“Good morning, Dr. Saltzman.” Emma swung the office door open cheerfully.
“Now is not a good time,” Alaric said without looking up.
Emma smiled. “Are you sure you’re not late for something?”
“Late?”
“When I was brought on, I was told counseling was mandatory for everyone at the school.” Emma put a hand on her hip. “That includes you.”
Alaric scoffed. “I have a lot of things to do. I’m gonna have to rain check therapy.”
Emma nodded, eyeing his desk. “Is that the knife the dragon and the gargoyle were chasing?” 
Alaric raised an eyebrow, and Emma laughed.
“Dorian never misses an appointment.”
“Yes, it is.” The headmaster leaned back in his chair. “And if my translations are correct, whoever wields it has the power to save the world - or end all life as we know it. It’s hard to say. Fourth century Gaulish is tricky.”
“Well, in that case, stop cleaning it and destroy the damn thing.”
Alaric looked at the knife, floating unharmed in the acid. He dropped his half-eaten apple in, and the both of them watched it dissolve. “Hydrochloric acid. I’ve tried explosives, an acetylene torch, a circular saw - I’ve even run over it with my truck. According to legend, it’s indestructible, and I’m starting to agree.”
“So … in addition to father, teacher, mentor, you’ve also added linguist, social worker, slayer of mythical creatures, and demolitions expert to your resume?”
Alaric gave her a tense smile. “So you see why I couldn’t make it to therapy today.”
“That’s a lot to take on, especially all by yourself,” Emma warned gently. 
“That’s why I have you - and Dorian and Caroline, Damon, Bonnie, Elena, and an entire staff full of supernatural experts.” Alaric turned back to the knife and sighed. “Not that any of them have been able to help me with this problem - yet.”