(A/N: See Chapter 1 for disclaimer in full...It's not mine! Also, I've had reviews asking for longer chapters. As much as I'd like to be able to write longer chapters, I have work and other things I have to do, and to be able to update more, I have to write shorter chapters. If anyone would prefer to wait for a longer chapter then let me know and I'll update less often, but with longer chapters. That being said, thanks alot to everyone that has reviewed so far. It really means alot to know that someone is reading this. So, without further ado, Chapter 4.)

Chapter 4

Grooms and Parties


To say that Harry was nervous about his upcoming wedding was a major understatement. He had faced Voldemort numerous times, and even defeated him, but as far as nerves go, this would have to take the cake. He was happy about the wedding. More than happy, actually. Completely and utterly thrilled might be a more accurate description, but it just seemed too good to be true. Not too long ago he was halfway around the world fighting the most evil Dark wizard that ever lived, and now he was about to marry the woman he had been dreaming about the whole three years he was away. He never thought he'd live past the Final Battle, let alone be able to say he was going to marry one of his best friends in less than a week. The plans had been made, guests invited, and presents received, and yet it still seemed too good to be true.

Harry looked up from his reverie to see his best friend of ten years looking at him strangely.
Are you okay? asked Ron, crinkling his eyebrows in a classic Doubting Ron look.
Harry answered back, shaking his head a bit, hoping to clear it. I was just thinking.
About what? Ron asked, making his way to the couch to sit next to Harry.
I was just thinking about how in less than a week I will be the happiest man alive.
Harry couldn't help but smile. He knew he had to look silly with the huge grin plastered across this face, but he didn't care. He was proud, and he didn't care what anyone thought.
Who would have thought that Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Defeated-He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named could turn into a pile of mush over a girl. Not just any girl, but Hermione, of all people. Ron shook his head a bit in disbelief, but had a grin on his face all the same. It was hard for him to believe that just a few years ago he himself thought he had feelings for Hermione.
Well, mate,Ron started. I think it's about time I told you about your bachelor party.
Harry's eyes widened at this news. Why on earth was he just hearing about this now? When had Ron made plans for it, and how did he not find out? What bachelor party?
Well, you see, Fred and George were telling me that it is traditional for a Muggle groom to have a huge party some days before his wedding with drinks and girls and dancing. It sounded like so much fun I knew we couldn't not have one.
But Ron, I don't think Hermione-
How will she ever know? Ron asked, an obvious twinkle in his eye.
If I know Hermione at all-which I do-she will find out the moment I step foot in a bar. She'll know, Ron, and I myself am rather afraid of the woman sometimes. I don't want to be on the receiving end of the Wrath of Hermione. Harry shook his head wildly, standing up and waving his arms in front of him in an obviously negative fashion.
Come on, Harry. She'll never know. Do you want to know why she'll never know?
Damn that twinkle, Harry thought.
Because Ginny and Luna have already planned a surprise bachelorette party for her, and if I am correct, they are coaxing her into a bar right this minute. Ron looked very pleased with himself. Harry, however, still looked unsure.
he agreed. If Hermione finds out, though, you are taking all of the blame.
Fair enough, Ron said excitedly, standing from the couch and pushing Harry toward his bedroom. You need to get dressed for some serious action. You won't regret this for a second!
As Harry went into the bedroom and searched his wardrobe for something that looked like party clothes, he realized he didn't believe Ron for a second.

****
An hour and five outfits later, Harry was on his way out the door. Every outfit he picked, Ron told him wasn't right. First, he was to casual, then he was too dressy, then he was trying to hard (twice), and finally Ron went into Harry's wardrobe and picked something himself. Harry finally ended up in a dark green button up shirt and black slacks. Just nice enough to look good, but not enough to look like you're trying to hard,' Ron had told him with a smile.
Harry had expected Ron to take him to some well-known wizarding pub, but was surprised when he started to head toward Muggle London. Harry must have been very obvious with his confusion, because Ron only smiled and told Harry to trust him.
Fifteen minutes and a bunch of confusing twists and turns later, Ron stopped in front of a trendy club called Fire and Whiskey.'
Wait a minute, Harry thought, Firewhiskey?
Ron must have read the confusion because he answered the unasked question right away.
Dean and Seamus opened this place up not too long ago. They wanted a variety of customers, so they decided to have the location in Muggle London, but most of us know about it anyway. When I mentioned the idea of the bachelor party, they offered to have it here. Who was I to complain? Less arrangements for me to make! Ron looked rather pleased with himself, but Harry just rolled his eyes and began to walk in. Ron followed, and they immediately headed toward the bar where they noticed Dean and Seamus were both sitting, obviously waiting for them.
Hey, mate, how's it going? Sorry we weren't able to tell you before. We wanted to make sure everything was set up before we said anything. Tonight is ladies' night, so things should be interesting, Seamus told Harry, getting up from his stool to give him a manly pat on the back.
Ladies' night, huh? Harry asked, uncertain still if this was a good idea.
Come on, Harry. It'll be fine. I told you Hermione is out having fun, too. Just have a drink. Ron told him, moving toward the bar to tell the bartender what they would be having. Dean and Seamus had already told the bartender to give Ron and Harry anything they wanted, on the house because of the special occasion. Harry was surprised to see that the selection not only included Muggle drinks, but disguised wizard drinks as well. He ordered himself a butterbeer first, not wanting to get blitzed right away. Sitting down with his drink, he began to scan the dance floor. Near the middle was a beautiful woman, dancing with a group of girls, looking like she was having the time of her life. Harry sat for quite awhile, just staring at the woman, admiring the smooth way she moved to the music, the way her hips slid from side to side like she was made to be there. Upon closer inspection, he began to admire how shiny her brown hair was in the multicolored lights and how her deep brown eyes sparkled as she laughed at something one of her girlfriends said. He got up from his stool and made his way onto the dance floor. He had to see this woman close up. He had to talk to her. He moved almost mechanically up to her, like he was being pulled by an unseen force. Just as he was about two feet away from him, she looked up and caught his eye.



(A/N: I tried to make it a bit longer for you all. I wanted to keep going, but that was just a great place to stop. Sorry for the cliffie! Please Review.)