Chapter 6
The Tardis landed in what Hermione called the Forbidden Forest.
The Doctor had said, "Hmm I like Forbidden."
As The Doctor and Hermione made their way to the castle, Hermione asked him questions about the galaxy. He in turn asked her questions about the magical world. The two of them never asked personal questions, just facts about the world. When the finally made it to Hogwarts, the sun was just setting. The setting sun reflected off the lake onto the castle giving it the appearance of glowing.
The Doctor, in awe, said, "That is beautiful. Molto bene. You humans, a bucket of elbow grease, and some duck tape can make the most beautiful places."
Hermione snickered, "Duck tape, really?"
The Doctor said, "Oi, some magical stuff, duck tape. I once knew this smuggler, crazy bloke. He made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs, in his ship. I can't remember the name, something Falcon. Anyway his ship was this hunk of junk that he and his co-pilot fixed up with nothing but duck tape. Nice guy, his co-pilot. Nasty temper. Don't ever beat him at dejarik. He'd rip your bloody arms off."
The Doctor looked out into the lake, lost in a memory. At that moment, a giant carriage flew over head, carried by flying horses. The Doctor, in awe, stared out in amazement.
Hermione said, "I completely forgot. The balls tonight."
The Doctor perked up and said, "Ball you say. I love balls. Haven't been to one of those since I rode that horse thru a mirror to distract some robots in wigs."
Hermione gave him an amused look.
The Doctor asked, "What's the occasion?"
Hermione explained, "Tonight marks the first year anniversary of the Battle Of Hogwarts. The ending of the War."
The Doctor's smile dropped and said, "You were in a war?"
Hermione breathed, "Yes, the second Wizarding War."
"Tell me about it." He asked.
"It was us against this Dark Lord and his Death Eaters. I'll tell you his name but don't go around saying it because most wizards are too afraid to even say the name. He's name was Lord Voldemort. This day one year ago, he was defeated by my best friend Harry Potter."
The Doctor's eyes got real dark as he said, "Tell me of the battle."
"It was horrible. A lot of my friends died. It was dusty, hard to see. Only could see when other spells were cast towards me. I still have nightmares."
The Doctor stiffened, "All war is like that."
She asked, "You were in a war?"
"Yea, a big one. I still have nightmares myself."
He brightened up. "Mind you, I didn't get to have a ball every year for it." He smiled.
Hermione saw how hurt he had got, then only to try to hide it from her. She saw how much of a lonely man he was. But she didn't press the matter. Instead, she extended her hand and said, "Would you like to go to the ball with me? As friends."
The Doctor have her his best and biggest smile, and said, "I'd love to."