Title: Black Christmas

Author: Semmel

Summary: Life for Harry gets unpleasant when his two best friends disappear without a trace and Headmaster Dumbledore freaks over seemingly unimportant things.

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe belongs to the wonderful K. J. Rowling. I don't make any money out of this.

Rating: PG-13 for language

Spoilers: Book 3 and 4

Dedication: see bottom

Chapter one

Harry was pissed. Utterly irreversible pissed! His two best friends, or should he say former best friends - nah, that went a little too far... supposedly, yes, that was a good word - supposedly best friends were at IT again. Ron would whisper something in Hermione's ear, who'd start to giggle, and then they would retreat to a secluded spot leaving him, Harry, totally alone. It wasn't like he was jealous or something, or didn't wish them any ahem 'happiness'. He also didn't mind them sneaking out, going who knows where. It was just - well it was Christmas today, for heaven 's sake! And he was all alone! Harry glared moodily into the fire, flames dancing merrily in front of his eyes. Merry! PAH! They didn't even leave a note!

The boy continued brooding. 'Maybe,' he debated with himself, 'maybe I could go visit Dobby in the kitchens'. The house-elf always managed to lighten his mood. Just as he was about to rise the portrait hole opened and in came Professor Dumbledore. Now that was surprising! But before Harry could say anything the Headmaster began to weep and sob. The young Gryffindor was flabbergasted. "I think, I think I've lost my favourite socks." Dumbledore sniffed. "You haven't seen them, have you? They are green with pink and yellow chickens... They were my favourites!" He started crying even more, and Harry, trying to comfort the older man, got up, and took him into his arms cautiously. While rocking the professor back and forth - a difficult task, considering the difference in weight, and the fact that they were both still standing - he attempted to assure him that everything would be alright, whispering soothingly into his ear. "There, there; I'm sure you're going to find them soon, and if not I ask Dobby to knit you a pair just like your old. He will be more than joyful at the prospect of this." It did the thing: the man wasn't crying anymore; but instead he suddenly drew back, temper flaring up. "I don't want any old socks! I want mine!" he exclaimed, and stomped out of the common room. Mouth hanging open the boy stared after him. Something was definitely wrong! Dumbledore wouldn't freak over something trivial as socks. It had to be something else! Harry sighed. He couldn't really tail him to find out since Ron and Hermione had taken his Invisibility Cloak, and the Marauders' Map with them when they had left. But it hurt too much thinking about them, so he decided to snatch his Firebolt, and fly around a bit. It definitely would take his mind off of things. Grabbing said broomstick and a cloak he headed towards the Quidditch pitch.

Earlier that morning a slightly frantic Hermione was fussing over her hair. Ever since the Yule Ball last year, when people, and especially boys, threw her some 'admiring' looks, she planned on using hair gel more often. But not really having someone, for whom it was worth to go through this, she hadn't bothered. Now she did. Three letters changed her life. Ron. She'd known him since their first year, and always had a bit of a crush on him, but it wasn't until this year that she'd admitted it to him, and more importantly to herself. The turning point was, believe it or not, when she had given her other best friend, Harry, a peck on the cheek on the end of last year. At the moment she kissed him, she realised that her whole behaviour had been an act to make Ron jealous.

Reaching for her comb, her hand brushed the tooth paste, which had been lying dangerously close to the edge of the washing basin. It fell. Cursing silently she reached to pick it up, only to be surprised by the hand that slung itself around her waist and twisted her around. However she didn't have a chance to shriek, as immediately afterwards two lips pressed themselves against hers. She relaxed on instant; this fiery temper could only belong to her current (and first) boyfriend.

Living in a house with five other siblings, you learnt fast enough to sneak around silently, well, at least if you wanted to keep some secrets. Usually no one except Ron managed to catch Hermione so completely off guard. Her attentive nature normally saved her from such situations, but not from this. After releasing his girlfriend, the red-head began to whisper gently. "No need for the whole procedure. Your natural beauty can't be topped." He, of course, referred to the rather huge amount of hair gel, which had become her constant 'companion' during the last two months. "Anyway we better get going, if we want to surprise Harry."

Ron's light footing had already come in useful half an hour ago when he silently crept out of bed, washed and dressed, careful to avoid making a sound as to not wake his only remaining room-mate in his well-deserved sleep. The list of pupils, who'd stay at school during the Christmas holidays had revealed, that the two of them would have their room to themselves. Beside them there was only a handful of Gryffindors left. Among them Ron 's older brothers, Fred and George. Though their number was small, they all the same outnumbered the Hufflepuffs (2) and the Ravenclaws (1). Only the Slytherins could rival them with 8 remaining pupils, yet still one less.

As soon as Hermione was ready, they tiptoed down the stairs, and stole out of the castle. They would arrive at the meeting point, the Shrieking Shack, 15 minutes later. Harry, of course, knew nothing of this, since he was still fast asleep. And it was good like that! They wanted to surprise him after all.

A/N: As this is a challenge fic, I dedicate it to the challenger. The only problem is that I forgot who thought of it. I'm so sorry. *hangs head in shame*. (I think the e-mail address was something with 'Fleur'; so if you notice that this contains the tasks of your challenge (someone being obsessed with hair gel, Dumbledore appearing frequently randomly, some moose, Ron and Hermione snogging twice,...), please tell me! I will announce your name in the next chapter. Sorry again!). And, ahem, umm, I also know that I published the fic rather late (a month or so), but firstly I was busy learning for tests, and secondly I wanted to have at least half of it finished before publishing! I hope you forgive me! Review, pleeeaaase!

Talking about reviewing, I want to thank Evie, who was my ever first reviewer (Of my peom: Someone makes me standing tall). Hope this message gets to you! THANK YOU!!!