Harry Potter and the Acceptance
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the plot, which may have been influenced by another story. The custody of Harry Potter and co. belongs to none other than J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers Pictures.
A.N. This idea has been floating around in my head for a while. What if Harry decided not to attend Hogwarts? What if he decided to go another wizarding school? It is highly unlikely that Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived was not accepted into other magical schools. Maybe a well known one; maybe one that no one has ever heard of. Read to find out which school he chooses. Also a note to readers of the Quest for Saradomin, this story might slow down the speed of updates which haven't been very fast. However, I do plan on getting back to it so don't give up hope. In case you haven't realized this story is Alternate Universe (AU). Like I said enjoy your reading.
Chapter 1: Acceptance Isn't Always Hard to Find
Ten year old Harry Potter woke up to the sweet sound of silence. This was very confusing to him because by this time Uncle Vernon would usually be banging on the cupboard door, yelling for him to cook breakfast. Harry opened up the cupboard door and stepped outside. Nobody was there. Drowsily he walked over to the kitchen table where he found a note. It read:
Boy,
Petunia, Dudley, and I have gone on vacation to Majorca. Unfortunately we were unable to find a sitter for you. If you try any funny business while we're away I will know. You have the house to yourself. I have included a list of rules for you to follow. We will be back on August 10. Behave yourself or the consequences will be severe. Here are the rules that you must follow:
No going into any of our rooms.
No watching T.V.
No stuffing yourself in the refrigerator. (Dudley needs his energy)
Clean the house 2 times a week.
No freaky business.
No reading our mail
Vernon
Harry couldn't believe it. Over a month without having to worry about the Dursleys. It was only July 1st. He couldn't wait to go to some neat places around Little Winging.
The first 4 weeks of the Dursley's vacation went rather well. Harry would sneak off to a local gym that was free to join. He felt that he was too weak. He realized maybe if he got stronger, faster, and more agile he wouldn't get beat up like he usually did at school. Another reason why he liked working out was because it helped him relax. His favorite part was running. Although there was no major change in Harry's physique he could now bench 35lbs over his own weight. There was slight definition in his arms and legs. He looked like an average 11 year old athlete except a little smaller. He was proud that he now had a six pack.
'Maybe the girls will like me better now,' he thought. 'Where'd that thought come from he wondered.' Suddenly he remembered. 'It must be puberty like that video in school was talking about.' He shuddered at the memory of their school nurse giving them the talk.
And indeed it was puberty for in those 4 weeks of working out along with proper nourishment Harry had grown to the respectable height of 5' 7". He could no longer be called scrawny by his uncle and Dudley. In fact Dudley was only 5' 5". Instead of mistaking him for being a scrawny nine year old he could be mistaken for a 13 year old. He felt great.
Soon it was July 31st, Harry's birthday. He wasn't expecting any presents or even acknowledgement. All he wanted was to be accepted somewhere. Soon the clock struck midnight and Harry Potter was 11 years old. At this point Harry was lying on the couch almost asleep.
Suddenly owls started streaming through any open windows and crevices. A very odd looking one went down the chimney. Harry awoke with a start. He soon realized that each of these owls was holding letters. He quietly went up to each one the owls, untied the letters and threw them on the coffee table. After the letters were untied the owls flew away one by one.
Once all the owls were gone Harry looked down on the table. There must have been at least 75 letters on the table. He suddenly remembered Vernon's warning about not reading their mail. Harry looked closer each of the letters had the following address on them.
Harry James Potter
The Couch in the Den
Number 4 Privet Drive
Little Winging
Surrey
Suddenly Harry realized that all the letters were written to him.
"Who would write me letter?" Harry thought aloud. Harry turned on the lights and grabbed the first letter hoping to find out. The letter read:
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31st.
Yours Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress
'This has got to be a joke,' was Harry's first thought. Then he saw all the other letters each advertising a different wizard academy.
"I'm a Wizard!" Harry yelled with joy. Then he looked down at all the other letters that were still lying untouched on the coffee table.
'It looks like I have a tough decision to make on which school I should attend,' Harry stated.
He began sorting all the letters into different piles. One pile was for the schools that he definitely wanted to learn more about. Another was for the schools that were jokes including the one that said "Harry Potter Please Come To Our School" every time he opened it.
Suddenly Harry came across a letter that was written on black paper. The ink was silver. It read:
The Academy of Majicks
Forgotten and Remembered
Dear Mr. Potter,
I know that you don't know how your parents died. The truth is that they were murdered by the Dark Lord Voldemort. Here at my school we can help you learn to utilize your powers best to get vengeance. We can help you if you want to learn how powerful you can become. Please pick up the required supplies in Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley, or Vertic Alley. If you write"Take me to Gringotts" on the back of this letter you will be portkeyed to Gringotts. On September 1st write"Take me to the Academy" to be portkeyed to the Academy. Please consider this.
Ian Irongate
Headmaster
It was then that Harry decided that he would get his parents vengeance. Quickly he grabbed a pen and wrote "Take me to Gringotts." He felt pull on his navel and he looked around to see a one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen.
A.N.: So how did you like it? Please review. If you have any suggestions or comments there is a nice button at the bottom of the screen that says "Submit a Review."