A/N: Super Duper thanks to Bri892 for fixing up this little chappie.

Chapter 41: Blessings and Lace

Several times during the work day, Hermione would get lost in thought. She shuffled the papers on her desk, trying to find the best way to present the Granger family lace to Severus. She smiled recalling Severus' frustration with her that morning.

Hermione finished out her day, stopping by Seamus' office to say her goodbyes. Their mini holiday would be starting tomorrow. Hermione has agreed to test the mobile phone within the muggle and wizarding communities in Paris.

"Enjoy Paris!" Seamus told her as he handed her a mobile, "And owl me with results."

Sabrina was a handful after school. She made Hermione come back into the classroom to pick up her schoolwork from Miss Isobel and Miss Stacy. They provided Sabrina with a packet of worksheets, and duplicated several chapters from their reading book. Hermione could barely hold back her laughter as Sabrina lectured the teachers to stay on schedule.

Miss Isobel walked them out, "So we will see you in about two weeks?"

"Um, no, she will be back on Tuesday. She will just miss Friday and Monday but as you can tell, she is committed to her education."

~~~~O-O~~~~

Hermione and Sabrina were packed for their long weekend in France. They cooked dinner together and Sabrina prepared dessert all by herself. Hermione placed the special lace handkerchief in place of the napkin at Severus' spot and finished setting the table. She was giddy in anticipation.

"Daddy, you're here!"

Severus caught Sabrina as she flew across the room to greet him.

"Daddy, daddy, daddy," She called impatiently as he leaned in to give Hermione a peck on the cheek, "Daddy, I made dessert. All by myself. No elves or mummy helped. Just me."

He placed her into her seat at the table, "We'd better eat our dinner pretty quick so we can get to dessert."

Hermione charmed the dinner dishes to the table as Sabrina told her father about her day at school. With everything set, they all sat down.

Severus started to pull his white napkin into his lap but stopped when he noticed the open weave against the pads of his fingers. He held up the folded napkin and unfurled it. Confused, he looked around the table to see the other napkins before turning his gaze back to his.

"And I have to practice my song once a day and I have to finish my maths and spelling worksheets very day."

"Hermione, what is this?" He interrupted Sabrina and turned his eyes to her mother.

Unable to control her smile, Hermione decided to let herself break into a big smile, "Why that's my great grandmother Granger's lace handkerchief."

Dumbfounded, he sat there for the longest time. Sabrina jabbered on and Hermione simply watched as all the information came together in his head. He stood up suddenly, his chair falling backwards.

He strode around the dining table, his robes billowing out, stopping in front of Hermione. He held out the piece of lace, "Are you sure?"

She gently pushed back her chair and stood. She met his eyes, "Yes, I am sure."

Severus picked her up and swung her around as if she was Sabrina. He soundly kissed her before placing her back down on her feet.

Sabrina squealed, "My turn, Daddy! My Turn!"

~~~~O-O~~~~

Severus packed his suitcase and placed it by the fireplace, next to Hermione and Sabrina's bags. He had wanted to be more discreet in asking the Granger's for their blessing but they were leaving for France in the morning and he was clinging to the idea of proposing in the City of Lights.

He paced in living room as Hermione put Sabrina to bed. Perhaps he should wait and ask her here in their quarters when they returned. No, he wanted to stick to his plan. Perhaps, he could lie to Hermione, telling her that he had rounds or needed to speak with Minerva before the Beauxbatons meeting. No, he would simply not say anything.

"Love, I have to run a quick errand," He told her when she returned to the room.

She smiled as he ducked into the fireplace, whispering his destination.

The Grangers were sitting side by side facing the fireplace when he arrived. He waved his wand over his clothing and stepped forward.

Shoulders back, he look directly at them, "Mark, Anna. I love Hermione and I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with her. I am here, asking for your blessing."

Covering her mouth, Anna stifled a sob. Mark's arm came around her shoulder and held her to him as he spoke softly into her ear.

Mark crossed the floor and put his hand out to Severus. With a firm grip, they shook hands.

"Severus, you are a good man. I have seen the love and care you have for Sabrina and now for my, our, daughter. We would be honored to call you son."

Anna threw her arms around Severus, "You have our blessing."

Releasing a breath, he didn't realize he was holding, Severus' shoulder slumped forward. Mark clapped him on the back, "Welcome to the family!"

"We've been waiting for you for about an hour. I half expected you to be here before dinner was served." Anna informed him cheekily.

Chuckling, Severus told them, "I had wanted to be more covert about this but I wanted to propose in Paris."

When this statement set his future mother in law into gushing about romance; Severus announced he had to return home, early morning travels and all.

Returning home, he found Hermione asleep in her armchair with a Paris wizarding guidebook in her hands. He shook his head; she couldn't possibly go on vacation without reading everything there is to know.

He crouched down and slipped an arm behind her back and pulled her forward. Placing his other arm under her knees, he scooped her up.

"Mmmm, Severus." She mumbled.

"I have you, love, I have you." He told her as he carried her off to his bedroom.