It's not always rainbows and sunshine

[Mason Woodlock]

Mason stood at the platform of the Hogwarts New Zealand express where Lauryn first said her goodbye to go to a wizarding boarding school, she was happy then because they were complete. His face poker as if he managed to carry it since he was born. No, he was already emotionally drained at the happenings back home in the states and dealing with Lauryn seems to make it worst. His uncle Samuel was killed when they raided and confronted dozens of people who were illegally keeping dark items and illegal magical creatures. It was the biggest raid and the department needed to come together to do it. Unfortunately, there are some people who doesn't want to be caught and wanted to fight. And it had to happen the day of Thanksgiving in America.

The muffled sound of train whistle can be heard from the distance. Mason cleared his throat of any blockage, readying himself for the upcoming outburst of his cousin. But he can't help as a tear roll down his cheek, he wiped it with the back of his hand and as the train halt to a stop. The doors to all exits opened. Students came out and still dress in their uniforms. The man tried to keep an eye on his cousin but she wasn't hard to find, Mason waved at her as Lauryn step down from the last compartment of the train.

 

[Lauryn Woodlock]

Since Halloween, she has this feeling that her holidays wouldn't be the same like before she entered Hogwarts New Zealand. Lauryn wasn't feeling well that Friday morning, it was Thanksgiving in the states. It was tradition that they should be there but this year, she wasn't. She got dress on her dress warm enough for that summer weather in New Zealand. She had met Dan for breakfast and the owl post came, she was curious though when instead of an owl, a raven was sent to deliver a letter. Her dad, her darling father was dead. After that moment, everything seems to have vanished except Dan who comforted her everyday.

Lauryn's deep thought soon got distracted when the whistle of the train went off, stating that they will be arriving at the platform soon. Dan didn't sit with her, he said his cousins needed him for something and that was alright with her. They were family and she's not. As the train stopped still, Lauryn gather her stuff and carried them out of the train. Her mom instructed her to watch for her cousin and she did, Mason was waving to her, she waved back with a faint smile. The brunette walked toward him. Her cousin seems to have lost a lot of sleep. "You need to fix that eye bags, dude." She joked but the sudden wave of emotion took over her when she can't fight it anymore. Tears just started streaming her cheeks, Lauryn dropped her things on the floor and rushed to Mason with a hug. "Why-d-did i-it have t-to h-happened?" Her words broke as she cried more.

 

[Mason Woodlock]

The man hasn't smiled since his uncle died but Lauryn made him with that lame joke she said. "A few potions or medicine would work if your mom would just allowed." Mason hoped to have something to calm him or even make him sleep but the woman thinks she might abused it and so, he opted to have it in a natural way by drinking tea every night and it seems to help him a little bit. Mason might wanted the smile to last longer but once he saw his cousin's tears started, he knew it was the end. He hugged Lauryn tightly when she rushed to him. Mason could hear her muffled question through his shirt.

The man's worst fear is the answer he's going to give her because it wasn't simply a job that his uncle was doing. He threats it with respect and dignity because he's doing it for everyone and his family. Dark artifacts and dangerous creatures aren't for people who doesn't have experience handling it and they are illegal to have anyways. "He's simply doing his job and you always remember that he loves you." He told the kid. Lauryn's bond with her dad can't be told in a story, it's long and full of good memories. And him dying so sudden broke her. Mason patted Lauryn's back gently and said, "We need to go to the states. Send your last goodbye." It was easier that way, she can have the whole holiday visiting her dad's grave.