I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters from the original books. I do however reserve the right to any characters that I introduce. I am not making any money.

AN: I am so sorry that it took m e so long to update. My computer kinda broke down on me. But its working again and now I'm posting this new chapter. I truly hope you enjoy it.

Harry Potter and the new world

Chapter 8

Old world. The Granger residence.

Hermione was glad that her parents forgave her so easily. After a few hours discussion she was able to make them understand, somewhat, why she altered their memories. Throughout the conversation, she told them about the dangers that she, Harry, and Ron faced. She also told them of Harry's near death, the death of Fred and Ginny, and her oh so short relationship with Ron and ending on Harry's disappearance. Emma Granger listened to the whole story with tears in her eyes, while Dan Granger just kept getting more and more enraged at the thought of his little princess facing danger like that.

While Dan and Emma listened, they couldn't help but notice a pattern. The conversation kept coming back to Harry.

She kept saying things like 'Harry's so brave' or 'poor Harry'. she even referred to him as 'cute'. They weren't ignorant people, but it didn't take much in the way of brains to tell that their little girl had strong feelings for this Harry Potter fellow.

"I just don't understand." she said after the tale. "I know that he was hurt, but he should know that Ron would apologize."

Dan answered her quandary. "Princess, from what I can tell, I don't think that it was Ron's words or actions that made Harry leave. He simply had too much to deal with." He took her hand in his and continued, " Think. He has been hiding from this Voldemort person for 7 years. And now that person is dead, but look at what he lost. His parents, his godfather, his almost uncle, this Tonks woman, the headmaster, who you say was something of a mentor to him, his best friends brother and sister. The latter was his girlfriend. Ant to top all of that off, he had to watch one of his classmates die AFTER facing all kinds of dangerous creatures in this horrible tournament. I think I'd want to run away, as well."

Hermione listened to her father rant and began to understand. There was know way she could truly comprehend all that Harry had been through. True she had been through a lot of it with him, but most of it focused all the pain on him. How could she not have thought of that? She was always talking with Harry and Ron about feelings and even accused Ron of having the emotional depth of a tea spoon, now she was the insensitive one. She needed to think about this some more.

New world. Potter Manor.

It didn't take Harry long to catch on to dimensional communication. Unfortunately though, it only worked one way unless the person you are communicating with can do this as well. Harry studied with Merlin for about 2 ½ hours before Merlin was sure he understood and could perform this magic. With that, he took his leave.

After Merlin left, Harry went to his desk to compose a letter to Ron and Hermione. He quickly decided not to tell them where he was or any details about his situation. He just wanted them to know that he was alright and that he didn't blame them. When he finished the letter he quickly re read it, then closed and sealed it.

With all that done he drew his wand and started chanting the incantation that would open the portal for his letter. When the tip of his wand started to give off a golden glow, he drew a vertical line in the air while focusing his magic on the Hermione of his home world. He then picked up the letter from the desk and slid it through the slit he made and resealed it with the counter spell.

After he was done with his letter, he went downstairs to the sitting room, where he found his father, mother and Sirius.

"I see the boy hasn't been scared off by the vicious Potter Women." he said. Lily playfully slapped his arm from the other chair.

"Prat." she said with a grin.

Sirius smiled playfully and looked at Harry. "So What is this I hear about an unknown assailant damn near tearing off Dolohov's arm in an unprovoked attack?" he asked.

Harry didn't hesitate. "he was attacking someone. He tried to rape her, so I stopped him. He had it coming." he said.

Sirius gasped in mock surprise "Are you telling me that the Daily Prophet is reporting biased news? Perish the thought."

Harry smiled. "I made him apologize and when he used the term 'mud blood' I… convinced him to rethink his opinion on muggle bornes." he stated.

Sirius and the Potters smiled at this.

"So." Sirius said after a minute. "I know she's here. But I would like to know why she's still here. Surely she has a place to go."

"she's here because I don't want to make her leave alone." Harry said. " That attack really messed with her."

"I see. So what about her parents? Is there anyone to worry about her?" Sirius asked

.

Harry thought for a bit about that one. He never thought to ask her. He was so used to her parents being in Australia. He finally replied " best not to bring that up. I'll talk to her in a while."

James interrupted the small talk, "Harry, your mother and I have something important to talk to you about."

Harry quirked an eyebrow, "yeah?"

His parents nodded. James continued, "I think it's time that we show you what we're doing to help muggle bornes and half bloods."

"Really. I was wondering when we'd get around to that." said Harry, "just let me talk to Hermione. She might do well at this operation."

They nodded and Harry left to go upstairs to Hermione's room. Once there he knocked on her door. "Come in, Harry" came her voice through the door. He opened the door and saw that she was reading the last of the occlumency books he had bought. She looked up to him curiously.

"Hey." he said

She gave a small smile and said "Hi, Harry. What can I do for you?" she asked

"Well, there are a couple of things." he said. "now if you don' want to answer any personal questions, I do understand. But, I was wondering, do you have anyone that we should contact? I don't think it would do to have your parents come looking for you." he finished with a smile.

She adopted a stoic expression before answering. "no. there's no one."

Harry's smile faded. "Hermione, what happened to your parents?" he asked seriously.

"they died." she said with finality.

Harry nodded. that's something he could understand. "alright. I wont push, but if you need to talk, just remember that I am

your friend and I do want to help. I have enough room on my shoulder for you to lean on."

She nodded. "is there anything else?" she asked

"as a matter of fact there is." he said allowing the subject change, "my parents just told me that they were going to show me how they were helping muggle bornes and half bloods. I would like to know if you would like to join me in this." he said

She thought for a moment before saying, "I'd like that."

She got up from the chair she was sitting in and went to the closet, where she got a pair of socks and her trainers. After slipping them on she tied her hair in a loose ponytail and declared herself ready. Harry nodded with a small smile and they left to go downstairs.

James, Lily, Jasmine, and Sirius were waiting in the sitting room next to the fire place. After hearing the approach of Harry and Hermione they checked themselves over to make sure they were ready. Harry and Hermione entered the room and James threw some Floo powder into the flames and called out "Gryffindor Castle" and disappeared into the green fire.

Once they all repeated this process they found themselves in a very large room. The floor was covered by a maroon area rug with gold designs and fringe tassel. Un which was a mahogany floor. The walls were covered in gold clothe wall coverings and tapestries that told of heroics and acts of kindness. On the wall to the right of the fireplace was a large painting of Hogwarts castle. The light in the room was coming from a moderate sized chandelier. And the door leading out of the room was large, mahogany with ornate runes artistically carved into it. After a moments study, Harry surmised that the runes were to make sure only someone from the line of Gryffindor could open it.

They left the room and entered a hall larger than the great hall at Hogwarts by quite a lot. The hall was full of people and Harry subconsciously covered his scar with his long hair. They walked further into the hall and started to mingle with some of the people mulling about. Suddenly Harry heard a very familiar voice.

"Hi, Harry" she said.

Harry turned around to see none other than Luna Lovegood. "uh, hey. Er, how do you know who I am?" he asked

Luna didn't blink. (she rarely does) "I told me." she said-matter-of-factly.

"uh, what?" Harry asked, bewildered.

"I told me." she said. "The other me. The me that you know."

"Er, I don't think I understand." he said. Even in another dimension, Luna was confusing.

"the me from your world. I talk to her all the time. I can see why she used to have a crush on you. You're quite handsome." she said.

Harry didn't answer for a few moments. He turned and saw the smirk on James's face that told him he knew that Luna was strange.

"uh, thank you, Luna." he said, finally, " I think that my parents need me to come with them for a while. I'll talk to you later."

"ok." she said. "Bye, Harry." she turned and went back to what she was doing.

Harry shook his head, trying to get his brain back to linear thinking. He looked to his left and saw Hermione was studying what was going on. She looked as though she were on a mission. It only took a second to realize that she was trying to find a way to be helpful to the operation. Harry could identify.

Harry was pulled from his thoughts by another voice.

"you brought him? Where is he, Prongs?"

Harry saw Remus Lupin approaching "Hello, Moony." he said. There was almost tears in his eyes when he said this. He remembered all too well the sight of Remus laying dead next to his wife.

"Harry?" he said "is that you, boy? My gods you look so different." he said as he wrapped Harry in a tight hug. He release Harry and they both had silent tears running down their cheeks.

"Moony, its me, but, you know that-" Lupin cut him off

"yes, Harry. I know about your 'travels'. Pad foot filled me in. I'm just so glad to see you and hear your voice again." he said

Harry nodded to show that he understood. Hermione, however looked confused by the exchange. Harry saw this and whispered "I'll explain, later." she accepted this and nodded as well.

"Well, Harry." said Lupin, "I think we should go and see the rest of the order, don't you think?"

He then led them into another room. This one about the size of Gryffindor common room. The décor was similar to that of the room with the Floo. Inside were Molly and Arthur Weasley, Ron, Ginny, Tonks, Kingsley, Moody, Alice and Frank Longbottom, and Albus Dumbledore. Harry looked around in shock at seeing all of them. Almost half of them were dead in his world, and two were catatonic.

The occupants of the room all looked at the Potters, Lupin, Sirius, and Hermione in unison. The first to speak was Moody.

"What the hell, Potter? Why do you bring civilians in here? You know that we can't afford spies from Voldemort!" he yelled.

James started to speak but Lily beat him to it. "I'll have you know, Alastor, that My family and friends are welcome here. This," she gestured to Hermione, "is Hermione Granger. She's a muggle borne, like me. And from what I have been told she is also the brightest witch in her year."

"very true," said Dumbledore. "A delight to teach, she took to knowledge with the enthusiasm that a teacher only hopes for."

Lily nodded her thanks to Albus. She then pointed to Harry. "And this is my son." at hearing this every head snapped to look at Harry, who waved a bit nervously.

Albus walked quickly to Harry and started to wave and jab his wand around him. Harry realized that he was checking his magical aura. Not a definite identification, but enough.

"Harry?" he asked

"good afternoon, professor." Harry answered

Harry was immediately crushed into a hug by , of coarse, Molly Weasley, who was crying loudly. Arthur put his hand on her shoulder and gently pulled her away. Before putting his other hand on Harry's.

"I think I can speak for my family when I say 'it's so good to see you, Harry" he said happily. Harry nodded and smiled.

Albus had to know. "Harry, How is this possible? I saw your body after Voldemort's resurrection."

Hermione's eyes widened when she realized that this was that Harry.

Ron and Ginny just sat, looking at him in stunned silence.

"Harry Potter? You never told me you were Harry Potter." Hermione said angrily.

Harry took on a sheepish expression. "it never came up. You needed a friend and I wanted to help, and with you recovering from the attack, we never really discussed who I am or was." he said.

Hermione looked at him for a long time. "we'll talk about this later." she said.

Harry smiled. For a second he saw a little if his Hermione. "I promise." he said.

He then looked at Dumbledore. " can tell you how this happened, but I don't think it's important. Later we can talk, but right now we need to come up with a way to bring down Voldemort." he said determinedly.

At this Albus thought for a moment before giving a short nod. They then began to discuss things that Voldemort and his death eaters were doing. Apparently they didn't need to worry about recruitment. Over half of the Wizengamot were death eaters or Voldemort supporters. They were also not too terribly worried about discretion. When one controlled the Wizengamot as well as most of the ministry, one really didn't need to hide. However the prophet was still denying Voldemort's return.

Harry was enraged by this news.

"do they think the people are stupid?" he asked. " do they not see that things are as bad as the last time he was running amok?"

Lupin answered "generally, the people believe what they're told to believe. They firmly believe that the ministry would never lie to them.

Harry shook his head in frustration, "How can people be so much like sheep? Just allowing themselves to be led to slaughter." he said angrily. "Sometimes, I honestly wonder why I should bother to help people who are so ready to be tortured and murdered."

"Harry James Potter!" said Lily "those people need help and I will not hear a word against it. You are better than that."

James put a hand on her shoulder to calm her. "Lils, he's just frustrated. And I can understand why." he said and Lily gave him an incredulous look.

"listen, love. He's been through a lot. And to find out that the people of England are so ready to believe that Voldemort is safely out of their lives despite all the signs to the opposite is frustrating."

Lily sighed. She understood. "of coarse, you're right. Harry I'm sorry for that." she said

"No, mum, you were right. People need to believe that their safe so they can keep some sense of sanity. It just makes my blood boil at the redundancy of it all." he said.

At that the door opened to let Amelia Bones. She was carrying a copy of the evening prophet.

"Albus, I thought you might want to see this." she said as she handed him the paper.

Dumbledore scanned the front page. As he did, the twinkle in his eye faded.

" I see, Amelia. Thank you." he said softly before turning to the rest of the group.

"It seems that Cornelius fudge will be stepping down from his post as Minister of magic, due to a mysterious 'illness'. the latest candidate for the position is Luscious Malfoy. As of this moment, he is running unopposed."

The room went silent as they pondered this.

Harry finally spoke up. "Well, no one dare run against him. He's Riddle's number 1 bloke, and most of the Wizengamot is in his pocket. So I'll have to step up any plans to take down Voldemort. Then we can worry about overthrowing the ministry." he said determinedly.

Everyone in the room looked at him with something akin to awe, save Dumbledore, Hermione, and his family. Dumbledore looked proud, while Hermione and the Potters looked horrified.

"So, You can beat him. You know, permanently?" asked Ron.

Harry shrugged "I know how to kill him. But it'll take some work. Plus I am working on a plan."

"good show, Harry." said Dumbledore. "A true Gryffindor, I must say."

Harry smiled. "give me a few days to work out some of the kinks. I have some ideas about his special items." he looked meaningfully at his old mentor. Albus gave a knowing smile and wink.

Soon after the meeting was adjourned and the members went their separate ways. All except the Weasleys who wanted to see Harry. Arthur clasped his hand to Harry's shoulder while Molly cried silently. Ron and Ginny were almost too excited to talk with their close friend. Ron closed the distance between them and embraced him in a manly hug. Once he let go, Ginny almost crushed the life out of him. 'I guess it runs in the family. All Weasley woman have a tendency to try and hug people to death.' Harry thought.

"Oi, mate." said Ron. "look at you. You got big!"

The girls nodded and Harry blushed a little. "I've been exercising." he said sheepishly.

"Well, its been doing you wonders." said Ginny with a giggle at his discomfort. "I almost knocked myself out when I hugged

you." at this they all laughed, save Harry

They spoke for a while. In that time, Harry learned a few more things about this new world. For instance, the Potters and the Weasleys were close family friends so evidently there was no crush from Ginny. Another thing was that Ron had never really talked to Hermione. They shared classes but he found her too bossy, while she thought he lacked motivation and ambition. They were on fairly friendly terms, however. Ginny and Hermione had spoken a couple of times and got on well enough.

Later they all left the meeting room and walked about the castle to take in the operation. Luna was working with Madam Pomfrey as an emergency mediwitch. It seemed she had a gift for mending bones. Mrs. Weasley helped the elves with cooking. Mr. Weasley was a muggle liaison. Fred and George kept the younger children entertained. It seemed everyone had a purpose .

He looked over at Hermione. She looked a little scared by all the people.

"Trying to find your place?" he asked

She looked at him for a moment before responding. "I do want to help, but there are so many people here, Harry. I just don't know how to adjust." she said.

Harry smiled. "why don't you tutor some of the younger students?" he suggested. "I'm sure you could help a lot of future wizards and witches. I mean, you are a genius."

Her eyes lit up, but she gave him a confused look. "How do you know that I would enjoy tutoring? We only met a week ago."

He responded, "After our conversation later, you'll understand."

Her brows furrowed. It was frustrating to have questions go unanswered.

A few hours later the Potters and Hermione returned to the manor. Harry quickly took Hermione's hand nd led her to her room.

"I believe you asked for an explanation." he said

She sat on the bed and got comfortable. With that done she motioned for him to proceed.

Harry took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to mentally prepare himself for the chat they were about to have.

"Alright, I met you, Hermione, almost 8 years ago on the train to Hogwarts, when you popped into my compartment looking for Neville's toad." he began. "that Halloween you went to the first floor girls bathroom after hearing something Ron said that hurt your feelings. that's when the troll attacked."

"No, that wasn't me." she said. "that was Susan Bones. You and Ron saved her. that's why she and Ron eventually started dating."

That took Harry by surprise. Ron and Susan? He didn't see that one.

"ok, Hermione, here's the part you're not going to believe." he said tentatively, "You see, I'm from another world. I'm a dimensional traveler." he waited for the laughter, but it didn't come. Finally he looked at her and saw a look of deep thought on her face.

"That makes sense." she said. "At least it makes more sense than you coming back from the dead. But how did you do it?"

Harry smiled. "of coarse, you would take an explanation and try to learn something from it." he said with a laugh.

She blushed prettily and gave a small chuckle. "seriously, Harry. Dimensional travel has been a lost art since Merlin." she said.

"it wasn't easy" he said. "it took 3 months and constant studies to learn. that's approximately 90 days, 12 hours a day plus my 4

hours of physical training."

She looked at him in something akin to awe.

"I still have my notes." he said with a smile and a wink.

Hermione's expression turned from awe to hungry, before she took control of herself. "I would like to see them later if that's alright. But right now I have a question." she said.

"oh? And what would that be?" he asked.

"Why? Harry. Why did you leave the other Dimension?" she asked.

Harry sighed. "I'll go get us something to drink. We could be here a while."

Old World. Granger residence.

Hermione had just sat down with a book that she had bought earlier in the week. She hadn't read this one yet and she thought it would be a good distraction from the confusion that was her feelings. After Harry left, she found that she felt empty. Of coarse she chalked that up to the loss of her best friend, but recently she decided to stop fooling herself and admit that the feelings she felt for the green eyed boy were far more than platonic. That wasn't the confusing part. What really flummoxed her was why didn't these feeling seem new to her? Just how long did she repress them?

Before she could open the book, however, a vertical line of golden light appeared just above her lap. From this light, a letter dropped. It was addressed to her and Ron in Harry's handwriting. She looked at this and all thoughts of her book fled. As she held it in her hands, she felt the stomach start to perform a kata(1).

With trembling hands, she broke the seal and opened the letter. She read:

Dear Hermione and Ron,

I hope this letter reaches you both safe and comfortable. I just wanted to let you know that I am alright. I found place where I am needed for time being. You wont be able to reply to this. Owls can't go to where I am.

I also know that you are blaming yourself for my leaving. This isn't the case. I just needed to get away from all of that. Remember, I lost a most of the people that I loved on that day, and everyone was going to try and celebrate with me. I couldn't handle that. Please understand.

I don't know when or if I'll be coming back. I'm kind of on another dangerous mission at the moment. (its that saving people thing that you spoke of , Mione.) But if I live through it I might be able to return. But I don't know.

Mione, just in case I am unable to return, just remember that you mean more to me than you know. You have always been my rock and I will miss not being able to come to you when I have a problem. If I do return, you'll be the first person I seek out.

Ron, if I can't come back, I want you to promise to look after Hermione. Keep her safe. Remember, you are my best mate. I will always be thankful for what you and your family have done for me.

Love

Harry.

PS: I was thinking. If you want you are free to stay at Grimauld place for a while. It has plenty of room and Kreecher has done a brilliant job in making it quite livable.

Hermione read the letter and almost as soon as she started silent tears started to flow. Harry was really gone and she couldn't contact him. She couldn't find him and make sure he's alright. This was slowly killing her and she didn't know how to make it any easier.

After a few minutes she heard a knock at the front door. She quickly dried her eyes and got up from her chair. She walked barefoot to the front door and opened it to see Ron. She opened the door further to let him in. she, then, led him into the sitting room where she was preparing to read.

"What can I do for you, Ron" she asked.

Ron saw the puffy red eyes. He knew she'd been crying. "What's wrong, Hermione?" he asked worriedly.

She didn't answer. She just handed him the letter from Harry.

As he read it his face got darker and more severe. At the end of the letter his face took on a determined look. And he whispered

"I promise."

He sat down on the chair next to hers and leaned forward. "I get why you were crying, now." he said.

She looked at him for a moment and nodded.

"You really got it bad for him, huh?" he said.

She looked up at him shocked

"How did you-" she asked

He gave a little laugh. "I may have the emotional depth of a tea spoon, but I'm not bloody blind." he said.

She groaned. "I don't even know when this happened." she said in exasperation.

"I do." said Ron.

Her expression took on a questioning quality.

"You've been head over heals for the bloke since first year." he said. "Right after the troll."

She put her hand to her forehead. Had these feelings been there that long? Before she could ponder much longer, he continued.

"He feels the same way, you know." he said. "He stood back so I could try to make things work with you. He said he 'had a death sentence and didn't want to involve you.''

She put her face in her hands. This was too much to take at once. First Harry leaves, then she realizes she has feelings for him, and now to find out that Harry shared those feelings but may not be coming back. It was the worst kind of luck.

"So, what do we do?" she asked sadly

Ron smiled. "We find a way to get our friend back. And you get your 'happily ever after."

I would like to thank the people who reviewed and gave me some constructive criticism on how to make my story read easier. I really do appreciate everyone's help.

Please read and review.