Here For The Party

Here for the Party

Disclaimer: All characters are owned by J.K. Rowling and her publishing companies. The songs,
Here for the Party, Redneck Woman, When I Think About Cheatin’, Homewrecker, and Holdin’
You belong to Gretchen Wilson and her record company. The song ‘Tonight the Heartache’s on
Me’ belongs to the Dixie Chicks and their record company.

Harry finally let Hermione and Ron drag him out to the nightclub they had been trying to get him to
go to for the last few weeks. He hadn’t much felt like going out since he had left Draco several
month’s before.

He had felt that Draco had been cheating on him with none other than Blaise Zabini. Draco had
vehemently denied anything happening between him and Blaise but there had been many times when
Draco had been home late from work and Harry had been told that he was seen leaving with Zabini.
Harry just could not deal with the thought that Draco might be cheating on him.

When they finally arrived at the nightclub it turned out to be more of a karaoke bar, which none of
them minded in the least. They all enjoyed doing karaoke and had done it several times in the past
as a group with others from Hogwarts. This was a club owned by an unknown wizard that was just
for witches and wizards. Being that it was the middle of the week the club wasn’t that busy which
meant that they would be able to sing as much as they liked. As soon as they were seated they
grabbed the list of songs that were available to sing. You could sing most anything as it only
required a wave of your wand to start the music, but this was fashioned as much as possible after a
muggle club so they used cd’s and DJ’s. They still had a wide variety of songs and Harry
immediately saw one by an American that he really liked. He was the first to sign up and then
Hermione chose a song by the same singer right after.

Harry asked if either of his friends knew who owned the club. Both said they didn’t know who
owned it, just that it had opened a couple of months ago. Harry would soon find out who owned it
as well as find out that his friends were lying to him.

* * *

Unknown to Harry, one of the owners of the club, which had been named Phoenix Lair in honor of
their separate Hogwarts hoses, stood watching him from behind the curtain of the Karaoke stage.
Draco was slightly shocked and immensely pleased that Ron and Hermione had been able to
convince Harry to come to the club tonight. He had told Ron and Hermione what had happened
between him and Harry and why he had been seen leaving his job with Blaise on several occasions.

He knew Harry was unhappy in his position at the Ministry and would much prefer to disappear into
the background of the wizarding world. Draco would rather not work at all or at least work in a
place that he owned and could determine his own hours. That was why he had been working on this
club with Blaise. It was to be a surprise for Harry. Blaise knew far more about muggle things then
Draco did, so Blaise was the one Draco had turned to in order to get the club up and running. He
was just hoping that now that Harry was here, he would be able to convince him to come back.

* * *

Ron had just returned with 3 bottles of butterbeer when a voice came over the loudspeaker. Harry
looked around but could not determine where the slightly familiar voice was coming from.

“Welcome to the Phoenix Lair everyone. I hope you’re all ready to party. Let’s get the show on the
road. Up first to the mike tonight is a new comer, the one and only, Harry Potter.”

Harry took a quick drink of his butterbeer before getting up and heading for the stage. He was glad
he was able to keep the blush off his face as there were loud whistles and catcalls from the audience.
He grabbed the mike and gave a nod to whoever was running the DJ booth, which he still couldn’t
find, that he was ready. A moment later a slightly rocky beat came rolling out of the speakers.
Harry began to move to the music and when his cue came began to sing the lyrics.

Well I’m an eight ball shooting

Double fisted drinking son of a gun

I wear my jeans a little tight

Just to watch the little boys come undone

I’m here for the beer and the ball busting band

Gonna get a little crazy just because I can

You know I’m here for the party

And I ain’t leaving till they throw me out

Gonna have a little fun gonna get me some

You know I’m here, I’m here for the party

I may not be a ten

But the boys say I clean up good

And if I gave em half a chance

For some rowdy romance you know they would

I’ve been waiting all week just to have a good time

So bring on the cowboys and their pick up lines

You know I’m here for the party

And I ain’t leaving till they throw me out

Gonna have a little fun gonna get me some

You know I’m here, I’m here for the party

Don’t want no purple hooter shooter

just some Jack on the rocks

Don’t mind me if I start that trashy talk

You know I’m here for the party

And I ain’t leaving till they throw me out

Gonna have a little fun gonna get me some

I’m here I-I

You know I’m here for the party

And I ain’t leaving till they throw me out

Gonna have a little fun gonna get me some

You know I’m here, I’m here for the party

I’m here for the party, yeah

I’m here for the party

Just try to throw me out

I’m here for the party

Just try to throw me out

I’m here for the party, yeah

When Harry finished there was a loud round of applause and he happily bounced back to his seat.
The voice once again came over the loudspeaker and this time Harry recognized it.

“Wonderful job on that one Harry. Loved the moves too.”

“Thanks, Seamus.” Harry yelled in return.

“Well, guess he figured that one out. Anyway, moving on. Up next is another of my former
Gryffindor year mates, singing a slightly surprising song for this woman. Come on up Hermione.”

Hermione stood and sauntered up to the stage, a smirk firmly in place. Once she was in place with
the mike in hand she gave a nod to indicate she was ready and waited for her cue to start singing.

Well I ain’t never been the Barbie doll type

No I can’t swig that sweet champagne

I’d rather drink beer all night

In a tavern or in a honky-tonk

Or on a 4 wheel drive tailgate

I’ve got posters on my wall of

Skynyrd, Kid and Strait

Some people look down on me but I don’t give a rip

I’ll stand barefooted in my own front yard

With a baby on my hip cause

I’m a redneck woman I ain’t no high class broad

I’m just a product of my raisin’ I say Hey Ya’ll and Yee haw

And I keep my Christmas lights on

On my front porch all year long

And I know all the words to every Charlie Daniels song

So here’s to all my sisters out there keeping it country

Let me get a big hell yeah from the redneck girls like me

Hell yeah

Victoria’s Secret well their stuff’s real nice

Oh but I can buy the same damn thing

On a Wal-Mart shelf half price

And still look sexy just as sexy

As those models on T.V.

No I don’t need no designer tag

To make my man want me

You might think I’m trashy, a little too hard core

But in my neck of the woods I’m just the girl next door

Hey I’m a redneck woman I ain’t no high class broad

I’m just a product of my raisin’ I say Hey Ya’ll and Yee haw

And I keep my Christmas lights on

On my front porch all year long

And I know all the words to every Tanya Tucker song

So here’s to all my sisters out there keeping it country

Let me get a big hell yeah from the redneck girls like me

Hell yeah

I’m a redneck woman I ain’t no high class broad

I’m just a product of my raisin’ I say Hey Ya’ll and Yee haw

And I keep my Christmas lights on

On my front porch all year long

And I know all the words to every ol’ Bocephus song

So here’s to all my sisters out there keeping it country

Let me get a big hell yeah from the redneck girls like me

Hell yeah

Hell yeah

I said hell yeah

Harry had to keep himself from laughing out loud at the gob-smacked expression Ron wore thru the
whole song. He finally burst out laughing when Hermione got back to the table and all Ron could
do was stare at her.

“Well done, Hermione. Perhaps that song is a bit more fitting than we all know.” Seamus said,
laughing as he did so. Once he got himself under control, he introduced the next singer.

* * *

It was about half an hour later and Harry, Ron, and Hermione were again looking thru the book,
when Harry looked up at the door and saw Blaise Zabini walk in.

“Hey, guys, look who just showed up.” Harry hissed while staring pointedly towards the door. Ron
and Hermione saw Blaise and then glanced at each other. This was not going to go over well. They
quickly turned their attention back to the book in front of them.

“Let’s just forget he’s even here and try to have fun.” Hermione hissed back. Harry just nodded
and turned back to find another song. Ron had found one by the same artist that did ‘Here for the
Party’ and ‘Redneck Woman’ that he liked. Harry found one by a girl group from America that he
liked and both quickly signed up. A short time later Ron was being introduced.

“Ah, next up is another of my former Gryffindor year-mates. I was beginning to think you were
avoiding the mike, mate. Come on up, Ron.”

Ron immediately went up and grabbed the mike. “Wasn’t trying to avoid the mike, just had to find
the right song.” he said, and then nodded to indicate he was ready. When his cue came he started
singing and really got into the song.

Well you’re a real hot cookie with your new hairdo

Your high heel boots and your credit card

Long legs and a mini skirt

Yeah you know what works and you work it hard

You smile like such a lady innocent and sweet

You drive the men folk crazy, but any girl can see

You’re just a

Homewrecker

I know what your doin’

You think you’re gonna ruin what I got, but you’re not

Yeah you little go getter

I’ll teach you a lesson

If you get to messin’ with my man

You don’t stand a chance

No, you’re just a homewrecker

I’m sure you waited for a long, long time

To find a man like mine

But honey you’re too late

So before you go and make your move

Maybe me and you should get a few things straight

There’s two ways we can do this

I’ll let you decide

You can take it somewhere else

Or we can take it outside you little

Homewrecker

I know what your doin’

You think you’re gonna ruin what I got, but you’re not

Yeah you little go getter

I’ll teach you a lesson

If you get to messin’ with my man

You don’t stand a chance

No, you’re just a homewrecker

Now honey I’m a Christian, but if you keep it up

I’m gonna go to kickin’ your pretty little butt

Is that clear enough yeah, you little

Homewrecker

I know what your doin’

You think you’re gonna ruin what I got, but you’re not

Yeah you little go getter

I’ll teach you a lesson

If you get to messin’ with my man

You don’t stand a chance

No, you’re just a homewrecker

Harry was slightly shocked when he realized just what song Ron was singing. He wondered if it was
directed toward Blaise Zabini as Harry felt it was his fault that he had broken up with Draco.

Unknown to both Harry and Hermione, it was actually directed at the girl Ron had seen come in
behind Blaise. She worked at the Ministry with Ron and had tried several times to get Ron to go out
with her even after he had told her that he was happily engaged to Hermione.

Unfortunately for Ron, Cho Chang had never been turned down before and couldn’t stand the
thought of not getting the man she wanted. She was doing everything in her power to break Ron and
Hermione up, but was having no luck.

Harry was called up when Ron was finished. “Back for his second performance of the night is Harry
Potter.” Harry stood and calmly made his way to the stage. He was trying to keep from showing
how real this song felt to him. As soon as he got on stage the opening strands of music could be
heard.

You Could've Heard A Pin Drop

When They Walked Through The Door

Had To Turn My Eyes Away

My Heart Fell To The Floor

Someone Whispered, "Where's Her Halo?"

Cause She Had An Angel's Face

He Stood There Smiling, Holding On

To The One Who Took My Place

So...

Tonight The Heartache's On Me, On Me

Let's Drink A Toast To The Fool Who Couldn't See

Bartender Pour The Wine, 'Cause The Hurtin's All Mine

Tonight The Heartache's On Me

I Wonder If He Told Her

She's The Best He's Ever Known

The Way He Told Me Ev'ry Night

When We Were All Alone

She'll Find Out When The New Wears Off

He'll Find Somebody New

She'll Learn What Heartache's All About

And What I'm Going Through

But...

Tonight The Heartache's On Me, On Me, Yeah

Let's Drink A Toast To The Fool Who Couldn't See

Bartender Pour The Wine, 'Cause The Hurtin's All Mine

Tonight The Heartache's On Me

But...

Tonight The Heartache's On Me, On Me, Yeah

Let's Drink A Toast To The Fool Who Couldn't See

Bartender Pour The Wine, 'Cause The Hurtin's All Mine

Tonight The Heartache's On Me

Yes Tonight, The Heartache's On Me

When Harry was finished no one spoke for nearly a minute. Everyone could tell how much feeling
Harry had put into the song and how deeply it affected him.

“Well that was certainly interesting Harry, though I couldn’t imagine anyone leaving you for
someone else. Alright folks, I’m being told that it’s time for me to take a break. I’ll be back in a
few minutes with our next performer.”

* * *

Seamus put on a cd and turned the mike off before turning to talk to the person who had just walked
into the DJ booth.

“I don’t care who was up next, push them back a slot. I need to go up next. Please do this for me
Seamus.” Draco nearly pleaded.

“Hey, you’re the boss here, Draco. You call the shots, if you want to sing next, go right ahead.”
Seamus said grinning at Draco. Draco have a brief nod of his head before turning to leave.
“Um...Draco, I need to know what song you want to sing.”

“‘When I Think About Cheatin’ by Gretchen Wilson. Oh, and Seamus? I really don’t want any
type of introduction, including my name. Just that the song is dedicated to someone very special.
I’ll be ready as soon as you want to come back from break. Also, don’t expect me to pop up on
stage. I’ll be roaming the crowd.” Draco said just as he left the booth.

* * *

A few minutes later the stage lights came back up and Seamus’ voice came over the loudspeaker
again. “Alright folks, I’ve been asked to allow this next performer to disrupt the normal flow of how
things would usually go. Also that this song is dedicated to a very special person. I’ve also been
asked to not mention this person’s name.”

Everyone was now totally focused on the stage, trying to guess who this mystery singer could be.
All the lights had been dimmed and a single spotlight focused on the stage. A moment later they
heard the first strains of what sounded like it would be a very soulful song. As a soft voice floated
over the loudspeaker, still no one had appeared on stage.

I’ve never done anything

That would ever bring a tear to your eye

I’ve never crossed the line

Or needed an alibi to cover up a lie

But darling I’ll admit

They’re been time when I could have

The thing that kept me strong

Is the one that is always on my mind

When I think about cheatin’

I just think about you leavin’

And how my world would fall to pieces

If I tossed your love away

Even when I’m tempted by some stranger

Oh there’s never any danger

I just think about you leavin’

When I think about cheatin’

Harry sat frozen in his seat. He would recognize that soft tenor anywhere. It had been haunting his
dreams for the last several months. It was Draco.

There was a time in Abilene

When he said all the things I wanted to hear

It was hard to turn him down

Between the champagne and the sound of whispers

In my ear

But it just took one two-step with someone and I

Was missing you

He never had a chance cause I broke up the dance

Before the song was through

Harry was startled out of his shock when he realized the soft tenor was now coming form right
beside him. He looked to his right and saw Draco standing there looking him straight in the eye as
he began the last chorus. Harry heard and saw nothing but sincerity in everything Draco sang.

When I think about cheatin’

I just think about you leavin’

And how my world would fall to pieces

If I tossed your love away

Even when I’m tempted by some stranger

Oh there’s never any danger

I just think about you leavin’

When I think about cheatin’

As the last note faded away Draco looked Harry squarely in the eyes. “Can we please talk? I think
there are a few things I need to explain to you.” Harry could only nod his head. Draco took his
hand and lead the way into his office.

“I’m sorry for all the pain I put you through a few months ago Harry. I was merely trying to do
something special for your birthday and I botched it. I hope you know now that I would never really
cheat on you, especially with a man that is head over heels in love with my DJ. I wanted to surprise
you with an alternative to working in the Ministry. I know you’ve not been happy there and I
thought maybe owning your own place would make you happier. So surprise.” Draco finished
quietly. The whole time Draco had been speaking Harry had stared at him in utter shock. It took
him another minute to find something to say.

“You mean you were going to give me this club for my birthday?” Harry asked quietly.

“Yeah that had been the plan, but I can understand if you don’t want it. And technically I would
remain half owner of it.” Draco replied softly.

“How could I not want something like this. I can’t believe you did all this for me and then I go and
leave you like an idiot. Wait a minute then, what about all the times you were seen leaving your job
with Blaise?”

“Blaise was helping me with the club. You know how hopeless I am when it comes to anything
muggle. He was giving me advice on things to buy and who to hire. He was the one that suggested
Seamus for the DJ position. I guess he used to do it all the time for parties when we were at
Hogwarts.” Harry nodded. He remembered quite clearly some parties that Seamus had played DJ
for.

“I guess I’m the one who should really be apologizing here. I’m the one that walked out without
finding out exactly what was going on. I really do need to think things through more before I act.”

Draco slowly approached Harry and grasped his hand. “Is everything okay between us again?”
Draco asked softly. Harry pulled him into a kiss for his answer. After they parted for some air a
thought occurred to Harry.

“Did Ron and Hermione know about all of this?” He asked suspiciously. Draco nodded. “That’s
why they have been trying so hard to get me to come here, isn’t it?” Again Draco just nodded.
“Whatever am I going to do with the two of them?” Harry sighed. Draco just laughed and pulled
him into a hug.

* * *

“All right folks, this is the last song of the night. Again I have been asked not to give any kind of
introduction, but I am going to say that these two people sound like professionals when they sing
together.” A strong tenor voice came over the loudspeaker just before the music to the song started.

I don't need whiskey to drown out the pain

Or some old umbrella to hold off the rain

Don't have to cross over a river of tears

All that I need is right here

Ron and Hermione were happy to hear Harry singing again. They only hoped that Draco would be
joining him this time. They weren’t to be disappointed when the chorus started and they could hear
both men just before they appeared on the stage.

Holding you holds me together

When holding on gets just a little too hard

When this tight rope I travel

Begins to unravel and I feel like

I'm falling apart

Holding you holds me together

Draco started the second verse staring straight into Harry’s eyes. When Harry came in halfway
through he was staring right back and Draco and Ron and Hermione knew that they had finally
gotten things worked out. They were truly happy for their best friend.

You know life's a freight liner on

A runaway track

But I'll take the ride knowing

That you'll bring me back

No fate's too uncertain no distance too far

As long as you're here in my arms

 Holding you holds me together

When holding on gets just a little too hard

When this tight rope I travel

Begins to unravel and I feel like

I'm falling apart

Holding you holds me together

Whenever I hold you tight

This crazy world of mine falls right in place

Whatever the trouble is

You find a way to give back what it takes

When this tight rope I travel

Begins to unravel and I feel like

I'm falling apart

Holding you holds me together

Holding you holds me together

When they finished both had huge grins on their faces and the crowd was whistling and cheering.
Then Harry did the unexpected. He pulled Draco into a kiss in front of the whole audience. Just
being heard over all the catcalls and whistles was this announcement. “Thank you all for coming to
the Phoenix Lair. That’s our show for tonight. Everyone drive home safely.”

~Fin~

A/N: Okay, I know the ending is pretty corny but after working on this one-shot for a couple of
months now, I’m just glad to finish it. Let me know what you think.