by Polaris Black
When he arrived at his destination, Quinto Bookshop, Martin checked his watch. He had enough time to purchase a couple of books before the poetry reading. He smiled when he saw the proprietor. “Bonjour, Greg,” said Martin, waving cheerfully.
“Bonjour, Martin,” said Greg smiling as he waved back. “Please help yourself to some coffee and cake.”
“Merci,” said Martin and picked up a cup of espresso.
Martin loved this second-hand bookstore; he never knew what new friends he would be leaving with. It didn’t take long for him to find Haute Potato and Doctor Who, The Ultimate Monster Guide. He chatted with the cashier before finding a seat for the poetry reading.
Jeremy Reed’s performance was dazzling. When it was over, Martin picked up his package, paid his compliments, and said his goodbyes. He held the door for two female students who were also leaving, and then exited the shop.
Martin saw a flyer slip out of one of the girl’s backpacks. He chased after it and managed to catch it. It was an advert for the simultaneous airing of the Who-versary episode later that evening, at a place unknown to Martin. AND the doctor was pacing back and forth in front of the TARDIS.
Martin examined the paper closely but couldn’t figure out why the doctor appeared to be moving. Shaking his head, he started to run after the girls. “Mademoiselles!” he called but they didn’t slow down. “MADEMOISELLES!” he called even louder but they just kept on walking.
He reached them just as they were walking through what appeared to be a broken-down old shop front. He followed them, realizing they couldn’t hear him with those headphones in their ears.
“Hi Fumei, Buffy,” said Hannah. “Who’s your friend?” The girls looked confused and then they saw Martin. They couldn’t believe they hadn’t noticed him before.
“I’m Martin Miggs,” Martin said, handing Fumei the flyer. “You dropped this.”
“Thanks,” said Fumei, watching Martin staring in disbelief at magical people doing magical things in the dining room.
“Zut alors!” exclaimed Martin. “What is this place?”
The three women looked at each other when they realized Martin was not a magical person but rather a very eccentric Muggle! Nevertheless, they each had a good feeling about him and wordlessly communicated their acceptance of him.
“This is the Leaky Cauldron, a very old pub and inn. I’m Hannah Abbott, the landlady. Welcome.”
“We came to see The Day of the Doctor,” said Buffy. “If you have no place you have to be, why don’t you join us?”
Martin couldn’t believe his good fortune. “Oui, merci!” he kept repeating, dancing in place.
So Hannah led the way to the set of stairs leading to the basement. Once there, Martin took in the stage with red curtains, the red couches and chairs, and the bar set up with sandwiches and coffee. Fellow Whovians were already eating and chatting.
"C'est délicieux!" exclaimed Martin after tasting a sandwich. “Can you give me the recipe?”
“It’s a Hobbit sandwich,” said Hannah, laughing. “I got the recipe from Fumei and Buffy. My husband, Neville, loves them too.”
Once she finished her coffee, it didn’t take much convincing for Fumei to tell Martin the story about how she and Buffy acquired the recipe for Hobbit sandwiches. Fascinated, Martin hung on her every word.
At 7:45 when they took their seats, Martin asked if he could share the events of the day with his friends. “Of course,” said Buffy knowing he couldn’t possibly keep it a secret. “They may not believe you,” Hannah said, a little concerned.
“Moldu Fou,” thought Fumei smiling, knowing that from that day forward he would always be known as the Mad Muggle.