Author's Notes:

Disclaimer in first chapter.

I kindly request that if you wish to leave a review (or five), one per chapter, please have the decency to allow the author (me in this case) to be able to reply to said reviews.

With the above, out of the way, if at any point you don't like what you are reading then don't continue reading.

I will kindly note that this is a prequel story for what has now evolved into two different stories. I only intend to write one or two more chapters for this story before it ends. The next story, if you choose to read on, will show how Harry deals with Voldemort, Dumbledore, and the British and wider magical world.

Chapter 5 Ancestors

Harry was in awe of the magical talent that Queen Mab had managed to persuade to visit Avalon, in hopes, of gaining their help to defeat a great evil that threatened the British Magical realm. At the grand table, were a who's who of legendary magical talent, the likes of which had never been assembled in one place or one time. Queen Mab stood from her seat at the head of the table to address the group.

The murmuring of conversation stopped as everyone focused on the Queen of Avalon. "Welcome, everyone, to Avalon's shores…

…We have requested your presence to discuss a most serious matter that, even now, threatens to destroy the British magical realm. If it is not dealt with swiftly and decisively, I fear, that the threat will spill over into the rest of the magical realms and even into the non-magical realms…" Harry watched from his seat, on this occasion, at the queens right.

The assembled guests wore expansions of concern at this threat. Harry noticed that the Flamel's, however, stayed quiet, the pair were the only one's to show signs of possibly recognizing Harry when they were introduced earlier. Indeed, it was Nicholas who motioned to speak.

"Your highness," Nicholas sagely waited to be acknowledged.

"Yes, master Flamel," Mab called upon the revered alchemist.

"Might I hazard to guess that this great threat to Britain pertains to the dark lord Voldemort and that the young wizard next to you was the reason for the dark lord's down fall the first time..."

"You would, indeed, be correct, master Flamel…" Mab answered.

"Dark Lord Voldemort," Salazar Slytherin interrupted, "What in Merlin's saggy drawers are you talking about?"

"Excuse me, but I take exception to your description of my undergarments," Merlin spoke, the wizard looking every bit the character that he is portrayed in lore.

Salazar appeared to be embarrassed, "I…I do apologize, Lord Merlin," he said sheepishly.

"Perhaps, it would be best if Nicholas and I along with young master Harry were to explain the more recent history of Magical Britain and the blight brought by Voldemort and his followers." Pernelle politely interjected and receiving a regal nod of Mab's head the trio launched into the tell of who Voldemort was and how he came to power, as well as the more recent magical history involving Europe, Grindelwald, and the greater magical world.

After listening to trio's tell, Godric rubbed his bearded chin. "It seems that your grandson has made a right mess of things, Sal, my old friend…"

A grim faced Slytherin, added, "I'm afraid your right, Godric, I did warn his mother that she was too lenient with that boy, always spoiling him and giving into his tantrums…"

…I'm afraid it gave him an over-inflated ego and since of superiority," Salazar appeared to accept that the fault of the present problems lay with his family line.

"You did all you could for young Salazar, Sal…the fault does not lay with you…" Helga lay her hand on top of dear friends' hand in comfort.

"Aye, but the fight that you and Godric had and you're leaving the school in such an abrupt way did nothing to help the situation or stop idle gossip…" Rowena spoke with a deep Scottish brogue.

Harry was puzzled, spoke up, "Excuse me, but could you explain what you're talking about…"

Salazar's dark eyes landed on Harry. The man grimaced at the scars and missing eye ashamed of what his line did to a child. "Of course, the fault does lay with me, in away, but my words were missed represent by my grandson, Salazar Slytherin the Second, but nevertheless it found its way into tainting my House…"

A sigh, escaped his lips, "…I will admit that I was tremendously worried about the declining relations between magical's and muggles, as anyone who lived during the time could attest to the paranoia caused by the fearful muggle mobs and there call for magical blood to be spilt…"

It was a grim faced, Rowena, who next spoke, "Aya, twas not a good time to be accused of being a witch…"

"It didn't get any better for several centuries," Pernelle attest, "It took an international effort with the founding of the International Confederation of Wizards and the creation of the International Statute of Secrecy in 1692 that things began to get better for us…but only because as the centuries passed the muggles became more inclined to forget that magic truly existed. Instead, it became the stuff of fanciful stories."

A smiled mischievously, thinking of some of the fiction books, television, and movies that he had seen advertised or on the telly when he was able to watch whenever the Dursleys left at home alone and he would unlock his cupboard door with his magic. "Madam Flamel is right, times have changed, there are even muggles now that dress up as witches and wizards to pretend that they have magic at different events throughout the year…the have gatherings where they play games where they role play being wizards, elves, werewolves and other magical creatures. There are fiction books by authors like Tolkien and other modern media platforms that have romanced the idea magic and magic users …" Harry watched as his words affected each pf the sage guests, perhaps times were changing for the better flitted through each of their minds.

"…While it is interesting to learn of what has become of the muggles and wizarding relations since we all lived," Merlin said, "and while we can revisit this topic at some point in the future, I believe that Queen Mab brought us here for a specific reason."

All attention was turned to the Fae Queen. A smile graced her full lips, "Indeed, I did, Lord Merlin," she inclined her in thanks before addressing the assembled group.

"I brought each of you here because you are the aforementioned scholars, warriors and magic users that Britain has ever produced…but at some point, except for the Helga and the Flamel's, your bloodline intersects with each other the product of the intersection sits before you…master Harry" Mab uses Harry formal title as he watches all eyes turn to him.

Harry gives them a weak smile, feeling their inquisitive gaze upon him. "…unfortunately, the continued future of your bloodline is dependent on whether Harry can overcome his fate and defeat the dark lord Voldemort and his followers, but there is also the question of whether he will accept his destiny and help change magical Britain for the better…

…For such an enormous task to be completed, my adopted son, needs all the training he can get to even out the battlefield and tip the odds in his favor…" Mab paused.

Mab made sure to make eye contact with each of her guests before continuing. "I'm sure you all recognized when meeting Harry that he certainly has the brute, if raw, magical strength…But what he lacks is training and finesse…

…the self-proclaimed magical guardian for Harry has done nothing to prepare him in his role as the future Lord of his House, nor, despite knowing that Harry was fated to meet Voldemort in combat where only one would survive, said guardian and headmaster of Hogwarts has done nothing to prepare him, but has actively gone out of his way to hamper Harry while causing a meeting to happen between the two wizards…

"Now, the sisters of Fate and Destiny have brought Harry to my shore and place him within my care. Harry has come to accept his fated battle against Voldemort and while he has shown himself to be a prodigy at magics and a natural wizard of thought…" Mab watched the look of surprises with her easy praise of Harry's magical skill and the mention of his magical power level, each knowing, that no wizard since Merlin had reached a level of pure thought wizardry.

"…I have asked you here to help teach and train Harry so that he will be prepared to face Voldemort in combat to the death." Mab said ominously.

It didn't take any time at all before a resounding chorus of agreement was heard from the assembled group. For the first time ever, Harry, was optimistic about his fate and his chances at surviving.

Scene Change

The next twenty years were a whirlwind of activity for Harry and his teachers as life revolved around his training for his future meeting with Voldemort. The magical scholars were just as demanding taskmasters in the classroom. Each would split their time with Harry equally devoting time in tutoring him in various aspects of magic.

Merlin taught Harry the more arcane magics, like druidic magic, and elemental magic. He even managed to take Harry to his childhood home in a druidic enclave hidden from both the magical and non-magical worlds. Salazar Slytherin took to instructing in parsel magic, runic language, and rune magic, and warding crafting. Rowena Ravenclaw taught Harry arithmancy, charms and spell crafting. Helga Hufflepuff saw to Harry's instruction in astronomy, healing magic, magical creatures and herbology.

Nicholas and Pernelle saw to Harry's magical and non-magical education in alchemy, mathematics, sciences, classic literature and languages, penmanship, history, and politics. Under their tutorage Harry learned Latin, Greek, the Celtic languages, Norse, as well as more modern version of languages like French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. He learned classic literature and modern literature, British and European and World history, both magical and non-magical, as well as, politics, etiquette, and culture, and finally dancing. Basically, Harry would know enough to take his O Levels and A Levels to obtain his non-magical education certificate.

Cadmus and Ignotus Peverell along with their brother Antioch's family magic erred on what the Ministry of Magic termed dark magics. It's true that they, especially, knew how to use necromancy, blood and ritual magics to boost an individuals own magical power, but they never used any of the death magic offensively only defensively to maintain a balance between life and death. It is from them that Harry learned about Herpo the Foul creation of a Horcrux. Harry shared his concern about Voldemort having cheated death using a horcrux. The brothers, thought about all Harry had told them, and agreed that it was something that should be brought up with Merlin and the scholars.

The warrior wizards, Sir Galahad, Sir Gawain, Sir Kay, Godric, Cu Cuchulainn, and Antioch Perevell would often have Harry up and training before dawn and on days when Harry was not learning in a classroom the warriors would work him twice as hard in the training yards. The magical warriors instructed Harry in how to combine the different magics taught to him by the magical scholars and use it in magical combat situation.

Though, the warriors in the group, were all in agreement that to succeed in battle with another wizard one should not be solely reliant on magic to accomplish a victory. This is how Harry would find himself, in mock duels with both magic and nonmagical means of defense and offense. With Queen Mab's blessing and Frik acting as chaperone, the group of warriors would leave Avalon's shore for a more hands on study of defense and offense.

Harry found himself amongst the rowdy merry band as they, in disguise, would sale their skill with sword and magic to various Kings and Nobles, as mercenaries. In each new land, they would mingle with the locals, Sir Gawain, Godric and Antioch being the worst influence on Harry as they dragged their young war apprentice to the local inns for drink and the local brothels for feminine company.

It was during the trips that Harry found himself being a mercenary and privateer for Queen Elizabeth the First. He could boast of learning his seaman ship skills and navigating the world with the likes of Captain Drake and Captain Morgan. In the Middle East and Asia, Harry, was schooled in the ways of the Eastern warriors. Though, the outings were always kept short and brief, it wouldn't do any good if they made themselves to much of a home in the past.

Scene Change

Though the twenty years had passed, like most wizards, would still appear younger than he was. Even more so, in fact, due to his vast store of magical power, Harry appeared to have physically stopped aging in his early twenties. On Harry's, thirty-sixth birthday, at least on Avalon, a great party had been held in the palace ball room. Everyone had a wonderful time, but they were also filled with sadness for they knew their time together was ending.

Harry's instructors had deemed him a master of magics and that they could teach him no more. An eagerness to face Voldemort and Dumbledore to repay them for all the ill's they had caused him burned deep. A last strategy session had been held earlier in the day. Harry had sought advice on how to defeat Voldemort and what he should do about Dumbledore and the corrupt Ministry. Each of his instructors had given their advice that Harry should do what was necessary to tear down the old Ministry and build a new and how each should accomplish such a feat.

Now they stood on Avalon's shore all set to go their separate way.

"Harry, if anyone could accomplish such a lofty task then it is you."

"Merlin's right, Harry," Galahad spoke and was met with a round of "aye," in agreement.

"Indeed, like Galahad, you have the purest heart of anyone I have ever met…" Merlin addressed now grown wizard.

"…but you also have the strongest soul, an Indomitable Will that can not be broken and time and time again I have seen and heard stories of your travels where you have shown that you also have an Indomitable sense of Compassion for the people you meet and an unyielding sense of Justice…

…I know that whatever choices you make will be the right choice even if it won't be easy," Merlin grasped Harry's right form and the two man shook Harry's hands.

"For that reason, Lord Potter," Merlin letting go of Harry's forearm as he spoke.

"We have chosen to leave you with a gift," Merlin held his palm face up, whispered an incantation and a glowing orb of energy appeared floating above his hand.

Harry watched as the pother magic users followed Merlin's lead. Standing in a circle surrounding him, one by one, starting with Merlin, the glowing orbs floated towards Harry and colliding with his chest. The orbs entered Harry's body as he could feel a small part of each of the legendary warriors and wizards magic merge with his own it enhanced his magic further. Harry felt a heavy weight on his right ring finger, he looks down to find a heavy platinum ring with a crest with a rampant dragon carved into a red diamond.

Overwhelmed, Harry said, "Thank you…but what did you just do?"

Gawain clamped, Harry on the shoulder, "While it's true that we share blood, Lord Potter, that you may be heir to ours house by blood that blood tie has been diluted over the centuries…"

"…the spell that Merlin created, Lord Potter, has seen to it that the piece of magic we shared with you will fix that diluted blood, so that you may claim our titles, lands and vaults, so that you can use the political power to levy against your enemies." Sir Kay explained stepping forward to shake Harry hand.

"As Merlin, said, I know that you will use our gift well, mi 'lord," Salazar stepped forward to offer his own hand in friendship. "Make my descendent rule the day he unleashed my pet on to a school full of children and took up arms against other magical's in a quest for power."

"I will, Lord Slytherin," Harry promised.

"Good," Salazar said, "and if you were to be able to set the record straight about me and redeem House Slytherin in the process. I would be most appreciative."

Harry chuckled, "Of course, Lord Slytherin."

Everyone spent a moment with Harry saying their own goodbyes. Nicholas and Pernelle stopped briefly, Nick, handing him a vial. "I know we don't share any blood, Lord Potter, but Pernelle and I wanted to add our own magic to yours."

"Nick's right," Pernelle said, "in the time that we have known you we've both become very found of you and think of you as the son we never had…" a tear formed in Pernelle's eyes.

"The greatest regret Nelle and I have is that we never thought of having children before taking the elixir." Nick sighed, "We should have realized that there would be a price for the extended life we lived. Oh, I know most believe that we were immortal, but that was never the truth as we both found out. The use of the elixir is like any drug, the body becomes dependent on it to survive, but it takes away the ability to produce children as payment for elixirs properties…" He struggled to keep his emotions in check.

"Nick and I were hoping that you would use this blood adoption potion we made so that with a piece of our magic and our blood you would consent to, at least, in part be our son and heir." Pernelle finished for her husband.

Harry took the potion from Nick's hand, uncorked it, and chugged into down. The effects took hold, causing a tingling sensation to race through his body. The smiles on the Flamel's face spoke of their happiness at his decision. "Thank you, son." Pernelle kissed his cheek.

Nick grasped his hand tightly and patted his shoulder, "Don't worry, son, there won't be any major changes to worry about with the blood potion. We only used enough of our blood to make the family magics recognize you and grant you and any future children access to the Flamel magics." Nick said with a wink before he and Pernelle said their final goodbye.

With the last goodbyes out of the way the group climbed into the small boats as a Fae boatperson pushed from the shore. Harry, Frik, Prince Oberon and Queen Mab watched as the magical guests disappeared into the magical fog. Each boat with its boat person would take their passenger to the appropriate point in history and drop them off.

"Before you go, Harry, I wish to give you a gift," Mab said.

The wizard in question turned to the woman who had become like a mother to him. Clutched in her hand he noticed a talisman made of gold. Mab reached up and placed the loop of braided leather around his neck. The shiny gold piece was the size and weight of a British one-pound coin, but instead of a monarch's image on the face there was an engraving of a compass with magical directions on the out facing side. Holding it in his hand he turned it around to find the obscure language of the Fae engraved in it.

The language had been one he'd learned to read, but not able to speak, it read, may this compass always show you the way home.

Choked up, Harry initiated a hug and whispered, "thank you for loving me…mom."

"Don't be a stranger, son," she whispered back as they broke apart.

Oberon stepped forward his stoic calm was a welcoming as always. "I find that I will miss you, brother."

Harry smiled ruefully, "Of course you will." The two collapsed hands in a form shake before they stepped apart.

A tearful Frik dabbed at his eyes with a handkerchief. "It seems like just yesterday you landed on our shores, Lord Harry."

A wide reflective smile added to Harry's roguish good looks, The same looks that had made me a barmaid swoon. "I'll miss you to Frik." Harry hugged the impish Fae. "Take good care of the queen for me."

"I will Lord Harry," Frik promised.

Harry climbed into his own small boat, taking the pole used for stirring he waived goodbye before pushing off from the shore. He steered the boat into deeper waters watching a s the mystical fog obscured the shore.

The End

End of this Story.

I know that it wasn't my best chapter, but I have never been good at having patients and explaining every detail of learning or training magic, as I must admit I find such things in other stories boring and hard to understand in other people's stories, so I don't want to inflict such tedious details on my readers any more than necessary.

Next will see how Harry chooses to battle Voldemort and deal with Dumbledore and the corrupt Ministry.