Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Harry Potter, nor any of the other series and properties that may be presented or cameoed in this story. I do own Azrael's immortal soul though.

Nightbreak Studios Presents

A Zaion Indulias Production

I AM: The International Academy of Magic

Book 1 - I AM: A Stranger in a Strange Land

Prologue: The Triumvirate's Warning

July 22nd, 1901 - Somewhere in Eastern Europe

Hidden within the mountains and valleys of Eastern Europe stood a castle. The castle sat on an island raised in the center of a large lake, a large and impressive drawbridge providing a connection to a nearby bluff and an elegant and fortified guard house.

The castle itself was massive, constructed from smooth black stone and rising high above the lake. Large sheer walls surrounded it while the massive towers rose above to create an impressive sight. Light from within the castle poured forth and blended with the light of the full red moon, adding to the brilliance dancing upon the lake.

Currently an odd procession was crossing through the gates of the guard house and crossing the bridge into the castle. Row upon row of carriages, some drawn by horses, others by some sort of invisible force, and still others by all manner of mythical creatures. Riders were making the trek upon everything from horses to snakes to toads to large jungle cats, and here and there a fully sentient magical creature was traveling under their own power.

Once within the castle walls a myriad of elegantly clothed servants dressed in black and white clothes lead the animals to be stabled, while the riders and occupants of the carriages are welcomed through the wide open doors of the castle. Said doors led into a grand entryway leading to the main staircase. The guests, all of whom were dressed in their finest and most elaborate garments or who had groomed themselves as impeccably as possible, were being led up this grand staircase and into the grand ballroom. Within the opulent ballroom the guests mingled, fed, danced, and generally made merry.

But, for all the opulence and merryment that was going on in the ballroom, a much more important and serious gathering was taking place within a secret and sealed chamber deep within the castle's depths, the members of the gathering having taken advantage of their host's annual ball as a cover to convene the Magister Council, an ancient order dedicated to peace and cooperation between all magical races and nations.

Currently the large circular chamber with its rings of seats surrounding a large circular table was dimly lit and filled to capacity. Representatives of almost every intelligent race and magical nation were present, each wondering why this meeting had been called.

At the central table sat the current heads of the council, along with magical representatives from dozens of countries, including the 'warded zones', also known as the Elemental Nations.

"Welcome, everyone, to my humble abode. I hope you all had a pleasant journey." A melodic and oddly inhuman voice echoed through the chamber as their host, Lord Vladimir Tepes entered, causing the muted whispering of the gathered to die off as the Elder vampire elegantly took his seat next to representatives of the wizarding governments of France and England.

The English representative nodded to the elegant vampire before standing.

"Members of the Magister Council, we are gathered here on this twenty second of July for a matter of great importance. The stabilization of the Elemental Nations."

There were a few gasps around the chamber at this announcement. It was well known that the Elemental Nations were insular and disliked any interference, barely tolerating the magical schools of Europe and Asia recruiting from amongst their own 'muggleborn' population. So having the current head of the council speak of possible intervention was very disconcerting indeed.

"We currently have amongst our number representatives of some of the major clans that represent the magical population of the Elemental Nations. They intend to shift the balance of power in their lands as part of a long term plan to bring peace to the region. They have come before us to present their plan and what it means as a courtesy to the rest of us so please, hold all questions until they are finished."

The English representative nodded to the delegation from the Elemental Nations and sat down. Across the table from him three men stood. The one in the center had his dark brown hair pulled back in a ponytail and wore what looked like body armor. To his left stood a spiky silver-haired man in similar armor, and to his right stood a man with long spiky black hair that flowed backwards and deeply intense obsidian eyes.

"I am Hashirama Senju of the Senju Clan. With me are Tobirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, representing Konohagakure no Sato, Ryo Momochi, Mako Hoshigaki, and Shiro Kaguya representing Kirigakure no Sato, and Kira and Kita Nakayama representing Iwagakure no Sato. As many of you are aware, our war-torn lands exist within a massive field of wards and barriers, constructed over two thousand years ago with the combined powers of the very first Magister Council, led by the Rikudou Sennin and the great Sorcerer Myrddin. These barriers and wards were constructed to lock away the Bijuu, nine great beasts of dark and indescribable power, thus protecting the rest of the world from their ravages. Because of their penchant for destroying magical settlements, my people have been forced to isolate ourselves by clan, focusing solely on raising our own children in our ways. As such we have tolerated the 'poaching' of gifted magical youngsters born to our non-magical population. But no more!"

Hashirama paused for a moment to watch the reactions of the representatives from the other wizarding nations. He noted the distinct glowers he was receiving from the Russian and Chinese representatives, as well as the emotionless gaze of the Japanese representative.

"I have developed a method by which these great beasts can be captured and contained. With them no longer a general threat I have gathered the clans, and brokered an agreement. Each of the five most powerful nations in our land, Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, and Lightning, have agreed to house and fund a Hidden Village, as have many numerous smaller nations. The magical clans of each nation are banding together in their villages, cutting down on infighting between clans within the same nation. Within each Hidden Village will be an Academy dedicated to training magical youth in our ways and techniques. For the first time the, as you say, muggleborn magic users of our lands will have a place to be trained. As such, we will no longer tolerate the poaching of magical students from our lands. Our retaliation for any further acts of poaching will be swift and merciless."

With his part said, Hashirama took his seat once more, followed quickly by Madara and Tobirama. As the other delegates began to shout, question, and generally cause a ruckus Tobirama leant over and whispered in his brothers ear.

"I spotted the Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and German representatives shooting us death glares, Nii-san. But what was most intriguing was that the Russian representative was shooting Hishigaki-san a positively murderous look. It would appear that the rumors of the Hoshigaki clan aiding the poachers may have some truth to them after all."

Hashirama nodded slightly in acknowledgement.

The arguments and debates continued unabated for several long moments before the English representative stood and cast a silencing charm on the entire room. When the shouting representatives figured out what had happened they all silently returned to their seats, some sheepishly and others fuming.

The English representative cleared his throat before speaking.

"Yes, very well then. Thank you, Mr. Senju, for informing us of this change. Can I assume that this organizational change will affect the number of Ambassadors your lands send to the ICW?"

Hashirama nodded and the representative continued.

"Very well then. To those of you complaining, I remind you that the very first Magister Council until Merlin himself granted te Elemental Nations complete autonomy and authority within the 'warded zone' as long as they do not attack or interfere with the wizarding world at large. To-date, they have kept to their agreement, and are well within their rights to retaliate for any act of poaching. Now, does anyone have anything to place on the agenda for the next regular meeting? No? Then I hereby declare this six thousand and thirty fifth convocation of the Magister Council c-"

"Wait!" A deep booming voice interrupted, echoing around the chamber.

The gathered beings all looked towards the dark corner where the interruption had come from. Three dark-robed individuals, their hooded robes glimmering with ancient runes, stepped out of the darkness drawing gasps and muted whispers from the gathered beings. After all, these three were older than the Magister Council, and each was known far and wide in the magical world for their deeds.

"We, the Triumvirate of Avalon, have business with this august body." The deep voice continued as the first figure reached up and removed his hood. Brilliant blue eyes looked forth from an ageless face topped by long silver-white hair and sporting a pointed silver goatee.

Myrddin, commonly called Merlin, stopped and held the Council's gaze as his two companions removed their own hoods.

"It has been nearly three centuries since we have needed to appear before this council for any reason." A deep and mellifluous voice came forth from the second figure, revealed to be a tanned man with long wild spiky black hair flowing backwards and framing an ageless face covered in tattoos and piercings.

Rikudou Sennin, the Sage of the Six Paths, gazed upon the council with his grey-ringed eyes, showing only a hint of a frown upon his face.

"But now matters of Oracle call us forth again amongst you of the mortal world, as Prophecies arise that require careful attention." An elegant and musical female voice came from the final figure.

As her hood was removed the woman was revealed to have long flowing red hair framing an elegant and deathly pale face with large red lips and piercing red eyes.

Cassandra, first to hold the name of Vampire in this world and 'survivor' of the massacre of Troy, had an unmistakable frown upon her face.

"For weeks now, we of Oracle have wrestled with visions of great pain, suffering, death, and destruction." Merlin continued. "We have watched great atrocities, and great darkness, cross this land. We have collected the data, and come to a startling and worrisome conclusion. Unless steps are taken to prevent it, then a hundred years from this day, this world will be destroyed in fire."

"Three times shall a Great War cover this land." Rikudou picked up the thread of the 'conversation'. "Three times shall darkness feed on oppression and intolerance. Eight shall be the harbingers of the Apocalypse, released upon this earth to destroy that which we have built. Only the unifcation of all as one can stop the Ninth from coming, and thus save us all."

Rikudo quieted as Cassandra stepped forward to finish their declaration.

"Therefore, we come to remind this council of its sacred duty, given to you by your forefathers so long ago. Divisions between sects and species can no longer be afforded. Only in Unity can any of us survive. Therefore we are tasking you with the founding and maintenance of a school, designed to raise the best and brightest of all our species, and foster the neccessary Unity to save us all. Let us pray that it is not too late."

Cassandra quieted, and when it became clear that none of the three were going to continue the English representative asked the question on everyone's mind.

"Are you going to tell us what this school is to be named?"

Merlin grinned, his blue eyes twinkling.

"I AM. International Academy of Magic."

That night, the countdown to salvation or destruction began.

AN: First, do not take the posting of this to mean that any story has been canceled or anything. I've just had a really hectic and rough time lately, and developed an idea for an awesome fic, far more awesome than my current HP project. Thus Ive sketched out my general ideas for it, and written a bit since it was in my head. I choose to post it now rather than keeping it in storage as a gift to you fine dedicated readers, and as an apology for not writing much lately. I promise I'll be trying to write more soon.

-ZI