*** One month later***

  The last day of the semester came with a bittersweet feeling I hadn’t anticipated. The Problematic Class, no longer quite as problematic, stood in neat rows before me, their once-chaotic energy transformed into something more disciplined.

  “Well, you have survived. Barely.” I began.

  Chuckles erupted through the room, and I allowed myself to smile.

  “Before you get too comfortable,” I continued, “understand this: the lessons you’ve learned here are only the foundation. The real challenges lie ahead.”

  The room grew quiet. Jace, who had grown from a cocky troublemaker into a surprisingly capable leader, stepped forward.

  “Professor,” he said, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, “on behalf of the class... thanks. For not giving up on us. And, uh, for not vaporizing us when we messed up.”

  The class laughed, and I shook my head with mock exasperation. “You’re welcome, though I came close to vaporizing you more than once.”

  Another round of laughter, but this time it felt lighter, more genuine. These weren’t the same students who had treated magic like a toy and me like an annoyance. They had grown, and I was proud of them.

  Finally Aaron stepped forward.

  “I won’t lie,” Aaron began. “I thought you were insane when I first joined this class. The way you pushed us, the way you demanded so much… I hated it. I hated you.”

  He paused looking at me with a smile. “But now I get it. You were teaching us how to get better. And for that, I’m grateful. So, thanks teach.”

  I raised an eyebrow, smirking. “You hated me? I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  The class laughed again, and Aaron smile widened.

  Then his smile turned mischievous as he glanced sideways. Without warning, he gave Elaine a gentle push forward, much to her dismay.

  “Aaron!” she hissed, stumbling slightly before catching herself.

  The class snickered, and Elaine shot her brother a death glare before turning to me, her expression flustered but resolute.

  “Fine, I will talk as well." She began. "What Aaron said… I guess it goes for me too. Sometimes I felt like you expected the impossible. But you didn’t let us give up, even when we wanted to. So… thank you.”

  I tilted my head, feigning perplexity. “High praise from someone who spent half the semester telling me I was unreasonable.”

  The class erupted into laughter, and Elaine’s cheeks flushed, though she managed a sheepish grin. “I never said you were wrong.”

  Aaron chuckled from behind her. “She’s just mad you were right every time.”

  Elaine spun on her heel to glare at him. “You’re one to talk! I seem to remember you nearly blowing up the classroom, more than once!”

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  The siblings began bickering, much to the amusement of their classmates, and I shook my head with a wry smile.

  “Alright, enough. Before this turns into another one of your infamous arguments." I began, "I will just say one thing, teaching this class has been… an experience.”

  That earned another laugh, and I smiled, my tone softening. “In all seriousness, it’s been a privilege to watch you grow, not just as mages, but as people. You’ve come a long way. And I’m proud of each and every one of you.”

  I finally said it, I really wanted them to know before leaving.

  The room fell silent. For a moment, I saw emotions they didn’t voice, gratitude, pride, maybe even a touch of sadness.

  “Alright,” I said, clapping my hands together. “Get out of here before I change my mind about your final evaluations.”

  They began to gather their things, chatting and laughing as they left.

  ***Later that evening***

  A surprise awaited me in the faculty lounge.

  Teachers and professors from various departments had gathered together to mark the end of the semester, and despite the sense of celebration in the air, I couldn't help but feel a bit of melancholy. I walked in, and immediately caught the eyes of a few familiar faces.

  Sherry was sitting at the far end, a glass of wine in hand. Her gaze softened as I entered.

  "Just in time for the final toast of the year. We have been waiting for you." She called, gesturing to the empty seat beside her.

  "How thoughtful, but don’t start getting all sentimental on me." I replied, making my way over, picking up the glass waiting for me on the table.

  Sherry chuckled, raising her glass at me. "I am being sentimental? Hardly, Father. We’re just getting started.".

  Professor Carl, slumped on the couch next to us, grinned upon seeing me. "You are still alive Aldric? I expected your resignation letter by now. Didn’t think you'd make it to the last day."

  I shook my head with a dry smile. "Well, Carl, I can assure you there were moments I nearly handed in that letter. But then, I suppose I would have missed this lovely send-off you’ve all been planning."

  Carl laughed, as he clinked his glass with mine. "I’m sure you would have missed the free wine more than anything else, Aldric."

  I couldn't help but chuckle. I would probably miss all of this. Those small moments together. My researches kind of turned me into en hermit.

  Elira entered the room, her green ponytail catching my attention. She approached with a grin.

  "Hello Aldric. I am delighted to see you’re still in one piece." She said warmly.

  "Welcome Elira. Likewise. How was your first semester?"

  She sat down on the sit opposing to mine. "Challenging," she admitted. "But I’m learning to hold my own. Thanks for the advice, it made a world of difference."

  "She’s being modest," Carl chimed in with a wink. "She’s already the talk of the staff. She will be running the place before you know it."

  Elira flushed at the compliment. "Hardly. But thank you." She said with a shy laugh.

  "Take the praise, you have earned it." I said, giving her a small nod of approval.

  Sherry leaned closer, smiling slyly. "So, Dad, how’d it go with the Problematic Class? Or should I say, the Not-So-Problematic Class now?"

  "They’re ready," I answered, swirling the last of the wine in my glass.

  "Is that pride I hear?" she teased.

  "Don’t push it," I warned, with a slight smirk.

  She leaned back with a satisfied look. "Admit it. Teaching again wasn’t so bad, was it?"

  I pretended to ponder her question, downing the rest of my drink. "It had its moments," I conceded.

  "Ha! I knew it!" she said, pointing a finger at me. "Admit it, you’ve grown attached."

  "Don’t get any ideas," I said, shooting her a warning look. "This was a one-time deal. My retirement resumes now."

  Carl laughed, shaking his head. "You can try, Aldric, but we all know Sherry’s got you wrapped around her little finger. It’s only a matter of time before she ropes you back in."

  "Don’t jinx it," I muttered, glaring at him over my glass.

  The room erupted into boisterous laughter, and I sighed.

  Seriously, those people don't have any tact.

  Surrounded by friends and colleagues, I allowed myself a rare moment of happiness. My time with the Problematic Class might have been a one-time thing, but I would miss them far more than I admitted.

  For now, though, I planned to enjoy a well-earned break. That is, assuming Sherry didn’t rope me into yet another impossible task.

  But knowing my daughter, that was probably wishful thinking.