The Last Marauders: Year Two

“Who in the world decided that all of Lockhart’s books needed to be on the list this year?” Elijah heard his dad fussing in the kitchen. “This is going to be expensive, Tori.”
“I know, Remus, but Mum’s completely fine helping.”
“I just...I wish we didn’t have to rely on your mother.” He sounded bitter. “If I could find a job-”
“Stop. Please. Mum literally has no other kids. Uncle Xan has his own money, and Mum has the Holmes estate plus what Dad managed to save before he disappeared. Until you find a job, let her help.”
“Fine.” Remus sighed. “I hate this.”
“It’s not your fault. Your conditon-”
“I know, Tori.”
Elijah finally made himself known, sitting down by his dad. “Hogwarts letter come?”
“Yeah. We’re going to Diagon Alley tomorrow, so think of something you want for your birthday.” Remus smiled at his son. “Other than going to the Rosado estate after.”
“Wait. I can go?” Elijah instantly perked up. “For real?”
“Yes. Your mum and I met Oscar’s parents yesterday, and he’s going to Floo in to pick you up the day after we go school shopping.”
“Yes!” Elijah jumped up. “Oscar didn’t say anything about Ryan, did he?”
“Not that I heard.”
“Great. I don’t think I’ll be ready to see her until September.”
Victoria stifled a laugh, turning away.
The next day, Elijah woke up, racing to the living room after he’d gotten dressed. “I’m ready! He called, plopping down on the couch.
“Good morning, Loup.” His grandma entered the house, a package in her hands. “I’ve got your present for you. I knew I had it somewhere; I just had to find it first.”
He ripped open the package, finding an old but intricately carved wizard chess set. Pieces of jade and ivory laid in the box on either side of a matching board. “Whoa, Grand-mère. This is so cool!”
“It was your grandfather’s. I don’t think he ever used it though.” She laughed. “It’s got his initials wrote on the side, see? T.M.R.”
“I guess I’m going to have to get better at playing.” He gave her a quick hug. “Thank you!”
“Morning, Aurora.” Remus greeted her, coming down from the guest bedroom. “Everyone ready?”
Victoria joined them, straightening her summer cloak. “I think so.”
The sun was already out in full force as the odd family wandered down the street, Elijah in the lead. “So, Dad, Mum, what can I get for a present?” He asked. “I kind of want a pet.”
“Let’s go to the menagerie after we get your books then.”
Aurora left them for a few minutes to go withdraw money for his supplies. He stocked up on potion ingredients, parchment, ink, and finally, he bought his books. “Ridiculous, really. The price.” Remus grumbled quietly. “Why would Dumbledore let all of his books be on the list anyways?”
After that, they arrived at the menagerie. Elijah stepped inside, looking around at all the animals. Nestled in the back was a tiny little rabbit with ears longer than it was. “That’s a lop rabbit. Last of his litter. He’s the runt.” The wizard running the register informed them. “You want ‘im? He’s yours for a galleon.”
“And everything he’ll need to care for it?”
“Yup.”
Remus looked at Elijah. “That what you want?”
“Yes!”
“Alright, we’ll take him.” Remus pulled out a golden coin from his pocket and handed it over.
Elijah took the cage while Remus grabbed the bag of rabbit things. “I’m going to name him Frankie.”
“Frankie?” Victoria laughed. “Why?”
“Dunno. Seems to fit him though.”
“Alright then.” She ruffled her son’s curly brown hair. “Happy late birthday.”
Aurora fell behind the two other adults and handed her son the moneybag, considerably lighter than it was when she got it. “For your trip to Barcelona, but don’t tell your father.” She whispered.
“Got it.” He tucked it away in his cloak pocket.
Upon his arrival home, he immediately packed a bag for the week he’d be spending with his best friend, falling asleep with his new rabbit on the pillow beside him.
He wasn’t waiting long for the fireplace to flash green and Oscar to nearly fall out. “Eli!”
“Oz!”
“You ready?”
“Yes! By Mum, bye Dad!” Elijah called, grabbing his rabbit and bag. “See you in a week!”
Elijah’s first glimpse into the Rosado house had him shocked. Gleaming wood floors, vaulted ceilings, and a massive, sweeping staircase in the middle of the entrance hall met his eyes. “Bloody hell. You’re rich.”
“I guess.” Oscar shrugged, taking the bag. “Come on, I’ll show you my room.”
Elijah followed him up three stairs, eyes wandering everywhere, and he bumped into Oscar when he stopped. “Oh, sorry.”
“Don’t worry, amigo.” He pushed the heavy wooden door open. “Mi casa es su casa.”
“Whoa.” Elijah was speechless again. His bedroom was nearly twice as large as Elijah’s. A huge sleigh bed sat on one side with a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. On the other side, a small couch with a bookshelf and a coffee table. And in the middle were the glass doors to the balcony.
“Ma said you can sleep in here with me. She’ll change the couch to another bed.”
“Brilliant.”
“Wanna go for a swim? They’re out at the market. It’ll be a while, but Lucia’s here if we need anything. She’s one of the maids.” Oscar added at Elijah’s look.
“One of? Mate, I’m the maid at my house.” Both boys started laughing. “Alright, let’s go check out your pool.”