Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Luna were making their way toward Headmistress McGonagall's office to floo back to The Burrow. Their last class had ended ten minutes ago and term was officially over. In the morning, the Hogwart's Express would be carrying students home to their families for the holidays. Mrs. Weasley and Fleur had been frantic with wedding details all week and therefore had written McGonagall to ask that Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Luna be allowed to apparate or floo back to The Burrow as soon as classes ended on Wednesday evening. Personally, Harry would have liked the time on the train to relax and unwind before being plunged into the wedding chaos, but he knew that, as the groom, he should be lending whatever help he could in regard to the wedding. He knew Ginny was anxious to be home. Mrs. Weasley and Fleur had sent her so many owls with questions in the last week that it would be a relief just to be home to answer them in person. Headmistress McGonagall welcomed them warmly as they trooped into her office with their bags. She held out a container of floo powder and promised to see them all at the wedding in a few days time.
As soon as they had stepped out of the fireplace into The Burrow's warm kitchen, Molly took Hermione's, Ginny's, and Luna's bags, thrusted them at Harry and Ron, and hurryied the girls back toward the fireplace. "We're off to the dress maker's for a fitting, Fleur is meeting us there, see you all later." Ginny flashed Harry an apologetic smile as her Mum pulled her toward the fire not even leaving her a moment to kiss him good-bye.
"I'm surprised she didn't have some chore lined up for us while they're gone," Ron said as he let out a breath.
Just as he and Harry settled themselves at the kitchen table, Molly's head appeared back in the fire and said, "I almost forgot, could the two of you head over to Grimmauld Place? Kreacher asked that I send you along as soon as you returned home to make a final inspection of the house."
"It's ready?" Harry asked excitedly.
"Yes," Molly said with a proud smile. Molly had been let in on the secret about a month back when Harry had recruited her to do some shopping for him to stock the kitchen and bathrooms with necessities. After she'd done the shopping and spent some time at the house with Kreacher adding some homey touches, she'd sent Harry a letter saying how impressed she was, how beautiful the house was, and how proud she was that he was taking such good care of her Ginny. Anxious to see the final product himself, Harry rose from table and moved toward the fireplace.
"Coming?" He asked Ron, who was still seated at the table.
"Can we grab something to eat first?" Ron asked. "I'm starving."
"You're always starving," Harry replied. "Come on, I'm sure Kreacher will have something for us when we get there."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
At the dress maker's shop, it was decided that they'd look at the bridesmaid dresses first. Ginny was left sitting beside her Mum on a tiny, uncomfortable love seat outside the changing area at the shop. As Hermione, Fleur, and Luna changed into their dresses, it became increasing obvious to Ginny that her Mum was struggling to voice something. Out of the corner of her eye, Ginny could see her twisting her hands in her lap, opening her mouth as if to speak before snapping it back closed and sighing. Just as she was about to ask if there was anything the matter, Fleur emerged from her changing room. The strapless red dress hugged her torso perfectly before belling out slightly from her waist and falling to just a quarter of an inch off the floor. It was a very simple gown; the only detailing was the slight pleating on the left hip that interrupted the smooth line of the dress.
"Oh, they're perfect," Ginny cried as she rose of the sofa. "They're exactly what I imagined."
"You girls look lovely," Molly added as Hermione and Luna also came out of their changing rooms.
Clapping her hands like a little girl, Ginny said, "This was supposed to be a surprise, but I can't wait." From the bag she had insisted on bringing along to the shop, she pulled three flat white boxes and handed one to each of her bridesmaids. "These are my gifts of thanks to each of you for standing up with me when I marry Harry. They are for you to wear at the wedding." Each opened their box to reveal a snowflake shaped pendant and earrings as well as an intricately hand knit shawl made of a fine silky white yarn.
"Ginevra," Molly gasped as the girls cast the shawls about their shoulders. "Did you knit those yourself? They're beautiful."
Ginny blushed a little as she replied, "Yeah, I thought strapless dresses might get a little bit chilly at this time of year and it might be nice if they had something pretty with which to warm up. They can't wear them during the ceremony, but certainly at the reception if they want to."
"Of course we'll want to, Ginny, I'm impressed," Hermione breathed as she adjusted the shawl around her shoulders and admired it in the mirror.
"I hadn't realized you knit," Fleur said. "I mean, I knew that you knew how but didn't know you liked it so much."
"It's been a good distraction for me since the battle. I knit whenever I'm trying to quiet my mind down or de-stress," Ginny admitted. "I've come to like it a lot more than I used to."
Molly fingered the shawl around Fleur's shoulders and studied the pattern before saying again, "They are just beautiful."
"Thank you," Ginny said. "Try the jewelry on too, I want to see how it all looks together."
After the dresses had been scrutinized and the hems measured, they were finally deemed perfect and the dress maker's assistant had taken them for one final pressing before packaging them to be taken back to The Burrow. Now, it was Ginny's turn. Inside the dressing room, Ginny carefully removed the dress from the hanger and stepped into it. Outside she could hear her Mum, Hermione, Fleur, and Luna chatting. Her Mum had offered to help her into the dress but Ginny wanted to see herself in it alone, first. It was slightly fancier than Ginny had ever imagined that she'd choose for her own wedding gown. The old cliché was true though, as soon as she tried this dress on she knew it was HER dress and refused to try on any others. The word that sprang to mind when she thought of this dress was romantic. It was an off the shoulder dress with three-quarters length lace sleeves. The bodice was satin with a lace overlay that hit level with her collarbone. The waistline pleated like the bridesmaid dresses did, but to the right instead of the left. It was a classic a-line dress, which belled out at the waist like the bridesmaid dresses. There was a large lace panel on the front of the skirt that was only partly visible beneath the satin overlay that fell from the pleats at her waist. Finally, there was a chapel length train that bustled in the back. Ginny used her wand to zip up the back of the dress before really studying herself in the mirror. The dress fit her like a glove; it really was perfect. From her bag she pulled the heels, jewelry and the goblin-made tiara that belonged to Great-Aunt Muriel before opening the door and stepping out.
Molly instantly burst into sobs and buried her face in Luna's shoulder. Misreading the emotion as something other than a mother being overcome by the image of her daughter in her wedding gown, Luna said, "Oh, I don't know," as she patted Molly's arm. "I think she looks lovely."
"Oh Ginny," Hermione breathed, for once at a loss for words.
"It is perfect!" Fleur cried.
"All of you saw me in this dress back in August when we came shopping for it," Ginny said scandalized. "No one cried then."
"But that was the store's sample dress, it was two sizes to big and stretched out in the bust and part of the lace panel in the front was torn…," Hermione said, dabbing furiously at her eyes. "We could see how beautiful it could be, but this dress was made for you and its amazing."
"And to see you in the dress that you are to be married in three days from now," Fleur said. "It's an emotional thing."
Finally regaining herself a bit. Molly said, "Ginny, you look like a princess."
"You know I was never the kind of girl who wanted to be a princess, right?" Ginny asked.
Casting around for another way to explain to her tomboyish daughter how lovely she looked, Molly finally said, "Harry won't be able to take his eyes off of you."
Ginny smiled at that then asked, "Who wants to help me find my feet under all of this so I can try my shoes on with it?"
Hermione rushed forward and took Ginny's shoes while Fleur took the jewelry and tiara. "Did you want to wear a veil with the tiara?" Fleur asked.
"I don't know," Ginny said. "What do you think?"
"There are several here that we can try and see what you think," Hermione offered.
An hour later, after the hem was measured, the bridesmaids were taught to bustle the dress, and a veil that would work with the tiara was decided upon, they were finally ready to leave the shop. "Why don't you three go first," Molly said to Hermione, Luna, and Fleur, "Make sure that Harry is not under foot. We need to get Ginny's dress into the house without him seeing it."
Again Ginny and Molly were left alone on the cramped little love seat. "Ginny," Molly began. "As your mother it is my duty to make sure that you feel prepared for your wedding night."
Ginny groaned inwardly, not sure she could stomach this conversation. However, she nodded politely and her mother continued.
"Not to be entirely forward, but you and Harry haven't…," Molly trailed off. When Ginny shook her head no, Molly continued, "Okay, I didn't want to get into this conversation only to have you tell me that you lost your virginity months ago and I was wasting my time."
Flushing brightly Ginny said, "No, Mum, we're waiting for our wedding night."
"Do you have any questions for me about making love?" Molly asked steadily.
"Merlin, NO," Ginny thought to herself. Trying to decide between a cheeky answer or a serious one, she took a deep breath and replied, "Mum, you do know that I have six older brothers, right? I understood the technicalities of sex since long before my first year at Hogwarts."
"Those boys," Molly fumed. "Do you have any less technical questions then?"
Cursing herself mentally for what she was about to say, despite feeling it was necessary, to give her mother the moment she was looking for, Ginny said, "Mum, I would be glad to hear any information you want to pass onto me. Keep in mind though that if this makes you uncomfortable, there are other women I can talk to."
"But, I'm your mother," Molly said. "Who else would you go to?"
"Well, there's always Fleur," Ginny said, somewhat desperately. "Or Hermione," She thought to herself.
"I suppose," Molly said. "If you'd rather hear about these things from her…"
"No Mum," Ginny said softly. "I know that you are feeling like this is your last big chance to be my Mum and take care of me, but that simply isn't true."
"It's not?" Molly asked, looking relieved.
"Of course not," Ginny soothed. "Just because I'm getting married doesn't mean I won't need you anymore. I'm going to need you to help me figure out how to take care of a husband, to be on my side when Harry and I fight, and to brew us potions when we get sick, you know Harry and I are both dreadful at potions." Molly smiled, looking happier, and Ginny continued, "I'm going to need you when Harry and I haves babies of our own and are ready to tear our hair out." Molly grinned at this and finally Ginny said, "Most of all I need you to be my friend. While I may be all grown up that doesn't mean that our relationship is over."
"Oh Ginny," Molly said as she gathered her into a tight embrace. "I love you."
"I love you too, Mum," Ginny said.
"So, where does that leave us on the wedding night advice?" Molly asked when she finally released her daughter.
"Can I be honest with you, Mum?" Ginny asked. Molly nodded and Ginny continued, "While Harry and I haven't made love yet, we've definitely felt the urge. I'm guessing that we'll naturally figure it out on our own."
"That's true," Molly conceded. "You know you can always come to me if you do have questions. I will leave you with one piece of advice; always remember to use some sort of contraceptive charm or potion if you aren't trying for a baby. It only takes one time to get pregnant. Oh, and remember to try new things in bed to spice things up from time to time…"
"Mum," Ginny said warningly.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Harry was amazed by the transformation Sirius' house had made. It had gone from being bleak and gloomy to light and open, and somewhere he actually couldn't wait to call home with Ginny. As he wandered from room to room taking in the renovations as well as the homey touches Hermione and Molly had been responsible for adding, he could picture the two of them living here. He could see Ginny sprawled across the plush couch in the sitting room after Quidditch practice waiting for Harry to get home from a day at the office. He could picture them eating breakfast together in the cozy dining room while they shared a copy of the Daily Prophet between them. Most of all, he could picture them snuggled together in the enormous new bed up in the master suite. He was touched by all the little details that Hermione and Molly had incorporated. There were pictures of Harry and Ginny as well as a host of loved ones through out the entire house. There was a large basket of balled yarn in the sitting room for Ginny. Books filled a bookcase in the sitting room and warm blankets were slung over the arms of several pieces of furniture. He couldn't wait to bring Ginny here on Saturday night after their wedding.
He reminded himself, as he walked back toward the kitchen, to tell Ginny on Saturday that this was their house together and she could change anything that she wanted. He wanted her to feel completely comfortable in their home and do whatever she wanted to that would make it feel most like home to her. The changes he'd made and the touches that her Mum and Hermione had added were simply somewhere to start to make it livable and make them forget what it was like as the Black Family residence.
Ron hadn't made it further than the kitchen where Kreacher had a plate of snacks waiting with tea. When Harry returned to the kitchen, he was surprised to see Bill, Charlie, Percy, George, Neville, Seamus, and Noah all waiting for him with Ron.
"What's all this?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Isn't it obvious?" Bill asked with a grin. "We're throwing you a bachelor party."
"Tonight?" Harry asked.
"Mum insisted that if we were going to go ahead with this silly ritual, we should do it earlier in the week as not to interrupt anything else," Charlie explained.
"Did you know about this?" Harry asked Ron.
"Yep, Mum needed you to come here anyway to take a final tour of the place and it seemed like the perfect place to ambush you," Ron said with a smirk.
"Is this really your house, Harry?" Neville asked.
"Yeah," Harry said. "When my godfather, Sirius, died, he left it to me. I've been having it remodeled so Ginny and I can live here after we're done with school, but don't tell Ginny, it's a surprise."
"Is this where you two are staying for your wedding night?" George asked.
"Yes, but don't get any ideas," Harry retorted, glancing around the room at Ginny's brothers. "I know all the spells to keep you lot out."
"Don't worry," Charlie said. "Ginny would hex us into next year if we tried anything to ruin your wedding night."
"Aren't you worried about what I'd do to you?" Harry asked.
"Not compared to Ginny," Ron muttered. "Harry, being as smitten as you are with our sister, you may not be aware of this fact, but she's got a mean temper on her."
Harry chuckled and said, "I am well aware of Ginny's temperament. She chucked a quaffle at me just last week when she was angry with me."
"Why was she angry with you?" Bill asked, grinning.
"That's none of your business," Harry said as heat crept up his neck.
"I know why," Ron said gleefully.
"Ron," Harry said warningly.
"I'll give you five galleons if you tell us," George promised.
"Wait," Harry said. "Why do you want to know so badly?"
"Why do you not want us to know so badly?" George countered. "It must be something good."
"Actually, I'm guessing it's something really bad," Charlie said with a knowing look.
Ron looked back and forth between Harry and George. In the end, the promise of five galleons was too strong to resist and he said, "As it turns out, Harry is very chivalrous, as all true Gryffindors should be. Hermione told me that Ginny was angry with him because he stopped while they were fooling around."
"What do you mean stopped?" Bill asked as he eyed Harry.
"You know when they were fooling around and things got really heated, he put an end to it," Ron said.
"And that made Ginny angry?" Bill asked.
Annoyed, but not wanting Ginny's older brothers to get the wrong impression, Harry jumped in by saying quickly, "I think more than anything she felt rejected; even though that's not how I intended for her to feel. We decided last summer that we'd wait for our wedding night; I was just stopping so we didn't get carried away. We only had a week left to wait at that point. I didn't want either of us to be disappointed later that we couldn't have made it one more week. In the heat of the moment, she didn't see it that way and felt like I didn't want her."
"I'm impressed Harry," Bill said.
"Yeah, well…" Harry replied, embarrassed. "Can we stop talking about my love life and get on with the bachelor party?"
"You want to have a bachelor party?" Percy asked. "I told them you wouldn't be interested."
"As long as it gets us off the topic of my love life, I'm fine with it," Harry said. "Plus, I know how pointless it will be to fight this. So I might as well go along with it and have some fun."
"Yes!" Ron said excitedly. "What are we doing first?"
"We haven't decided yet," Charlie said.
Ron groaned loudly and said, "I thought you said you had it all planned out?"
"Who told you that?" George asked.
"You did," Ron said.
"Well, I lied. We meant to have it all planned out but everyone had such good ideas that we never got around to narrowing them down to a final plan."
"So, tell me the ideas and we'll go from there," Harry said.
"Quidditch," Charlie said simply. "I've always wanted to see who's the better player, Potter, you or me."
"We should go and TP your aunt and uncle's house," George said. "With special toilet paper that is impossible to remove outside of magical means."
"Let's get Harry roaring drunk," Seamus suggested.
"Don't bachelor parties usually include some sort of dancing girls?" Ron asked.
"There will be no dancing girls of any sort," Harry said forcefully.
"Did you and Ginny ever go bowling like you were talking about?" Percy asked.
"No," Harry said. "But that could be fun."
"What about leaving a flaming bag of dragon poo on the Malfoy's doorstep?" George said.
"What is it about a bachelor party that suggests that vandalism is a good idea?" Noah asked George.
George shrugged and said, "I guess it is just in my nature."
"We could shoot off fireworks," Neville said.
"Or smoke cigars," Bill said.
"Fencing?" Noah said uncertainly as all eyes focused on him, waiting for him to offer a suggestion.
"What about a bonfire?" Charlie asked. "Roast some hotdogs and marshmallows…"
Harry and Ron groaned loudly at this suggestion, anything that reminded them in any way of camping was still unwelcome.
"Okay, not a bonfire," Charlie said. "Sheesh."
When no one offered any further suggestions for a few minutes, Bill broke the silence saying, "Well, Harry, you heard our ideas, what do you think?"
"Let's go bowling," Harry said. "I've always wanted to try it. Charlie, we will have that Quidditch match but not tonight. Ginny would probably refuse to marry me if she didn't get to be included."
The group found themselves at a bowling alley in London a short time later. They got two neighboring lanes and split into groups. Harry, Ron, George, Neville, and Noah took one lane; Bill, Charlie, Seamus, and Percy took the other lane. As they pulled on their rented bowling shoes, Harry stared around the alley studying other bowlers, trying to see how it was done. It didn't look so hard, just walk up to the line and chuck the ball at the pins.
"Why do we have to wear these disgusting shoes?" Percy asked with a revolted look on his face.
"The guy at the counter said something about how they protect the floor," Bill said.
"Harry, you're first," Ron said as Harry returned with a ball. Again, Harry studied the other bowlers and tried to mimic what they were doing. Awkwardly, Harry walked up to the line, swung his arm back, and let the ball go. Rather than gliding down the lane like it did for the other bowlers, it clunked to the floor like a lead weight and rolled into the gutter.
"Damn," Harry swore as the guys behind him laughed.
Harry took his seat but Ron said, "This machine that is keeping the score is saying it is still your turn."
"Oh, I forgot that if you don't get them all down on your first throw you get to go again," Harry said.
"You've bowled before?" Noah asked.
"No," Harry said. "Uncle Vernon used to watch professional bowling tournaments on the television. He didn't like me to be around while he was doing that, but I saw enough to pick up a few things." Harry picked up his ball when it shot out of the ball return. This time, he very carefully swung his arm back as he walked toward the lane and dipped down a bit as he released the ball. It still clunked a bit as it hit the polished wood floor but this time it slowly rolled toward the pins. It hit between the two pins furthest to the left side and seven pins fell down all together.
"Weak, Potter," Charlie called as he picked up his ball.
"Let's see you do better," Harry challenged.
Charlie grinned at Harry and strutted toward the lane. He swung his arm back and prepared to throw the ball. When his arm came forward the ball remained firmly attached to his hand, "Bloody hell," Charlie bellowed. "My thumb is stuck." Everyone laughed uproariously. Bill covertly aimed his wand at the ball and made the thumbhole a bit larger. Charlie tried again, throwing the ball with excessive force. It clattered noisy into the gutter at the very end of the lane. On his second try, Charlie used slightly less force and managed to knock down three pins.
"Weak," Harry parroted back at Charlie who gave him the finger.
Ron knocked down one pin on his first roll and got a gutter ball on his second try. Bill got seven pins like Harry, on his second roll. George was not careful to stay behind the line and when his foot made contact with the highly waxed lane, he ended up flat on his back with the wind knocked out of him. They howled with laughter when he finally rose and proclaimed, "Muggles are totally mental." When Percy stepped up and threw the ball it only went a few feet before stubbornly stopping in the middle of the lane. Eventually they discovered that George was using magic to freeze Percy's ball in place.
As the game progressed, everyone got the hang of it and were even managing to look like maybe they'd done this before.
"Ginny has five older brothers," Noah said as he settled into the chair next to Harry after his turn. "You're brave."
"Well, six actually," Harry said. "Fred died at the castle in May."
"Still, any guy willing to get involved with a girl who's got that many older brothers is brave," Noah said.
"Nah," Harry said. "I've known most of them since I was eleven. Ron and I became best friends on the Hogwart's Express. His family kind of adopted me as their own. I reckon I'm the only guy who really stood a chance with Ginny. They've known me forever and know they can trust me."
"But we will still pummel you if you hurt her," Charlie said as he eavesdropped on the conversation.
"You know Ginny is perfectly capable of pummeling me herself if I screw up," Harry shot back.
Noah snorted and shook his head, "It does seem like you fit in with them seamlessly."
"He's getting there," Bill said affectionately as slapped Harry on the back.
After two games, Harry had won a game on his lane and Noah won the other and Bill won both on his lane. As successful as the bowling had been, they decided it was time to move onto their next endeavor.
"You guys go on ahead," Bill said as he and Harry gathered the rented shoes to return to the counter. "We'll be right behind you. I just a moment to discuss something with Harry." Shrugging, the others stepped outside the bowling alley and apparated to their next destination. Uncomfortably, Bill said, "Harry, I promised Dad I'd talk to you."
"About?" Harry asked interested.
"Merlin, this is awkward," Bill said as he ran his hand through his hair. "You see, Harry, before Fleur and I got married, my Dad took me aside to offer me some words of wisdom about the wedding night. As he's probably the closest person you have to a father figure, he feels it's his duty, but wasn't sure how to approach it. I guess he thought it might be more welcome coming from me. Would you like any advice?"
Harry snickered at Bill's discomfort before saying, "Why don't you just tell me what he told you and then you've fulfilled your obligation."
It was Bill's turn to chuckle and say, "Unfortunately, I chose that moment to reveal to my father that I'd lost my virginity years before and he was either so embarrassed or disappointed in that fact, that the conversation ended before it could begin. But I'd be more than happy to offer you some advice if you'd like some."
Harry blushed as he ran his hand through his own hair before saying, "Sure, I guess. I mean, I know the technicalities of it…"
"I didn't figure you needed actual instructions," Bill said. "But do you know about contraceptive charms?" When Harry nodded, Bill said, "Well then I'll just tell you this; the first time for witches can be painful, just be gentle and take it slowly."
"Thanks Bill," Harry said quietly as he thought about that information.
"If you ever decide that you do have questions, just let me know," Bill said.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
It was well after midnight, Ginny was in the sitting room finishing the last sock she was knitting for Christmas. She had been disappointed when she'd returned from her dress fitting to discover that Harry was off with her brothers having his bachelor party. She was glad that they were spending the time with him, just sad that he wasn't home to spend time with her. Truth be told, she was starting to get irritated. She was tired and tomorrow would be another busy day preparing for the wedding. She wanted to go to bed, but not until she got to say goodnight to Harry.
Ginny made the last few decreases to finish the toe of the sock she was working on for Bill. She stretched happily; she'd done it, she'd finished a pair of socks for everyone in her family, Hermione, herself, and Harry. She gathered her knitting things back up and glanced at the clock, half past one in the morning. She sighed admitting to herself that it could be hours yet before Harry came home. She might as well just go to bed; she would see him in the morning. Ginny brushed her teeth and climbed into her bed. Just as she was about to fall asleep she heard a loud crash down in the kitchen followed by a lot of laughing and shushing. Ginny rolled her eyes and pulled her robe on over her nightgown before heading down to the kitchen.
When she appeared at the bottom of the stairs, she saw Harry and Ron trying to untangle themselves and get up from the floor and Bill, Charlie, Percy and George watching them, doubled up with laughter. "What a couple of light weights," George said through his laughter.
"Well, considering it is probably the first time either of them have been drunk," Ginny said disapprovingly. "It shouldn't come as a big surprise."
"Ginny," Harry said happily as he finally managed to extract himself from Ron. He stood unsteadily and reached out an arm toward her. She moved toward him and when she was close enough, Harry crushed her against his chest. She looked into his green eyes and could see how unfocused they were. "How much did he drink?" She asked her brothers. They were too busy watching Harry wrap himself around Ginny and bury his nose in her hair to answer.
"Merlin you smell good," Harry said. "Hey, I have to tell you something."
"This ought to be good," Charlie snickered.
"What is it, Harry?" Ginny asked as she cast a disapproving look at Charlie.
"You're so pretty, I love you," Harry said loudly before he tried to kiss her.
"Harry, I love you too," Ginny said as she tried to avoid his persistent lips, unwilling to put on a show for her brothers. "Let's get you to bed. I'll be back to deal with you lot in a moment," She said to her brothers as she steered Harry toward the stairs.
Clumsily, they made it all the way up to Ron's bedroom. Ginny pushed the door closed behind her and prepared to help Harry out of his clothes and into bed when he swept her into his arms and kissed her. As Harry deepened the kiss and skimmed his hands over her bottom, she realized that there was no way he could kiss her this skillfully if he was drunk. After another minute or two, she pulled away and said, "You faked being drunk?"
"Yeah," Harry smirked at her. "Your brothers were hell bent on getting me drunk to see what kinds of things I'd tell them, so after a few shots of fire whiskey, I started to act like I was."
"Why would you do that?" Ginny asked.
"There are enough horrible things in my past that I'm afraid of what I would talk about if I really did get drunk," Harry confessed. "Plus I was getting anxious to just come back home and see you."
"So, Ron is faking too?" Ginny asked.
Harry laughed loudly and said, "No, he'll be in pain tomorrow morning."
"Did you have fun?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah,' Harry said. "We went bowling, left a flaming bag of dragon dung on Umbridge's doorstep, and went to the Leaky Cauldron to smoke cigars and drink fire whiskey. Oh, and Bill gave me a sex talk."
"You too huh?" Ginny asked, "My Mum and I had that talk today after my dress fitting."
"Mine was mortifying, how was yours?" Harry asked.
"I don't remember, I performed a memory charm on myself," Ginny joked. "Just kidding, it was embarrassing but also kind of nice."
"Actually, mine was kind of nice too, in a weird way. It is just an uncomfortable conversation to have with your older brother. Better than your Dad, I guess," Harry said.
"I can understand that," Ginny said. "Did any of them give you a hard time."
"No, but the festivities began with everyone finding out that we were waiting until our wedding night to make love. Be prepared for all of them to take the mickey on Christmas Eve when we're back here," Harry said.
"You told them?" Ginny asked. "Willingly?"
"No," Harry said. "I was forced to tell them after Ron told them about how you got angry with me when we were fooling around last week. The look Bill was giving me made it necessary."
"Oh," Ginny said meekly. "And I suppose Ron knew because I told Hermione about it. Sorry, Harry."
Harry gathered her more firmly in his arms before saying, "I don't care what they think. It's a little embarrassing to have them all know our private matters but I'm glad we waited."
"Me too," Ginny agreed. "Even though I got frustrated the other night, I'm proud of us."
Author's Note: First, thank you to Terre Ferme, my outstanding beta for catching all my silly mistakes. You never fail to impress me with your speed at getting back to me!! You are the best!
Another chapter closer to the wedding. Thanks for reading! Let me know how I'm doing. Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about the wedding night. Everyone that responded wanted me to write the wedding night, which is what I hoped. I have led up to it enough that I can't really just skip over it. I will still post a warning so that those who aren't interested can skip past it. A few people pointed out that I didn't need to go into extreme graphic detail, but that isn't my style anyway.
This chapter, as well as the last few, have been a little on the girly side. I'm not sure how well I did on the bachelor party, as I'm a girl myself it's probably understandable, but hopefully it balanced out all the girly stuff lately. As always, if you have suggestions let me know! Thanks!
Oh, and if you want to see the dresses, I will place links in my profile.