A/N: New chapter up straight away. Getting more into the story now, its a bit of a slow burn! Quite a long chapter. Hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 1: Hollow

Harry, along with the rest of the Weasley family and guests, were laughing hard, deep, guttural laughs at the joke George had just made. As everyone at the table finally managed to regain their composure Harry looked around the table and saw all the people he loved in one spot. He felt so lucky to have such a wonderful group of people who loved and cared for him. He watched Ron and Hermione playfully arguing as they always did; watched Fleur and Bill cooing over their new born baby, Molly and Arthur laughing and bouncing Fleur and Bill's oldest twins on their laps, George and Charlie trying to out drink and eat each other while Ginny had her hand resting on his thigh. 'This is what life is supposed to be', thought Harry. He felt content, safe and loved and revelled in that feeling. Suddenly the sky went dark, a storm came rolling in and the whole Burrow shook with a fierce energy. The door burst open and blood red eyes gleamed through the darkness, a high-pitched voice broke through the noise of the storm 'Avada Kedavra' and a flash of green light filled the kitchen...

Harry woke from his nightmare with a start as he felt something land on his shoulder. Rolling out of his bed and scrambling to defend himself with whatever he could get his hands on, Harry suddenly realised where he was and saw his poor owl floundering on the floor with the bed sheets covering her. 'Sorry girl' Harry murmured, untangling her from the bed sheets, 'You startled me that's all'. Hedwig looked at Harry with great annoyance and stuck out her leg for him to take the letter that had been delivered. Harry tried to apologise again but Hedwig quickly flew away after a sharp nip to his fingers. Harry sighed; he knew he would have some grovelling to do later.

When Harry saw that the handwriting belonged to Hermione he leant up against the headboard and started reading the letter. She had written him from her carriage on the Hogwarts Express and it was only when Harry read these words that he realised that today was September 1st. He had lost all sense of time since he had arrived at the Potter Manor almost two months ago and it took him by surprise to learn that it was already the start of a new school year. It was weird to think that hundreds of students were currently sitting on a train, eating sweets, catching up with friends, playing exploding snap on their way to the castle that only a few months ago had almost been completely destroyed. Harry tried to remember the feeling of his first train ride and although he could remember the details of the event, he could no longer feel the emotions from that day. He knew that he had been happy, hopeful as well as nervous, but none of those feelings made sense to him anymore. The memories didn't feel like his. He felt like he was watching a pensieve of someone else's memories. He had felt that way a lot recently, he could visualise his memories, but he couldn't feel them. He knew how he felt when he first rode a broom, but he couldn't access that feeling anymore. He had begun feeling this way soon after the Battle of Hogwarts, the relief he initially felt when Voldemort was vanquished, soon morphed into a detached hollowness.

There was no sadness for the lost, no joy at the victory, no hope for the future, no desire to pursue any of the goals he had once held. He had gone back and forth on his decision to not attend Hogwarts. He wondered if he regretted the decision now knowing that Hermione, Ginny and the others would be huddled in a carriage together chatting about the new year, but he found that he didn't care. He didn't finish Hermione's letter, she had started by wishing he was with them and how it was going to be weird not spending the year together when they had spent the majority of the previous 7 years side by side; but once she started giving Harry advice about moving on, staying positive and getting out of the house he dropped the letter and slid back into his bed and began to think on the last four months.

He had been offered a place at Hogwarts by McGonagall, she had been kind and understanding with him, but it was clear to Harry that she felt it was his duty to finish his studies. Not only so he could graduate but also so he could show the Magical population that it was time to move forward and Hogwarts was once again a safe place to attend. Although he had been offered his own chambers and a private space where he could study without being interrupted, he just couldn't see himself back there. He had wanted to go back, he really did. To go to Hogwarts with no threat of Voldemort hanging over his head, a time where he could just enjoy being at school sounded fantastic in theory, but he realised that it just wasn't possible.

He just couldn't stomach going back to that place. The place that he had once called his home he now saw as a graveyard. He had gone back to Hogwarts about a month after the battle to help with the clean-up and once he saw the building his senses were flooded with memories of the battle. All he could see were the faces of the dead, he could smell the burning flesh and could hear the screams of the many injured. The faces of Remus, Tonks, Fred, Creevey, Lavender and the rest came searing into his vision as he sunk to his knees. It hadn't hurt like he had expected. Instead there was just a hollow, haunted feeling in his bones. So, he decided then and there that if he could help it he would stay far away from that place, besides going back now would mean that he would have to see Ginny every day and he didn't think that would be a wise idea.

He and Ginny had tried to be together, they had even slept together, but Harry had felt nothing towards her, he merely went through the motions of what was expected of a boyfriend. Ginny seemed to know, even while they were making love, that he wasn't the Harry she had been in love with since she was a child. She had been hurt by his actions but understood and was kind when he tried to apologize. She and Dean had slept together often during their previous relationship and so didn't feel used. She had just felt sad. Sad that it hadn't worked out. Sad that life had been so cruel to Harry and sad that the sparkle of his eyes had faded that his once bright brilliant green eyes were now dim and lifeless.

He realised that this summer hadn't been the best for young love as he turned his thoughts to Ron and Hermione's failed romance. They had tried dating around the same time as Harry and Ginny. They lasted a bit longer, but it also soon fell apart. Hermione, although wanting to help Arthur change Wizarding society, had taken McGonagall up on her offer and had decided to return to Hogwarts with Ginny, Luna, Neville and Dean. Ron, like Harry, had not. Despite the troubles still pervading Wizarding society, Ron was all too happy to enjoy his newfound fame. While Harry had all but disappeared from public life, Ron had basked in it. He was often out and about enjoying the free drinks people poured for him and loved the attention the girls gave him. The romance that had started during the war fizzled quickly, neither blaming the other and they parted on good terms.

Hermione realised quickly that her feelings for him had died quickly after the danger had passed and crazed more intellectual stimulation. She wanted someone as motivated as she was to change the world around her and who didn't constantly argue and contradict her. She was a passionate and idealistic witch and needed someone who would support her dreams and passions, not scoff at them. Although not oblivious to the challenges facing his world, Ron had argued that they had done their part and with Voldemort dead it was up to the adults and the ministry to sort the rest out, it was their time to finally enjoy their youth. After two months they parted ways. Ron soon realised that there were many more witches in the world than those he had gone to school with and he was more than happy to explore all possibilities.

Harry shook himself from his musings and decided it was probably time to get up and have a shower. He lumbered into the bathroom, climbed into the shower, lent his forehead against the wall and let the water wash over him. He stayed that way for a long time until he felt his stomach growl 'I guess I should eat something' Harry sighed and turned the water off. After drying himself and putting on some running pants and a t-shirt he wandered downstairs to the kitchen. As he mumbled a few hellos to the remaining portraits of his ancestors that lined the walls he let his mind reflect on the events that had led him to living in such a vast yet empty house.

He had spent the first few months after the Battle with the Weasleys, he had originally tried to move into Grimmauld Place but as soon as he entered the building, he thought of all he had lost and vomited on the carpet. Helped up by Hermione, Ron and Ginny he had had the urge to burn it down but couldn't bring himself to do it. However, once he and Ginny had broken up, he didn't feel like he could impose on them any longer, nor could he handle watching the family grieve over Fred. Once Arthur had begun his journey to the Minister's position Harry knew that it was time to leave the Burrow. Despite the whole Weasley clan urging him to stay as long as he wanted, he just couldn't do it. He needed somewhere else to live, away from London, away from Ginny, away from... just … away.

He had no desire to be lavished with praise every two steps and be cheered, hugged and kissed by people on the street. The first time he had gone to Diagonal Alley after the Battle had been a nightmare. Witches of all ages, and some wizards, had groped, hugged and kissed him. He had to endure many handshakes, declarations of life debts and on and on it went. He hated the whole experience and asked Molly to shop for him after that. Ron on the other hand had loved it. When he went back by himself the next time he was surprised and excited to find that he received the same reception, without Harry even being there. He was famous in his own right. Not as Harry's best friend but as a Horcrux slayer, defender of Hogwarts and Hero of Magical Britain.

Once Arthur had been appointed as Minister and had soothed things over with the Goblins; Harry had decided to visit Gringotts to find out what the state of his finances were and if he had enough to buy a house somewhere. The thought of that encounter further darkened Harry's mood as he had discovered just how much he didn't know and how much had been kept from him.

Flashback

Bill Weasley was walking down the main street of Diagonal Alley with a fellow red headed young man, Barry Weasley.

'Thanks for coming with me Bill' Harry muttered, glad for the disguise he was wearing as he could see shops selling Harry Potter and the Golden Trio merchandise. 'I need someone who knows the way Goblins work and can maybe stop them cutting my head off once I enter the Bank.'

'No problem Harry. And don't worry about that, Dad spoke to them about you during his meeting and soothed things over. Once he had explained that you had broken in to steal a Horcrux with the intention to destroy it they calmed significantly. They were horrified to find that such an abominable creation had been hidden in their building and were glad to be rid

of it.'

'Well that's a relief, let's just hope they don't want a hand or foot instead', Bill laughed at this comment as they approached the guards now stationed around the building. Two axes blocked their path as the Goblin guards holding them looked the two red headed men up and down.

'Who are you and what is your business with Gringotts today?' growled the older of the two guards. Bill responded with a firm and professional tone 'I am Curse Breaker Weasley, Employee ID 4927 here as council for my friend here who has a scheduled appointment with the Director of the Bank' he quickly dropped his voice to whisper so only the two guards could hear 'Harry Potter under disguise…'

The two Goblins turned their heads quickly to stare at Harry who held his breath. He was surprised to see two grins spread across the cheeks of the Goblin guards which was a terrible sight to see.

'Welcome Harry Potter and Curse Breaker Weasley, you may enter' replied the same guard who had first spoken. Harry didn't like the way the Goblin had enjoyed saying his name and worried that coming here was a mistake.

Bill could sense his unease and placed an encouraging hand on his shoulder. 'It's alright Harry, they wouldn't dare harm you' encouraged Bill. Harry could only nod his head dumbly as he walked up the stairs into the main room. He was surprised to see no signs of damage whatsoever, Bill again saw his expression and pointed out that the Goblins were an incredibly efficient race and prided themselves on their structures always looking immaculate.

'Only took them a day to repair it. Had teams working through the night'. They approached the teller and followed the same process as they had outside. Harry got the same sick feeling as the teller grinned and led Harry and Bill to a meeting room off the main hall. Once inside they were directed to two chairs at the end of a long table and Bill removed the disguise Harry was wearing. They waited for only a few seconds when suddenly the doors at the other end of the room from which they had entered opened and 20 Goblins strode in carrying various files under their arms. Harry didn't recognise any of the Goblins while Bill nodded in acknowledgement to many of them.

At the back of the procession came an incredibly old Goblin, he had white hair growing out of his ears and walked much slower than his counterparts.

'Director Ragnok' Bill muttered in Harry's ear 'He runs Gringotts and is also the head of the Goblin Nation in Britain. Refer to him as Director Ragnok at all times and answer any questions he has as direct as possible. The Goblins hate unnecessary small talk and get right to the point.' Harry nodded as they all took their seats, Ragnok seated himself at the head of the table at the opposite end to where Harry and Bill sat.

'Greetings Curse Breaker Weasley' Ragnok began looking at Bill 'You have done some excellent work these past few months with our new wards being put up.'

'Thank you Director Ragnok' Bill replied inclining his head in a slight bow Ragnok returned the gesture and continued 'I understand that you are here as Harry Potter's council and witness if need be?'

'That is correct'

'Good, then let's get started' Ragnok then shifted his attention to Harry. 'Harry Potter, you have given us quite a bit of activity to deal with these last few months' Ragnok stated matter of factly.

Harry was unable to gauge his mood and replied sincerely, 'I apologise, Director Ragnok, I didn't really have a choice, unfortunately, I was kind of desperate at the time'.

To Harry and Bill's surprise Ragnok chuckled at this comment. 'Indeed, you must have been! What with the Dark Lord after you and all, no harm Harry, it is all in the past'? Harry looked at Bill quickly for some aid on this surprising turn of events while Bill merely shrugged. He was clearly as confused by Ragnok's demeanour as Harry was.

'So, you aren't mad at me for destroying Gringotts and setting that dragon free?' Harry questioned. Ragnok grinned that horrible Goblin grin and replied 'Our first declaration after your actions was to label you an enemy of the Goblin Nation.'

Bill gripped Harry's arm at these words which caused Ragnok to laugh 'but after our meeting with your new Minister we realised that you had done as a huge favour young Harry Potter.'

As Bill physically relaxed Harry was left confused 'A favour. How? I nearly destroyed all of Gringotts!'

'Maybe stop reminding them Harry' whispered Bill, causing Harry to shut his mouth. Ragnok chuckled once again at this statement and it was starting to get on Harry's nerves.

'You see Harry, firstly, if you hadn't defeated the Dark Lord, we would have been driven even further into our caves to avoid you Wizard and Witches. Our lives under the rule of Voldemort would have been much worse than we had ever known. By conquering him you have saved us from a horrible fate. Secondly, by blowing a large hole in the ground we had no choice but to send armed guards onto the street. We were able to defend ourselves saying that we were merely defending Wizard gold, the ministry couldn't say anything. From this position we have been able to negotiate much better terms for our people than we have had for hundreds of years! And finally, by destroying that disgusting thing you have saved us from dealing with it ourselves. So, all in all, despite the damage you caused your actions have greatly benefited the Goblin nation and for that we thank you.'

Harry was stunned by Ragnok's words, a quick glance to his right told him that while Bill was also caught off guard by these comments, he wasn't totally surprised by the unemotional way the Goblins were handling the situation. Bill informed Harry that Goblins tend to leave their emotions at the for when dealing with business, if a deal makes financial and political sense then why go against it because of emotions.

'Besides' continued Ragnok, clearly enjoying this moment 'You have been most generous in helping rebuild Gringotts.' Ragnok finished with a sneer. Bill locked eyes with Harry and Harry could see the concern in his eyes.

'I have?' Harry asked, worried about what the answer may be.

'Yes, Harry Potter, most generous. In fact, you emptied your trust fund to help us out!' This statement caused a huge laughter around the table. Clearly the Goblins had all been waiting for this reveal. They had held him responsible for the damage and when he had been declared an enemy of the state, they had confiscated his trust fund and used it to pay for repairs to their building. Harry was crushed by this statement, his hopes of moving out of the Weasley's and away from everyone was gone. He would have to either live with the Weasley's or Grimmauld Place. What was he going to do for money? Get a job? But where could he work where people wouldn't stare and point or worse.

'Maybe I could try Quidditch' Harry thought 'or else I'll have to go back to Hogwarts and get a proper certificate, not the honorary one McGonagall has given me.' As Harry was dwelling on this news and started feeling even more dejected, the laughter of the Goblin's finally ceased. Ragnok had watched Harry the whole time and had watched his face become a blank wall devoid of hope and emotion. In that moment he had felt sorry for the boy across from him. He had endured so much for someone so young and decided to end his suffering.

'Do not despair Harry Potter. We have much more to discuss today, and much of it will be good news for you I am sure.' Harry's face reverted to its earlier state of confusion at these words.

'Now, you became of age last year, isn't that right?' Ragnok asked

'Yes Sir'

'Due to obvious reasons we were unable to contact you in order to sort out some family business that was triggered when you came of age. I think we should start there. Firstly when you came of age you were emancipated under wizard law and are now able to take up your position as the Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, you will now be known as Lord Potter. Here in this box lies the Potter family ring.'

'Lord?' A shocked Harry interjected

'Yes Mr. Potter, simply put on the ring and the Potter magic will bind you to the ring making you the new Lord Potter. On top of this, any and all Potter vaults, family homes and possessions will now be open to you.'

'And if I don't put it on?'

'You will be unable to access your finances or live in your family's home.'

Groaning Harry reached forward and grabbed the box. He didn't want to become Lord Potter. He just wanted to be anonymous, he had no idea his family were nobles. Why had no one bothered to tell him? No one had ever remotely even hinted that his family was that powerful. Everyone had always been so casual when using his parents' names. He knew his parents had been wealthy, but this was a whole new ball game. And Ragnok said any and all properties, did his parents have more than just the home at Godric's Hollow?

'Director, was my father Lord Potter before me?' Harry finally asked out loud.

'Yes Mr. Potter he was.'

'Why has no one ever referred to him as such to me? I had no one idea my family were nobles.' Harry spoke to the box more than to Ragnok and so he didn't see the flash or surprise and slight anger that drifted across Ragnok's face. Nor did he see the red tinge that appeared on the slightly embarrassed face of Bill Weasley.

'I am sorry Harry. I thought Dumbledore had told you. Since you never mentioned anything, I assumed you didn't want to talk about it. Mum and Dad knew your parents as Lord and Lady, so I don't know why they never said anything.' Bill said sheepishly

'You were never told' growled Ragnok, clearly unhappy about this turn of events. He was clearly not expecting Harry to be unaware of his status. He hoped that this didn't go any further, but he had his fears that even more had been hidden from this young man.

'Mr. Potter, did Dumbledore ever sit down with you and go through your parents' will with you? Asked Ragnok in a demanding voice.

Harry finally looked up from the box that held the Potter Ring and asked in barely a whisper 'My parents had a will?'

Ragnok broke into a loud rant in Gobbledygook that Harry didn't understand, but he could tell that Ragnok wasn't a happy Goblin. He shouted orders to a few of his subordinates who ran from the room quickly.

'Mr. Potter it seems that important information has been kept from you. That twinkly eyed son of a bitch would be feeling the full force of Gringotts right now if he had the decency to be alive'. This statement above the rest shocked Harry the most. Here was the Head of Gringotts and the leader of the Goblin Nation openly mocking one of the greatest Wizards to ever live. Harry turned to look at Bill who looked like he was going to be sick.

'Sorry, what is going on? What else has been kept from me?'

'Your parents Will Mr. Potter! An incredibly important document whose contents you should have been made aware of by now! We have the original copy with us but allowed Dumbledore to take a copy, along with some other documents, with him when he informed us of your situation! Growing up under the Fidelius Charm with your magical guardian.

'I didn't grow up with a magical guardian. I was sent to my Muggle Aunt and Uncle in Surrey. I lived with them until last Summer when I came of age.' Harry cut in quickly, starting to feel his own anger grow.

'WHAT! THAT BASTARD HAS MADE A MOCKERY OF OUR LAWS AND MADE GRINGOTTS CULPABLE IN HIS DISGUSTING VIOLATION OF OUR LAWS!' Ragnok slammed his fist into the table as guards rushed in to see what the commotion was.

Bill almost fell off his chair at this outburst. He had been working for Gringotts for many years and he had never seen Ragnok like this. He was beginning to get worried about where this meeting was going. He was going to be having a word with his parents when he got home to see if they knew anything about this. As he turned, he saw Harry's knuckles starting to go white as he gripped the ring box tighter and tighter.

'Director Ragnok, perhaps we can read the Will and move forward for Harry's sake?' Bill offered tentatively. Ragnok's eyes snapped in Bill's direction and held his gaze for a few moments before calming down. He waved off his guards and nodded his head.

'Quite right Curse Breaker Weasley, that wrinkled piece of shit is dead and cannot face justice in this world anymore. Mr. Potter, on behalf of Gringotts I sincerely apologise for this oversight. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and you have been severely let down by our establishment. Please be assured that you will have the full support of Gringotts moving forward to rectify this situation. The money that was taken from your trust fund will be returned immediately' Ragnok snapped and one of the Goblins around the table quickly hustled out.

'That isn't necessary' Harry quickly added, his frustration had turned to weariness, he just wanted to get out of here as quickly as possible now. Why did these things always happen to him?

'Yes, it is Mr. Potter. You have been dealt a great wrong here and we at Gringotts will see if righted. Besides' he added with an evil grin appearing on his face. 'There are many Death Eater vaults that can be seized. The Lestranges voided their contract with us by hiding that abomination here. They have more than enough money to suit our needs.'

As he finished this statement the Goblins who had left returned with a few more piles of papers. They deposited them in front of Ragnok and he continued.

'Here Mr. Potter is your parents' Will, along with two letters. One from each of your parents. I am just going to assume that Dumbledore didn't feel the need to share Sirius Black's Will with you either, so here it is. Please take your time to read these. When you are done, we will continue with our business and I will be happy to answer your questions.

Harry's hand slightly shook as he reached out for the documents that were slid towards him.

He wasn't sure he knew which to open first, but he knew he didn't want to read the first words of his parents he would ever see in a room full of Goblins. He would save them for later. He opened Sirius' Will first and couldn't help a small smile formed as he read the words. Sirius had taken the opportunity to insult all his relatives and left everything to Harry. He had already been told this but here it was in the official documentation. What he hadn't been told was that his godfather's motorbike had also been left to him. Sirius had left a few pages of instructions on how to use it and its many secrets. As he got near the end he groaned.

'What is it Harry?' Bill asked, scared of what was to come next.

'I am also Lord Black, turns out Sirius family were also nobles.' As he uttered these words Ragnok slid a second ring box down the table, this one engraved with the Black crest. Harry let out a sigh and pocketed the box. He was still to open the Potter ring box, but he had left it on the table in front of him. He opened his parents' Will next and as he read it Bill noticed Harry's shoulders sink, head his drop to his chest. He looked utterly defeated. Any frustration that had grown throughout this meeting was gone. Ragnok had watched the same reaction and was quite concerned. He had assumed Harry would have reacted angrily to its contents. He was the boy who defeated Voldemort, surely, he would not be so defeatist.

'What is it Harry?' Bill asked, placing a kind hand on his shoulder.

In barely a whisper Harry responded 'I was never supposed to go to the Dursleys. They expressly stated that was never to happen. A muggle orphanage was desired above that. If not Sirius, then Remus, Peter, the Longbottom's, the Bones, the list goes on... Dumbledore lied to me.'

'Yes, he fucking did'. Spat Ragnok. Bill shuddered at his bosses' anger while Harry remained as he was. Harry couldn't bring himself to do anything but stare at the paper in front of him. He should never have been raised by those people. He kept thinking about the cupboard, the cutting remarks, the sting of the belt, the sound of his bones snapping and many more terrible memories. None of it should have happened. Harry couldn't bring himself to feel anger, sadness, betrayal any of it. He just felt empty. It seemed that this was the final break.

The rest of the meeting went by as a bit of a blur for Harry. He did nothing more than nod to anything else Ragnok told him. Turned out Godric's Hollow wasn't his parents' real house. The Potter's had a few properties and his parents had fled to Godric's Hollow to try and throw Voldermort off their scent. The main property was the Potter Manor, a large estate in the Lakes District in northern England. His finances were healthy to say the least. He and any descendants he may have would never have to work again for at least 10 or so generations. The Goblins asked if they were to keep managing his accounts and doing business on his behalf. He nodded his ascent. He couldn't care less what happened to his riches, he just wanted to get out of there.

Finally, after a good two hours of other forms he was informed that due to being the house of two Ancient and Noble houses now Harry held five seats in the Wizengamot that had been accrued through marriage over the centuries. He was told he could have a proxy sit in for him if he chose and he asked Bill if he could sit for him. Bill tried to fight Harry on it, but Harry was adamant. 'There is no way I am going to be involved in any government Bill. I want someone who I trust and know who fought with his whole heart against Voldermort.' Bill accepted.

As he went to leave Ragnok broke in 'Mr. Potter, you will need to put the ring on now if you are going to access your house and your money.' Harry sighed and reached out. Reluctantly he opened the case and looked at the ring. It was a solid gold ring with a deep blue stone in the middle. Engraved on the stone was the Potter Crest. Looking closer at the gold setting Harry realised that it was two griffins rising to meet each other in the middle. Their claws held the stone aloft. Harry slid the ring onto this right ring finger and felt a surge of magic rush up his arm as it fitted itself to his finger. He looked up as he felt a strange hand on his forearm. The eyes of Ragnok were staring back into his.

'I am truly sorry Lord Potter for all that you have been through and for our part in it. Had we known how you had been treated by Dumbledore we would have never stood for it and would have rectified the situation immediately. If there is anything else, please let us know.' Harry nodded slowly and followed Bill out of Gringotts.

With the documents firmly clutched in one hand and the address of Potter Manor in the other Harry promptly apparated away from Bill's side the moment they left the wards of Gringotts. Bill sighed a heavy, sad sigh. He had hoped to convince Harry to come back to the Burrow and talk through all that had happened. Now he was gone to a house that no one, except Harry, knew the location of.