Apologies for the late update.

This may be the penultimate chapter, or there may be two more chapters after this, I haven't decided yet.

I'm not going to go into details with the battle, they're not important. If you want to read about a magical battle, pick up Deathly Hallows. Jk's the one who knows about that.

Reviews would be appreciated. I'm not sure what the reactions are going to be to this chapter, I don't know if any of you will have guessed what's going to happen. I certainly didn't, but as I said, my brain gangs up on me.

Chapter 29

"Voldemort and his forces are preparing to attack," announced Epsilon. "We need to be ready. We should double-check the wards on the castle, and strengthen them wherever possible. We need to pool our resources to construct our lines of defence. Professor McGonagall…" he turned to the deputy head. "If you could mobilise the statues, they should be stationed out in the grounds. Professor Flitwick, you'll be in charge of the defensive enchantments. Professor Sprout, I'm sure you've got some plants in your greenhouse that could take off a death-eater's head. Professor Dumbledore… you know the castle's wards better than anyone. Mr Filch…" the squib started, then hobbled forwards, surprised at being included. "You're the expert with the secret passages. Fred, George, go with him, make sure they're all covered. We can't let them slip past us…"

XXX

Two days earlier…

AA was running. He raced through the streets of Manhattan, pushing his way through crowds of panicking civilians. He reached the place they had made their temporary base, skidding to a stop in front of the others. They were all standing ready, waiting for his report.

"It's started," he confirmed. "They're taking over easily. People have been taken unawares, they're just storming the streets."

"Okay," said O. "I have the message. Is that bird here?"

Hedwig hooted, and swooped down from her perch. She stuck out her leg, and allowed O to tie the letter to it. As soon as it was secure she flew out of the open window.

"And now," said O. "We try to help the people out there. It's no use fighting the Lokeye, but there are civilians who need us. We can at least help protect them."

XXX

K looked out over Zartha, watching the Lokeye ships depart. For once the Galactic Alliance had done their job, and driven the invaders away. Zartha was now safe for Kevin to return. There were still Lokeye on earth, but hopefully they would get the message and leave… maybe.

XXX

The next day…

Being in the castle was odd, concluded Epsilon. Normally at this time of day, the corridors would be filled with students making their way to lessons. Now however, the castle was occupied by mostly adults and older teens. The only child left in the place was Kevin.

Originally, Dumbledore and the other teachers had decided to evacuate everyone under the age of seventeen. Epsilon quickly remembered that would include him. He wasn't going to stand for that. In the end, they realised that so many students just didn't have homes to go to, and the age for staying was lowered to fifteen. Any kids younger than that were just packed off to stay with friends, relatives, or just about anyone who would take them. The situation was desperate.

All of a sudden, an unearthly shriek ripped through the air. Epsilon ducked instinctively, clamping his hands over his ears. Beside him, Kevin did the same. The noise continued for a few moments before stopping abruptly.

"Come on," said Epsilon. He scooped Kevin up, and carried him down towards the hall. When they reached the doors, they found a sulky Ginny Weasley waiting for them. Kevin waved, and wriggled out of Epsilon's arms to take her hand. Epsilon nodded to her gratefully.

"You know what to do. I'm sorry, Ginny, but your parents are right. You're too young to fight."

"I'm fourteen! You're only fifteen! It's not that much of a difference!"

"I know, and in a way, I wish I wasn't doing this."

"You don't have to. You have a choice."

"No," sighed Epsilon. "I don't."

He reached into his pocket, and pulled out the book.

"We got to the end of chapter twelve. Let him read to you, it'll keep him calm."

"Goodbye, Uncle," said Kevin seriously, hugging him.

"Hey now," said Epsilon, ruffling his hair. "I'll be absolutely fine, Kevin. Just you see."

He turned away from them, and slipped into the great hall as Ginny and Kevin left in the direction of the Hufflepuff common room.

The great hall was packed. Justin, Hermione, Draco and Luna beckoned to him from the Hufflepuff table, but Epsilon ignored them, continuing up to the platform to stand next to Dumbledore.

"You ready?" asked Dumbledore.

"When you are," replied Epsilon. The older man nodded, and shot purple firecrackers into the air. The crowd quietened instantly.

"Alright," said Epsilon, stepping forwards. "For those of you who do not know me, my name is Epsilon Brown, and I'll be giving the orders today…"

"Why should we listen to you!" came a voice from the crowd. "You're just a kid!"

"I've fought before," stated Epsilon. "To be fair, they usually had tentacles instead of wands, but they had ray guns, which are practically the same thing."

"Mr Brown is in charge of the operation," said Dumbledore. "I know he has the necessary experience."

"Voldemort and his forces are preparing to attack," announced Epsilon. A shudder ran through the room, but he ignored it. He had to give out instructions, and for that he needed a clear head.

XXX

Epsilon ducked to avoid another green streak of light, and sent a stunner back out into the grounds. It found it's mark, but Epsilon winced and clutched his forehead as Emmeline Vance fell dead to the ground. That was what he hated about battles, but the MiB personnel were usually better at staying alive. The wizards were untrained, and dropping like flies. For a moment, it was like being back in the rubble of the twin towers, searching desperately for survivors.

The death eaters were advancing steadily, but Epsilon's strategies were doing a pretty decent job of holding them back.

A high clear voice rang out across the castle. Epsilon shivered, recognising it as Voldemort.

"You have fought valiantly," he said. "Lord Voldemort knows how to value bravery. Yet you have sustained heavy losses. If you continue to resist me, you will all die, one by one. I do not wish this to happen. Every drop of magical blood spilled is a loss and a waste. Lord Voldemort is merciful. I command my forces to retreat immediately. You have one hour. Dispose of your dead with dignity, treat your injured. And now…"

Epsilon could almost hear the smirk edging across Voldemort's face.

"Now Harry Potter, I speak directly to you."

Gasps echoed across the castle, as people digested what had been said.

"I know you're friends think you are dead, how will they feel when they know you have lied to them? That you are very much alive? Your godfather died before he could know. What about the rest?"

Godfather?

"Now you feel all of your friends die as it happens, but you can stop that. Come to me, Harry Potter. I shall be waiting in the forest you have one hour, Epsilon Brown…"

Voldemort was cut off by a huge roar overhead. Epsilon felt his heart plummet. The Lokeye ships were here, and he had had no warning…

There were screams from the grounds, and people began firing spells at the sky. The Death Eaters attacked again in full force, the earlier clemency forgotten. This time their defences crumbled, and they swarmed into the castle. Epsilon charged down corridors and stairs. He had to get to the entrance hall before Voldemort did.

XXX

Kevin heard the ships in the sky, and looked around nervously. He was alone in the common room, Ginny had left to join the fight long ago. He knew the Lokeye were here, and he knew they were after him. He had to do something.

He raced up the passageway to the dormitories, and to the place where Epsilon pretended not to have an emergency gun hidden away. He took it out, and left the common room. He was going to help.

XXX

Epsilon took the marble steps three at a time, and landed in front of the doors just as they were blown open. Voldemort was stood in the threshold, and he sneered when he saw Epsilon.

"Harry Potter… we meet again…"

XXX

Kevin had found a good place to fire his gun. He flattened himself against the stone columns, and fired a bolt of energy into the sky.

He missed.

XXX

Epsilon froze as he faced Voldemort, distracted by his nephew's actions. He searched for Ginny, and found her cowering in a hidden corridor after nearly being killed trying to fight Death Eaters. He should have kept an eye on them…

"So now you're scared," hissed Voldemort in delight.

"I'm not scared of you."

"I could take you apart with a spell."

"I could take you down with less than that."

Voldemort hissed. He disliked it when those he murdered talked back to him. Epsilon was about to move in for the kill, but then… then…

XXX

Hermione watched with silent horror as she rounded the corner to see Kevin be hit with a bolt of green light.

XXX

Epsilon sank onto the ground as Kevin's died. All was lost.

"I failed," he whispered. "I failed in my duty."

The Death Eaters were arriving behind their leader, laughing and jeering. The order members were flooding in behind Epsilon. They all stopped to take in the scene. Epsilon had tears running down his cheeks.

"You will die, Harry Potter," said Voldemort softly. "Whilst everyone's watching."

"He's not Harry Potter!" cried a voice. It was Draco. "His name's Epsilon!"

"And you were his friend," sneered Voldemort. "He didn't know, but you didn't realise either."

"Draco!" called Lucius Malfoy desperately. "Come on, Draco, come back with us!"

"NO!"

"The brat is of no importance," said Voldemort. He directed his wand at Epsilon.

"No," said Epsilon softly, rising to his feet. "My nephew is dead. I won't let you kill any more people."

The rumbling in the sky was fading. The Lokeye ships were leaving, their mission complete. Epsilon looked Voldemort straight in the eye.

"My nephew is dead," he said again. "Do you want to know how that feels?"

He dived into Voldemort's mind, pouring out all his anger, all his grief, all his love. Voldemort screamed, but Epsilon didn't stop. Deeper and deeper he delved, tugging and hacking at the black mind as he went, destroying it piece by piece. Voldemort tried to fight back, but he never stood a chance.

There was silence as the corpse of Tom Riddle fell to the floor. The Death Eaters lurched back in fear as he held his wand out in front of him, and then gaped in surprise as he slowly and deliberately snapped it.

The crowds parted in fear as he walked out of the front door and down the steps.

He didn't return.

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