Chapter two: Protect us

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"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable." - Helen Keller

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Corruption, pain, death is all around us. A safe place does not exist in the world today. To think that you have one is childish. When it all comes down to it, to life and death, to fate where can you run? Where can you hide?

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If everything goes wrong, which way would I run? The thought raced through Draco's head as he was lead down the hall to his impending doom or his everlasting… happiness? The only sign of this stress was his clinched hands at his side, for he would never show a weakness in front of his father. It could mean his death to uncover his flaws.

The grand oak doors, the doors that lead to his fate, towered over him. His father pushed them open and sound bombarded Draco. The sounds of laughter, chinking glasses, and conversations.

"Draco, I'd like you to meet Lord Voldemort before you do anything." Lucius kissed his wife on the cheek before she could wonder off to the group of the Deatheater's wives. "Follow me," Lucius began pushing through the throng of people to the front of the room. "Sir," he said politely, almost reverently as he tapped a man on his shoulder. The man turned around, green eyes landing on the young Malfoy.

"I take it this is Draco?" Voldemort raised an eyebrow, waiting for his answer.

Draco skimmed him eyes over the man before him in shock. Voldemort was nothing like the hideous figure that every deatheater had told him so far. This Voldemort looked young and alive. The man before him had bright green eyes that reminded him so much of Potter and the black hair. When had Voldemort gained back so much of his power.  

"Yes, this is my son." Lucius placed his hand on Draco's back, urging him to speak.

"Lord Voldemort," Draco bowed, showing his respect to the older, stronger wizard.

"Please, Draco, call me…Tom." Voldemort pushed Lucius aside, wrapping his arm around the shoulder of the sixteen year old. "Come, we have many a things to talk about."

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Hiding. To Hide. A verb. The dictionary describes this word as concealing for shelter or protection. Seeking safety where there is none. When darkness sweeps over the land and all is revealed, where can you run? Who could protect you?

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The moon had risen, hanging in its rightful place between the cold stars. A soft breeze blew in through the window to ruffle Hermione's brown hair as she sat at her desk, book poised over her leg. She looked to be the image of serenity.

But appearances are prone to lie.

Inside, Hermione felt like she was going crazy. How could Harry make her wait this long for a response? Why wasn't the owl flying faster? Or perhaps, he didn't even respond. She closed her eyes, inhaling the cool night air. Listening to it swish through the trees, flow across the lawn, rush through her window. Breathe. Deep breath. Calm…  

Hermione nearly fell out of her seat when the owl flew through the window. She placed her book on her desk before rising to her feet. She picked up the discarded letter and watched the owl fly out the window. Flipping it over, she found that it was from Harry.. He was staying with Lupin now, but Hermione reminded herself, Lupin was being held captive. Lord, Harry must be going through some tough time. Having lost everyone and now this?

Nearly bursting with excitement, she tore open the envelope. Folding open the letter, Hermione began to read Harry's "chicken scratch" as Ron had named both his and Harry's writing.

Hermione-

I received your letter. Yes, I know that Voldemort is on the rise. I also know that the world is in danger.

So, by the time you get this letter, I probably won't be at home. I just sent it to tell you that you've been the best of friends to me. That, if I happen to die (horrible thought, I know) I will miss you. I also sent a letter to Ron. You two have been great.

I'm afraid I can't tell you where I went. You might follow me and I don't want to put you in that type of danger.

Sorry the letter is so short. Time is important when you're on the run.

- Love Harry

P.S~ Don't worry too much. Stay safe.

Hermione frowned, folding the letter back up and placing it in her diary for safe keeping. She picked her wand up of her desk. That was just like Harry, to be the hero. Turning around, she grabbed her back pack off the floor. Well, he isn't going alone. Not this time.

She was going to help him.

Hermione snatched a few of her spell books off her shelf, throwing them into the bag along with a notebook and pen. Slinging her backpack over her shoulder, she ran down stairs into the kitchen, where she wrapped a few snacks for the road.

Opening the front door, she paused for only a moment. The dark night made the road seem longer, scarier. With a deep breath, she headed into the nightly fog, in her heart prepared to fight the toughest of battles to help her friend.

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Many fear the death and long for that unreachable security. But you, Brave one, run head long into danger. You face what other fear to face. Understand that you are the world's future. Their hopes, their dreams lie in your arms. Protect the innocent thoughts of those too young to walk. Keep the lives of the youths bright.

What can you do to save us? What can you do to return the blanket of security to our world?

Protect us…

Note: Well, that's chapter two. Done and complete. So, the adventure begins. Two friends in the search of a future. Tell me what you thought of it! Compliments, ideas, thoughts, wishes, hopes and flames if it calls for it. (Just to tell you, this won't be my best chapter. They will improve. I've been kind of short on time lately. And stressed.)

But, yeah, so… review. I didn't reach my goal last time but I figured maybe if I got one more chapter out…

Oh, also if you want me to email you when I update tell me!