The Wizard's Guide to Timelords and Other Demons Book 1: The Forgotten War

The Second Paradox

Elise was surprised to find that the revelation of her ability to restrain the Beast had not been met with the apprehension and contempt she had thought it would. In fact, no one seemed to be bothered by it at all. Such was not the case with the last group of "friends" she had shared it with, though, in their defense, things were more intense at the time when she had dropped it on them.

Still, she had decided not to reveal the other part of her plan to end that monster once and for all. That disclosure would almost certainly result in resistance that might weaken her resolve. And that is not going to happen, she promised herself.

The Doctor had also elected not to reveal too much regarding his strategy for the approaching battle, claiming that he would need to make regular changes as things progressed. Nevertheless, he did offer a few helpful pieces of information.

After Dumbledore had produced a map of Hogwarts and the surrounding area at his request, the Doctor designated specific locations where certain resources should be placed. Elise knew that this information would be especially useful to Kendra, who had apparently concocted some scheme involving Mandrakes and Lee Jordan's exploding powder balls—or whatever they were called. She really couldn't wait to see how that would all play out.

Elise also recognized that most of the Doctor's questions and recommendations focused on straight forward, tried-and-true battle tactics. This included the placement of Hogwarts teachers and other staff members at strategic locations to defend the castle itself should the enemy manage to push the line too far. Professor McGonagall informed him that there were additional resources available to her to protect the school should the need arise.

Then the Doctor asked a question that caught everyone by surprise.

"You wouldn't happen to have a captured Reaper, would you?" the Doctor said as he gazed around the room at astonished faces. "Because that would be really useful."

"As a matter of fact, we do, Doctor," Dumbledore replied, "how kind of you to ask. We are currently keeping the creature confined within a very old cage down by the Herbology greenhouses."

"How could you have possibly known about that?" Snape inquired, but his question was pre-empted by Professor McGonagall.

"More importantly, why is the creature still here?" she asked. "All of the other Reapers vanished as you said they would. However, this one was struck by a rather large piece of stone that should have crushed it. Yet it remained, pinned to the floor and we were able to detain it."

"Forgive me Professor Snape," the Doctor replied, "but I will answer Professor McGonagall's question first. Do you recall the second paradox I mentioned earlier? I believe that is what caused your Reaper to be left behind."

"Yes, I do remember, Doctor," Dumbledore said, "but I also recall that you failed to answer my earlier query regarding its origin."

The Doctor paused, and then appeared to be pondering something for a moment before speaking.

"I might be able to answer that question for you, Professor," the Doctor said, "but first I need to speak with Harriet Jones again."

Nonplussed by the Doctor's seemingly disconnected request, no one spoke for a few seconds until Professor Snape managed to assemble a few words.

"I'm sorry, you wish to speak with whom?" he asked.

"Harriet Jones," the Doctor repeated. "You know, middle-aged, short, brown, shoulder-length hair, always flashing that silly badge with..."

"We know who she is," said everyone in unison.

"Well, very good then. I need to speak with her."

Professor Snape let out a groan of irritation. He really didn't like using the wireless—so demeaning. But, with a nod from Professor Dumbledore, the Potions Master grudgingly retrieved the old, leather case from its place at the bottom of the cabinet, placed it on the table, and prepared himself for the cruel humiliation he was about to suffer again.