A/N : I am sorry that I couldn't update last week. But I had a test coming in this week and I had to prepare for it.

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Disclaimer : I don't own any of these characters. They are the property of J.K. Rowling.

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After coming out of Flourish and Blotts, Harry introduced Hermione to Charlus and Harry was introduced to Hermione's parents. Since Hermione and Harry had yet to get their robes they went to 'Madam Malkin's robes for all occasions.'

Once they got their robes, they went further to Magical Menagerie. Harry and Hermione were talking when Harry heard a voice call him and turned around. It was James and Sirius. They ran upto him and saw Hermione. Sirius smirked and said, " See James, we were away for just a few minutes and little Harry got himself a girlfriend." Remus and James started laughing and Hermione blushed.

" No, First of all, I am not little. I am just two years younger than you and next Hermione is my friend not a girlfriend." Harry retorted angrily. 

" Calm down Harry. See, She is a girl and your friend, so she is your girlfriend. " Sirius said but seeing that Harry was still glaring at him, continued, " Okay, I was just teasing you." Harry calmed down a bit, but still shot occasional glares at Sirius.

By the time, this exchange was over Charlus, Dorea and Hermione's parents arrived. They had been chatting near them. " So, Shall we now proceed to Magical Menagerie ? " Dorea asked and after a series of nods continued, " James and Sirius have to buy owl food. Besides we have to look for a pet for Harry and Hermione."

Hermione went inside and started examining owls and cats. Finally she stopped near a small whitish brown owl and said, " Well, I am getting this. What about you Harry ?"

Harry paused for a bit and said," I don't really want a pet or most probably a owl. Hedwig was really special." Hermione patted his arm and said, " Yes, I understand. But now I have to leave. Mum and Dad are calling me. Bye see you later. Do write me." She gave a quick peck on Harry's cheek and left.

Harry wandered in the shop. He spotted James and Sirius fooling around a frog. He shrugged and moved further into the the shop, when he felt a strange pull toward the dusty cabinet and went towards it. He saw a colourful egg on the board. He picked it up and instantly felt warmth seeping through him. It was almost as if the egg wanted to be with him. It was a strange feeling.

Harry made up his mind. He took the egg with him and went to the counter. He showed the egg to the clerk and and asked him, " How much for this egg?" The clerk looked at him with surprise and said, " You want this egg? Well sir it's of no use. It has been lying in the corner for decades. It never hatches. And I don't even know what kind of egg is it. I would suggest you to buy something else." Harry said with determination, " No, I want this egg and nothing else."

Seeing the determined look on Harry's face the clerk gave away and said, " Well then the cost is seven sickles." Harry got seven sickles from his pocket and paid the man. He was about to leave when he heard screaming and shouting. He had his wand out even before he could blink his eye and slid the egg into his pocket.

Harry saw Charlus and Dorea removing their wands and rushing out. He realised with a jolt that the death eaters were attacking. He saw Charlus sending patronus to ministry.

Harry didn't stop to think, he rushed out of the shop having hexes ready for the death eaters.  He saw a Death Eater setting Apothecary on fire and shot, ' Petrificus Totalus' towards him. The death eater jumped out of the way and shot ' Stupefy ' towards him.

Harry ducked and sent a flurry of spells after him. The death eater avoided few bit got hit by the last one and collapsed to the ground. He took down several death eaters before he got hit by ,'Diffindo' which caused him to collapse for minute since it had hit him on his elbow which had started bleeding. He stood up and had barely regained his senses when he heard a girl scream loudly. 

He turned around and saw a small girl of his age in the corner. She had blonde hair and blue eyes. A death eater had pointed his wand towards her. Harry rushed forward and whispered ' Petrificus Totalus' which caused the death eater to freeze and fall down. 

He kneeled down beside the girl and helped her to stand up. He asked her, " Are you alright? "

 " I am alright. Are you okay ? " She said glancing at his bleeding arm. " Yes I am fine. By the way I am Harry Potter." Harry said and grimaced as pain shot through his hand. The cut had been deep. Harry was beginning to feel a bit lightheaded. " I am Emily Mannering. Thanks for saving my life."

Suddenly he heard a voice calling him. He turned around to see Dorea and Charlus running towards him. Dorea pulled him close and said, " Are you fine ? Why did you run away like that? We were so worried . And you are hurt. What happened ? "

Before Harry could answer, Emily said, " He saved my life. I would have died of it hadn't been for him." Just as she completed her sentence, her aunt came running and pulled her close and thanked everyone for saving her niece's life. After Emily left, Dorea turned towards Harry. She said, " Here let's go home." Harry started walking but he felt a wave of dizziness washing over him and collapsed as several hands grabbed him before he fell. He closed his eyes and welcomed the darkness that overcame him.

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Hope you like the chapter. It's a bit longer than usual. Forgive for mistakes if any. Suggestions and ideas are welcome. I will update as soon as possible.

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Up next : Hogwarts, Here we come.......

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I am planning to write another Hp fanfiction by title ' Hope never fades' do check it out.

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