Live and Let Die

When you were young and your heart was an open book,
You used to say live and let live.
(You know you did, you know you did, you know you did)
But if this ever-changing world in which we live in
Makes you give in and cry,
Say live and let die!
Live and let die,
Live and let die,
Live and let die.

The young girl of about five years sat playing in the back yard of a small, but well maintained house in London. A small yellow rose grew from the ground between her outstretched arms. She was singing a child's song; a wild mane of brown hair fell haphazardly about her shoulders. She stopped her singing and plucked the flower from the ground and went into the house singing happily.

Her mother watched as she came in proudly bearing the perfect yellow rose. "I grew'd it for you mum!" the girl said in a sing-song way.

"Oh, how wonderful dear." Quickly her mother inventoried the flowers she had planted. Frowning slightly "I didn't plant roses."

"No, I grew'd it. Watch." The girl drug her mother out of the house into the yard, and sang her flower song. Slowly, the ground bulged, and the woman watched in fascination as a second rose matured in seconds. The girl handed her mother the second rose. "See I grew'd it."

The woman was stunned to say the least.


What does it matter to ya,
When you've got a job to do you gotta do it well,
You gotta give the other fellow hell!

Twenty five years later, the young woman sat on a stage in front of a packed audience.

"Our speaker really needs no introduction, her name is known in every country as a third of the Trio. Her work since leaving Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is almost as well known as her pivotal role in helping to defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests. Professor Hermione Weasley."

The young woman nodded slightly and stood, smoothing her robes. Absentmindedly she placed a work black leather book on the podium, and pointed her wand at her throat. "Sonorous". Her voice rang loud and clear in the hall.

"I wish to thank you all for that welcome." She said after the applause died down. With practiced precision she opened the book to a marked page. It was a well known speech. She could do it on autopilot. "It always feels intimidating to stand before…"

Thousands of miles away a castle stood in Scotland. On this particular day seven years ago the same young woman stood behind a similar podium and gave another speech. The memories came back a vivid as if it were yesterday.

"It always feels intimidating to stand before a large group of people, even though they are the ones you have shared your life with for the past seven years." She paused and reflected back momentarily. "Seven years ago this past Halloween, I found my friends in a girls loo after being attacked by a mountain troll. From that day on I just knew we'd be inseparable. Today we finish our time at Hogwarts, and sadly we must say goodbye to those we are leaving behind.

"Professors Dumbledore and Snape who died in the final battle against Voldemort will never be forgotten. Nor will the heroes who stood valiantly against the oppressive force that was Voldemort's reign of terror. We will never forget the atrocities that he heaped on the world both wizard and muggle, and strive to ensure that this kind of being is never allowed to come to power again.

"Today we are dedicating a monument in the honor of the man who made al this possible Harry James Potter. Harry asked me to say a few words on his behalf. They are: 'Snigglewort', 'Offul', 'Gastrous'. No, he didn't say what they meant. Only that it was a tribute to Albus Dumbledore.

"Harry is currently in Auror training, and is unable to attend today's dedication, but assures me that his heart is with us today."

She paused for effect, and took a long drink of water. With a 'pop' Harry appeared behind her wearing training robes of an Auror.

"So sorry I'm late." He said blushing He took his spot beside Hermione. A few seconds later Ron joined them. "Hard to find a spare moment sometimes."

Hermione grinned and opened the book so they could both see the text.

"I am sure Hermione quoted at least one passage from 'Hogwarts a History', so I think we'll skip that part…" Harry made like to flip a few pages in the book. Hermione looked scandalized, and Ron sniggered along with a fair portion of the crowd. "Ah, here we go…"

Suddenly his face got serious. "Several months ago, as you know, the three of use faced and defeated Tom Riddle, or as you know him as Lord Voldemort, or by one of those silly euphemisms. 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named' and 'You-Know-Who'. It was all very confusing to me, as I never really knew Who until so much later on." The crowd laughed nervously. "Dumbledore taught me many things over the years, some of it unintentional I am sure, but the greatest gift he gave was in the form of advice when I was questioning my placement in Gryffindor. He told me that it is not who our parents are who define who we are, it's our actions.

"Today we are dedicating this statue not to me, but to those who lost their lives to the evil reign of Voldemort. Now as to what those three words mean? I have no idea. Dumbledore told me them years ago, and I have yet to figure them out."

Ron took over from Harry. "Today we honor more than the presence of one man, we honor the memories of those who have come before us and those who will follow us. Dreams are what build the world, from these dreams come the reality of new innovation and invention."

Ron shuffled his feet slightly. "Today we present to the world a tribute to the lasting memory of the events of the past, and the dreams of the future. We are humbled to be asked to speak to you today as the trio who defeated Voldemort, but more than that as three young people who will get to live our lives in peace due to the bravery, and dedication of all those who have come before us. I'd like to ask that at this time we have a moment of silence for the fallen heroes."

The wind blew softly Heads were bowed in humility and in some cases prayer. The stillness was eerie, and Harry suppressed a shudder. He wished Ginny were asked to be there, he always felt better with her near.

You used to say live and let live.
(You know you did, you know you did, you know you did)
But if this ever-changing world in which we live in
Makes you give in and cry,
Say live and let die!
Live and let die,
Live and let die,
Live and let die.

She stopped in her speech, and gave pause. "I – I'm so sorry. It really is intimidating some times." A nervous chuckle slid over the gathered crowd. "As you know the application of asphodel…" she went on with her potions speech, keeping her mind focused on the present. "In conclusion, I'd like to thank my co-workers and all those who have come before me." She paused, and looked down at the pages. "No, not in conclusion…" A soft murmur rippled around her.

Four Aurors two on either side of the stage pulled their wands menacingly, yet still outside of the view of the audience. She held aloft the book as if it were a shield. Rapidly her wand was in her hand again, and a soft blue bubble enclosed her. "All is not well in the world. The ministry is fooling you, after our defeat of Voldemort; we only paved the way for another 'Dark Lord'."

Spells broke like waves against the shimmering blue sphere. "You must tell others, don't let them keep hiding the truth!" She could feel the sphere begin to weaken. She only had a few more seconds. She tapped her wand to the book and muttered "Return." With a soft 'pop' she vanished, leaving the blue sphere empty.

The crowd sat stunned as Hermione finished. The Aurors came into view then, and one of them stepped up to the podium. "Minister Malfoy assures you there is no wrong doing going on in the Ministry. Professor Weasley will be questioned as soon as she is located and I am sure once she realizes the error of her ways will release a press statement." The Auror turned to step away.

A man from the 'Daily Prophet' stood and shouted "Auror Nott, isn't it true Professor Weasley's husband and children are lost and presumed dead? Wouldn't this perhaps influence her thinking?"

Nott smiled warmly at the reporter. "You are?"

"Dennis Creevy, reporter for the Prophet."

"Ah, yes. Of course Mr. Creevy, I am certain that the Aurors will take this information into account when Professor Weasley is found." He turned his back to the audience and removed the charm from his throat.

He turned to the Auror beside him. "Find that bitch, and remind her of the price for betrayal." He growled, and glared at the young man beside him.

"Yes sir!" The Auror said and left immediately.

Another Auror walked up to Nott. "Message from Minister Malfoy. He wishes to see you immediately." Nott frowned. This was no good. Lucius never requested him unless he had somehow found out about the Weasley bitch.

He arrived at the Ministry of Magic moments later and walked to Malfoy's office. "You wished to see me?"

"Our hostages have escaped Nott. Keep Professor Weasley under a tight reign."

Nott sighed. "She has escaped again."

Malfoy stood. "You let her escape Nott?"

He hurriedly explained what happened. Malfoy didn't question it; Nott was far too stupid to be creative. "Find her. Bring her here, and then find the hostages."

Nott left. Malfoy sat down and held his head in his hands. It was not going to be a good day.