the common route?"
Ron scoffed. "Guess you didn't hear. Seems that having your father be revealed as a long time Death Eater and spy for Voldemort takes away some status. Not only did Lucius end up in Azkaban but the Ministry seized most of the family fortune. So, old Draco is now practically penniless."
Herminoe sniffed. "Couldn't happen to a nicer person."
Harry shook his head. "Hmmm…think that will humble him a bit? Make him more appreciative of others this term?"
They looked at each other before bursting out laughing.
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It was soon apparent that Albus Dumbledore was not going to be the typical Minister of Magic. Rather than dress in a professional suit, he wore his standard grey robes and conducted himself with less strict regulations than his predecessors. He was also showing himself more open than past Ministers when it came to magical creatures allowed inside the Ministry, creating a more relaxed mood than before. However, under that calm show was an undercurrent of danger as everyone knew of the danger of the rising Dark Lord.
Dumbledore sat back in the chair of his study, removing his glasses to rub his eyes. This was why he had always resisted earlier attempts to have him take up a position in government. The sheer logistics of being Minister could be overwhelming sometimes, ten times the work of being Headmaster. Still, it was for a good purpose and he knew there were few who could handle it well enough.
At the knocking of the door, he glanced up to see Malcom Tarsan enter. Dumbledore smiled at the sight of the younger wizard. He hadn't been sure what to make of Tarsan at first. Yes, the man had stood up to Fudge and the Ministry and had nominated Dumbledore as Minister but there was little else known about him. But in the last few months, Dumbledore had come to rely on him as a key member of his staff. Give him time, the old man thought, and Tarsan might make a fine Minister himself someday.
"Malcom," he said. "What brings you by so early this afternoon?"
"Nothing too serious, Minister," Tarsan said as he stepped in. He was in his late thirties with dark hair and a hooked nose, handsome but with a slight edge to him. He wore a dark suit with a colorful bow tie and an overcoat. "It seems Umbridge is trying to push her pureblood testing again."
Dumbledore let out a tired sigh. "Can that woman not get it through her head already that half-bloods can be just as good wizards as purebloods?"
Tarsan shook his head. "Evidentially not, Minister. I hate to say it but I do believe it's time we considered dropping her from the Ministry."
Dumbledore stroked his beard. "I know the woman is…difficult, Malcom…"
"Difficult?!" Tarsan snorted. "Minister, please! I'm half-shocked the woman hasn't jumped to Voldemort's side! She's so into discipline to the point of dictatorship, it's frightening. And she has some support. She could cause serious trouble if she starts making her opinions known."
"I am not going to simply dismiss people for opinions, Malcom," Dumbledore said with a stern look. "That is no better than Dolores' actions."
Tarsan sighed. "I suppose. But, Minister, she could interfere with the plans to fight Voldermort."
Dumbledore waved his hand. "Very well, I'll talk to her. Don't worry, Malcom. She'll see reason."
"I hope so, Minister," Tarsan said with a serious note. "There's still darkness out there…sometimes right in plain sight."
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If there was one thing Harry could count on almost never changing, it would be Diagon Alley. The wizarding shopping center still had the same dark paved roads and slightly crooked buildings that appealed to Harry so well. Even the chill of the November weather couldn't hurt his good feeling as he walked its streets. With Christmas coming soon, Harry figured he'd be able to put his new-found money to good use to get some presents for friends and family.
Sirius was going to be a toughie, he knew. It was his first Christmas out of Azkaban and a free man and Harry wanted his gift to be special. Remus had helped a bit giving him ideas but Harry was still mostly stumped as to the exact nature of the gift.
This year had been tougher in studies but he'd expected that. Snape seemed to be even harsher than usual, not surprising given the presence of Remus and the freeing of Sirius. However, McGonagall had been a very effective Headmaster and things were flowing easily. Yes, there was the undercurrent of fear with the return of the Dark Lord but for the most part, the morale of the students was still high as things went on as mostly normal.
Harry checked his list, marking off Herminoe. Ron had kept her distracted in the bookstore long enough for him to get her present. He thought she'd like the new occluemancy volume, it was top of the line. Ron, he figured, would be fine with a proper party outfit just in case another school dance was held.
He was passing by a shop when a reflection in the window caught his eye. He followed it around to a man perusing a nearby window. He was of regular height with short black hair, inquisitive features, clad in white tennis shoes with a striped grey suit and a long overcoat. He glanced up quickly…and Harry felt his breath leave him.
The man looked around before staring to casually walk away, a light bounce to his step and looking about. Harry was still staring when Ron's voice came from behind him. "Hey, Harry, what's up?"
Harry glanced behind him to see Ron and Herimone coming up, both bundled against the chill. Hermione's face was marked with puzzlement at Harry. "What's wrong?"
Harry swallowed. "That man," he pointed to the figure walking away. "That…that looked like Barty Crouch Jr."
His friends started in surprise. "What?" Ron blurted. "It can't be! He's in Azkaban!"
"He broke out before without anyone knowing," Harry pointed out. "Why couldn't he do it again?"
Herimone frowned. "But if it is him…why would he just be strolling down a public street like this?"
"I don't know," Harry remarked. "But I'm going to find out." He began to follow after the figure. Ron and Herimone exchanged glances before following him quickly.
"Here, Harry," Ron said in a warning tone. "You sure this is wise? Maybe we should try to call an Auror or someone."
"No time," Harry said as he increased his pace. "Besides, this could be a clue to Voldermort's whereabouts."
"Harry," Herimone pleaded. "Think about this! The man killed his own father! You think it's wise to tackle him alone?"
"We'll just follow," Harry said as the trio made their way down the alleyways toward the darker section of the area. "If it looks like he's onto us, we'll bolt and find help. He should be smarter than try anything here."
"He should be smarter than to show up here," Ron muttered. "I can't believe no one's called the Aurors on him already!"
"We'll see to that," Harry said, lowering his voice as they turned down the alleyway. "Now, just stay quiet and we'll try not to be noticed…"
"Hello there!" The three yelped and spun around, hands on their wands as they saw the man suddenly standing behind them. He had a wide grin on his face as he took them all in, his smile growing as he saw Harry. "Harry Potter!" he said with a joyful voice. "Dear me, it's been a while!"
"Not long enough," Harry hissed as he held up his wand. "Just hold it right there, Crouch!"
"Crouch?" the man frowned. "Who's Crouch? And it's not polite to point, you know." He seemed unperturbed as Ron and Herimone also pulled out their wands and aimed them at him.
"Watch it, you!" Ron hissed. "We haven't forgotten how you tried to kill Harry last year!"
"Kill Harry?" the man frowned. "What are you talking about? I believe I helped him out quite a bit with the whole revelations about Wormtail and all that."
Harry frowned. "What?"
"That's right," the man said with a nod, sounding insulted. "I didn't have to do that, you know but I'm a decent enough sort to offer to help make your life a bit easier." He smiled suddenly. "How is your godfather, by the way? Enjoying his freedom?"
Harry blinked as he studied the man. He saw that the resemblance to Crouch was striking but there were differences. There was a slighter build, the face more clean shaven but it was the eyes that drew his attention. They seemed to glisten with a mix of power and experience, experience greater than Harry had ever seen. There was sadness, true, but there was also a mischief to them, as if appreciating the humor in life. It was a pair of eyes that Harry had only seen once before, with….
"Doctor?" he whispered.
The man beamed at him. "You're still the only human in a while to react to the inside of the TARDIS with such nonchalance."
Harry lowered his wand, staring in wonder at the man before him. "Doctor…it is you!" He looked him up and down as Ron and Herimone stared at him in confusion. "But…I mean…what happened?"
The Doctor frowned and looked down at himself. "Oh, this?" He shrugged. "Ran into a…well, a spot of trouble not long after we met. I took a major dose of unearthly energy, pretty much fried every cell in my body. Luckily, we Time Lords have a little way to cheat death called regeneration."
"Regeneration?" Harry repeated.
The Doctor nodded. "Yep. New body, new face, new personality. Done it about…ah…nine times now." He rubbed his face. "Huh…no idea why I'd look like that Crouch person…maybe it was bouncing around my subconscious at the time for some reason." He shrugged. "Ah, well, done is done and all."
Harry smiled. "I can't believe…it's amazing! Is Rose with you?"
The Doctor's smile faded. "No…no, we…had a parting of the ways a while ago. She's with her family now but…" He bit his lip. "I'm on my own now."
"Oh," Harry softly said. "I'm sorry."
"Ah, Harry?" Ron carefully asked. "Are you saying this isn't Crouch?"
Harry smiled at him. "Ron, Herimone, allow me to introduce you to the Doctor."
"The Doctor?" Herimone repeated in disbelief. "The man who helped you prove Sirius was innocent? But you described him…different."
"I was," the Doctor said. "But I'm not."
"I'm confused," Ron admitted.
"Of course you are, it's your natural state," Herimone said in a half-joking manner. She glanced back at the Doctor. "I'm sorry but you do bear a resemblance to a wanted criminal and for all we know, you are him and are lulling us to a false sense of security so you can kill us or deliver us to Voldemort so I'm not sure if we should be talking to you now."
The Doctor looked at her, then at Harry. "This is Herimone, I take it?" At the boy's nod, the Doctor chuckled. "Nice girl, reminds me of Sarah Jane."
Herimone wasn't done. "If you are this Doctor, then prove it."
The Doctor raised an eyebrow and then moved aside to show the large blue box standing not far from him. "Will this suffice?" He opened the door and stepped aside, letting the three teens get a look at the huge interior.
"Blimey," Ron gasped as he entered. "This is amazing!" Herimone followed, actually impressed by the large interior. Harry and the Doctor came after them, Harry noting the lack of change to the chamber.
Herimone stared at the large device with a frown. "What is this? Some sort of new Muggle technology?"
"Actually," the Doctor said. "I dare say the 'muggles' as you call them, won't be able to come close to this for a few centuries."
Ron and Herimone stared at him in disbelief. "Hold on," Ron said. "You mean…Harry was telling the truth? You're….you're…" He couldn't quite get the word out.
"Alien?" The Doctor smiled. "Well, depends on perspective. My point of view, you lot are the aliens. Not that I hold it against you."
Herimone frowned. "Aliens don't exist."
Instead of being insulted, the Doctor seemed amused. "Really? Most of the people on this planet would say the same about wizard, witches, giants and the like. Don't be so close-minded, my dear, it doesn't become a young wizard in training."
Herimone sniffed. "Doctor…come now…I can believe you have some special abilities but an alien? Every book I've read dismisses the possibility of aliens as simply wizards using Muggle fantasies to cover their own activities."
"Herimone," Harry began.
She kept on going. "So how about you just tell us what kind of wizard you are before…" She was cut off as the Doctor, with a tired expression on his face, took her hand, bent back all but two fingers, and placed them onto the underside of his wrist. Herimone frowned, opening her mouth to speak when she suddenly realized what she was feeling. She pushed the fingers down to hold on and frowned. "Double pulse," she whispered.
She reached forward, putting a hand on the left side of the Doctor's chest and then moving it to the right. Her eyes widened with shock as she pulled back. "Two hearts," she whispered.
"What?" a baffled Ron asked.
Herimone waved at the Doctor, her eyes wide. "This man has…has…two hearts!"
"Blimey," Ron said as he leaned over the console. His hand settled on a button and a loud rumbling echoed through the TARDIS. "Get away from that!" the Doctor said as he raced over. Ron did but the TARDIS engine was already pumping as the ship began to move. The Doctor raced around the console, trying to hit switches and buttons as he yelled at Ron. "Are you by any chance friendly with a chap named Mickey?"
"We have to get out of here!" Herimone said. She began to move but Harry grabbed her arm. "Herimone, trust me, we're better off right here for now!"
"But…"
"Listen to the boy!" the Doctor cried out as he continued to work the console. "Just…one…" He hit a button and the shaking stopped, the engine slowly dying. Herimone took a breath and moved to the doorway. "Ah, I wouldn't do that just yet!" the Doctor called out.
She ignored him as she pulled the doors open and was greeted by the sight of a gorgeous field of gasses and rocks surrounding a planet in a ring. She stared in utter disbelief at the sight, at how a comet rocketed past and an asteroid floated by. Ron was soon beside her, also astounded at the sight of open space and its spectacular view. "Now there's something the astrology classes would love to glimpse, eh?"
Herimone just stared at it for another moment before her eyes rolled up and she fell backward onto the TARDIS floor. Ron looked down startled before looking up to the young man standing nearby with a satisfied smile. "Merlin, Harry! I think we just broke Herimone!"
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Dolores Umbridge's home was much like her office: done up in mostly pink interiors with countless photos of dogs set around the walls. Her den was a carbon copy of her Ministry office, right down to the framed photo of Cornelius Fudge on her desk. As far as she was concerned, he was still the person who knew how the Wizarding world should be run and she was confident she was doing his work here.
She hummed to herself as she went down the list of wizards to question. She nodded as she saw the Weasleys were next up tomorrow. She had her doubts to them, especially that Arthur. Percy was a decent sort but if the family was not pureblood, then they had to be noted as such. Only pureblood power could stand a chance against the Dark Lord and Umbridge was dedicated to finding those who could properly handle the task.
"Umbridge." She started and looked up at the doorway to see Malcom Tarsan standing in her office. "My apologies for dropping by without an appointment," Tarsan said, not sounding apologetic at all.
"How did you get here?" Umbridge demanded.
Tarsan ignored the question as he stepped in. "The Minister is concerned, Umbridge. Concerned about your pureblood inquisition."
Umbridge settled back, her dark smile coming to her face. "I believe the purposes of the tests are clear, Tarsan. I am attempting to find the pureblood of wizards and see who is strong enough to fight the Dark Lord."
"And only purebloods can?" Tarsan asked. "I was under the impression blood did not mean that much."
Umbridge snorted. "And who says that? Mudbnloods? They're as big traitors as Death Eaters. Only purebloods can properly wield the power of magic!"
Tarsan stroked his chin. "Umbridge, I am giving you a chance to end this little racist vendetta quickly and easily. Otherwise, I will bring this to the public light and I don't believe you want that."
Umbridge's face took on the grin of a cat that swallowed the canary. "Actually, Tarsan…I believe it is you who does not want things coming to light."
He frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Umbridge reached over to take a small vial out of her pocket. "You recall when you nicked yourself at the Ministry on some papers?" she asked sweetly. "Well, I couldn't help but borrow a bit of it to test. For Ministry purposes of course." The smile grew as she leaned in. "Imagine my surprise when I saw just what it was. How will the public react to finding out that one of the Minister's top aides doesn't seem to be a full human, hmm?"
She expected surprise from him, then fear, then acceptance. What she didn't expect was the look her gave her of partial sadness. That sadness soon faded, replaced by a cool detachment that sent icy shivers up her spine. When he spoke, his voice was not just much colder than before but also seemed older, older than even Dumbledore's. "It's a shame you had to see that, Umbridge. But at least now…I can say I was provoked."
The smile faded from Umbridge's face as Tarsan backed up. The look of ice in his eyes told her that she had just made a very, very fatal mistake. She reached her hand to her wand but it froze as a shape entered the doorway behind him. She stared in utter bafflement at the rotund shape with its dome, her eyes fixed on the long suction-like attachment at its head.
The last thing she saw was a blare of green light and the last thing she heard before the blast ripped her body with fire was the mocking mechanical voice.
"EX-TER-MI-NATE! EX-TER-MI-NATE!"
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Thanks for all the nice comments. For those wondering, this is now the 10th Doctor, somewhere between "The Christmas Bride" and "Smith and Jones." Hope to have more soon.
