OK Second post people! This one's about Hermione and Lamark, just to establish their relationship!

After Hogwarts, Hermione and Lamark had bought a small apartment in London, to be close to the Ministry, where Lamark worked in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office. Little did Hermione know.....Lamark had a plan for them.

"Hey Hermione, I'm home." Lamark said as he slammed the door shut.

"Lamark, people are trying to sleep." Hermione scolded gently, but not without a grin on her face. The small diamond on the wedding ring gleamed from the kitchen. She kissed him. "How was work?"

"Pretty good, but I say it was better when Arthur Weasley was there. They're thinking of making me the Head of that Department." He added proudly.

"Lamark, that's wonderful!" Hermione exclaimed. She hugged him. "When?"

"I'm not sure, I overheard LeBay and Martin talking, and they said I'm really coming along for a first year employee." There was a hint of pride in this statement. But he had reason to be. Lamark had become the man who knows all the answers in just a short while.

"Well, this gives us time to celebrate. Wanna go out to eat?"

"Hermione, they haven't given it to me yet. What if they change their minds?"

"Then they do. But it won't make the food any less delicious." Hermione got their coats. "Besides, I can't remember the last time we ate out. You keep saying we've got to save money. For what?"

"I'll tell you later." Lamark said mysteriously, and held the door open for his wife. They left the apartment, the cold, wintry air hitting their faces in an icy blast. But it felt wonderful all the same. They walked, hand in hand, to a little cafe a few blocks down.

They were seated by their favorite window seat. Hermione liked to watch the muggles go by with their shopping bags.

"You know, it's almost Christmas. What do you want?" Hermione asked Lamark after dinner had arrived. Lamark said nothing, but dug into his steak hungrily. "Lamark?"

"Oh.....I don't know yet. Why don't you suprise me?" He said. "By the way, what about you?"

"Why don't you suprise me?" Hermione copied him, a little bit annoyed.

"Maybe I will." Lamark said enigmatically. Hermione felt more confused than ever. What was he playing at?

"Do you want dessert, or should I suprise you?" Hermione asked after dinner.

"Oh yes, dessert is a must. Excuse me dear." Lamark got up and spoke to the waiter. He smiled and nodded. Lamark gave him a small slip of paper. He sat back donw at their table, as if nothing had happened.

"What was that all about?" Hermione questioned him. Lamark shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know."

"You do to!" Hermione accused. "I hate mind games!"

"Legilimacy won't work Hermione." Lamark wared off her attempts. Hermione crossed her arms and sulked for awhile.

"Dessert, sir." The waiter was back. Hermione raised her eyebrows.

"But we didn't even order yet-" Hermione stopped. There was a piece of paper on her chocolate cake slice. She picked it up. It was a deed. "What is this?"

"Merry Christmas dear." Lamark kissed her cheek.

"But-but-" Hermione stammered. "This isn't for us, is it?"

"Hermione, I promised you that we would buy a house of our own. I know how much you hate that apartment. It's noisy, dirty, and in a bad neighborhood. Our house is clean, new, and closer to the Ministry. Plus, it's bigger than our apartment...just in case."

Hermione got up, her eyes shining. She flung her arms around him.

"This is the best Christmas present ever." She whispered into his ear. "I love you."

"I love you too Hermione."

There! Sorry it took so long!

Katie