Chapter 44

~~~~O-O~~~~

The remaining two days were spent exploring Paris. Sabrina finally saw a white poodle during one of their outings; clapping her hands excitedly.

"You would think she hadn't just seen the Eiffel Tower," Hermione whispered to Severus.

"She liked the street performers outside the Louvre better than the art inside. She's four." He replied.

It was their final evening in Paris. They were walking hand in hand, Severus caressing the ring on her left hand. It was dusk and the city was lit up before them, iconic monuments could be seen from almost every direction.

Severus tugged at her hand a little, and called out for Sabrina, "Come on, little one. Let's have dinner."

Hermione hadn't noticed the restaurant but they were standing right in front of the door. Severus escorted them in, and they were seated along the back wall made entirely of glass. They were overlooking the Seine and the table was set with a small arrangement of purple daisies, and candles.

"This place is a little fancy for a child, isn't it?" She asked.

He smiled indulgently at Sabrina, "It's a good thing our child has impeccable table manners."

Sabrina already had her napkin in her lap, and was perusing the menu. "Mummy, I can't read in French."

A discreet charm later, Sabrina's menu had changed to English. She figured out what she wanted and practiced with Hermione until she could pronounce it properly in French.

Severus ordered wine and sparkling juice for Sabrina when their server arrived at the table.

A violinist was playing across the room, and the swell of music grew, capturing their attention.

The family enjoyed the sumptuous meal. Hermione smiled as she watched Severus close his eyes after the first bite, the delicate sauces caressing his palette. A moment later, she groaned and Severus winced as Sabrina covered her meal in ketchup.

"Severus, this place is amazing."

"I'm glad you like it. To be honest, this is where I planned to propose."

Even in the dim lighting, Hermione could see he was blushing a little, "Oh Severus, I love that you proposed in the moment. It was perfect."

Their server returned with dessert. Sabrina received her own plate, Severus and Hermione sharing theirs.

"This does bring us to a open spot in the programme for this evening." Severus told them, "I cannot pass up the opportunity to shower a beautiful girl with jewels over a candlelit dinner in Paris."

He pulled out a small black jewelry box, "Miss Sabrina, I wanted to present you with a special memento to commemorate this holiday."

Squealing, Sabrina grabbed at the box, popping it open after several tries, "Ooooh la la, Papa!"

Inside, on silky white fabric, laid a small silver bracelet adorned with six bright pink poodle charms.

Hermione clapped her hands over her mouth and tried to smother her giggles. Her body shook with the effort and she failed; the giggles escaped. "Oh Severus, and people think you don't have a sense of humor."

~~~~O-O~~~~

On Monday, the family attended a puppet theater, enjoying the show before stopping at a cafe for lunch. Sabrina declared this the best holiday ever as they prepared to floo home.

"High expectations set for next holiday then?"

Hermione leaned in and whispered in her fiance's ear, "We may have to go to Disney World to top this one."

Upon their return to Scotland, Hermione urged them to unpack quickly so they could visit with her parents. They flooed over to the Grangers and Sabrina burst from the fireplace yelling, "Mummy and Daddy are getting married."

Laughing, Anna picked up her granddaughter and hugged her tight. "I don't think you'll need to print invitations, Sabrina will notify everyone."

Mark and Anna congratulated the couple with hugs and kisses leaving Severus' cheeks a bit red.

"What are you thinking dear?" Anna asked her daughter, "Long or short engagement, big or small wedding?"

The family settled in the living room, Sabrina playing on the floor. Mark pulled Hermione's hand into his own so he could look at the ring.

Anna reached over and took ahold of her daughter's hand, "Oh Hermione, it's so you." Anna exclaimed, "Good job Severus!"

"We are thinking a small wedding, perhaps when school lets out for summer." Hermione told her family.

Mark headed into the kitchen and returned with a bottle of wine and a small bottle of 7-Up. He filled the wine glasses and handed them out.

Sabrina made the first toast, "Cheers to Mummy and Daddy."

"Here, here"

The group drank and Sabrina dissolved into giggles.

"Daddy, bubbles went up my nose."

Severus picked her up and wiped at her face with his handkerchief, "Silly girl."

Anna pulled out her planner, "Are you thinking of having it at Hogwarts? The Burrow? Do you want a church wedding ceremony and then a reception in the wizarding world?"

Mark and Severus rolled their eyes as Hermione pulled out her planner and enlarged it. The women reviewed the calendar, and began taking notes.

Sabrina entertained her father and grandfather as the women were lost to their to do lists..

~~~~O-O~~~~

A/N: I have no idea if the restaurant exists but it's what I imagined…