A/N: This is the alternate ending I had in mind for this story; the one that was meant to be my serial finale. In order for this to make sense, instead of the army of the righteous winning the final battle, Ares's army launches an ambush and completely catches Charlie's company (not supreme commander) off guard. This was their first loss and they are completely cut off from the main army. There were many casualties.

—Rita

The Final Battle

Trying to catch a few hours of sleep, he found a piece of soft ground and finally sat down. He wouldn't have much time, but ten minutes off his feet sounded like heaven. Ricardo looked at him and shook his head. Handing him a canteen, he said, "You're bleeding." He mimed swiping his forehead, indicating the source of the blood flow.

He touched his forehead. The blood was already starting to clot.

"No big deal." he said, dismissively. "I'll live."

That sounded cocky, because, in reality, he didn't know if he was going to live or not. Looking at the people around him, he wasn't alone in doubting his chances for survival.

He took a drink from Ricardo's canteen. Swishing the water around in his mouth, he tasted blood. The water was warm and had a metallic taste from the canteen. Spitting the mouthful of bloody water, he gave the canteen back to Ricardo.

"What's the status of our supplies?" He asked, not wanting to know.

Ricardo shrugged. "A couple of people are going out later tonight to look for food."

"I had Perez, Robles, and Gutierrez take inventory of how many are without wands. I don't think there are that many. Most were caught off guard, but managed to at least grab their wands. They're reporting back to me any time now."

"How many casualties?" Again, another question he didn't want the answer to.

Ricardo looked at him and shook his head. "No idea."

"Find out, Boo." He closed his eyes and tried to get the past two weeks out of his head. He heard Ricardo get up and walk away. He listened for his footsteps to fade.

He felt a hundred pairs of eyes on him. At that moment he didn't want to be watched. He wanted to be alone. He didn't want to think about the dead bodies left behind or those about to die. He wanted to hear the song his mother used to sing to him, secure in her arms. He didn't want people to look to him for answers or to protect them. He wanted to hold his head and mourn for those who died because he had asked them to.

The final battle was about to begin.

Epilogue

Six weeks later, Arthur and Molly Weasley received an official letter from the American Department of Magic, Austin, Texas, informing them that their son, Charlie, had died in battle fighting against the dark wizard Ares. He died a hero, the letter informed them, fighting the evil that he abhorred. Because of his sacrifice, Ares had been destroyed and he had saved the lives of countless wizards and muggles. Unfortunately, the letter continued, his body had not been recovered.

More A/N: Let me know what you think, please.