"Oh, what a joyous occasion it was when I would arrive at work and see my colleagues at their desks, hard at work, rather than organising a bloody advent raffle."

Harry's dry voice was of course not to be taken seriously, and he too joined the huddle of workers around the gloriously colourful Advent calendar that someone had pinned to the wall.

"You can pick the name if you want, Scrooge- I mean Harry," said Adam cheekily. Harry rolled his eyes, selecting a slip of paper from the Santa hat and unfolding it slowly.

"Mr Zafar Younis is the first lucky winner. Congratulations, et cetera, and now on with your work." Harry paced away, but he wasn't really annoyed. Seeing his colleagues together and happy was a rarity, and one he didn't take for granted.

At the announcement of his success, Zaf leapt from his chair and strode towards the calendar. A lovely little chocolate would definitely put him in a good mood – winter was not his favourite time of year. He peeled back the tiny door and-

"That's it?!" Zaf's tone was incredulous. "Where's the chocolate?" He spun round accusatively.

"It's a traditional picture advent calendar, the sort they had before novelty chocolate and sweet calendars were produced," explained Ruth.

"So all I get is a picture of a bloody shepherd. Merry Christmas to you all." Zaf slumped back in his seat in a sulk.

"Actually, it's to celebrate Advent, not Christm-" Ruth started, but Zaf shot her a look. He cared for the chocolate, not for the culture. Adam was smirking, clearly amused by Zaf's irritation. Jo caught on immediately.

"I think that's a wise man actually," she said, leaning closer to study the tiny picture.

"Alright, alright!" Zaf exhaled loudly and raised his hands in surrender, breaking into a smile.

Christmas had descended upon Thames House in all its glory. The building, usually sleek and professional, was decked with tinsel and lights, with a magnificent tree in the main entrance. A couple of Christmas stickers had been stuck on some of the computer monitors, much to Malcolm's horror - he would be spending the New Year scraping them off and wincing at any potential scratches. Zaf's campaign for compulsory Christmas hat wearing was yet to be taken into account: he figured it was just a matter of time.

Work was still hectic and serious, but amongst the government conspiracies, terror attacks and arduous hours lay a warm and comforting atmosphere. Even Ros' cold exterior seemed to melt away a little - she even offered a smile, on some rare occasions.

Adam, however, seemed to be laboured with the biggest burden. It was his year to organise the Secret Santa, and he hadn't quite found the time to sort it yet. He needed a little helper.

"Jo, a word in the meeting room?" Jo nodded at Adam's request, tucking a section of hair behind her ear and carrying an armful of files with her. She assumed that Adam wanted her report about the latest operation.

"I want to know that what I'm about to ask of you won't go beyond these four walls," Adam said seriously, looking intensely at his colleague, waiting for her reaction.

"Of course, Adam," she said, her eyebrows furrowing in concern. "Are you okay?"

Adam took a seat wearily, thoroughly enjoying the facade. "To be honest Jo..." He tailed off, rubbing a hand across his face. Jo moved to him instinctively, touching his arm in what she hoped to be a comfort to him.

"Adam?" she said tentatively. He raised his head slowly, turning his gaze to her, and spoke:

"I need your help with the Secret Santa," he said, deadly serious. Then he broke into a grin.

"You bastard."

...

"What are your plans for Christmas then, Harry?" Ruth asked hesitantly. She hoped that finally, this year, she would be able to pluck up the courage to ask him round for a mince pie and glass of mulled wine. However, as usual, she panicked, continuing to talk hurriedly. "Because, traditionally, friends would gather and... erm, celebrate-"

"Ruth," Harry said gently. She met his gaze.

"Would you like to meet up for a drink sometime?"

She nodded and smiled. "That's what I was trying to get at." Ruth laughed, embarrassed, but Harry found it endearing.

"I thought I'd help you out. A drink... sounds wonderful," he smiled.

...

A/N: Happy 1st of December everyone! I stand undecided as to whether I will post this in its entirety as it is just some festive silliness, but please leave a review if you enjoyed it!