MERLIN'S ACADEMY.

(Set beginning of Harry's fifth year) Harry is angry after being kept in the dark by Ron and Hermione, and furious with the Ministry slandering his name. So when he receives an acceptance letter to 'Merlin's Academy of Magic', he is quick to accept.

PROLOGUE.

Harry gaped as he watched the bird flying towards his bedroom window, a letter tied to it's leg. That wasn't what was shocking, after four years he was used to how wizards delivered letters; but it wasn't an owl flying towards him now, it was a gigantic Golden Eagle!

He opened his window in a daze as the massive bird arrived, gliding inside to land gracefully on his bed.

Walking across his bedroom, Harry frowned as he knelt down, wondering who the eagle belonged to, and why they had written to him. As soon as he untied the letter from the eagle's leg, it took off, soaring through the window, quickly disappearing from sight.

As he looked at the letter, Harry's frown deepened.

Mr Harry Potter

4 Privet Drive

Little Whinging

Surrey

Turning the envelope over, Harry saw a gold wax seal bearing a coat of arms; a spiral triskelion. Sitting down on the edge of his bed, Harry ripped the envelope open, pulled the letter out and began to read.

Dear Mr. Potter,

My name is Samara Campbell, and I am pleased to congratulate you on your acceptance at Merlin's Academy of Magic...

Harry's eyes were wide, as he stared at the letter in disbelief. Of course he knew there were other Wizarding schools, but how he could have been accepted into another magic school, when he was already attending Hogwarts?

... Merlin's Academy is a highly prestigious school, founded by Merlin over a thousand years ago. Merlin's Academy offers unprecedented opportunities in Magical education, the student body and faculty are among the very best in the world.

As a student offered admission to Merlin's Academy, you are among a select group of individuals whose academic and personal qualities are particularly impressive.

I am aware that you are currently studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and understand if you would prefer to remain there.

However, should you wish to join our academy, you need only send your reply with your owl. Or should you desire to talk to someone from the Academy in person, the enclosed 'Academy Medallion' will transport you directly to the academy.

Term begins on the 1st of September, we await your reply by no later than the 15th of August.

Yours Sincerly,

Professor Samara Campbell

Headmistress.

By the time he finished the letter, Harry had made up his mind. Usually he looked forward to going back to Hogwarts, but after what had happened last year with the Triwizard Tournament, Cedric's death and Voldemort's return; he had almost been dreading returning to school.

And If he did go back to Hogwarts, he would have to face everyone who believed the crap the Daily Prophet was printing about him. Shaking his head, Harry snorted, as if he was going to put himself through that, when he had another option.

Lifting the envelope from his bed, Harry tipped the medallion out. It was an intricate gold Triskelion amulet, on a thick gold chain, with three interlocked spirals extending from the center - a dark red ruby. It was simple, but elegant at the same time.

As he reached out a hand to touch it, the memory of him and Cedric taking the Triwizard Cup made him pause. How did he know this wasn't a trap? After all he'd never heard of Merlin's Academy before.

Grabbing a piece of parchment, Harry began writing a letter to Sirius. He didn't want everyone to know about his supposed acceptance to 'Merlin's Academy', but he knew he could trust Sirius to keep his secret, and he needed to know if 'Merlin's Academy' was real.

xx

Sirius,

I've just received an acceptance letter to ' merlin's Academy of Magic', but since I've never heard of it, I thought I should make sure the school actually existed...

Sirius' eyes widened as he read harry's letter. Harry had been accepted in Merlin's Academy? The school wasn't the most well known, but it was one of the most renowned and respected magic schools in the world!

... If it is real, then I will be enrolling there, instead of returning to hogwarts this year.

Sirius gaped in shock, as far as he knew his Godson loved Hogwarts!

... I know I've always loved Hogwarts in the past, but after last year, I just can't even think about going back, unless merlin's Academy is fake, and I have no other option. I hope you understand my decision, and I have to ask you not to tell anyone.

As he finished Harry's letter, Sirius shook his head, he wasn't going to stand in the way of his Godson's happiness, but he had a feeling that not everyone would be as understanding of Harry's decision.

xxx

Harry smiled as Hedwig returned, he hadn't expected a response quite so soon. Even if Merlin's Academy was real, he had expected Sirius to be shocked over his decision not to return to Hogwarts.

taking Sirius' letter from Hedwig, Harry sat down and unfolded it.

Harry,

Firstly, I'm proud of you for writing to me, rather than trusting that the letter from Merlin's Academy was real. Although, to answer your question, Yes, Merlin's Academy is definitely real, and gaining acceptance to the school is incredibly rare, so congratulations!

I have to admit I was shocked when you said you didn't want to return to Hogwarts, but I understand your reasons, and I want you to know that I support your decision.

I won't tell anyone until you're ready.

Putting Sirius' letter aside, Harry took a deep breath, so Merlin's Academy was real. His gaze went to the medallion that was still sitting, untouched on his bed. He reached out, picking it up, and gasped as the necklace grow warm in his hand, emitting a soft gold glow. It only lasted for a moment, then the glow faded, and the medallion turned cold.

Harry frowned, it wouldn't hurt to see what the school was like. "What the hell," he shrugged lifting the medallion. As soon as he dropped the chain over his neck, he felt the familiar jerk behind his navel as the portkey activated, speeding him away in a whirl of wind and color.