Author's Note

'The Heart of a Lion' is finally complete. What started out as a random idea I had whilst reading Fanfiction one night has turned into a passion project combining J.K. Rowling's world, historical fiction, mythology and a Master's degree in medieval history which I wasn't (and I'm still not) using in my professional life.

Despite studying medieval history, it has taken four years of research and writing to get to this point. I list most of my reasons for writing 'The Founders Series' in the note at the end of the first chapter, but it was fundamental because it was the kind of story I wanted to read. It is a mostly original story, based on the foundations laid by Rowling and I hope everyone has enjoyed reading it.

I've heard from a few people that the nods/references, both subtle and blatant, to the historical and mythological events and figures included have gone over their heads. As a result, my brothers (the first two people to read it) suggested writing a historical/author's note to clarify some of these details. So here goes…

The main purpose of 'The Founders Series' is to chart Godric and Salazar's friendship from being as close as brothers to being bitter enemies, unable to forgive each other for their differing beliefs. To ground their rise and fall, as well as the magical world and the founding of Hogwarts, in a believable medieval setting, I tried to work out how wizards would have influenced the medieval world, as well as how they themselves would have been influenced by Muggles. This is especially important as there was no Statute of Secrecy in the medieval period and Rowling has stated that wizards and Muggles coexisted in Britain at this time. Moreover, I had to come up with a medieval equivalent of and a precursor to the magical world inhabited by Harry.

To do this (and to keep it as historically accurate as a story about wizards can be), I made the decision to go with a different tone to the Harry Potter series. The medieval world could be a very dark place. Prejudice, hate, domestic abuse, brutal warfare, violent atrocities, murder, corruption rape, treachery were a part of life in the medieval world. However, life wasn't as grim as it was in Westeros. There was also aspects of life to enjoy, such as friendship, loyalty, love, music, games, literature and much more.

In the end, I wanted to show that the Founders lived in a greyer world than the more morally black and white society of canon. Knights were expected to kill, maim and make war, but these same men could also be peace-loving and cultured. Furthermore, their lifestyles and values would have been alien to our own and I was reluctant to transfer modern day values onto people who lived in the past. As a result, the characters in 'The Heart of a Lion' are very much men and women of their time.

Alain is probably the best example of this. He is fundamentally a good man; loving, fair and wise enough to see beyond the petty prejudices which blight the land they inhabit. Yet, he can also be a ruthless warrior, as seen in the part he played in the Harrying of the North (a historical campaign of brutal genocide which in this story was a consequence of a war between wizards of different cultures). Alain sums up the contradictory nature of the medieval magical world.

Whilst not a replica of Hogwarts, Avalon (a place taken from Celtic mythology) was supposed to be an inspiration for the future castle. From being hidden by magic and guarded by enchanted statues, to the secret subterranean network of caves beneath the castle which was founded by an esteemed wizard in order to hoard power and secrets, I've attempted to establish what may have influenced some of the choices made by the Founder's when building Hogwarts.

Furthermore, I purposefully made parallels with Rowling's world in regards to bloodlines and how important these are to wizards almost a half millennia later. In Harry's day, pureblood families trace their lineages back to the Founders. Yet, for the wizards of a pre-Hogwarts medieval Britain, many of the esteemed bloodlines go back to Merlin and his six pupils (all of whom are figures taken from mythology) and shows how rigid and unending some of the problems with the magical world are. However, I figured that the Norman Conquest would have had just as bigger impact on a magical world as it did the rest of Britain. Ancient families fell and were replaced by new, ambitious men emerged to take their place (these families included the Bellêmes, the Blacks, the Peveralls and other names recognisable from the Potter series).

This is one of the major reasons why I set 'The Heart of a Lion' a hundred years after Rowling's dating. Britain at the end of the 11th century was a melting pot of rival cultures all vying for power and I really wanted to explore these creative opportunities and how this would have affected the magical world. Furthermore, I doubt that you would find a stone castle of Hogwarts's design in 10th century Britain, especially when it is founded by people who inhabit a society which is about half-a-century behind its Muggle counterpart in regards to technological advancements.

On a more historical note, many of the characters and events in 'The Heart of a Lion' actually existed and took place, whilst some came from myth. As far as I've read, William Rufus was very much like how he's seen in this story. Both Rufus and to a greater extent, his younger brother Henry (who only got a couple of fleeting mentions in this tale) will play a more important role in the next stories, especially as they seek to impose their sovereignty over a magical world which does not bow to Muggle kings. Owain ap Cadwgan, Taillefer and the many ancient figures studied by Yusuf all existed, although I took liberties in making them wizards.

The most prevalent historical figure I've exploited to my own benefit is Sir Robert of Bellême. A powerful and ambitious baron, if the 'biased' sources are to be trusted, then Bellême was a feared man with a sadistic and violent nature. Admittedly, it was my brother who suggested using Bellême as the main antagonist and it was a brilliant idea. His story is certainly not over. Melusine is from a more mythical background, but the backstory I wrote for her is based on real legends. The Cauldron of Rebirth was also taken from mythology and so much has been written about it that I suggest using google if you want to know more.

I've hinted at the Church's view of the magical world in 'The Heart of a Lion', but I will explore this in a lot more detail in the sequel. However, I have borrowed liberally from examples of medieval religious fervour which could lead to appalling atrocities. For instance, the fate suffered by wizards like the Slytherin family was based on the persecution and attacks experienced by many medieval Jewish communities.

Moreover, the Order of Merlin in these stories is a magical military order founded by Merlin and other great wizards to guard the world against an ancient evil. This idea was based on the real Order of the Garter, a martial brotherhood established by Edward III which has now become a modern award. They will be very similar to the Templars and Hospitallers and I intend for the Order of Merlin to be the inspiration for the founding of their Muggle counterparts. This will also be explored more in the sequel.

Other historical/mythological objects, figures, creatures and events are merely a google search away, although I tried to be as historically accurate as I could in regards to the aspects of medieval life shown in the story. Alain, Morwenna, Hamon, Hugh Troll-Bane and many, many others were all original characters I produced and blended with Rowling's own creations, who pop up from time to time.

I hope you enjoyed 'The Heart of a Lion,' especially if you stuck with it to the end. Whether I commit to the sequel will depend on how popular the first book proves to be. However, I have written the plot of 'Hear the Lion Roar' and I've included a short synopsis below. In the meantime, I'll continue tidying up 'The Heart of a Lion' so please continue to read, review and share this story with anyone you think may be interested. The more feedback the better.

Finally, I just wanted to say massive thanks to everyone who has already reviewed or followed it. I can't describe how much it means to me to hear that people are enjoying something I've written, as 'The Heart of a Lion' is the first story I've ever actually finished. So cheers!

Until next time…here's a taster for 'Hear the Lion Roar.'

"1093AD. Britain is a land cursed by conflict as the old order falls and the ambitions of powerful wizards threaten the magical world with anarchy. Amidst the bloodshed and bitter rivalries, two young witches find they're alone in a brutal time and they must learn to depend on their own magic to survive in a world teetering on the edge of ruin.

Grave dangers await Gryffindor and Slytherin as they continue along a perilous road, committed to a feud against a witch whose ancient bloodline and power far exceeds their own. Together, their quest will take them from the icy fringes of the northern seas to the golden city of Constantinople. Yet, the drums of war are calling the knights of Christendom to battle as the Order of Merlin rallies wands to its banner and a crusade marches on a distant land. Outside the mighty walls of the Holy City, our heroes will collide with ancient magical power in an epic clash which will decide the fate of both worlds."