Phrontistery Of Monster Kind - Six Feet Deep

Epilogue

The deputy principal's voice boomed through the school auditorium. "And it is with great pleasure, I announce a long-standing staff member of this school, was recently discovered related to someone significant in our school's history."

I raised my eyebrow in surprise.

I could see Mors head turn to look at me from the hall where he stood watchfully over the year tens. My phone pinged, I apologised as I went to fish it out of my bag as Mayor went on about the discovery, somehow manoeuvring around the topic without telling us.

Bonefriend 9:27

Any clue what she's talking about?

AMBROSIA BABY! 9:27

R u texting in an assembly

AMBROSIA BABY! 9:27

Didnt no i was dating a bad boy

AMBROSIA BABY! 9:28

Dont no

"Not only is she a respected and knowledgeable educator, but Miss Ridae is also a direct descendant of the founder of this esteemed institution." I noticed Mors stopped typing as her words sunk in. My attention shifted to the stage and the dragon-like monster on it. All I could do was stare, struggling to comprehend the news. "Miss Ridae has an exemplary record here, and it's a real testament to the Adalbert family blood and legacy will continue for many years to come with Miss Ridae."

As the students cheered and clapped with enthusiasm, I sat quietly, unable to join in their energy.

The skeleton remained fixated on his phone, uninterested in clapping for something that didn't warrant applause.

I kept thinking about the bond I now had with Ophis who was actually related to me. I had to work with this woman for the rest of the year. Guide and lead her, the rest of my staff and the children- one of which was my descendant. How was I meant to do that with what I had just learnt? This was the universe taunting me. I lost my family. What would I say if they ever had a chance to talk? If she found out, not that she would. There was no way to explain this unique situation.

So, all I could do was internally curse the headmaster.

Bonefriend 9:29

Is this possible?

Shocked and a little emotional, I whispered to myself, "Wow, I didn't realise I had descendants teaching in the school I founded."

"What was that, May?" Walton asked, leaning over from his seat beside me.

Uh. "Can't believe we have such history living here. Imagine teaching at the same as your great great great so on grandmother. It's wild."

"I know. Explains her being part human. Must suck... no offence."

"Human plus, Edith was human plus."

"But her husband wasn't." Point taken.

"Doesn't this mean she is related to you."

"Less than one percent. You could say the same about any human."
I responded to Mors.

AMBROSIA BABY! 9:30

Idk havent paid attention in while

AMBROSIA BABY! 9:30

Would have heard if tru

"We're thrilled to have you and your family here, Miss Ridae, and the rest of Ridae's in attendance. I hope you continue to teach at our school and spread your family's legacy for many more years to come."

Harro took the microphone not soon after Mayor. "From what you may have gathered from that story you just heard-" Crap, I missed the story. What did Mayor say? "-It wasn't any member of the family lost, but one of the oldest connections to this land, one that ended before the construction of this castle was even completed. I'll leave that tale to your history teachers. To keep it short and sweet, it was the child the school was named after. Royse Sharp." A few gasped, mainly from the staff and older students, sounded amongst the crowd. "Though she is gone, her memory lived on through her sister back when this place was formed, and even today. Several of you would have met the girl and thought nothing of it. Not knowing who she was, or how important she was to this island and people on it. She, like most of you, had a family and a bright future. She may never have got to go here officially, but I know her family would be proud. As all yours should be for you." Harro's eyes were in my direction, his words for me. The second funeral for her I never got to have. "This year, I would like to dedicate to Royse and Edith Sharp. May they finally rest easy knowing the school is in safe hands."

"Hear! Hear!" Someone yelled.

"Hear, hear," I repeated whispered.

"Was he looking at you when he said that?" Walton asked.

"I think you're just seeing things."

When Walton's attention was off me, I wiped a tear from my eye.

Bonefriend 9:35

Are you alright? That was intense.

"Now, on a happier note, I would like to officially introduce our new staff for this year. May they come forward."

That's my queue. I stood up and slowly made my way to the front of the wall. Heads turned, tracking me as I reached the front. Most found interest in the new woman beside me.

"Our newest staff, straight from Scarrow Forest, is our new Ghoul Studies teacher, Marigold Shrapnel."

She waved out to the crowd, a cheery smile on her face. She couldn't be much older than the oldest students here.

Monty slivered out from under my hair to investigate the woman. The snake hovered out, flickering his tongue, licking one of her ginger locks. She spun around, still smiling, as she reached out the palm of her hands to allow the snake to settle onto her.

I allowed the snake to meet her, allowing her to let him settle around the back of her neck.

I gulped, enthralled.

"And Esmay S. Ambrose, who most of you will remember from last term, teaching Monster History, Human studies and will be the year seven coordinator," Harro said. Some people in attendance clapped- mostly the years sevens, tens, and those I taught. "She, like Ridae, had roots in the school." You better not Harro. "She is the granddaughter of Edith Ambrose, a former principal as well as our founder, Edith Adalbert."

The room went dead silent as I stared dead pan out to the audience.

My assistant year coordinator's jaw dropped.

Only one thought came to my mind in that moment, and I did everything not to vocalise it.

Fuck you Harro.