AN: While rereading Deathly Hallows last week I suddenly started to think about how in some ways the show Merlin is so much like Harry Potter that I decided I would have to write a crossover. Just so everyone knows this story will take place during the time when the Marauders, Lily and Snape are at Hogwarts. I hope you guys enjoy this and I will be super grateful for any feedback! Oh and kudos to whoever can find the Star Wars reference in this chapter.

Disclaimer: Sadly I don't own the fantastic Merlin or Harry Potter, they are owned by BBC and J.K. Rowling respectively.

Of Camelot and Hogwarts

Chapter 1

"We are leaving in ten minutes."

Merlin looked up at Arthur confused, "I thought we were waiting for tomorrow to go hunting."

"That's because we're not going hunting," Arthur said in his cocky manner. "We have a lead on Nimueh's lair, and I don't want to waste any time."

Merlin didn't say anything, but he nodded once to acknowledge Arthur's request before rushing off to gather his gear. It had been only a week since Merlin killed Nimueh, and the momentary relief he felt at having her gone turned into fear when he heard Arthur's news. Yes it would be good for them to all know at last that she was gone for good, but Merlin worried about any enchantments she might have placed to protect her home. She had truly been a powerful sorceress and Merlin learned the hard way not to underestimate her.

After a quick scramble Arthur, a few of his knights and Merlin were armed and on their way. It didn't take long before they soon arrived and Arthur led the way inside. Initially they found it was merely an old cave, and relatively simple to get inside. Merlin was fully prepared in case he came across anything dangerous, but as it turned out there was really no need. It seemed that her magic died with her, and there was nothing to fear. On a table there were a number of magic books, which Arthur directed his knights to confiscate, some herbs and potions, and some other odds and ends.

There was also something very curious in the center of the room and that was a basin full of water. Arthur and his knights didn't know what Nimueh used it for but Merlin was pretty sure she enchanted it to spy on them. After all she seemed to know much more than he ever gave her credit for, and this seemed like such a tool that would help her in that way. And then something else caught Merlin's attention.

First he saw the glint of gold and as he drew closer he discovered it was a tiny golden hourglass set on a golden chain. Merlin never heard of such a thing, and before he thought better of it, he picked it up. He studied it up close and even went so far as to put the chain around his neck. He couldn't really understand his fascination with the item, but he couldn't take his eyes off it.

"Merlin! Are you deaf?!" exclaimed a very annoyed Arthur walking up to Merlin. "I said we are leaving."

Merlin glanced up sheepishly at his friend and boss. "Sorry."

Arthur didn't reply right away because he was looking at the hourglass around Merlin's neck. "What did you find?"

Merlin shrugged. "No clue."

"Its not wise to wear anything that sorceress owned," Arthur scolded.

Merlin nodded. "Right," and he went to take it off again. But before he even touch the chain, something incredibly strange happened. The chain stretched out as if invisible hands were yanking it, and the end came so it was around Arthur's neck too. And then the hourglass started to move, back and forth, faster and faster. As it moved Merlin could feel nausea swell up as he felt the strangest sensation of flying, but all too soon it stopped, and the two men were thrown hard against a stone floor.

Merlin groaned, and slowly moved to sit up, wincing from where he hit the floor. Tomorrow he would definitely be sporting new bruises. He was lucky in one way, however, and that was that Arthur hadn't fallen on him. The prince faired the fall much more gracefully than Merlin had, his armor definitely took the brunt of his fall. And Arthur was also the first to stand and speak.

"What did you do Merlin?" Arthur snapped. "I told you to leave that alone!"

Merlin sighed as he stood up, but not before taking the hourglass off his neck, "Sorry Arthur." "But at least we're back at the castle, no harm done."

Arthur started for a second as he looked around and then he spoke in a softer voice. "This isn't Camelot."

"What?" Merlin asked shocked. They were obviously in the castle, granted it was in an older darker corner, but it had to be Camelot.

"I've lived in the castle all my life, and this isn't Camelot. The stone is darker for one, and we don't have any paintings like that." Arthur pointed to a painting that showed a few robed individuals sitting around a table playing cards. And then so quick that Merlin didn't think it was real, he saw one of them move.

Apparently Arthur saw it too. "The man in the painting moved! It must have an enchantment upon it."

"If we aren't in Camelot," Merlin said. "Then where could we be?"

Arthur drew his sword. "I'm going to find out."

Merlin sighed, "I have a bad feeling about this."

They had been walking for several minutes before they saw anyone. The entire time they were exploring the strange castle they found several more enchanted paintings, suits of armor that seemed to move but open opening the lid of one it was revealed to be empty, and a strange staircase that seemed to move at random. All of this was making Arthur more and more sure that this was a trick of Nimueh's while Merlin just grew more nervous.

The person they finally found came upon them so silently that even Arthur didn't hear him coming. It was an elderly man who had a long white beard, spectacles, and wore long blue robes. When Merlin first glimpsed this particular individual for some reason all his worries evaporated in an instant and he just knew that he was there only to help them.

Arthur had a completely different reaction upon seeing the old man. Within the blink of an eye his sword was out and was pointing straight at the heart of the old man.

"Who are you?" Arthur demanded.

The man looked up at him quizzically, but made no movement. "I believe," he said softly, "That you should tell me yours first, but since you're threatening bodily harm I'm Albus Dumbledore."

"Are you the sorcerer who brought us here?" Arthur asked, not lowering his blade.

"I'm a wizard yes, but I'm not responsible for your mishap," Dumbledore explained.

Arthur's gaze hardened, "Are you aware that sorcery is punishable by death?"

At this Dumbledore's eyes twinkled in amusement. "Perhaps it is where you come from, but that isn't the case now. But before we discuss anything more, please come with me to my office where we can talk in peace."

Arthur looked as if he was going to protest but after a moment he nodded and put his sword away. Dumbledore led the way down a darkened corridor.

Outwardly Merlin hadn't spoken or even reacted to meeting this sorcerer, but inwardly he felt nearly ready to burst. This wasn't the first time Merlin met another magic user of course, but this Dumbledore person seemed at least from his first impression was an altogether decent person. And Merlin was incredibly interested to know where he was since apparently magic was not only allowed here, but it was flaunted throughout this castle.

Upon entering Dumbledore's office Merlin noticed several strange things. In the outer office the walls were lined with several portraits of distinguished men and woman, and all of them were sleeping, and Merlin could even hear a few of them snoring. Secondly when they entered the inner office there were a number of silver instruments in several cabinets, a ruby encrusted sword in a display, an old pointed hat, and finally a most remarkable scarlet and gold bird.

Dumbledore motioned for Arthur and Merlin to takes seats as he moved to sit behind the ornate desk in the center of the room.

"Now fist before we go any farther, please tell me your names," Dumbledore prodded gently.

"I'm Arthur Pendragon of Camelot," Arthur announced before glancing at Merlin, "And this is my manservant Merlin."

At once the old man gasped and paled slightly as he studied their faces. He glanced briefly at Arthur before his full attention was on Merlin who looked down, suddenly feeling self conscious.

"Can it be," Dumbledore said to himself. "King Arthur and Merlin."

Merlin looked up surprised at the tone of absolute reverence in Dumbledore's tone.

"I'm only the crowned prince now," Arthur corrected quickly.

"You sound as if you know us?" Merlin asked.

"Oh but I do," Dumbledore replied in the same tone of voice. "Both of you are famous in legends among Muggles and Wizards alike. Everyone has heard of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and Merlin, the legendary wizard."

"WHAT?!?"