Matron gives you a cynical look. "You say this as if I'm not human either. I've seen other parents and children, boy, and I know that it does not always have to be this difficult."
You don't know what to say to that. After several moments, you move towards the door, leaving Matron standing alone. There doesn't seem to be much you can say that will help.
In the corridor outside, Michelle gives you a cold look. "If I were you, mortal, I'd keep the parenting advice to yourself. It's not like it's any of your business."
"I was only trying—"
Michelle waves a hand, cutting you off. "Forget it," she says. "We've got a job to do, don't we? Let's find some damn holes in the fabric of space and time."
Next
You both head up the stairs, moving into the now-familiar school foyer.
"Right," Michelle says. "I reckon we need to get the rest of the students together. As much as I'm enjoying the spectacular adventures of Michelle and the Human, I think we're going to need all hands on deck."
"How official a job have we just been given?" you ask. "I mean, I've already got an essay for Lady Rastan and some quadratics homework to get done by Monday."
Michelle shrugs. "I guess it depends," she says. "How concerned are you about seeing literally hellish images inside your own head? Also, how keen are you to get on the wrong side of a professional mad scientist?"
"Ah," you say. "So, not the sort of thing we can just put off and then forget about?"
"Now, that's hardly the sort of attitude I would expect from one of our students."
You jump; even Michelle seems slightly startled as she turns around. Madame Cavalcade is behind you, one eyebrow raised in stern pre-judgment.
"Hi, Madame C.," Michelle says, her voice somewhere on the border between politeness and familiarity. "We were just—"
"Just discussing abandoning an important responsibility and, if I might be allowed a presumption, to take an unapproved journey to the village pub?" Aunt Cavalcade interrupts, her eyes still fixed on you as she addresses Michelle.
"Oh, going to the pub is the last thing we'd do," the zombie replies. "Lady Rastan said that she'd make sure of it."
Your aunt glances at Michelle. "Indeed. So do either of you feel like apprising me of what it is you're trying to skive off?"