Shadows of Nevermore
Shadows of Nevermore
Summary
After an extended writers retreat off the grid, Wednesday Addams moves to Jericho to work
on her novel, which unfortunately leaves her to the task of escorting Pugsley to the first day
of his final year at Nevermore.
Walking the dark halls invites Wednesday to reconnect with the world she left behind,
including the blonde haired bubbly werewolf she lost contact with: who just so happened to
now be Nevermore faculty.
Wednesday's unexpected reunion with Enid stirs up a whirlwind of emotions she thought she
had buried, forcing her to confront the feelings she ran from.
Chapter I
Chapter I
The train station was nearly empty, its eerie quietness broken only by the occasional
clattering of metal wheels and the hissing of steam. Wednesday Addams stood at the edge of
the platform, her dark, unblinking eyes scanning the incoming train as it slowed to a halt. The
last time she had seen her brother Pugsley, he had been a pudgy, awkward teenager. Now, as
the train doors opened, she wondered how much he had changed in the past year.
Pugsley stepped off the train, lugging a heavy suitcase behind him. He looked older, more
mature, though his round face still bore a hint of boyish mischief. His eyes lit up when he
spotted Wednesday, and he hurried over, dragging his suitcase across the worn platform.
As he approached, Pugsley dropped his suitcase and enveloped her in a bear hug. She stood
rigid, her arms at her sides, allowing him his moment of affection. After a few seconds, she
gently pushed him away.
She raised an eyebrow. "Don't be absurd. I've been far too busy to indulge in such frivolous
emotions."
They walked towards the exit in silence, the sounds of the train station fading behind them.
Outside, a lone taxi waited. Pugsley struggled with his suitcase, trying to hoist it into the
trunk, but Wednesday made no move to help.
"I'm good," he grunted, finally managing to shove the suitcase in. "Thanks for waiting."
"Think nothing of it," she said, sliding into the backseat of the taxi.
Pugsley joined her, and the driver, an older man with a weathered face, glanced back at them.
"Where to?"
The taxi pulled away from the station, merging onto the road that wound through the sleepy
town of Jericho. Pugsley stared out the window, taking in the familiar sights.
"How's the new house?" he asked, breaking the silence.
"Gloomy, drafty, and potentially haunted," Wednesday replied. "In other words, perfect."
She turned to look at him, her gaze intense. "And you, Pugsley? How have you been? Still
blowing things up in your spare time?"
He shrugged. "Here and there. Been trying to focus more on my studies, though. Got to make
the most of my last year at Nevermore."
Wednesday nodded approvingly. "Good. The world needs more Addams ingenuity."
They lapsed into silence again, the taxi winding its way through the countryside. Pugsley
fiddled with the hem of his jacket, casting glances at his sister.
"Mom and Dad really wanted to be here," he said softly. "But, you know, family weddings
and all."
"Yes, they mentioned," Wednesday replied. "I doubt they would have been much use on your
first day, regardless. It's not as if they can scare the other students into submission on your
behalf."
"Flattery will get you nowhere, Pugsley," she said, though a faint hint of a smile played at the
corners of her mouth.
As the taxi approached the gates of Nevermore Academy, Pugsley's excitement was palpable.
He practically bounced in his seat, his enthusiasm reminding Wednesday of her own time at
Nevermore. Despite her outward demeanor, she had secretly enjoyed her years there, thriving
in the environment that embraced her uniqueness.
The taxi rolled to a stop, and the gates of Nevermore loomed before them, welcoming them
into a new year of mystery and mayhem.
"Remember," Wednesday said, her voice low and steady, "we Addams thrive in darkness.
Embrace it."
Pugsley nodded, his confidence and excitement making Wednesday feel a rare pang of
nostalgia. As they stepped out of the taxi, she allowed herself a brief moment of
reminiscence, knowing that, like her, Pugsley was making his own indelible mark on
Nevermore.
As Wednesday and Pugsley walked through the grand entrance of Nevermore Academy, the
contrast between the siblings became immediately apparent. The halls buzzed with activity,
students milling about, preparing for the new school year. Pugsley’s face lit up as he
recognized familiar faces, and he greeted each one with a fist bump or a cheerful "Hey!"
“Pugsley, my man!” a tall vampire wearing dark sunglasses called out, raising a hand for a
high-five.
“Vincent! Good to see you!” Pugsley replied, slapping his hand with enthusiasm.
A few steps further, a gorgon with a beanie covering his snakes approached, giving Pugsley a
nod. “Pugs, ready for the wrestling season?”
“Absolutely, Greg! Been working on some new moves over the summer,” Pugsley said,
grinning.
Wednesday watched with a mix of curiosity and detachment. Pugsley seemed to flourish in
these interactions, his social circle wide and diverse. It was a stark contrast to her own time at
Nevermore, where she had maintained a small, tight-knit group of friends. Friends she hadn’t
spoken to in nearly a year.
Another student, a girl with shimmering scales running down her arms, waved at Pugsley.
“See you at the robotics club meeting tomorrow?”
“Yeah, I’m the captain this year,” Pugsley said proudly. “We’ve got some cool projects lined
up.”
They continued down the hall, passing a group of students engrossed in an animated
discussion. One of them looked up and waved. “Pugsley, don’t forget, we’re playing
tonight!”
Wednesday raised an eyebrow, curious despite herself. "What exactly are you playing?"
A slow smirk spread across Wednesday’s face. "Dungeons and torture? Sounds delightful."
Pugsley shook his head, laughing. "Not quite. It’s a role-playing game where you create
characters and go on adventures. You know, fight monsters, solve puzzles, that kind of thing."
Pugsley shrugged. "It's actually a lot of fun. You’d probably make a great Dungeon Master.
All that imagination and love for the macabre."
Wednesday’s expression remained impassive. "I'll pass. I prefer my games with real stakes."
Pugsley laughed again, unbothered by her disinterest. "Suit yourself, but if you ever want to
try it, you know where to find me."
"Don't hold your breath," she replied coolly, though there was a hint of amusement in her
eyes.
Wednesday couldn’t help but notice how different their paths had been. Pugsley had found
his place among the students, participating in more clubs than she ever wanted to be involved
in. His social calendar seemed bursting at the seams.
“You’re quite the joiner,” she remarked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
“Guess so,” Pugsley said with a shrug. “I like being part of things. It’s fun.”
“Fun,” Wednesday repeated, as if testing the word. For her, fun had always been more
solitary pursuits—writing, investigating, exploring the macabre. Yet she couldn’t deny a
small flicker of admiration for her brother’s ability to connect with others so effortlessly.
As they made their way through the halls, they passed by a series of framed photographs
showcasing the school’s achievements. One photograph caught Wednesday's eye—a picture
of her mother, Morticia Addams, on the fencing team during her time at Nevermore. Next to
it was a photo of Wednesday herself, standing beside Bianca Barclay, their senior year
fencing team victorious.
Further down the corridor, another photo showed the Black Cats winning the Poe Cup, with
Wednesday, Enid, and Yoko standing triumphantly. The memories were vivid, and she could
almost hear the cheers and feel the adrenaline of those moments.
Pugsley noticed her lingering gaze. “Do you miss it?” he asked, genuine curiosity in his
voice.
Wednesday’s expression remained unchanged, but there was a subtle softness in her eyes.
“No,” she said firmly. Then, after a beat, she added, “But perhaps a part of me does. A very
small, deeply buried part.”
“For you, perhaps,” Wednesday replied, her tone as dry as ever. “I’ve always preferred the
shadows to the spotlight.”
They reached Pugsley’s dorm room, and he struggled to unlock the door while balancing his
luggage. Wednesday made no move to assist, watching with mild amusement as he finally
managed to push the door open.
Wednesday surveyed the room, her keen eyes taking in every detail. “Try not to set anything
on fire,” she advised.
“Only if absolutely necessary,” he replied with a grin.
As they stood in the doorway, Wednesday allowed herself a brief moment of reflection. She
had chosen to be a lone wolf, to carve her path through the shadows. But here, in the vibrant,
chaotic world of Nevermore, she was reminded of the connections she had left behind.
Perhaps, she thought, it wasn’t too late to rekindle those bonds.
"Ready for another year?" she asked, her voice softening just a fraction.
Pugsley nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. And thanks for being here, Wednesday. It
means a lot."
"Think nothing of it," she replied, but her gaze lingered on him a moment longer than usual, a
rare expression of affection crossing her features.
Just as they were about to leave, the door to Pugsley's room swung open, and a lanky boy
with spiky hair and a mischievous grin strolled in. He paused when he saw Wednesday, his
eyes widening slightly.
"Hey, Pugsley! Who’s this? Your big sister?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Jake extended a hand, his grin widening. "Nice to meet you, Wednesday. I’ve heard about
you. Pugsley didn’t mention you were so... creepy."
Wednesday didn’t take the offered hand, instead fixing Jake with an icy stare. "Creepy? I
prefer the term 'unsettling.' And if you value your life, you’ll refrain from attempting to touch
me."
Jake’s grin faltered, and he quickly pulled his hand back. "Uh, sure. No problem."
Pugsley tried to smooth over the tension, stepping between them. "She’s really nice on the
inside, I swear."
Wednesday’s eyes narrowed. "Pugsley, if you ever suggest such a thing again, I’ll murder you
in your sleep."
Pugsley laughed nervously, glancing at Jake. "See? She’s got a great sense of humor."
Wednesday continued to stare at Jake, her expression unchanging. "Remember, Jake, I’m
always watching."
Jake swallowed hard and nodded. "Got it. Nice to meet you, Wednesday."
With that, the two siblings made their way back to the entrance hall. As they walked, Pugsley
couldn’t help but chuckle. "You really know how to make an impression."
"Impressions are easy," Wednesday replied coolly. "It’s the lasting fear that takes skill."
"Hey, Wednesday," Pugsley began, a hint of uncertainty in his voice, "do you think we could
meet up on weekends? You know, in town or something?"
Wednesday raised an eyebrow. "I’ll be quite busy with my novel, Pugsley. And you’re being
rather needy."
Pugsley chuckled. "Yeah, I figured. But still, it’d be nice to see you sometimes."
She regarded him with her usual stoic expression, though there was a glint of affection in her
eyes. "Fine. But if I’m in the midst of a particularly grisly chapter, you’ll have to wait."
He grinned. "Deal."
As they approached the entrance, the reality of saying goodbye loomed. Wednesday studied
her brother, noting how he had grown, both physically and in confidence. He was even taller
than she was now, a fact that struck her with a mix of pride and nostalgia. It was clear he no
longer needed her protection.
"Looks like you’re all set," she said, her voice softer. "You don’t need me to hold your hand
anymore."
Pugsley nodded, a rare seriousness in his expression. "Thanks for everything, Wednesday.
Really."
Before she could respond, Pugsley’s eyes lit up, looking past her shoulder. "Miss Sinclair!"
he called out, waving.
Wednesday turned sharply, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw Enid Sinclair standing a
few feet away. Enid looked equally shocked, her bright eyes locking onto Wednesday’s. They
hadn’t spoken in a year, since Wednesday had gone off the grid during her travels. No one
knew she had moved to Jericho.
For a moment, the noise of the entrance hall seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of
them in a bubble of stunned silence. Wednesday felt something strange in her chest, a mix of
emotions she couldn’t quite identify.
"Hello, Wednesday," Enid said, her voice soft but filled with warmth.
Wednesday’s stoic mask slipped just a fraction as she returned the greeting. "Enid."
Chapter II
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Chapter II
The entrance hall of Nevermore Academy buzzed with activity, students flitting around like
animated shadows. Amidst the noise and movement, time seemed to stand still for
Wednesday Addams and Enid Sinclair. They hadn't spoken in a year, and the unexpected
reunion left Wednesday internally reeling.
Why is she here? Wednesday’s mind raced, a tempest of conflicting emotions churning
beneath her stoic exterior. She hadn't known Enid was now the werewolf studies teacher. As
she took in the sight of her old friend, a strange sensation tugged at her chest—an unfamiliar
and unwelcome feeling.
Enid looked different, yet the same. She was dressed smartly, in a tailored jacket and trousers,
but with her signature colorful flair—a bright scarf and earrings that sparkled in the dim light
of the hall. The scars across her face, remnants of past battles, were still there, adding to her
fierce beauty. The sight of those scars triggered a flicker of something within Wednesday, a
reminder of their shared past and the bond that had once connected them.
"Hello, Wednesday," Enid repeated, her voice softer now, tinged with emotion.
Wednesday’s response was cool and detached, masking the storm within. "I heard you the
first time. I didn't expect to see you here."
"I... uh... I got a job here," Enid said, her smile a bit strained. "I'm the new werewolf studies
teacher."
Wednesday blinked, processing this information with a mix of curiosity and confusion.
"Interesting," she said finally, her tone neutral, betraying nothing of the turmoil she felt.
They stood there, an awkward silence hanging between them, broken only by the hum of
student chatter. Wednesday's mind wandered to darker places, memories of battles fought and
blood spilled, of secrets shared and now seemingly lost. Why did it hurt to see Enid after
all this time?
Pugsley, ever the buffer, stepped forward with his usual cheerfulness. "I can't wait for class,
Miss Sinclair! It's great to see you again."
Enid’s warm smile returned, lighting up her face. "Good to see you too, Pugsley. Ready for
your final year?"
"Absolutely," he replied with enthusiasm. "I might even try out for the Pitch Slaps, just like
you said I should."
Wednesday’s eyes narrowed slightly as she turned to Pugsley. "You knew she was here and
didn't think to mention it?"
Pugsley looked genuinely puzzled. "Sorry sis... You never told me you and Miss Sinclair
were friends."
Enid's smile faltered just a bit, and she cast her eyes down briefly, visibly upset but not
saying anything. The momentary flicker of hurt in her eyes did not escape Wednesday,
piercing through her defenses like a needle through cloth.
Wednesday’s gaze shifted back to Enid, the words catching in her throat. "I... assumed you
were busy with your own life," she said, her voice lacking its usual edge, a rare softness
peeking through.
"Yeah, well, things change," Enid said quietly, her eyes meeting Wednesday’s again. There
was a mix of hurt and hope in her expression that Wednesday couldn’t quite decipher, a
reflection of her own tangled emotions.
The hallway seemed to grow louder around them, students bustling with excitement for the
new school year. Pugsley, sensing the need to defuse the tension, slung his bag over his
shoulder.
"Well, I should probably get to orientation. Don't want to be late on the first day. Catch you
both later?"
"Have a great day, Pugsley," Enid said warmly, watching him walk away.
As the noise of the bustling hall surrounded them, Enid turned back to Wednesday. "It's nice
of you to drop him off at school."
Wednesday’s expression remained stoic, her dark eyes fixed on Enid with an intensity that
could make anyone else squirm. "Nice has nothing to do with it. I moved into town."
Wednesday glanced around the hall, the shadows of her past lurking in the corners of her
mind. "I’m working on my novel. It inspires me to be in a place knowingly celebrating
genocide, with a rich history of spilled blood."
Enid’s lips curled into a sly smile. "Or maybe you’re hoping to get inspired by your alma
mater. We had some good memories, didn't we?"
Wednesday’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. Good memories? The
words felt foreign, almost distasteful. Memories were treacherous things, ghosts of moments
past that could haunt or comfort, depending on their nature. For her, they were often the
former.
For a moment, she was at a loss for words. The suggestion made her uncomfortable, an
unwelcome intrusion into her carefully constructed fortress of solitude. "I don’t have time for
sentimental drivel," she retorted, her voice sharper than intended, as if trying to sever the
thread of nostalgia that Enid had unwittingly tugged.
Enid chuckled softly, the sound a balm against the tension. "Of course. Well, I should get
going anyway. It was truly nice to see you, Wednesday. I hope to see you around."
Enid reached out to touch Wednesday’s hand in a friendly gesture, but Wednesday
instinctively recoiled, her expression one of mild distaste. Physical touch was a repellent, a
breach of her personal space that she allowed very few to cross. Enid knew this well, yet in
her moment of warmth, she seemed to momentarily forget.
Enid pulled her hand back, her smile softening with understanding. "Some things never
change," she said gently.
"No, they don’t," Wednesday replied, her tone cool but not unkind. No, they don’t, she
echoed silently, acknowledging the immutable truths of her existence. Change was a specter
that lingered just out of reach, always promising, rarely delivering anything but chaos.
As Enid turned to leave, the hallway seemed to grow louder again, the moment of connection
dissolving into the cacophony of student chatter and footsteps. Wednesday watched her go, a
strange mixture of emotions churning inside her—frustration, nostalgia, and something
darker, a shadow she couldn’t quite name.
She had always prided herself on her independence, her ability to navigate the world alone,
unburdened by the weight of emotional entanglements. But seeing Enid again stirred
something within her, an unwelcome reminder of the vulnerability she so despised.
With a final glance at her old friend's retreating figure, Wednesday turned on her heel and
made her way out of the hall, her mind already retreating to the comforting embrace of her
dark thoughts.
Wednesday opted for the solitary walk to Jericho, eschewing the convenience of another taxi.
The twenty-five-minute journey from Nevermore to town offered her a stretch of quiet
contemplation, a chance to immerse herself in her thoughts. The path wound through the
woods, where the shadows seemed to dance and whisper secrets only she could hear.
As she walked, her eyes were drawn to the forest, and she couldn’t help but remember that
fateful night. Enid had wolfed out to protect her from the Hyde, her transformation driven by
an unwavering loyalty that had both astonished and unsettled Wednesday. Enid had saved her
life, and that memory was etched deeply into her mind.
Those woods held so many memories. After that night, they had shared their remaining years
at Nevermore as roommates. Enid had been more than just a companion; she had been a
sidekick, a confidant, and the closest thing to a friend Wednesday had ever allowed herself to
have. Their time together had been filled with late-night escapades, whispered secrets, and a
bond that had seemed unbreakable.
Yet now, it all felt so strange. Why did I push her away? Wednesday wondered, her
thoughts turning dark and introspective. When she graduated, she had deliberately distanced
herself from Enid, retreating into the shadows she found so comforting. The decision had
been swift, almost instinctual. Enid had made her soft, and Wednesday despised that
vulnerability.
Softness is a weakness, she reminded herself. But deep down, she knew it was more
complicated than that. Enid had brought a light into her life that she had never asked for, and
with that light came emotions she didn’t understand and couldn’t control. The very idea of
needing someone, of being emotionally tethered, was repugnant to her.
As she neared the town of Jericho, the familiar sights came into view. The quaint buildings
and cobblestone streets contrasted sharply with the dark, tumultuous thoughts in her mind.
She had moved here for inspiration, to draw from the town’s grim history and weave it into
her novel. But now, it seemed, Jericho was forcing her to confront more than just her literary
ambitions.
Wednesday’s steps slowed as she entered the town, her thoughts lingering on Enid and the
tangled web of feelings she had tried so hard to suppress. The past year of self-imposed
solitude had done little to untangle those threads, and seeing Enid again had only tightened
the knots.
She sighed, the weight of her own complexity bearing down on her. What is it about you,
Enid Sinclair, that disrupts my perfectly crafted darkness?
With a final glance back toward the path she had walked, Wednesday squared her shoulders
and continued into Jericho, her mind a storm of confusion and reluctant introspection.
She made her way to her new home, a decrepit old house that had stood untouched for years.
It was everything she had hoped for—gloomy, dilapidated, and steeped in history.
As she reached the front door, she paused to admire the cracked windows and creeping ivy
that seemed to embrace the house in a permanent, somber hug. She opened the door, stepped
inside, and breathed in the musty air. The house creaked and groaned, almost as if it were
alive and welcoming her return.
She made her way to her small office, a room that had become her sanctuary. The walls were
lined with bookshelves, some already filled with tomes of dark literature and ancient texts.
Her manuscript lay on the desk, a work in progress that consumed her thoughts. Boxes, still
unpacked, were stacked haphazardly around the room.
Wednesday moved to one of the boxes and began rifling through it, her fingers brushing
against objects from her past. Her hand paused as she pulled out a stuffed raven, meticulously
crocheted with black yarn. It was a gift from Enid for her 18th birthday, a symbol of their
bond and Enid’s attempts to bring a touch of light into Wednesday’s shadowed world.
Holding the raven, Wednesday’s thoughts swirled with memories and emotions. The simple,
heartfelt gift contrasted sharply with her dark inclinations, a reminder of the strange and
unexpected friendship she had with Enid. As she stared at the raven, an unfamiliar sensation
washed over her, unsettling and profound.
Suddenly, her head snapped back, her vision blurring as if she were being pulled into another
realm. The room around her seemed to fade, replaced by a vortex of swirling shadows and
indistinct shapes. The stuffed raven remained clutched in her hand, a tether to the tangible
world as she was drawn into the depths of a vision.
The sensation was overwhelming, consuming her completely. Wednesday stood at the
precipice of an unknown murkiness, poised to confront whatever lay within the recesses of
her mind. The line between reality and the supernatural blurred, and she felt herself teetering
on the edge, ready to plunge into the unknown.
Wednesday's vision enveloped her in darkness, the air thick with an eerie silence that pressed
against her like a physical force. She found herself standing in a familiar yet distorted version
of the Nevermore woods, the trees casting long, sinister shadows that seemed to reach out for
her.
A low, terrifying growl echoed through the trees, sending a shiver down her spine. She turned
around, her heart pounding in her chest, to see Enid in her werewolf form, eyes glowing with
a feral intensity, charging towards her. The growl grew louder, more menacing, as Enid's
powerful form closed the distance with terrifying speed.
Wednesday stood rooted to the spot, her breath caught in her throat. Enid's werewolf form
was a formidable sight, all raw power and primal rage, and for a fleeting moment,
Wednesday felt a pang of fear. But it was quickly overshadowed by something else—a
strange, almost exhilarating sense of anticipation.
Just as Enid leaped into the air, claws extended and jaws wide, ready to strike, the vision
shattered. Wednesday was yanked back into reality with a gasp, her eyes snapping open as
she stumbled backward, clutching the stuffed raven to her chest.
She stood in her small office, the familiar surroundings a stark contrast to the vivid and
disturbing vision she had just experienced. Her mind raced, grappling with the images and
emotions that lingered from the vision. What did it mean? Why did she see Enid in such a
savage state, seemingly intent on harming her?
Despite the confusion, a spark of excitement flickered within her. The vision was intense and
frightening, but it was also intriguing. It hinted at something deeper, a connection or a
warning that she couldn’t yet comprehend. The boundaries between her past, her present, and
her darkest fears had blurred in that moment, leaving her both unsettled and strangely
exhilarated.
With a deep breath, Wednesday set the crocheted raven on her desk, her mind already turning
over the possibilities of what the vision could mean. She knew one thing for certain—this
was just the beginning of a mystery that demanded to be unraveled, and she was determined
to uncover its secrets.
As she stood in the dim light of her office, the shadows of her vision lingered, promising
more revelations to come. And for the first time in a long while, Wednesday felt a thrill of
excitement.
Thank you all for your feedback. I don't have a Beta, and I'm not really a stickler for
editing. What comes out of my head goes to metaphorical paper, so I hope it's coherent.
I appreciate you all, you wonderful group of storm clouds ♥
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