More Ramblings

This will be the last chapter I post tonight. I will post three more chapters on Monday.

This chapter has my first action sequence in it. I never knew it could be so hard to do a battle sequence until I tried to write one myself.

I hope you do like it.

5

Ambushed

On Harry's 18th Birthday Harry was woken by the sound of Mrs. Wesley's voice.

"This is my kitchen and I want you out now!"

Harry got up and got dressed in a hurry. Ron also was getting dressed quickly as his mothers shouts had also woke him out of his deep sleep. They could not hear who Mrs. Weasley was arguing with, but they figured they had better get downstairs before Mrs. Weasley seriously hurt whoever was.

As they stepped out of Ron's room they could see Ginny and Hermione also coming out to see what all the fuss was about. Ginny looked at Harry

"What's going on?"

She asked as Mrs. Weasley continued yelling at whoever had the audacity to step into her kitchen. "I don't know Ginny" Harry said as he and Ron took out there wands. He noticed Hermione also had her wand at the ready.

They hurried down the stairs and Harry was shocked at what he saw. The first thing Harry noticed was how spotless the living room and dining room were. It's not that Mrs. Weasley was a bad house keeper; however with six people staying at the burrow there was always a little mess to be expected. In addition to the spotless living room Harry noticed that the dining room table had been set with a freshly cleaned tablecloth and the finest China the Black family owned.

"It is my Masters Birthday today"

Harry heard the voice of whomever Mrs. Weasley had been fighting with and Harry could not help but smile to himself as he heard Kreacher continue

"It is Kreacher's Job to make sure his master and his friends are taken care of and Kreacher has been away from his master's too long."

Harry had inherited Kreacher when Sirius Black had been killed in the battle with Luscious Malfoy and his death eaters in the Department of Mysteries. He had too many battles to remember for a young man of eighteen Harry thought.

Harry remembered how unhappy Kreacher was at first to find that Harry was his master as well as how rude Kreacher was to Him, Ron and Hermione. This was until Harry had given Kreacher a Locket owned by Regalus Black, Sirius brother. Kreacher had been devoted to the Black family and had tried to keep Black family heirlooms that Sirius had been throwing away. When Harry gave Kreacher Regalus' Blacks locket Kreacher attitude changed completely and Kreacher since then made it his primary focus to take care of Harry as well as Ron and Hermione.

Harry felt a slight twinge of guilt, he had completely forgotten about Kreacher whom had lead the Hogwarts House elves in battle against Lord Voldemort's death eaters towards the end of the battle. He had tried to set Kreacher free after the battle however Kreacher would not accept Harry's gift of clothes. Kreacher told Harry Kreacher's family had been serving the noble house of Black for centuries and he would not bring dishonor to his family by being set free.

This did not solve the problem at hand.

Mrs. Weasley turned on Harry. "You tell him to get out of my Kitchen Harry!"

Harry had no intention of ordering Kreacher out of the kitchen. He thought it would be nice for Mrs. Weasley to enjoy a party without having to work all day for a change. The nice thing was he knew how he would get Mrs. Weasley to agree to let Kreacher take care of his Birthday Celebration. He knew that there was something planned for his birthday. The Wesley's had never missed having a party for Harry's birthday as long as he had known them.

"Mrs. Weasley" Harry said more calmly than he felt.

Mrs. Weasley was someone you did not cross and taking over her out of her kitchen was the same as crossing her.

"Today is my birthday"

Mrs. Weasley nodded her head in agreement.

"So for my birthday I would like you to take the day off and let Kreacher handle the details of the party today."

Mrs. Weasley opened her mouth, and then shut it. "Harry" Mrs. Weasley seemed at a loss of words for a change. She did agree to let Kreacher handle the preparations for the evening's party as long as she would be able to supervise everything. Kreacher agreed to this reluctantly.

That out of the way Kreacher insisted that everyone sit down for breakfast.

"I have made master and his friend's favorite breakfast."

Kreacher looked at Mrs. Weasley

"I do not know what the mean lady likes but Kreacher would be happy to make whatever she wants"

Kreacher then scampered off to the kitchen to get Harry, Ron and Hermione's breakfast. Mrs. Weasley stammered angrily as he left. Ginny asked Kreacher to make her and her mother some bacon and eggs which he happily began to make.

Harry had a wonderful birthday. Dinner was served promptly by Six O clock the guests include the entire Weasley family, Hermione's mother and father as well as the Minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt, Hagrid and to Harry's surprise Professor McGonagall as well as Luna and Neville. They all enjoyed the meal that Kreacher made for them. After dinner they had birthday cake along with after dinner drinks.

Once everyone finished there drinks the party began to break up as Kingsley excused himself for the evening with the excuse he had reports to attend to too. Luna and Neville also said there goodbyes, wishing Harry a happy birthday before the left. Hagrid was the last of the guest to leave and Harry was delighted to see it was still early only 8:00 in the evening.

Harry wanted to go for a moonlit walk in his favorite park with Ginny, Ron and Hermione would also join them. He thanked Mr. and Mrs. Weasley for a wonderful evening. As he took Ginny's hand Mrs. Weasley reminded them not too be too late. Shortly after that there was a soft popping sound as the four of them disapparated.

***

Rockwood was not a happy man. He had to spend at least six hours or more a day at this muggle park. This was on the slight chance that Harry Potter and his friends just might show up for a walk in the moonlight. He thought this was just a waste of time, he did not think there was any real chance that Potter and his friends would show up no matter what the daily prophet said.

He had not dared trying to argue with Deloris Umbridge over this, those that disagreed with Deloris Umbridge, if they were lucky, would spend some time under the Cruciatus curse. Umbridge was proving to be even more sadistic than Voldemort was. Rockwood did not like Deloris Umbridge however he was in the minority.

He looked around the park again. There were several muggles enjoying a warm evening walking in the park. Some were couples out for a romantic evening stroll and others were families giving there children a chance to play before putting them to bed. This night, as it had been for the last three to four weeks there was no sign of Harry Potter or his friends.

As he was looking around the park for what seemed like the millionth time that day and he heard a distinguished popping sound. Rockwood had heard that sound a few times and knew exactly what it was. Someone was Apparating into the park. Rockwood looked in the direction he had heard the loud popping and to his surprise Harry Potter, Hermione Ganger and two of the Weasley stepped out of the shadows and began to walk towards the path along the river. The Weasley girl holding Harry's hand and Ron Weasley had his arm around Hermione Grangers waist as they walked.

Rockwood could not believe his dumb luck. He did not know how long they would be here. He knew he had to act quickly stepping back into to the shadows and sending a message to Yaxley via messenger spell. Now all he had to do was to wait for the others to arrive. Waiting in the shadows he watched as Potter and his friends enjoyed an evening walk. .

****

Ginny rested her head on Harry's shoulders as they stood looking at the moonlit river. Harry had to agree with Hermione it was a gorgeous evening. He also saw Hermione resting her head comfortably on Ron's Shoulder he noticed she was grinning as Ron whispered something in her ear.

He could not have been happier for the two of them. Especially since he finally convinced Ron they should not wait anymore on getting Hermione's birthday present. He and Ron were going to pick out her engagement ring at the end of the week. This would give the jewelry shop plenty of time to make her ring. Harry thought a ring that Ron had made for her would mean more than one that he would just pick out from a shelf. As long as he and Ron had known Hermione, he had no doubt they would be able to have a ring made that Hermione would love.

He felt Ginny give him a loving squeeze as they continued to watch the moonlit river. Harry had been thinking about himself and Ginny a lot since convincing Ron to ask Hermione to marry him. He wondered if Ginny would agree to marry him as well.

He had realized after Ron had agreed let Harry help him with Hermione's engagement ring that more than anything he wanted to do than to marry Ginny. He knew Ginny had loved him from the day she first saw him. Harry also knew that at one time Ginny had also given up on him, so he was not as sure she would want to marry him right away. Ron and Hermione were a different story. Except for a brief time they did not speak to each other their fifth year, neither of them had thought of being with anyone else. Harry thought smiling to himself those two were engaged from the day we became friends.

Harry heard a popping sound from somewhere behind them in the park. Annoyed he and Ginny began to turn towards the sound. Harry was going to give Luna or Neville a small piece of his mind. He and Ron had come to look at the park as their private spot where no one would bother him.

***

Rockwood did not have to wait more than a few minutes before Yaxley and five other's apparated a few feet away from them. Yaxley looked at Rockwood who pointed out Harry and his friends to Him. Rockwood was surprised to see Potter and the Weasley girl turning in their direction. If Potter saw them they would lose their advantage of surprise! Her raised his wand quickly and shouted "Sectumsempra" a bright red flash fired from his wand in the direction of Potter.

As Harry turned he was surprised to see six large figures in the shadows of the trees. "Ron!" was all Harry could say before a red flash headed in their direction. He felt Ginny's hand go tense in his and she fell to the ground her chest bleeding.

Everything happened so fast after that Harry could barely keep track of it all. He saw Ron pull out his wand and he casts a shield spell that blocked a second curse that had been cast at Harry. Hermione had also quickly knelt down next to Ginny and also cast another shield spell that successfully blocked two more curses that had been fired in their direction.

"Harry back to the Burrow!" Hermione shouted. Harry could see she was about to Disapparate He cast his own Disapparate spell waiting for the familiar squeezing sensation but it did not come. He was not able to Apparate! They were in trouble!

***

Hermione tried not to panic. Ginny was bleeding badly from the chest and had stopped crying out in pain just after her Disapparate spell had failed. Ron and Harry were barely blocking the curses that were being fired at them by the six men that were slowly approaching them. She knew once the got in close enough they would not be able to block all of there curses. She raised her wand and shouted "Confringo"

Her spell had the desired effect exploding between two of their attackers and knocking them down. She knew they needed help and without thinking cast a Patronus charm. The form of an otter came from the tip of her wand and disappeared into the night…

***

Ron saw the form of the otter leave Hermione's wand and Ron and knew she had sent for help. He did not understand why they had not been able to Disapparate. He cast another shield spell preventing Hermione from getting hit by another curse that had been fired at her. He looked and saw that Harry like him was just barely blocking the curses being fired at him. Ron knew they were not going to get out of this mess with just defensive spells.

Hermione had succeeded in getting of one offensive spell that slowed there attackers down. But she too was now totally defensive blocking curse after curse with shield spells. Like he and Harry she could not risk an offensive spell. Ron hoped that help would arrive soon. He saw out of the corner of his eye that Ginny was still bleeding badly from the chest. They had to do something fast!

***

Luna Lovegood stared at the Prophet trying to keep her anger in check. The article that had her so upset was printed in the evening edition of the prophet and was the story on how she had single handedly fought of a hundred dementors in the Battle of Hogwarts. Luna did not understand how the paper could have gotten the story wrong. When they had asked her about the fight with the Dementors she made it clear she was one of three people that had cast the Patronus charms that forced the dementors to flee.

Luna looked out her window and was surprised to see the silver form of an otter heading towards her window. She had not expected to hear from Hermione that night so her Patronus was a real surprise. She wondered what it was that could not wait until the following morning when she had planned on spending some "Girl Time" time with her and Ginny tomorrow afternoon.

Hermione's otter came through and landed on her desk. Facing Luna Hermione's frantic voice stated. "We are in trouble at the park. Need help right away"

Luna immediately grabbed her wand. She knew if Hermione was sending for help she had better not wait. She sent off three Patronus of her own with the message that Harry and his friends were in trouble and details on where they were to Neville, Kingsley and the Weasley's and then she immediately apparated.

***

Neville Longbottom had just settled into to bed and was looking forward to a good nights sleep when to his surprise the silvery form of a Hare appeared in front of him. After hearing his friends were in trouble and where they were Neville wasted no time. He grabbed his wand and also apparated immediately.

****

Kingsley had returned to the Ministry to finish reviewing a several reports that needed his attention. He was just finishing the last of the reports and was looking forward to going home and getting a good nights rest when a silver hare suddenly appeared on his desk. After hearing Luna Lovegood's Message Kingsley shouted to his secretary.

"I need every available Auror to get to this park right away!" Handing his secretary a slip of paper with the location of the park. He did not take the time to answer his secretary's questions. He too vanished out of sight as he also apparated immediately.

****

Molly and Arthur Weasley were enjoying having the house to them selves for a change. Even with only four young people staying with them it was hard to get the house completely to themselves. Molly confided to Arthur that she had enjoyed the party more that evening knowing she did not had to prepare any of the meals or clean up afterwards. She did try to and do some of the dishes from that evening dinner but Kreacher would not have any of this.

"This is my Job not yours!" the house mumbled to himself as he cleared the table "If people insisted on doing their own housework then there would be nothing left for House Elves to do".

Arthur Chuckled and let Molly know the Kreacher did have a point. So as Kreacher worked to clean up after the party. Molly and Arthur Weasley sat on the couch his arm around his wife enjoying an evening alone for a change.

"I think that Ron and Hermione are getting very serious dear" she told him happily.

"What makes you think that" He asked. He already knew that his son was planning on asking Hermione to marry him. Earlier that week he had asked his father to take a walk with him. He had asked his father about how he proposed to his mother and what was the best way to go about asking a witch to be a wizard's wife. Arthur gave his son the best advice he could which was to just ask her. Ron then asked Mr. Weasley not to say anything to his mother. He wanted this to be as much as a surprise for Molly as he hoped it would be for Hermione. He was sure that Ron had not let his plans slip so he was curious what Molly had seen or heard to make her suspect that Ron and Hermione were more than just dating.

Molly told him about the night she had walked in on Ron and Hermione in his bedroom. Arthur was surprised to hear that Molly had not killed the two of them on the spot. With a sly smile Molly reminded him that they had not been exactly innocent before they had gotten married.

Before Arthur could say anything more a silver Hare flew into the living room and landed on the table. Luna's voice announced

"Hermione and the others are in trouble and need help"

The rest of the message gave details where they were at. Molly looked stricken as the message finished.

"Molly you stay here. I will send you word of what is going on as soon as I can"

Molly Weasley gave her husband a look that only a mother who knew her kids were in grave danger would and as she reached for her wand Arthur heard dishes fall to the floor in the kitchen along with a popping sound. He knew that Kreacher had also heard the message and was probably already with Ginny and Ron.

***

Back at the park things were not going well for the trio. With the three of them on the defensive the six men that had attacked them had been closing the distance between them. The few offensive spells they were able to fire off were ineffective as they were usually not well aimed. In addition to Ginny several muggles had also been caught in the crossfire between the dueling witches and wizards and lay in on the ground hurt.

To make matters worse Harry could hear the sound of sirens approaching the park which meant that there would be Muggle authorities to deal with. Harry figured they had at the most five minutes before the muggle authorities started arriving. Harry knew their attackers would not hesitate to attack the muggles once they arrived.

Harry knew they had to do something and was trying desperately to think of anything that would give them an advantage.

"Harry Ginny does not have much time" Hermione said to him in a panicked voice. "She is losing too much blood!"

As Hermione finished Harry heard the popping sound of someone else apparating into the park, his heart sank. If more of them were arriving they were finished. To his surprise however it was not more attackers arriving. Luna Lovegood appeared by Hermione's side. She only took a second to take in what was going on and helped Hermione block several curses. A few seconds later there was another popping sound and Kreacher also arrived.

The one thing their attackers had not counted on was the trio getting reinforcements. The minute Kreacher arrived he fired off several curses in the direction of there attackers and Harry was glad to see one of them fall. Seeing that Kreacher was on the offensive Luna immediately started casting every healing spell she knew on Ginny trying to stop her bleeding.

About thirty seconds after Kreacher appeared Neville Longbottom arrived and immediately he too entered the battle. With the arrival of Neville the odds were no longer in the favor of their attackers and for the first time that night their attackers found themselves on the defensive.

Harry took a few seconds to check on Ginny. He saw that whatever Luna had done had succeeded in slowing her bleeding down however she was still bleeding. Harry knew that House Elves would be able to Disapparate even with anti Dissapparation spells had been cast. "Kreacher" Harry shouted "Get Ginny to St Mungos now!"

Kreacher did not waste a second. He immediately grabbed Ginny's shoulder and they disappeared.

As Kreacher disappeared Mr. And Mrs. Weasley arrived. They immediately started dueling with the six men now their attackers that were outnumbered as they dueled with Harry and his friends it was clear that no one had a clear advantage. Curses and hexes flew between the two groups of wizards. Some partially hitting there marks but many more being deflected by defensive spells. Unfortunately the deflected spells hit more muggles.

The two groups battled for about another minute. Then Kingsley arrived along with a half a dozen Aurors. Seeing that they no longer had a clear advantage there attackers apparated and the battle was over.

Harry saw that both Ron and Hermione had been hit by a couple of hexes. Hermione's forehead was bleeding and Ron appeared to have broken his arm. He too had been injured during the battle. He felt blood dripping down the side of is arm and looked to see he had a large gash on his arm.

Mrs. Weasley ran to Ron and Hermione asking them if they were ok. They nodded however he could see by the looks in there eyes they were worried about Ginny. Mrs. Weasley saw the look in Ron's eyes.

"WHERE IS GINNY?" Harry saw Mrs. Weasley face begins to fill with fear as she looked at around the rest of the group for her daughter.

Mrs. Weasley looked at Ron and shrieked, "RONALD WHERE IS YOUR SISTER!!"

As Mrs. Weasley finished asking Kreacher returned from taking Ginny out of harms way. Harry had never seen Kreacher look as worried as he did now. He spoke softly to Harry.

"Master, you need to get to St, Mungo's now!"

More than anything that had happened that night the tone of Kreacher's voice chilled Harry.

"Ginny?" He whispered. Kreacher just looked away and whined.

"Master please you must go now…There is not much time…."

Hermione buried her head into Ron's shoulder and started to sob. Harry felt Kreacher grab him by the hand. The last thing he heard before the park disappeared was Mrs. Weasley beginning to cry as well.

Notes

Cliffhanger!!

Well maybe not so much if you have read deathly Hallows. But how does poor Ginny Survive?

R/R and you may just get the next chapter!