YOU'RE WORTHY OF THE POTTER NAME

By: tweety-src-clt9

Chapter Two: Discussions and Speeches

Harry Potter woke up in the bedroom provided by the Room of Requirement with a sigh. Yesterday was a whirlwind of events. First, he arrived at Auntie Min's office feeling despondent about the late Duke of Cumberland's will. And then, as if the heavens decided to finally be kind, Hermione showed up like an angel sent to him as the perfect solution to his problem. After leaving the headmistress office, he followed his intended to the library and did everything he possibly could to convince her to marry him. Thankfully, Hermione had agreed but then Peeves had to shout to everyone within hearing range about the news of their betrothal. He then ended the day with a visit to Richard Granger, Hermione's father.

Today, it was another long day ahead given the two important speeches that he had to deliver. The first one – for the students of Hogwarts, an inspirational message that would keep them going after all the darkness they had all witnessed in the recently concluded blood war. After that, he had to talk to Hermione, his betrothed, and tell her about another important detail in Sirius' bequest. He needed to make her understand that they should be bonded in a ritual marriage as per the conditions.

I hope Hermione does not cancel the betrothal as soon as she hears the words 'ritual bonding', he thought as he got out of bed.

"Dobby," he called out for his majordomo. Not more than a minute passed and he heard a loud pop.

"Grand Duke Potter be calling Dobby, sir," Dobby bowed respectfully.

"Hello, Dobby. Could you please get me a set of fresh clothes, please?"

"Of course, Grand Duke Potter, sir. Right away," Dobby popped away to execute his request and he only shook his head in fond exasperation. The little house-elf would always be very excitable.

He saw an ensuite bathroom on the side so he decided to get ready for the day. As he enjoyed the warm bath, he rehearsed the speeches in his mind over and over again.

Harry could only give courteous nods at the students who passed him by as he made his way towards the private dormitory of the head students. He tried his hardest to ignore the whispers and the rumors that were buzzing all over the castle and he almost sighed in relief as he knocked on the door. Something about seeing Hermione again made him feel rather joyous for some unexplainable reason. He had always been happy to see her, she was his best friend after all, but there was just something different about the knowledge that he would be seeing his betrothed soon. That is if she does not wish to cancel our engagement because of the ritual bonding, he thought.

He waited for a few good minutes until someone opened the door. He was oddly disappointed to see that it was his former fellow Gryffindor, Lord Neville Longbottom, the head boy. He tried to immediately conceal his rather unpleasant feelings with a friendly countenance but Neville only smiled knowingly.

"Lord Potter, it is a pleasure," Neville greeted as he was beckoned inside.

"Good morning, Lord Longbottom. How are you this fine morning?"

"Oh, everything is fine, thank you. Although, I do have a feeling that you are not here to exchange pleasantries, eh, Potter?"

"Marriage seems to have made you a pompous buffoon, my friend, instead of the amiable student you once were," he said teasingly.

"Ah well, I could hardly give a better endorsement for matrimony, but truly right you are, my friend. The Lady Longbottom has made me very happy indeed, just like I know your intended will surely make you the happiest of men, second only to me of course," Neville clapped him on the back. Both of them headed for the couch by the small assembly room shared by the head students.

"Do you wish for me to call Luna so she could call Ms. Granger?" Neville inquired once they were settled on the couch.

"Yes, please do, Longbottom. I have pressing matters to discuss with Miss – Hermione," he could not stop the smile from forming on his lips when he realized that it was now deemed appropriate for him to address Hermione as such in public.

"My, my! Potter, you are an overly besotted man indeed," Neville remarked before bursting into laughter.

"Marriage has certainly changed you, my friend," that was the only reply he made because he could not think of a better retort to Neville's bold observation.

"I shall not prolong your agony any longer. I will call on my Luna so that she may call on your Ms. Granger," Neville stood up from his seat before he left the assembly room. It was so amazing for the heads dormitory to have such amenities given that it looked rather small from the outside. Despite being in the magical community for nearly ten years now, there was still so many things that fascinated him.

He was lost in his thoughts about the world of magic and his new responsibility as the Grand Duke, the Royal Wizard in every sense of the word. After spending the first eleven years of his life being away from the wizarding community, now he had to be the bridge between the magical and mundane worlds. He was to be the representative of the Queen. He was now the most politically powerful wizard in Britain. Given his humungous responsibilities, he truly needed a brilliant wife who could navigate both worlds with grace, elegance, and compassion. Because of that realization, he once again sent a silent prayer of thanks to his fallen godfather for the very complicated list of traits he deemed worthy of the woman who should bear the Potter name. Because really, now that he had thought about it, no one else but Hermione Jean Granger would ever do.

"Good morning, Lord Potter," Lady Luna Longbottom greeted as she entered the assembly room with her husband.

Standing up from his seat, he bowed graciously to the lady. "Good day, Lady Longbottom."

"Thank you, my dear," Luna smiled at her husband who helped her take a seat on the couch. Neville only replied with a big grin as he sat beside his wife. When they heard the sounds of footsteps on the wooden floors, all of them focused their attention on the door.

Hermione Granger walked into the room in an elegant white muslin gown covered by the prescribed pelisse overcoat lined with the Gryffindor red and gold on its hem and collar, the uniform for the witches at Hogwarts. She wore boots that only reached her ankles since she loved the outdoors and her hair was pulled up in a simple updo with some loose strands of honey brown curls framing her face. He had never noticed how utterly beautiful she truly was. There was something about her air and her manner of walking, the aristocratic curve of her neck, the subtle elegance in her curves, and an amiableness in her face that made her look so young and fragile that he only wanted to take care of her forever. He suddenly felt out of breath. He did not even notice that the Longbottoms were there to witness his reactions and the couple merely exchanged amused glances.

"Good morning, my Lord and Lady Longbottom, Lord Potter," Hermione curtsied. Harry immediately stood up to return the bow.

"Hello, Ms. Granger… Now, since I have told you that the Lord Potter is here to see you, we best leave them alone, my dear," Luna turned to Neville who only nodded.

Before the Longbottoms left them in the assembly room, Luna said, "Do not stay too late here, you two, lest the nargles would be clouding your head… And do remember that you both need to break your fast to start the day," since it was said with a teasing wink, Hermione blushed.

"Hi," Hermione said in a breathless voice as her cheeks tinged pink.

"Hello, Hermione," he could feel himself start to get nervous. It was something that he never felt around her before because she had always made him feel comfortable and at ease.

"Lady Longbottom said that you wished to see me?"

"Ah, yes. Are you not very hungry?"

"I am still perfectly alright… If this cannot wait, then I am ready to discuss whatever it is that you desired to speak about," Hermione gestured to the couch and Harry extended a hand so he could escort her to sit by his side. Once settled, Hermione turned to him with an expectant look on her face.

"Hermione, I – there is something of the utmost importance that I must tell you… Now, before you say anything, let me just say that should your decision about our betrothal change, I perfectly understand and would by no means hold your change of heart against you," he started to explain. He noticed that Hermione's brows had furrowed at his statement but he cleared his throat and continued. When she was being this serious, he knew that he should just tell her whatever was bothering him.

"I may have forgotten a rather important detail about Sirius' bequest," this time around, he gently took Hermione's hands and held them in his own. He was looking into her eyes so she could understand that whatever her decision, he would indeed accept it without contempt.

"I see… So, what pertinent detail is it that you have forgotten to discuss then? Is it about my lack of fortune, as compared to what I could only assume is a very vast estate of yours?" He noticed that her voice slightly hardened at that.

"No! No, of course not! This is not about fortune… Rather, er, you see – the other stipulation in the will demands that I wed in a ritual bonding ceremony," he could feel his cheeks heating up at the statement.

"A ritual bonding?" She whispered in disbelief.

"Yes… You do know what that entails, do you?"

"I suppose runes play a prominent part," she muttered as she avoided his gaze.

"Yes, that is right… And you know I have not taken a class in runes, though that is not a concern of yours... But the most significant part is the, er, physical consummation," he too avoided looking at her this time since he could no longer fight the embarrassment he felt. He had always talked to Hermione about so many things but this was the first time that they discussed such a delicate subject.

"Oh. I see," she mused.

"I am so sorry that I had forgotten to tell you about this, Hermione. It truly is an honest mistake. I was just – "

"Is the ritual bonding… is this all you have forgotten to talk to me about?" She interrupted his apologies.

"Well, yes. That is all there is really, well that, and the traits I have already shown you yesterday," he was so nervous now because surely she would change her mind about marrying him.

Hermione sat there with a pensive look on her face. She did not say anything and he was just waiting for the rejection or the anger for his lapse in giving out all the necessary conditions. When a deafening silence filled the assembly room, he cleared his throat and she turned to him once again.

"Do you wish to cancel our betrothal?" Hermione asked.

"No! But I – if that is what you wish, then I would gladly accept your decision," he squeezed her hand.

"Is the ritual, is that what is making you uneasy?"

"I – you do not love me, Hermione. I mean, we are the best of friends, but you do not see me in a romantic light… I reckon that the consummation part of our marriage would only happen when you are ready… I do not want to force you into anything and frankly, the ritual would be taking that away from you," he decided to just tell her the truth because she was bound to figure it out anyway.

"Harry?"

"Yes, Hermione?"

"I told you yesterday that I am a woman of my word, right?"

"Well, yes, but – "

"I am rather angered about this. Not at you. But at Sirius, for taking away your choice in a wife... Taking away your chance to find love, like you so deserve... But I did promise you, Harry… And as your friend, I – I will never abandon you, nor will I let Mr. Malfoy of all people, take away something that is rightfully yours… And while I am so thankful that you are a very considerate betrothed, I will still marry you… What if... what if we consummate during the ritual and then, er, we would only do it again once we are more amenable to… When you require heirs, I mean," Hermione's voice was filled with determination as she rationalized the situation.

He was silent for a few minutes as he stared at her in disbelief, awe, and fondness. Hermione Granger, you truly are one amazing lady, he thought as he understood what she told him. She would still marry him. She would always support him. She would be his wife.

He raised the hand he was holding and brought it closer to his lips as he kissed her knuckles. His eyes never ceased from staring into her beautiful face as he whispered, "I am the luckiest of men to have secured your hand, Hermione Granger."

Hermione looked away before she cleared her throat and he only smiled in amusement. She truly was so loveable.

"Did you go to my father?"

"Yes, we already talked about the details. I told him I would return to him tonight once I secured your confirmation," he admitted.

"You mean you did not tell him I had already consented?" She was surprised.

"Yes. That way, when I told you about the ritual, and you changed your mind, then it would not be difficult for you."

"Thank you, Harry."

"Oh? Should not I be the one thanking you instead?"

"Thank you for being considerate."

"I promise Hermione, I will make you happy," he said in all seriousness.

"I too promise, that I shall try to be worthy of the Potter name, Harry. Just like in Sirius' will," she said in earnest.

You already are Hermione, more than you will ever know, he did not voice that out loud but he was certain that asking her to marry him was the best decision he had ever made.

"I suggest we go to the Great Hall now, Harry… We really do not need more salacious talk about you and me," she pointed to the grandfather clock by a corner.

"Have the students given you a difficult time?" He frowned.

"Well, the wizards, not at all… It seems they are very scared of you," she chuckled at that. "But the witches… well, let me just summarize, that they do not find me deserving of the Grand Duke of the British Magical Society at all."

He could feel his magic starting to ripple due to anger at the mere thought that just by being his betrothed, he was putting Hermione at risk. She was at risk from rumors that could hurt her and from physical threats from jealous ladies or worse, pureblood bigots. Since he could not be here with her at all times, he was not a student anymore, after all, he decided that he should have someone protecting her at all cost. I should have followed Hermione's suggestion about going back to Hogwarts to finish my final year, he mused as he flexed his knuckles to control his raging anger and worries for her safety.

"Winky," he called to his female house-elf. They heard a pop shortly after his summons and he was greeted with a reverent bow.

"Grand Duke Potter, sir, be calling Winky," the house-elf looked at him expectantly.

"Hello, Winky. You already know Hermione, right?" He gestured to his betrothed.

"Of course, Grand Duke Potter, sir. Winky know Miss Miney," the house-elf nodded eagerly.

"Winky, Hermione has just consented to be my wife – "

"Oh, Miss Miney be the Grand Duchess Potter! Oh, Winky and elveses be so happy!"

"Ah, yes. It is great news indeed… But Winky, can I ask you a favor?" He glanced at Hermione who was trying her best to not laugh out loud. Like him, she was very passionate about house-elf rights, even more so actually since it was her who implanted the idea on his head, but even she could not help but be amused at his elven friends' adulation.

"Of course, sir!"

"Right… Winky, I need you to be Hermione's maid. You are to follow her at all times, discreetly, of course, make sure she is safe, and that all her needs are well cared for. Is that – "

"Oh, Grand Duke Potter, sir! Winky be so honored to be the Grand Duchess house-elf indeed! It is an honor, sir. I be caring for the witch who be carrying the Potter babies," Winky had tears of joy flowing down from her large eyes as she gripped the hem of Hermione's gown.

At the mention of Potter babies, he glanced at Hermione who covertly avoided his eyes. Sensing her discomfort at Winky's elaborate display of adulation, he cleared his throat.

"Er, Winky, maybe you should let go of Hermione's hem now," he suggested.

"I am so sorry, my lady. Winky be cleaning it for you," with a snap of her bony fingers, Hermione's gown seemed to have sparkled in its cleanliness.

"Thank you, Winky," Hermione smiled at the house-elf who blushed profusely.

"Is there anything else my lady wants from Winky?"

"No thank you, Winky. You may go," and with that, Winky popped away.

"Harry, you need not do that," Hermione admonished.

"Hermione, I need to be sure that you are safe at all times… I could not rest if I am not certain that you have someone watching your back here when we are apart… Besides, what is that saying, 'hell hath no fury when a woman scorned'? You know how envious witches could be deadly."

"You think I could not handle myself?" She exclaimed. Her eyebrows furrowed in annoyance.

"Of course, I know how strong a witch you are… I just, please Hermione, think of this as a favor you are doing for me. I need to be certain that you are alright," he pleaded.

She crossed her arms which indicated her abhorrence to the idea, but she relented anyway with a muttered, "fine."

"Thank you."

"I think it is best that we should head for the Great Hall. I am starting to get hungry… Besides, should you not prepare for your speech for later?" She stood up from the couch and turned to him. He followed her lead and only smiled at her.

"Yes, let us go," he took her hand and tucked it under his arm as he escorted her to the Great Hall. Once again, eyes were on them as they were followed by murmurs. With Hermione on his arm though, he felt that he could handle absolutely anything. Because really, this woman helped him defeat Voldemort, what were rumors and prying eyes compared to that?

Harry Potter took a deep calming breath as he stood up from his seat on the head table. The headmistress had just announced his presence and now he was being called to give his message. He did not bother to let his eyes wander all over the long tables. There were so many students that were no longer sitting with their respective houses. Those who have fled because of the war, and worse, some of them who had died.

As he stood by the lectern, his eyes only searched for the chocolate brown eyes that belonged to his betrothed.

When he spotted Hermione sitting beside the Longbottoms at the Gryffindor table, he smiled.

"Headmistress McGonagall, dear professors, and staff, students of Hogwarts, I bid you a pleasant afternoon. As I stand here in front of you, to tell you something that would make you look forward to a bright future ahead, I ask myself, am I really the right person to be doing this? Am I qualified to give you a message that would be truly inspiring enough?

From my view here, I realize that there are so many of our peers that are no longer in our midst. Some have chosen to pursue different lands to secure themselves, and I will never begrudge them for that. What makes me so saddened, is the knowledge that some of our peers have passed on to their next great adventure at tender ages. Whether they died in the battle for the side of the light, or those against it, whether they were victims of atrocities that have led to their untimely demise, I truly feel their loss. As I am most certain that you do feel their absence as well.

Dear students, what we have all witnessed in the war should always remind us that hatred and bigotry could only spring forth death, turmoil, and suffering. As we move to a new era of peace and tolerance, I could only wish for all of us to move as one, as we create the change we so need to implement in our world.

Every single one of us is given this blessing, this gift of life, time, and magic. We can all make a positive impact in the world should we chose to.

If we all want a safer and happier tomorrow for our children and that of their children, we must start today. We must create the world we desire to see.

Let us make peace not war. Let us promote tolerance and acceptance, not separation and rejection. Let us spread kindness and not cruelty.

All of us are the leaders of tomorrow. Let us not waste the second chance we have all been given. This is a new start for all of us. I could only hope that we all make it count.

I wish everyone peace, happiness, and the love of family and friends for this Yule season. Thank you," upon noticing the proud look in Hermione's eyes as she wiped her tears away, he smiled. He knew that he said the right things. He did not even notice that everyone stood up to applaud him, even the Slytherins. He saw no one else except for Hermione Jean Granger, his betrothed.

He wanted to just run to her and wrap her in his arms so he could savor their triumph over Voldemort and death. Hermione was his ace ever since he first met her. No one else could truly understand how much he had sacrificed during his ordeals except for her. It was not just his victory, but hers. She was the brains behind his defeat of Voldemort.

Hermione Granger was his future now. She who had helped him survive his past. She was his present and together, they would shape the future of the House of Potter and the British Magical Community. He could not have chosen a finer Grand Duchess indeed.

When the headmistress asked the Great Hall to settle down so they could all enjoy the afternoon tea, he politely declined the invitation to sit at the head table. With knowing grins from the Hogwarts staff, he walked to the Gryffindor table and took the seat beside his betrothed.

All eyes were on them but he did not care. Hermione had an adorable flush on her cheeks as he took her hand and kissed her knuckles. He needed to let her know just how grateful he truly was to have her in his life.

"So… When is the wedding, eh?" Neville's question forced him to stop looking at Hermione.

"The Lupercalia of the coming year," he grinned.

"Oh! How romantic!" Luna sighed.

"I cannot wait to marry Hermione," he said playfully but deep in his heart, he acknowledged that it was indeed a fact. He could not wait to start his new life with his best friend – his Hermione.

The rest of the afternoon was spent with mundane tete-a-tetes with the Longbottoms and their other friends.

As he boarded his carriage on the way to the Granger cottage once again, he thought of Hermione and then he started counting the days until Lupercalia – the fourteenth of February – the most romantic day of the year... More importantly, it was to be the date of his nuptials. And truly, he could not wait for that day to come.

A/N: So, what do you think? Isn't Harry sweet?

Reviews, faves, and follows make my day, so please indulge me, kind sirs and beautiful ladies.