Disclaimer in Chapter 1

Chapter 25: Tying Up Loose Ends

Author's Note: This is it, ladies and gentlemen, the final chapter. We now give you the last chapter of Harry Potter and the Potion of Fernifendice, precisely one year and one day after we gave you chapter one, we give you the conclusion to Harry's sixth year. Here in our Potterverse that is!

Dumbledore To Be New Minister of Magic

Yes, that's correct, writes Rita Skeeter of the Daily Prophet. Dumbledore has been elected as the new Minister of Magic by the largest landslide in 256 years. Unfortunately, little did the majority of the Wizarding World know, the A. Dumbledore that appeared on the ballot was in fact Aberforth Dumbledore- not Albus Dumbledore who is currently serving as the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Chairman of the International Confederation of Wizards, and the Chief Warlock for the Wizengamot.

It has been reported that Aberforth Dumbledore was originally nominated as a joke, but when voters saw A. Dumbledore they assumed they were voting for Albus. Aberforth will officially take office a week from Tuesday.

Harry put down the article and looked at Ron and Hermione, barely able to contain his laughter. "They actually elected the wrong Dumbledore entirely by mistake?" he asked incredulously.

Hermione shook her in sad disbelief and Ron said, "Well I got a letter from Fred and George after they voted, and they said then that they voted for Aberforth."

"They knew they were voting for Aberforth?" Hermione asked in confusion.

"Yeah, they thought no one else would vote for him and said Aberforth had to do a better job than Fudge. I don't think they actually expected him to win, maybe he got a lot of votes that way," he shrugged.

"Well, they were right about him having to better than Fudge, just imagine if he were worse-"

"-don't even give me those kinds of nightmares, Harry! I don't want to imagine a worse Minster," cried Hermione.

"Well, I guess we'll see soon enough," said Ron, "now lets change the subject."

"I agree, what will come will come, meanwhile what did you two think of our Transfiguration exam?"

"Hermione, when I said subject, I didn't mean school subject! We've told you a thousand bloody times, we're not going over each exam paper with you!"

It was now the last day before the end of the term and only a few hours before the leaving feast would commence. There was something Harry had to do, someone he had to see, before he could leave for the summer. He had been avoiding it for two weeks; it was the last thing he wanted to do with the last person he wanted to see.

He nevertheless still knew that he needed to see Snape.

Harry was in the common room with Ron and Hermione when he finally reached the point when he knew he could put the unpleasant task off no longer. He stood and looked at his friends. "I've got a few things I have to take care of," Harry said simply.

Hermione nodded and Ron shrugged. They both knew better than to question Harry when he looked so determined. Besides, Harry suspected that they both had an idea of what it was that was so important.

As Harry made his way through the corridors and down to the dungeons, he tried to plan what he would say in his head. The inner voice that played Snape's part of the conversation was making it very hard to be thankful.

Guess I should expect that Harry thought bitterly.

Before he knew it, he had reached the long passage leading to the Potion's classroom and Snape's office. Harry stopped short when he saw another figureemerging from the door to Snape's office. From all the way at the end of the hallway, Harry could visibly see the uncontrolled trembling of Neville Longbottom. Harry raced to the end of the corridor, skidding to a halt next to Neville, whose body shook, but whose face was stoic.

Neville looked at Harry for only a few seconds before starting off back to Gryffindor Tower. Harry was about to stop him to question him, but thought better of it. He knew there could only be one reason that Neville would seek out Severus Snape- his greatest fear in the world. If Neville wanted to talk about it, he would bring it up himself.

Harry shook his friends pallid countenance out of his head and readied his mind for his own encounter with the acid potions master. He raised his hand and knocked on the great wooden door. It swung open to admit him.

Snape sat at his desk. He was obviously working and looked venomous at the prospect of yet another interruption by yet another hated Gryffindor. He stared at Harry, waiting for him to state his business.

"Professor?" Harry walked up to the mahogany desk so that he stood in front of Snape like a criminal awaiting sentencing by the magistrate.

"Potter." Snape said, obviously considering this acknowledgment as sufficient invitation for Harry to continue.

"Professor? I had to come…I wanted to say…" Harry sighed deeply, closed his eyes for a beat, and summoned the words he had chosen.

"Professor Snape. You save my life…again. Thank you."

Harry nodded as though to put closure on his statement, and turned to leave, hoping that Snape would accept his gratitude without further trouble.

"Potter." Snape said to Harry's back. The Gryffindors turned to face Snape again. No such luck.

"Look, professor, I know you think I'm stupid for not noticing the potion sooner. So I'm sorry," Harry said defensively with a scowl. "Fine. So I was dumb and you were smart. You saved me. What else do you want me to say?" Harry was angry that Snape couldn't just take the compliment and gratitude without making him feel small. Why did he have to be so…so… infuriating?

"Potter!" Snape said once more, a bit louder.

Harry kicked himself mentally. After two weeks of being free of the potion, he was still prone to occasional outbursts.

"Sit down, Potter." Snape said coolly.

Hospitality?Harry thought, no…

"Mr. Potter, the Headmaster is concerned about your exposure to the Potion of Fernifendice.".

Harry felt his stomach clench nervously, concerned? No it can't be…

"I believe that it has helped you cheat your way though Occlumency."

Accusation. That's better. Harry scowled at the man in front of him.

"I did not cheat," Harry said seriously.

"Potter, the potion made it inevitable. Whether it was intentional or not, your skills were artificially enhanced," Snape explained. Without allowing Harry time to reply, he continued, "The Headmaster has recommended that you are…retested to see if your…training must be continued next year." Snape looked as though the thought of continuing Harry's Occlumency lessons left a foul taste in his mouth. The prospect was no more pleasant to Harry.

Recognizing that the request came from Dumbledore resigned Harry to the test, and he drew his wand. Snape acted likewise.

"Are you prepared?" Harry nodded. "Legilimens!"
Harry used all of his energy to build a wall around his mind, desperately trying not to think of the memories within. The sensation, however, seemed foreign again. The potion had helped him. The wall he built crumbled under the continued pressure of Snape's intrusion…

Harry was pinned to a table by his friends. He was having spasms and his body burst with pain…He was face to face with Voldemort and an army of angry blood-thirsty serpents…He stood in a cold dungeon room his arm dripping blood as he looked up at Severus Snape, dagger in hand, a trace of worry on his stony features…

Harry jolted back to reality, gripping his arm, where a feint scar still showed. Snape sat in front of him. He blinked a few times, erasing the memory of that fear. He scowled at what had to come next.

"Potter, you need more work. The potion was responsible for a good portion of your proficiency."

Harry nodded slowly, "You're right, professor," Harry reluctantly admitted," but I'll practice over the summer," Harry added quickly, wary of Snape's criticism. Harry was now anxious to get out of the dungeons, so he stood and prepared to leave. When he reached the door he heard Snape say his name once more, Harry stopped and turned.

"You're welcome."

Harry smiled slightly as he left the room, closing the door behind him.

By the time Harry got back to the common room, Ron and Hermione were waiting for him to go down to the leaving feast.

"Everything go all right, Harry?" Hermione asked as Harry entered the portrait; the wizard nodded.

"Are you guys ready to go down to the feast?" He pushed on to the next subject, not because he wanted any secrets, but because he had decided on the walk back to Gryffindor tower that he would not think about Snape, or the prospect of spending the next year in Occlumency with him, any more than he had to.

All three friends exited the room together.

The Great Hall was filled with a student body torn between merriment and bitterness. The trio had just taken their seats when Dumbledore stood and raised his hands for silence.

"We have reached the end of another term at Hogwarts. Before we dive into our wonderful feast, I ask your attention for a few moments. It is unfortunate that we must send those of you that are leaving Hogwarts this year into the world such as it is. Most of you will be called upon to fight the evil that threatens our world. Some of you may be considering joining and fighting alongside that evil. To all of you, I wish for your safety. I beg that you all remember the convictions that live within you. Now, please enjoy the food and the love of those sharing it with you!"

Dumbledore sat and the five tables filled with mounds of exquisite food.

Harry put on a pleasant face, but he couldn't help looking up and down the table at the graduating students, the students who would join the war when this feast ended. He did his best, for the sake of those students, to make it the best feast he could manage.

When the students were stuffed to bursting and the somber mood that had tainted the first few minutes of the feast had lifted somewhat, Dumbledore again stood.

"Now that our bodies are grateful and content, I am sure you are all awaiting the presentation of this year's House Cup."

Harry looked up at the enchanted ceiling and the blue banners that hung suspended above them. He was almost happy for Ravenclaw. Disappointed, of course, that Gryffindor didn't win, but satisfied, at least, that the honor didn't go to Slytherin. He was furious that the Quidditch Cup was snatched from them so unfairly and loathed even worse the idea that Malfoy could retire his Quidditch uniform in victory. These thoughts swarmed his mind as Dumbledore announced the points spread and dismissed the student body.

As Harry exited the Great Hall, he was startled when Ron and Hermione, who were walking beside him, stopped dead. They were looking at Professor McGonagall, who was standing in their path.

"Mr. Potter, the Headmaster wishes to see you before you leave."

Harry moved to follow her to Dumbledore's office but she held up her hand to halt him.

"It's not urgent. Get some rest; go before you get on the train tomorrow." She looked into his eyes, as if she was reading his thoughts from the hour before. "And don't worry, Mr. Potter…we'll get them next year." She walked away, leaving Harry to smile half-heartedly at her back.

Harry awoke early the next morning and made his way to the Headmaster's office. When he got to the stone gargoyle, he found Dumbledore awaiting him at the bottom. One docile Runespoor circled at his feet.

"Hello Harry," Dumbledore said as he recited the password and began to ascend the staircase. "Please help the ambassador up."

Harry shrugged and hissed a few words to the serpent, who coiled up Harry's body and came to rest, draped across his neck and coiled about his arm, each of its three heads hissing quietly to the others.

When Harry and Dumbledore were standing on either side of the Headmaster's desk, the creature unwound itself and curled into a large coiled "S" on the desktop.

"I'm certain that you realize, Harry, why I've asked you here?" the Headmaster posed.

Harry's eyes shifted between the wizard and the serpent; he nodded.

"Praxmeka is the ambassador for the extricated Runespoors. The full negotiations will take much more time than we now have available, so we will call upon you later in the summer for that. For now, you simply must communicate to Praxmeka that we will need him and his compatriots to remain in custody in a small forest under Ministry surveillance until that time."

Harry wondered how, without his help, the Runespoor knew to come with Dumbledore to get here in the first place. He decided to pose that question first.

"When I saw the silver bearded one," the serpent answered, "I trusted him instantly, even though he cannot talk." Harry nodded, satisfied, and translated Dumbledore's message to the creature. The snake was suspicious when Harry spoke of custody, and asked him many questions about those who would be their jailers. It took Harry quite some time to make the animal understand that the Runespoors would not be "jailed" and that their situation for the next month would only be temporary. Finally, he looked up at the old wizard.

"Praxmeka will have them wait wherever you place them until I come back to make the final negotiations." Dumbledore nodded and smiled at both Harry and the coiled serpent on his desk. "Anything else professor?"

"No, that will do nicely. If you'll tell Praxmeka to return with me to the holding area…"

Harry spoke a few words in Parseltongue and looked back at Dumbledore.

"Both wizard and Runespoors alike are grateful to you Harry. We shall both see you again later this summer." Dumbledore extended his hand to Runespoor, who slithered up his arm.

Harry smiled and left the office. It was time to get to the Hogwarts Express.

Harry, Ron and Hermione were a few of the last students to board the train for the ride home. They headed directly towards the back, knowing from experience that all other compartments would be full.

In the very last compartment, they found Ginny, Luna, and a blond girl they didn't know, all with copies of the Quibbler that they were reading upside down.

"Hey, Gin, you guys got room for three more?" asked Ron.

"Sure," answered Ginny, without looking up front whatever article she was reading.

"Hey Ginny, Luna, how've you been?" asked Harry as he took a seat next to Ginny.

"Fine, thanks Harry," Ginny said with a smile before refocusing her attention to the magazine.

Luna looked as though she just now noticed there was anyone else in the compartment.

"I've been very well, have you met Amy?" she asked as she gestured to the blond girl on her right who was reading the Quibbler with a quill behind her ear.

"No, we haven't met," answered Hermione. "I'm Hermione Granger, this is Ron Weasley, and that's-"

"-Harry Potter, he hardly needs an introduction," answered Amy promptly.

Harry smiled awkwardly; wanting to change the subject he addressed Luna, "So,

Luna, are you and your father doing anything interesting this summer?"

"Well actually, we'll be staying in London in order to report the fallout of

everything Fudge has hidden from the public during his time in office. Now that he's no longer in power, it's finally safe to speak out against him."

"Such as?" asked Harry.

"Well for one thing Fudge was blackmailing or bribing about two-thirds of the Wizengamot as well as a variety of other positions."

Harry couldn't argue with this idea. As outlandish as some of Luna's conspiracy theories were, all Harry had to do was think back to his disciplinary hearing and Dumbledore's demotion the year before to see truth in her statement.

"Well, that's not surprising," said Harry.

"Harry," Hermione said with a look that clearly said 'Don't encourage her,' but Harry ignored her.

"What else?"

"Well numerous people who had believed that Voldemort had returned while the Ministry was still denying it had their memories modified to keep them quiet. That also applies to people who have disagreed with Fudge's policy over the years."

Harry glanced over at Hermione, whose face clearly said 'I warned you!'

"Then, of course, they have to dissemble the army of heliopaths."

"There is no such thing as a heliopath," said Hermione with an impatient sigh.

"Of course there are," Amy chimed in, "I'm spending the summer with Luna; I'll see them for myself."

Hermione looked as though the world was slowly going mad around her and she might very well be sanity's only hope.

"You honestly believe in creatures that don't exist according to all available evidence?" Hermione challenged harshly.

"C'mon Hermione, you can't prove they don't exist. I tend to stand behind Luna," said Ginny logically.

Harry watched as Hermione's eyes narrowed in frustration and she began to mutter under her breath, something about the gullibility of the Wizarding World. Harry then turned to look at Ginny, whom he was still surprised had sided with Luna. He would have thought she was being sarcastic if she hadn't said it with such seriousness. Ginny simply gave him a wink and a smile before returning to the Quibbler.

In order to prevent a fight, Ron suggested to Hermione that they play a game of chess. Hermione agreed, and the couple spent their time in the corner talking quietly under the pretext of Wizard's Chess. Harry knew that Ron had wanted some time alone with his girlfriend before they would be separated for at least part of the summer. He couldn't blame them, but thinking of couples wanting to spend time together made him think of another couple.

"Hey Gin," Harry said quietly, not wanting to draw Ron's attention, "where's Dean?"

Ginny shrugged indifferently, "Your guess is as good as mine; it doesn't really concern me anymore. We broke up."

Harry looked at Ginny in surprise; she and Dean had gone out for a year. He had never expected them to break up. Even more surprising was the fact that he was happy they had broken up. Why should I be happy if they break up? It's not as if I get all worked up about Ginny dating the way Ron does. Ginny's old enough to date whoever she pleases…

"You broke up?" shouted Ron delightedly from the other side of the compartment, startling Harry from his thoughts.

"Yes, I know you must be heartbroken over it Ron; I know how much you loved to see us together."

Ron's joy quickly turned to an expression of fury, "what did he do to you? If he hurt you, so help me…"

"Relax; it was pretty much mutual, though I suggested it first. We just kind of…drifted apart. It's not that big a deal, it's not as if we were going to get married or anything."

Harry nodded, knowing how his feelings had changed for Cho the same way the previous year.

They traveled on for a little while, Hermione and Ron enjoying their time together as Ginny asked Harry questions from a quiz in the Quibbler. As she was tallying his score, Luna and Amy suddenly left the compartment together.

"Where are they going?" asked Harry.

"They had to see a Hufflepuff about some camouflage equipment so they can gather the information they need to expose the corruption of the Ministry," Ginny responded casually. Harry laughed. Harry had never had a lot of opportunity to talk to Ginny one-on-one, so he wasn't really sure what he should say, but he wanted to keep their conversation going.

"So, do you have any plans this summer?" Harry asked.

"Did Ron tell you that we're going to work in Diagon Ally at Fred and George's shop?"

"Oh right, I didn't realize you were working with them."

Ginny laughed, "You mean you never thought my mum would let me."

"Well to be honest, no."

"You must be excited to finally leave the Dursleys for good. You know, other than the Malfoys, I've never heard my parents speak of any one family with as much contempt as they do when they mention your aunt and uncle. They must be horrible." Ginny said sympathetically.

Harry gave a hollow laugh, "yeah, well you're right, I'm ecstatic to finally be leaving. The only person who might be happier on my birthday is my uncle; he's been waiting for this day for sixteen years."

Ginny smiled knowingly and was about to respond when the compartment door opened; Neville appeared in the doorway.

"Hey Neville," called Harry and Ginny. Their greeting attracted the attention of Hermione and Ron, who were still 'playing chess' in the corner.

"Hey," Neville said awkwardly. He looked both incredibly excited and yet indescribably anxious at the same time. Harry could tell he both wanted to share his exciting news with the only people who knew his secret and uncomfortable bringing up a subject he kept so heavily guarded.

"So, uh, Harry, I suppose you saw me coming out of Professor Snape's office yesterday," Neville began, speaking very quickly.

"Yeah," Harry admitted, "but I didn't want to bring it up or anything."

"What did you have to see Professor Snape about Neville?" asked Hermione, Harry hadn't mentioned seeing Neville outside the potion master's office to anyone, wanting to respect Neville's privacy.

"Well, you know the potion that Snape received the award for?"
Everyone looked momentarily confused. Due to the chaos at the ball, Snape's invention had been overshadowed. The newspapers were so busy reporting on the damage done to the Ministry, the injuries that been sustained, and the many deaths of Aurors and guests, as well as the coverage of the highly unorthodox election in which a man was elected by voters who thought they were electing his brother, reporting on a new potion's discovery somehow didn't seem as important. Harry had of course known about it, having been present at Snape's speech, but due to the effects the potion had had on his mental state at the time of the ball; it had taken him some time after he woke up in the hospital wing to understand the repercussions such a potion could have. He had kept silent about these revelations, not wanting to say anything until Neville had brought up the subject himself.

"Actually, we never found out what he invented," admitted Hermione disappointedly.

"He's made a potion that can treat patients with severe mental illnesses sustained through trauma," Neville explained at rapid speed.

"Wait does that mean what I think it means?" Hermione asked excitedly.

"What does what mean?" asked Ron.

"Yes, it means that Snape thinks he can cure my parents!" Neville exclaimed. "I mean, it's not certain or anything, he can't guarantee it will work, but at least they have a chance now!"

"Neville, that's fantastic!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Bloody incredible!" shouted Ron, pumping his fist in the air.

Ginny squealed and wrapped Neville in an excited hug, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"That's amazing, Neville. I know it will work out for you, so don't worry," Harry said. He waited until Ginny had released Neville, then Harry pulled him into a warm hug that showed his friend that he understood just how he felt. Harry knew what it felt like to yearn to know your parents, to wish you could speak with them even one time- he couldn't be happier that Neville was finally going to get that opportunity.

The rest of the train ride flew by and in what felt like only an instant, Harry was back at King's Cross. Ron helped Hermione with her trunk, while Harry helped Ginny with hers. They went through the barrier and immediately saw the red heads of the Weasleys. Harry helped bring Ginny's trunk over and accepted a large hug from Mrs. Weasley after she had greeted her own children.

"Harry dear, you did such a wonderful job at the ball; that was very impressive negotiating."

"Thank you Mrs. Weasley, but I just translated what Professor Dumbledore told me to say."

"Well you did a very good job of it," Mrs. Weasley insisted.

Mr. Weasley gave him a hand shake while Ron was speaking with Hermione's parents. "Well, I'd better go; the Dursleys are waiting for me."

He bid his friends and the Weasley's good bye as he spotted his cousin.

"Hey Dud," Harry greeted sullenly. "Where're your parents?"
"Mum and Dad got me a car for my birthday this year and dad didn't want to bother picking you up so I got stuck doing it."

"I can see you all missed me in my absence," Harry said sarcastically.

"Well, lets go, I don't want to hit traffic," Dudley said.

Harry grabbed his trunk and followed his massive cousin out of the station.

Fini

Authors Note: Congratulations to Viskii. She was the only reader, even in jest, to guess Aberforth. You are now Luna's partner in crime, well done. As for the serpent and the lion, this is the end of this story, but not the end of us. We'll be posting another soon. In addition, please check out the epilogue which is already posted.