A/N: New chapter up! Let me know your thoughts.

Harry had ruminated on this new revelation over the next few months and found himself feeling nothing but disdain for the magical world. His family and his home were all he wanted. He couldn't walk back into the wizarding world without being hailed a hero and be reminded of how he had been manipulated and abused by them all. How often had they turned their back on him as soon as another lie was printed by the Prophet. He wanted nothing more to do with those sycophants. As far as he was concerned he had done enough for them and they for him. This was the end of the relationship. It didn't help his feelings that each time he went and found his wand it immediately felt wrong in his hands and he threw it away as quick as he could. Magic itself was tainted to him now.

Despite this strong feeling towards the magical population of Britain, Harry had found a small sense of peace in his part of the world. He continued chatting to his ancestors who were mostly a jovial bunch who loved to share little stories of their lives. One of his ancestors told Harry how she and a few of her witch friends ended up in the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine and helped her hold her power using their magic. Another ancestor spoke of a drunk night that ended up with them transfiguring the Lancaster Rose into the York Rose on the banners of their men, accidentally causing major friction between the two factions.

Harry found that more and more he enjoyed the outdoors. He felt a sense of calm out in the forests around his estate and would spend many hours out there wandering, learning about new plants and their properties as well as the different creatures that roamed his property. He was surprised to find a herd of Thestrals one evening and had been hesitant to approach them. However he had just been hunting and offered them the deer he had shot through the heart with his arrow. They had approached him slowly and accepted his offering. Now, whenever he came out for a walk, they would always manage to find him for a pat and conversation. Harry made sure that he had meat for them ready on each occasion and a true friendship was born.

Due to his new lifestyle Harry had lost sense of what day and month it was and found he wasn't really bothered. He was enjoying living in a timeless place, a place where no one was dictating his life. His ancestors had been incredibly understanding and did not push him to return to the magical world. Secretly Harry felt that they were so glad that their line hadn't ended and that they had someone else to talk to besides themselves that they didn't want him to go anywhere. They all seemed to want to chat to him and some even pushed into each other's portraits so they could join in. Harry enjoyed these chats but at times they were too much and would avoid them for a few days. Winston, Cassandra and Philip being the only exceptions. Winston hadn't filled him in on any more family stories as of yet as he told Harry he needed to think on Robert for a while and the legacy he left. Harry had also found the Castle ruins that Winston had told him about and while he thought they were interesting he hadn't bothered to spend too much time exploring them, he was focused on his building projects and improving his hunting skills.

It was one evening after a successful hunt where Harry's routine and relatively settled mind was dealt a frustrating blow. A letter from Hermione arrived, but as he opened it he found two more letters tucked inside. Harry had been careful about allowing mail to reach him and it seemed that Potter Manor was doing a lot of the work for him. During one of his conversations Winston he had asked about the wards on Potter Manor. Winston had explained that they were some of the most complex in the whole of Britain. Only those who had been allowed knowledge of the home and entry to the grounds would be able to find it or send letters to it. Harry was confused by this piece of information. He had asked why his parents had left then, for Godric Hollow. For the first time since he had met his grandfather he saw a burning anger in his eyes. Lily and James had been convinced by Dumbledore to leave. He had argued that too many people knew of Potter Manor, whereas only a few knew of Godric's Hollow. James, distraught over the recent death of his own parents and with a deep desire to protect Harry trusted the old wizard to his death. Harry fumed as his grandfather ranted about the 'wrinkled old fucker' for quite some time. It was clear that Winston and Albus had not been friends in life. Harry left this conversation adding another grievance to his list with Albus Dumbledore. As far as he was concerned Peter wasn't the only one to blame for his parents death.

Thus far all Ministry and Hogwarts related letters had never made it to Harry and it seemed Hermione had now given them a way around the wards. He read Hermione's letter first and it was in her typical style of explaining everything that was happening at Hogwarts, advising him to talk to someone and boring him on her subjects and what she was learning. The only two pieces of information of note were that she had invited him to Christmas at her house with her parents, he would politely refuse, and that Ginny and Dean were dating again. After he had read those words he thought he would feel some sadness, maybe jealousy, but instead he felt nothing. It felt like he was reading about characters in a book, people he had no connection with.

It wasn't this information that bothered him, it was the information he received in both McGonagall and Arthur's letters. While both had their familiar tone both were also quite formal. It was clear he was receiving letters not from family friends but from the Minister of Magic and the Head of Hogwarts. Both were asking for an audience with him as there were 'pressing matters to discuss' that were affecting the wizarding world. He had read these letters in the study, the room he enjoyed spending most of his time in,as he would gather books from the library and settle into the large chair, light the fire and read. He found himself surprised at his new found appreciation for reading. Often he would read on his own family, cookbooks, hunting books and some fiction.

As he finished the letters Winston interrupted his thoughts. 'What is it Harry?' Clearly the frustration he felt at the letters had shown in his body language.

With a heavy sigh he explained 'Do you remember me telling you about my friend's dad who is now the Minister of Magic and my old Transfiguration teacher who is Head of Hogwarts?'

Winston nodded

'Well they have both kindly, but quite formally asked for an audience with me. They have pressed that it is important for us to meet. They don't leave much space for disagreement.'

'And what are you going to do?'

Harry shrugged his shoulders and replied 'I was thinking of burning them and not reply. I have nothing to say to them just yet.'

Usually Winston was quite supportive of Harry's desire for isolation and so Harry was taken aback when Winston replied 'Invite them over Harry'

'But why? I don't want to see them. Not when they are on official business, it just means that they want something from me. Why bother going through it?'

'Because Harry, it is time they realise that you are done being their puppet. That you are Lord Potter and due to that you don't owe anyone your allegiance. You will not do anything that you do not want to do. Remember, you are the saviour of their world and they owe you their lives, while you owe them nothing. Invite them over and make them understand.'

'I don't know if I can Winston, these last few months have been so hard. I don't think I can do it alone anymore.'

'You are not alone Harry. We may no longer be alive but we are with you. We will hold the meeting in this study so I will be in the meeting with you. Agreed?'

Harry nodded his agreement after a bit of thought.

'Excellent. Write back now, separate letters, make it official looking. Use the Potter stationary in the desk and sign it Lord Potter. Let them know immediately that you are not the Harry Potter they knew, you are a man and head of the most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. Tell them you will meet them in three days time for afternoon tea. They will arrive at 3pm and no later.'

Harry followed his grandfather's instructions and wrote a very formal letter in reply, dictated to him by Winston. Harry left to find Hedwig and send off his replies leaving his grandfather deep in thought, preparing for the meeting to come. It had been some time since he had grappled with a politician and he was relishing the opportunity.

However this was not his reason for accepting the invitation. He was quite protective of the grandon he thought he had lost all those years ago and wanted to stop anyone else influencing him for their own gain. He had felt that his grandson had seen too much over his short life and needed time to heal. Both physically and especially mentally. He felt that the outdoors would do wonders for his health and over time he would grow into a fine man who could rejoin the magical world and be a beacon of light in the magical society. However he needed time and couldn't be rushed by anyone. He felt that if Harry was pushed much further by others and forced to do their bidding Harry would be lost forever. He would turn into a permanent recluse and perhaps never speak to anyone, including his ancestors. He knew that there was much to do before the meeting in three days. Harry would need to be prepared for the meeting and how to act like Lord Potter. He may not want to be a Lord, and may not need to use it to his advantage often, however as all Potters have learnt over many generations, it is sometimes useful to lean into your title.

The next three days had been quite painful in Harry's mind. He had no desire to act like the Malfoy's and use his position to bully others. It had taken a lot of explaining on Winston's part to show Harry that using your title wasn't always a bad thing. If you were relying on your title and your wealth to bribe people and get away with crimes, that was an abuse of power. However, being a Lord did demand a level of respect within their society and therefore should be treated as in certain ways. After much back and forth Harry relented and agreed to play the part for the meeting. He did refuse, however, to dress in wizard robes. He instead would meet them in a casual attire, but with the Potter ring on clear display. Winston had walked him through the formal language that he needed to use and how they were expected to greet him.

Winston knew that they would be confused by the formal letter and not be prepared for Harry to treat them in such a way. Their behaviour was up for debate, whether they would receive the message and treat him as a Lord, or if they would come ready to meet the Harry they knew.

They soon found out when an alert came from the front gate that the Manor had visitors. Harry, having access to the wards in the study, opened the gate and let his guests in. Hearing a knock on the front door Harry walked out to meet his guests. He opened to the door to see the two faces he had grown to care for over the last 7 years. One that was in some ways a father figure and the other a stern but kind lady he could rely on. However as he saw them now he no longer viewed them that way. They had never lied like Dumbledore had nor used him for their own gain, yet they had neglected to tell him everything they knew about him and his family. Harry had found out through Winston that McGonagall and his grandfather had once been friends and this furthered his distrust and anger towards the magical people in Britain.

Harry greeted them in the tone he had been instructed 'Minister Weasley, Professor McGonagall, welcome to Potter Manor. Follow me, we will discuss our business in the study' Harry turned his back and walked with purpose to his study.

Both McGonagall and Arthur were stunned by the greeting they had received, as well as the look of the young man they hadn't seen in 6 months. Harry had let his hair grow and was midway to his shoulders. He had clearly been neglecting to shave and had grown quite a short yet thick beard. He had also put on quite a bit of muscle since they had seen him last. He was no longer a scrawny teenager and although only 18 resembled a strong man in his 20s. After sharing a look they followed Harry into the room he had just gone into.

They entered into a rather imposing scene. Before them sat Harry in a high backed chair with hands laced together in front of him on the large wooden desk. The Potter ring was prominent on his hand and at times caught the light of the fire that was roaring behind him. When Mcgonagall caught sight of the portrait behind Harry and took in the imposing man with his arms folded standing resolute in his frame everything clicked into place. She had known Winston many years ago and knew that he wasn't a man to be trifled with. He was fierce when he needed to be and had won many battles both politically and in a duel for decades. She shifted her weight uneasily and stopped where she was, waiting to be asked for a place to sit.

She was unable to catch Arthur's attention, who despite the initial shock, had assured himself that this was the same old Harry he had known, the same Harry he had cared for, enjoyed meals with and who had saved his life. Yes, the war had changed them all, there was no escaping that. He himself had become more direct and less frivolous with his time. People respected him now and he was getting better at being forceful when needed to be. He found that he was actually quite good at politics. It seemed that spending so many years in the ministry had actually paid off. But despite it all he was still Arthur Weasley. He still collected silly muggle inventions and tinkered away on his days off. So in his mind, Harry was still Harry. A friend and someone they could trust. Someone who was hurting and needed their support and a bit of fatherly guidance, like Dumbledore had always done. He had Harry's best interest at heart and that is what mattered most. And so striding forward and taking a seat at one of the two chairs in front of the desk he greeted Harry.

'Harry!' he began jovially 'How wonderful to see..'

He was cut off before he could say anymore by a growl from the portrait behind Harry. He hadn't even noticed it until now and wasn't sure who the man was. It was Harry who spoke next, fixing Arthur with a cold stare.

'Minister, please address me with my proper title Lord Potter. I am the head of the Noble and Ancient House of Potter and will be treated according to my station.'

Drawing his eyes away from a shocked Arthur, Harry turned his attention to McGonagall.

'Headmistress, please take a seat.'

'Thank you Lord Potter.' McGonagall said inclining her head respectively and moved towards her chair. Harry returned the head nod and while gesturing to the teapot and cups in front of him.

'May I offer you some tea?' He received two polite nods. One slightly awkward from the still shocked Arthur. Where was the boy he had grown to love? What had happened in the last few months? Harry stood up and made three teas before settling back in his chair. Arthur took his tea and tried to smile at Harry but received nothing in return.

Mcgonagall accepted hers with another nod in thanks but her eyes kept flicking up to the man in the portrait. He was yet to say a word. Clearly he was letting his grandson take the lead but was watching over the proceedings to make sure things went a certain way. She took a sip and realised this meeting was going to be a lot different to the one she had expected. The poor lad had been through so much and it seemed that it had finally taken its toll. Once seated and having taken a sip from his tea Harry broke the silence.

'Well, what can I do for you today. You called this meeting and so I assume you have some things you wish to discuss with me?' Harry asked raising his eyebrows and looking between the two people seated opposite him.

It was Arthur who spoke first.

'Well Ha.. Lord Potter' Arthur quickly corrected himself after feeling three sets of eyes snap towards him. 'Firstly Molly sends her love. She fought with me for a long time to come on this meeting with me.' Arthur chuckled a bit to himself. 'You know how she can be.' His chuckled quickly died down when he saw no emotion from the young man across from him. 'Well anyways. She hopes you are doing well and wishes you would let her come up and cook for you. She is worried sick that you are starving here all by yourself, especially considering you haven't got Kreacher to help you. Frankly we've both been a bit worried about you Ha... Lord Potter, excuse me, you have always felt like a son to us and we miss you.'

'Thank you Minister for you and your wife's concern. Please inform her that I am in good health as you can testify. I have been cooking since I was able to hold a pan in my hands and stand on the stool. I know how to feed myself.' Harry replied evenly.

'Of, of course Lord Potter, I meant no offence, Molly just loves to look after her children.'

'While I appreciate the sentiment, I am not her child. I am the son of James and Lily. I am a Potter with a large family. One that has been kept from me for far too long.'

McGonagall and Arthur both felt some of the ice in his tone.

'Uh. yes. Well again I meant no offence.'

'I understand Minister. But as you can appreciate these last few months have been quite illuminating for me. It seems much of my life and my family has been either deliberately or carelessly kept from me. I have grandparents' Harry motioned to the picture behind him 'and many more within this house who share my blood. Your family has done much for me over these last seven years and for that I am grateful. However neither you nor your wife felt it prudent to explain to me who I really was. All any of you focused on was who I was as the boy-who-lived, not Lord to House Potter. Now, enough of this, why did you ask to meet with me?'

Harry finished by again raising his eyebrows towards his guests.

'If it was merely to explain pleasantries you could have sent them in a letter.'

'But is the problem Lord Potter' McGonagall had finally spoken. 'You have not been receiving our letters. Each time we send them out they come straight back. It seems you have blocked us from communicating with you.'

A smug grin spread out on Winston's face, giving him a rather intimidating expression as the firelight flickered below him.

'Yes well I apologise for that. It seems the wards around Potter Manor will only allow those I have given permission to contact me through.'

McGonagall was the first to respond 'Yes we assumed as much when Hermione has said she had been communicating with you. I am sorry for the underhanded way we went about getting your attention but we needed to speak with you.'

'Well you are here, so I ask again. What is it that you wish to speak to me about?'

'We would like you to consider coming back to us Lord Potter.' Arthur spoke now, more confidently than before. It seemed he had finally gathered himself and was speaking as the Minister of Magic. 'Hermione has told us of how you barely respond to her letters and when you do you are quite vague about what you are doing. We are worried that you are isolating yourself from your friends and those who love you. The last few years have been tough on all of us. We have all experienced pain and loss and while you have carried a larger burden than all of us, we understand how you feel. We want to support you and help you work through all that you are feeling.'

'I agree with the Minister, Lord Potter. It will do you no good to sit up here all by yourself and dwell on the past. I would like to re offer you a place at Hogwarts. I think it would be good for you to be surrounded by your friends again. To laugh and joke around the castle like you used to. I know it will never be as it once was, but it can still be good. Give it a shot, you might just surprise yourself. You will not have to stay in a dormitory if you do not wish. However your friends Dean and Neville seem to enjoy having each other in a room. They send their best wishes, as do all your friends. They hope that they can get to see you soon. They have also been writing you letters, along with many other people who wish to see you happy and back with us.'

Arthur and McGonagall waited for Harry's response. While they had talked he had finished his tea and leant back in his chair, lifting his pointer fingers to his lips while his hands were clasped, concentrating on everything they said.

'I again thank you for your concern, however I must decline. I am content here in my family home. I am learning a great deal about what really matters and who I really am and I do not wish to leave. Please tell my friends I am doing quite well and I thank them for their concern. I may write to them myself soon to express similar sentiments.'

'If there is an issue with you leaving your home Lord Potter' McGonagall replied 'We can arrange a floo set up so you can stay here but still attend classes at Hogwarts. I am sure the ministry would be happy to oblige.' McGonagall said turning to Arthur.

'Absolutely Lord Potter. It would be an easy set up.'

'Once again I must thank you for the offer, however to allow anyone access other than trusted friends access to my floo would be against Potter tradition. I value my privacy and do not wish any ministry employees knowing where I live.'

'But Lord Potter, surely you can trust me!' Arthur replied quite hurt.

'It is not a matter of whether I not I trust you Minister. It is the fact that I cannot trust the ministry. Since I have joined your world it has shown itself to be a corrupt, self-serving entity that makes an enemy out of anyone who may disagree with it.'

'That was the old Ministry Lord Potter. Many of those who were party to its corrupt ways have been evicted and the ministry is as it should be once again.' Arthur replied more strongly now, offended by what Harry was saying.

'Be that as it may, I still do not trust that establishment. I am glad to hear that you are changing things Minister, but my answer remains the same. Now, while I can see our esteemed Headmistress coming out to visit a wayward student.'

McGonagall smiled a little at this comment and she swore for a brief second she saw the same cheeky boy she had grown to care for over the years, before it was again replaced with the hard man who had been present for the duration of the meeting, 'I find it hard to believe the Minister of Magic would come for this reason alone. You contacted me as the Minister and so therefore I assume there is more you wish to discuss so let us move to the crux of this meeting. I may be up here by myself, but that doesn't not mean my time can be wasted.' Harry finished sharply.

Arthur picked up the conversation, this time much more as the Minister of Magic than ever before. 'Indeed Lord Potter. It seems that things have changed between us and for that I am heartbroken. My family has always welcomed you as a son and will continue to do so if and when you decide to come back to us. While you may think we have misled you, we had no intention to do so, we merely needed to get your attention. However, as you have rejected our familiar overtures then let us speak on more formal grounds. The fact of the matter Lord Potter is that whether you like it or not, you are the hero of magical Britain and the people look to you as a symbol of hope. You have been absent from them now for 6 months and we believe it is time for you to make some sort of an appearance. We have put out a story that you are taking time to yourself, to heal and recover from all that you have done and people have respected your need for privacy. As the Minister of Magic I have worked tirelessly to help our country move forward from the war and we have seen great things happen already. People are more open to change and we have seen many magical beings gain more rights than ever before. Things are changing, finally, for the better Lord Potter. We are currently planning a ceremony for the 1 year anniversary of the battle of Hogwarts. We wish to honour those who bravely fought and died for their freedom there. We are asking that you consider attending. We do not expect you to make speeches or parade around, but to show up would give the magical population a great boost. To see their hero honour stand with the ministry and honour the dead would mean a great deal to them. I know it would be hard on your Lord Potter, but for the greater good of our community it is important that you do this.' As Arthur finished his speech a rather ugly grin spread over Harry's face.

'Ah, hello Dumbledore. I see that you are following in that old fool's footsteps.'

'Lord Potter!' McGonagall jumped in. 'Albus may have had his faults but he was a great man who did everything he could to save the magical world, and for you I might add, he deserves to be honoured in his death.'

As McGonagall said this Harry rose and placed his hands on the desk in front of him.

He spoke in a cold even tone 'I hold that man responsible for the death of my parents, the death of Sirius and for all the lies he told me over the years. I was a convenient tool. The arrow in the bow of a trained archer, nothing more. He needed me to trust him so that I would die for him. That man convinced two scared 21 year olds to abandon the safety of this home with their young child and put themselves directly in the cross hairs of a mad man. Instead of protecting them, he was too busy searching for the Hallows, taking my dads invisibility cloak away from him. He abandoned Sirius to his fate. Sent me to my Uncle and Aunt, who abused me on a regular basis for ten years, despite the fact my parents Will explicitly said I was never to go to them. I was his sacrificial Lamb. So no Headmistress, I will not honour him. And Minister I must decline your offer. I have done enough for the magical population of Britain, that fickle, weak group of people who have turned on me on countless occasions. I have given enough and have received nothing in return. I am done with the lot of them.'

Harry finished his speech, not once raising his voice or wavering in his tone.

Arthur and McGonagall were left speechless. A proud Grandfather stood a little straighter in his portrait, eyes ablaze. He had held his tongue throughout this entire encounter as he wanted Harry to stand up for himself.

'But Lord Potter, surely you cannot say the magical world hasn't given you anything! What about your friends, the ability to do magic, the…'

McGonagall was cut off as Harry once again stood and removed his jumper, followed by his t-shirt. This action shocked all in the room, including the Portrait who was yet to see his grandson without a shirt. Everyone stared down at the scar riddled body which had filled out over the last 6 months. All his manual labour had taken an affect on Harry's physique.

'Take a good look. This is what the Magical world has given me. 10 years of abuse from Muggles, nearly dying every year at Hogwarts, I lost my parents, my godfather, I've had constant lies told about me, the ministry itself decided to wage a war of words against me and yet you ask me to give more for these people? No. I will not be pawn anymore. Fudge and Scrimegour both asked me to stand with the Ministry and I said no. I do so again. Magical Britain will have to realise sooner or later that Harry Potter does not want anything more to do with them.' Harry slumped back into his chair feeling rather tired.

The meeting had taken its toll on him and he had expected to do what he just did and felt quite exposed.

'Now I believe our business is concluded. Please see yourselves out. Once you pass the boundary of my gates the wards will once again make this place unknown to you.'

Arthur and McGonagall sighed deeply and with a nod of their heads to Harry, and some quick looks at the portrait by McGonagall who was met with a sneer, they turned and walked out of the room.

As Arthur was at the door of the study he turned and asked 'But what about Fred, Harry? He was your friend, he always stuck by you. Why would you not come for him?' Arthur's voice was quiet and filled with sorrow for his son.

Harry sighed deeply, all the fight gone from him. 'I carry him with me everyday Arthur. I carry them all with me. They never leave me. My dreams are filled with them dying over and over.' With that Harry swiveled his chair to face the fire.

Arthur stared at the back of the chair for a few moments before turning and following McGonagall out of the house. 'I fear we have lost him Arthur.'

'I did not expect that at all. I knew he must have been hurting, but to be this dismissive of our society is troubling. I hope we can do something.'

'Hermione is our only option. She has stuck by him through everything. If anyone can help him, its her.'

'Will she do it for us? Will she come?'

'She will. She cares deeply for that young man. She will come.' As they finished their conversation they had reached the edge of the wards and with a nod Arthur disappeared with a pop.

'Oh Albus, it seems you pushed him too far.' and with that she disappeared from the sleepy lane as well.

Quite the confrontation! Hope you enjoyed it. Next chapter will unravel more of the Potter family History.