Have You Ever Seen the Rain?

Chapter 36: Blue Monday

I.

The rest of the day was generally one of mourning and reunions. Even though only one person had died, apart from Mordred, everything felt hollow. The world had been saved, and true, those who did not know Lupin that well, were on the more optimistic side, with inter-house parties arranged across the school, the common rooms, even Slytherin, opened their doors for anyone, even members from the other schools. Harry chose to spend the afternoon with his family, who were in James and Lily's quarters. "We understand if you do not want to come back into the family and live with us," said James. "Given all that we have done to you. Even if these were the intentions of a malicious madman. But I think it is past time that we let these petty differences put us aside when we should be more united than ever."

"You're right," Harry said, nodding across at James. "I… think I'm ready to come back home. It's been a long year."

"What about Professor Lupin's home?" Sam asked. "He gifted it to you, didn't he?"

"He did," said Harry. "But I've decided that I don't want it. It's a Mansion. Too big for any one person. No. I'm going to put it to better use."

"Do you have any plans in mind?"

"The housing and the caring of those inflicted with Lycanthropy," said Harry. "Particularly the younger generation. Anyone from a disadvantaged family or an orphanage who has been bitten by a werewolf will have a place to grow, in the building, together with others of their kind away from the prejudices of society. It will be a safe haven for them."

Sirius looked up from where he was sat, no longer dejected. "That's an excellent choice, Harry. Remus would have been proud."

"He left everything to you in his will. He inherited a sizeable portion from his ancestors. But he did not do anything with it. It's up to you," informed Tonks, who had stayed with him all the way through the day.

"Then that will be donated to. To finding a more sustainable cure for lycanthropy and those infects," said Harry. "And to finding homes for those werewolves who have grown up on the streets, alone and afraid."

Severus Snape appeared at the door, suddenly, interrupting the conversation. No insults were offered by James or Sirius. They knew the experience that Snape had gone through was just as humiliating and as degrading as themselves. Snape looked over at both of them, nodding courtly. "The funeral. It's happening shortly. Your presence is required."

"Any word on the Triwizard Tournament, Severus? Is that still taking place?" Lily asked Snape as the group climbed to their feet, making their way away from where they were sat. "I would hope that given the circumstances it were to be postponed…"

"There is currently a vote taking place in Dumbledore's Office between the Heads of Schools and several key Ministry officials regarding the continuation of the task. I had to leave to oversee preparations for the funeral per the Headmaster's request," said Snape, "But it looks like there is currently a tied vote. Dumbledore and Karkaroff voted to postpone the task. But Madame Maxime and Minister Crouch have put forward the motions in favour. Crouch cannot be seen to throw the tournament, especially after all the generated interest in the build-up to the event so he is merely trying to save face, but Maxime's vote is something of a surprise."

"I thought Karkaroff would have wanted to continue."

"He has recently found out about the destruction of his own school," said Snape. "And there was something else, another matter… but none of your concern. He wants to go home and rebuild Durmstrang. Maxime has also been made aware of the destruction of her school but she for whatever reason, wants to continue."

"And we're not getting a say in this?" Samuel asked. "It's our magic on the line."

"They know this. They think there might be a workaround," said Snape. "As long as the Triwizard Tournament isn't officially declared over, the rules of the goblet remain in play. Therefore, you could potentially be fine. But there are certain risks that come with that approach."

"How many more votes are left?" James cut across Snape, irritating the man slightly, but he didn't feel fit to mention anything just now.

"Three," said Snape. "Minerva McGonagall, Ludo Bagman and Alastor Moody. McGonagall is likely to vote no. Bagman, because of his gambling debts, will no doubt vote yes. But Moody? I couldn't say."

"Well, let's hope Moody votes no," said James, as they approached the open-ended hallway which lead out onto the balcony, giving them a clear view of the funeral which was being held down below. Several students were lining up alongside the coffin, one by one.

"I believe The Professor wanted a private funeral," said Snape. "To be held in the tradition of the Marauders. But when the students found out what he had done for them. They wanted to say goodbye."

"Huh," said Sirius, noticing papers in their hands. "What's on the papers?"

"Letters. Notes," said Snape. "They will be placed in the coffin when it is buried. Mostly people thanking Lupin for his sacrifice, freeing them from the brainwashing. I will admit… I have never met a more courageous werewolf in my entire life. If you tell anyone else I said that, however, I will have to make sure that excruciating pain is unleashed upon every single one of you. Understood?"

"Yes, Professor," Harry couldn't help but be the first one to speak. "So… Dad, Marauder funeral? What did you have in mind?"

"Fireworks," said James. "Mostly small-scale. We'd then push him on a boat into the lake, set fire to the boat. Like a Viking funeral, your mother said. Isn't that right, Lily?"

"Yes. Like a Viking funeral."

"I think that can still be arranged," Harry said, and James' eyes lit up.

"How?"

"Let's just say I have some contacts…" Harry said, referring to Mundungus Fletcher, who had conveniently excused himself from Hogwarts, not wanting to stick around. Fletcher had been released from Harry's services now that Mordred was defeated, and he saw no further need to keep the man on his payroll. As far as Harry was concerned, Fletcher's debt had been paid. But he had asked the man for one last favour, before he departed.

II.

It was well into the night by the time they were allowed to give Professor Lupin a send-off into the lake. His coffin was lighted, with Harry, James and Sirius putting torches to the boat. It burst into flames as it hit the water, and as if on cue, Harry noticed the skies erupt into fireworks, full of multiple colours, on a scale unlike any of the Marauders could have planned. "Is that what you had in mind?" Harry asked James, as the sky erupted.

"Something not quite as dramatic as that," James said. "But it is what he deserves."

"To Remus Lupin," said Sirius, taking a drink of some butterbeer that he had collected from the kitchens on their way down. He had passed the glasses out across to the adults and Harry, and he continued his announcement. "He always was the best of us."

"You're right," James said. "The bravest, too."

"He was like a father to me," Harry said, fully aware that James was right there in the room. "I'll miss him."

"What will you do now? After the tournament, I mean," James couldn't help but say as he approached Harry. "If it goes ahead."

"Well I still have a year of schooling left," said Harry.

"I mean… with your other hobby," said James, keeping his voice low. "We know it was you who is The Man in the Suit. Under normal circumstances I'd bring you in. But. Given that you've just saved the entire world... I think circumstances can be arranged."

"I don't know. There's still the Death Eaters out there," said Harry. "But I kind of need a new man in the chair…"

"How about a woman?" said James, not getting the reference, but he was smart enough to know what he meant. "I mean. You could in an unofficial capacity, work for or at least help The Auror office. Not directly answer to the Ministry, I understand – we both know there are far too many Death Eater sympathisers in its ranks for it to be safe, but… maybe something could be arranged."

"I'd like that," said Harry. "And this woman… It wouldn't happen to be Tonks, would it?"

"That would be correct," James said. "You would contact Tonks, discreetly. We would feed you information and you'd feed us information. Work together. Of course, the official status would be that you're a wanted fugitive. But unofficially? Let's just say whenever you're sighted at a crime scene we'll wait before coming in. Would five minutes be enough time?"

"It would."

"I ask one thing though. That you prevent Harper or Sam from being involved. I don't want them to come to any harm."

"I don't think you or I will be able to stop them if they want to be involved," said Harry. "If they're anything like you or I, they'll rush towards the first sign of danger."

"You're right. I think them not getting involved is inevitable at this point, sadly. Just. Keep them out of trouble if they do," said James. He turned around to see that Snape had returned from Dumbledore's Office. Harry tried to work out through his expression whether it was good news or bad news, but the fact that Snape was always calm and emotionless gave him no promises. James followed Snape's gaze and asked, "How did they vote?"

"McGonagall voted against, as predicted," Snape said. "But both Bagman and Moody voted in favour. The last task will go ahead as planned."

"Wait. So, it was decided by one vote?"

"Yes."

"Moody would never vote against Dumbledore's wishes," said James. "Are you sure he voted no?"

"I am positive," said Snape. "And you are right. Something must be wrong with Moody. You know as well as anyone that when he operated in the Ministry he was a loose cannon. But that man owes more to Dumbledore than most. He wouldn't vote against him. As much as I am at loathe to agree with you, you are right."

"We'll bring it up with Dumbledore after the task," said James. "There's little we can do now, I'd imagine the maze is already being constructed as we speak."

"The last task's a maze?" Harry said, raising an eyebrow at James as Snape grimaced at James' carelessness.

"I suppose it doesn't really matter now," said James. "Most likely Krum and Delacour will already have been informed. Do you think you can handle it?"

"I can. But I don't really plan on winning. There's not much point," said Harry. "It kind of doesn't really feel fair on everyone else, especially Sam."

"You're right," said James. "So, what do you have in mind?"

"Well, we have to at least complete the task," said Harry. "So… that's what I'm going to do. Complete the task."

III.

The following morning, Samuel Potter awoke in his bedroom, alone, and slightly later than everyone else who had already left to go downstairs. He yawned, panicking at the prospect of facing the final task in the Triwizard Tournament without little training. He'd heard that Harry wasn't planning on taking it seriously but then that didn't mean that Fleur or Viktor wouldn't either, and realised that he had to at least after everything, put in a good effort.

There was just one problem. He wasn't sure what The Maze would throw at him. He couldn't prepare for countless of creatures in a few hours, and he needed something that was essentially a catch-all situation. Something that worked on just about anything regardless of what it was. Coming to a simple solution that it would be easier to fly above the Maze rather than walk through it, He scrambled for his case that normally contained his Firebolt, and opened it, and to his horror, realised what was there before his eyes, glistening brightly, as though it was brand new, with any blood that had been on it having vanished. Sam was looking at the Spear of Destiny. "Oh Merlin's Beard," he said aloud, instantly shutting the chest. 'How the hell did that get that there? Think, Sam, Think. What's the last thing you remember?'

"Hey!" A voice called from behind Sam and he spun around to see Harper, wearing a hoodie and jeans, had appeared at the door, fully dressed. Sam himself was still in his pyjamas, clearly disorganized and not ready. "Rise and shine, sleepyhead. Big day today, want to head down to the library and do some last-minute practising?"

"Um, Harper… I think we have a problem," said Sam.

"What's that?"

Sam opened the chest, showing Harper the Spear of Destiny. "It was just there. I don't know how it got there and I don't even know if it's the real one."

"Have you touched it?" Harper said, glancing across at him.

"Not yet," said Sam, "I remember Dad saying something when I was on guard duty back at the Ministry before this year started. It's cursed."

"Damn right. According to rumours it drove Grindelwald so mad he took his own life because of it," said Harper. "I'd wear gloves, at least. Do you have any?"

"Um, my Quidditch ones," said Sam.

"Well, wear them. And you totally should report it to Dumbledore as soon as possible, right? It's the correct thing to do," said Harper.

"The correct thing, yeah," said Sam, nodding, not entirely convinced. "I'll do that."

IV.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final task of the Triwizard Tournament!" announced Ludo Bagman. "However, as you all know – given recent events, the tournament has not been allowed to proceed under ideal circumstances, and this final round has become nothing more than a formality. But regardless, I would appreciate it if you could help cheer on our four champions, one more time."

A loud, but half-hearted cheer filled the crowd. Harry was standing at the entrance of the maze with Sam, Fleur and Viktor. Sam, Harry noticed, was the only one wearing his Quidditch gloves and wondered just what he had planned. He was also the only one who he hadn't had the chance to speak to regarding what the three of them, Harry, Fleur and Viktor intended to do for the tournament. He'd been meaning to, but other things had come up in the way, and it was far too late. Sam saw Harry staring and they shared a nod of reassurance. "Again, recent circumstances have meant that the champions have not had as much time to prepare for the occasion as they would have wished, meaning that as a result there will be no time advantage for the leading champion. Everyone will enter the maze at the exact same time."

"And of course, you have one goal…" Bagman droned on but Harry wasn't really paying attention at all. He was now focused on caring on the task ahead. Behind him, he could see his family in the background, seated with Tonks and Sirius. They had turned up to the main event because of course, but still, the loss of Lupin had hit them hard. It had hit everyone hard. Harry was brought back into focus from Bagman, who was now on another part of his speech, "Before we begin however, at the request of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, we will now enter a minute's silence to remember Remus Lupin. Remember…"

Harry was bleeding heavily. He ran through the night, alone and afraid. Fifteen years old. His first attempted vigilante business had just backfired dramatically, and now he was wounded badly, bleeding from multiple parts of his body. "Spread out!" a cry from behind him, from one of the Death Eaters, signalled that they weren't far behind. "He can't be far! Search the village!"

He stumbled through the back yards, climbing through garden fences, but it wasn't long before he realised that without medical attention he would not make it through the night. As much as he was at loathe to admit it he needed help and needed it soon. Luckily, there seemed to be a light on, in the house upon the hill – and he was smart enough to work out that from all the telltale signs, that house belonged to a wizard. Forcing his way towards the remote area, he was able to take down one Death Eater by luck, having landed on him as he climbed over the wall, the man acting as a cushion to prevent his fall. Scrambling over one last fence he kept the floor as he crawled his way up the hill, using the dark to mask his cover. There wasn't much more he could do apart from pray a Death Eater didn't look up.

Eventually, he made it to the top and climbed into the open window into the basement below. The moon was only a half moon, he noticed, just before he climbed in, it wasn't a full one, therefore he didn't have to worry about the Death Eaters using werewolves as blunt instruments to knock down the door. He crashed down on a pile of books, sending them falling to the floor. The room itself was relatively seedy, dark and unkempt. In the corner, there was a singular cage, used probably to house a dog or something like that, but it took up much of the room. Harry winced in pain, as he heard a light flicker on above him. 'Here goes nothing…' he thought, doing his best to scramble up his face and hope he wasn't recognised. It was to no avail.

"Now tell me," said Remus Lupin, after turning on the light switch. "Why on Earth are you in my basement, Harry Potter?"

"I can explain," Harry stuttered. He coughed violently after this and Lupin for the first time recognised that he was bleeding badly. "I…"

The minute's silence had ended, and without further ado, the cannon was fired into the sky, unleashing the four students into the maze. Harry and Fleur took off towards the left whilst Viktor and Sam made their way to the right, and it wasn't long before they were alone. "Point me," Fleur said, and allowed the wand to direct her to the centre of the maze. "Let's go. The sooner this is done, the better."

"I thought you wanted this to continue…"

"My Headmistress wanted this to continue, and I don't like the idea of becoming the first half-Veela to lose my magic," said Fleur. Harry noticed that she was, like she had always been, wearing her gloves. "I can't imagine what I would do without it. I've grown up with it for so long. I don't have any muggle qualifications. Plus can you imagine, the shame it would bring to my family? Not that I would care about my own name being disgraced, but I do not want my sister to endure several years of bullying and torment. So, I do this task for them. What about you, Harry? Why are you doing it?"

"Because…" Harry didn't know. He eventually decided on an honest answer. "It's a distraction. The longer I am in this maze, I don't have to face the reality of the future. It's uncertain. I don't know what I'll do next. I have one more year of Hogwarts left after this, and then… Honestly, I have no idea."

"Hold up," said Fleur, sensing something around the corner, hearing noise just before she rounded the corner. "Looks like there's a Sphinx up ahead."

"Sphinx? Aren't they the ones that ask riddles?"

"Yes. And if you fail you get eaten alive…" she commented. "So, we'd best be cautious."

"Here goes nothing…" said Harry, turning the corner, and joined Fleur in coming face to face with the Sphinx.

"Good afternoon," the Sphinx said. "I have been informed of the recent circumstances that perhaps mean you are not as prepared for this task as you would be otherwise, therefore I have been advised to make the task easier on you. But in order to pass you must still be tested… and therefore, I have a riddle for you. You get three guesses, and if you fail the third guess, I presume you know what happens next. Are you ready?"

"Yeah," Harry said. "Quick question, is it one riddle each, or one for both of us?"

"Normally it would be one riddle each but due to extraordinary circumstances," the Sphinx said. "It will be one for the both of you. What has roots as nobody sees,
Is taller than trees, Up, up it goes, And yet never grows?"

Fleur paused at this comment, turning to Harry. "Roots that nobody sees? What does that mean?"

"Oh, you genius," Harry said with a smile, glancing at the Sphinx. "I know that riddle."

"Where from?"

"The Hobbit," Harry said. "At least. I'm ninety per cent sure. The answer would be mountains, correct?"

"That would be correct. May I ask, what is this Hobbit you refer to?" The Sphinx asked.

"Famous work of muggle literature," said Harry. "Although I can't remember who said it… it was either Bilbo or Gollum."

"I will have to work on finding some new material in the future," The Sphinx said with a smile. "But I did warn you it would not be too difficult. Also, on behalf of the magical community… I would like to thank you for defeating Mordred. He is an evil that has plagued this world for too long. And as I am aware I am wasting your precious time, I wish you good luck on your future endeavours. May we meet again."

"May we meet again," Harry bowed respectfully as The Sphinx allowed Harry and Fleur past. The two continued their way through The Maze, encountering various obstacles on their way and wondering how the others were getting on. Harry was sure he saw somebody tailing them – but they quickly lost their tale after doubling back. Eventually they made it to the front of the maze, only to find Krum waiting for them by the centre, exhausted and out of breath. "Viktor? Where's Sam?"

"He was here a few seconds before me," Viktor said. "I was delayed, someone cast a tripping jinx on me from behind. I thought it might have been one of you two but I realised you were both elsewhere. By the time I caught up… he had gone."

"Okay, that's not good," said Harry. "I assume the trophy is something you just have to pick up, right? And then cast spells in the air?"

"That would be correct," said Viktor. "But it appears it must have been some sort of portkey. To transport him to another location. Maybe part of the task?"

"Unlikely. Did you work out who tried to trip you up?" Harry said, and Viktor shook his head. "I thought we were being followed by someone… he or she must have been trying to make sure that Sam was the first one to reach the Goblet."

"So much for an easy final task…" Fleur said. "But why?"

"That's what we have to find out," said Harry. "Now… there should be a way to trace wherever he's gone. Should we alert Dumbledore?"

"No time," insisted Krum. "We'd have to get out of The Maze without apparating, and by that time whoever has him could have killed him. Do you have a lock on his co-ordinates?"

"I do," said Harry, after waving about with his wand. "But we've got to break the anti-apparition wards."

"That should be easy," said Fleur. "Cover your ears."

Harry nodded, and followed her instructions realising what she was about to do. Viktor did the same, and Fleur unleashed her cry, for the second time that Harry had witnessed it since the Observatory and Roger Davis. There was the sound of something invisible shattering, and then. "I've temporarily disabled the anti-apparition ward," said Fleur. "But only around our area. There is one in place in the rest of Hogwarts so we cannot apparate anywhere in the grounds. We have to leave it."

"Alright," Harry said. "Let's go."

Viktor was wincing at the deafening sound, glancing at Harry. "Did you know that she could do this?"

Harry nodded.

"Remind me never to get on her bad side," Viktor said.

"Okay," said Fleur, and then to Harry; "Where do we want to go?"

"Some place called Little Hangleton," said Harry. "The Riddle House."

And then without further ado, they vanished from view, leaving the confines of the maze behind.

To Be Continued…

And there we have the pieces in place for the encounter with Voldemort that will take place in the next chapter and be the second and final big 'boss fight' if you will. The Fake Moody is still around – it's no coincidence that he was the deciding vote on whether or not the Tournament would go ahead this year – but it's something that people are starting to realise about him. And as to whether Sam kept the Spear or not, you'll find out next Chapter. Even if you aren't touching it, it can still be mighty persuasive…

The next chapter will also feature a relation of a character who we (briefly) met earlier in the fic to tie up that thread, so I'm taking guesses as to who it's going to be now. I've also tried to address as many plotlines from Goblet of Fire as possible, rushing over them however briefly. There is the whole incident with Crouch of course that I've left out, but my reasoning for that is given that he was under the influence of Mordred all this time Crouch Jr. would not have been able to do what would have been done had he been operating as his own free will. So that's why Crouch Sr. is still alive.

Fanfic Recommendation of the Chapter: LeadVonE's fantastic Dodging Prison and Stealing Witches – Revenge is Best Served Raw. It's a Wrong Boy Who Lived Fic that's lots of fun.

Film Recommendation of the Chapter: His Girl Friday. It's a classic American screwball comedy that has some excellent dialogue and holds up really well. Get the Criterion Release if you can. One of my favourite movies of all time.

The song title for this chapter is New Order's Blue Monday.