It was an average morning on the Christa, or, like many days in which strange and often life-threatening events follow, began as such. Harlan Band was at helm, his favorite place on the ship, while Radu was at navigation. The two were silent for the moment, not at odds with one another, but simply engaged in their tasks at hand. It was rather rare for them to be the only people at helm at this time during the day, but Rosie and Bova were at work on a special assignment for Ms. Davenport, and Suzee was occupied in the Engine Room, assisted by Thelma.

Commander Goddard had taken advantage of the quiet to update the ship's log, which had mostly gone untouched during his recovery in the healing chamber.

It turned out to be a record that the crew of the Christa had gone nearly a month without an attack on their lives by Spung, psychotic computer program, or any other creature. As as result, they were enjoying the relative rest from danger, and everyone hoped it would continue for some time.

Especially Ms. Davenport.

Then, Thelma appeared before Harlan and Radu.

"Hello, Harlan, Radu. It appears that we have an unknown visitor in our airlock," the android cheerfully informed them. "Shall I alert the others?"

The two teenagers exchanged a look which clearly conveyed the message, "Well, it was fun while it lasted."

"We better alert the Commander, first," Radu offered.

"Yeah, as he'll react better to an unwanted visitor than Ms. Davenport," Harlan quipped.

"Thelma." Radu spoke tentatively. "It's not...anyone we know, is it?"

Harlan tried to hide a smile. Radu was clearly hoping for Elmira. The last they'd heard from her had been in a vision Radu had received, back when they were on Kareesh 9.

"That information is beyond my knowledge, Radu," Thelma answered, calmly.

Harlan punched in the button for Commander Goddard's quarters. "Commander?"

"Mr. Band?" Commander Goddard replied. "Something wrong at the Command Post?"

"We're...not sure," Harlan admitted. "Thelma just informed us that there's someone in the airlock. Not one of us," he added, quickly. "An unknown visitor."

The older man swore under his breath. "Don't do anything. I'll be right over."

"You'd think we have a history of reckless behavior," Radu joked.

"No kidding." Harlan rolled his eyes. "Thelma, can you take over this ship in case the Commander wants us out there?"

"I can."

Moments later, the Commander appeared from the center jump tube. "Okay. What's this I hear about an alien visitor?"

Thelma made a shrugging motion. "We will have to meet the visitor and find out."

"Okay." The Commander sighed. "Thelma, you take helm. Radu and Harlan, you're with me. We'll keep the others out of this until we know what's going on."

With that, the three men boarded the jump tubes to the landing bay. A man looking about the same age as the Commander peered out at them with interest. He was wearing a brown article of clothing that reminded Harlan of a mix between a long dress and a tunic. In his hands, he held a pointed hat that almost (but not quite) matched his outfit.

"Good morning," the man greeted, placing the hat beneath his arms. With one hand, he held some sort of short stick. He stuck out his other hand for the Commander to shake, which he did, cautiously. "My name is Headmaster Eldervy, of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Thank you for allowing me entrance onto your magnificent vessel. You must be wondering why a wizard like myself is here."

"Indeed."

The Commander's tone was clipped, and full of uncertainty.

The man smiled. "I'm here to give your crew a chance to be sorted."

Author's note:

First of all, no, this is not a fic where anyone from the Christa goes to Hogwarts. This will be explained further in another chapter, but I just wanted to say that right now.

Second, which will also be explained further later on, the headmaster of the school (and the school in general) exist in the same time period of the Christa. Since the year the story started was 2261, it is 2263 in both years.

Third, this is meant to be humorous, while still making sense according to the rules of the universe I've established.

Fourth, if you have any persuasive arguments for why a certain character belongs in one house over another, tell me in a review. I have a pretty good idea where I'm going to sort everyone, but I'm open to be convinced.

Fifth and finally, if you're enjoying this fic so far, please leave feedback!