Thank you, thank you, thank you Random Flyer! I got so excited when I read the reviews, thank you for the tips on writing! It really means a lot to me :) I'm sorry that I had to hold on the story but I got crazy busy and I was working on something original but I lost the inspiration for it, I have the first few chapters, 3,000 words a piece. Oh yes, I'm proud I never write anything that long.

I know, I know… I'm EARLY? Yep, I felt bad for leaving this on hold since I promised you and myself. But don't get too excited, It's not very long.

Or good.

Chapter Six, Nicknames.

Snape, Harry and Malfoy all sat on a leather armchair each. Snape seemed mesmerised by the crackling fire, whilst the two boys had a closer look at the presents they hadn't brought out of the box yet. Ron and Hermione were spending the day with their families, both had offered for him to spend Christmas with them but he'd declined, claiming his stomach wasn't very good and he wouldn't want to spoil their Christmas with his illnesses.

Whilst Harry ate a piece of treacle fudge, Malfoy searched through his pile for something. It was a big pile. He had been sent books; one entitled Why Blood Status Matters, which Harry found quite sickening. Not only did he think he was better because he was a pure blood, his parents actually encouraged him to be arrogant about it. Harry was suddenly thankful, that he had been brought up with the Dursleys instead of the Malfoys, which was something he never thought he'd be thankful for.

Malfoy had also been given money, a diary, a new Slytherin scarf, all sorts of sweets, a Keeping Your Broom in Check cleaning set, a new pair of shoes and a note from his parents in North America that came with more money. He left the broom cleaning kit untouched and immediately tucked in to his Drooble's Best Blowing Gum, "Malfoy, don't." Harry groaned. He couldn't be bothered with unpoppable bubbles floating around the small cottage for days. Malfoy sighed angrily, which Harry didn't know was possible. "Fine, Master." Malfoy growled in return. He had discovered about an hour ago, that he only had to say it, his tone wasn't picked up by the charm. That had been used to his advantage several times in the last 60 minutes.

Harry got a bright red pair of earmuffs from the Dursleys, he assumed Dudley hadn't liked the colour or had gotten a better pair so they sent it to him for Christmas. The treacle fudge had been from Hagrid, which were delicious. 'Padfoot' had just sent a card, Harry didn't mind, he knew about Sirius's situation, he had to try to get himself food, never mind a Christmas present for Harry. He chuckled a little when he read Sirius note,

A very merry Christmas to you Harry and your….Housemates. I hope Snivellus isn't too horrible and Malfoy? Well, good luck is all I can say You'll need it to put up with the blonde brat. IOU One Christmas present.

Love Padfoot.

And then a little more when he saw the paw sprint that had been stamped onto the card.

"May I ask what it is you find amusing?" Snape had been brought out of his trance.

"Uh," Harry could have said anything to him, Harry was the one in charge, right? But Snape still scared him senseless sometimes, even more so than Voldemort. "It's from Padfoot." At the mention of 'Padfoot' Snape rolled his eyes and for a moment there was a disgusted look on his face. "Oh, him." He commented, with a snort on the end Harry supposed he let slip and a very unimpressed look. "He hopes Snivellus and the Blonde Brat have a merry Christmas." Harry read out.

"Snivellus?" Malfoy joined the conversation.

"It's a nickname." Harry waved Malfoy off. "Snape? Don't even mentally insult him." He said in a very stern voice.

Through gritted teeth he replied, "My apologies, Sir."

With Snape looking ready to explode and a little embarrassed and Malfoy angered and slightly confused, Harry left the pair to work it out for themselves.