"Ughh," grumbled the boy, in retaliation to the noises outside his bedroom.
"Derek, dear, it's time to wake up. We have to go, so the elves can take care of your stuff without interference, like last time," scolded Maria Black.
"I don't want to get up yet. It's my last day off. Plus, it was their fault last time," fumed Derek.
"You'll do as you're told, Derek. Now get up and get ready, or you're not going," threatened Maria.
"Fine," grumbled Derek, worried that he wouldn't get to spend lost time with his best friend and long-time crush, Draco Malfoy.
"Oh, Draco sent you a package while you were being lazy," said Maria with a wink.
Derek jumped out of his comfortable, plush bed, as his father came rushing in with the package.
"Here, pup. I brought it as soon as I saw it," said Sirius.
Derek ripped open the package, hoping it was his dress robes that Draco begged him to wear.
"Oh, my. Those are exquisite!" exclaimed Maria.
"Out, out! I have to try them on!" shouted Derek, while swishing the elegant silk robes that shimmered like real emeralds.
"Oh, so bashful," teased Maria. "You never used to push out your parents. You really are growing up on us."
"It's kind of sad, isn't it, Mar?" said Sirius.
"Oh, come on you guys! Give me a break!" begged Derek with a blush.
"Alright, we're going," said Sirius while grabbing his wife's hand. "Don't take forever, or we'll be late."
"Alright, dad. I'll hurry," replied Derek, already distracted.
As his parents left him alone to his robes and his thoughts, Derek wondered why Draco would send him such a exquisite gift. "These must've cost a fortune…" whispered Derek.
Little did he know, they did cost quite a fortune. Nor did he know that the ball he was headed to was just as much for him as it was for his friend…