Chapter Text
As usual whenever she was back at the Addams family mansion, Wednesday was the first one up. Pugsley was never one to wake up early, especially knowing that he had just gotten back from his trip to the Amazon forest where he studied head shrinking with uncontacted tribes. He was enjoying a dry and comfortable bed for the first time in weeks and wouldn’t leave it until noon, at least. Grandmama and Lurch didn’t count, as she was pretty sure neither of them ever slept. As for her parents, Wednesday did not want to know what they were up to. Their sempiternal physical displays of affection were enough on their own, she absolutely hated the thought of what could be happening behind the mahogany doors of their master bedroom.
She wandered through the hallways, nodding to the few ghosts who were still out and about despite the rising sun. She made her way down the stairs towards the main hall. She noticed the pile of mail, laid in its usual spot by Lurch who went to retrieve it every night. One of the letters stood out : a black envelope, lost amongst the mountain of contracts and other business inquiries sent to her father on a daily basis. Wednesday picked it up, instantly recognizing the “N” imprinted in purple wax that sealed the envelope. A letter from the Nevermore academy.
- Hello, my dear Wednesday. I believe this letter is addressed to you ; you can go ahead and open it.
Wednesday turned around, looking up. Her mother was smiling at her, standing atop the stairs. She was wearing a black dress as usual, a spiderweb shawl over her shoulders, her red lips a stark contrast from her pale complexion and otherwise monochrome appearance. Seeing her awake this early usually meant one thing : she had been in her study, making use of her Dove abilities. Wednesday recognized the knowing smile on Morticia’s lips, and instantly knew she had been the subject of her latest vision. Oh how she hated her mother knowing more than her, especially since the Addams matriarch never shared any details of whatever she saw.
- A dreadful morning to you, Mother. I imagine you already know what I will find in this envelope.
- If I did, would it change anything ? She answered.
- Enigmatic, as always, said Wednesday as she broke the wax seal.
Two notes were in the envelope, and she recognized the handwriting of Larissa Weems : perfectly straight, almost too sharp. The first one, a short missive, was addressed to her parents, asking them to transmit this letter to Wednesday as she didn’t know the girl’s address, and was fairly sure she did not have a phone or an email address. The seer felt a small smile tug at her lips ; despite their rough relationship during her school years, her former principal knew her quite well. The second letter was addressed to her.
Hello, Wednesday.
I hope this letter finds you, and that you are not off on another adventure on the other side of the world. Knowing you, you might also be in jail, in which case I cannot say I am surprised.
I am writing to you because I believe you could be of great help in a situation we are currently facing at Nevermore. Trust me, it pains me to ask you this, as much as it would probably pain you to accept, however I am growing desperate.
A new student shows signs of being a Raven. I cannot confirm this myself, as I lack expertise in the subject. You are, after all, the only Raven I have ever had to deal with. All I can say is that his psychic powers manifest in a similar fashion as yours did back in the day.
I do not have much to offer you in exchange, apart from some high school nostalgia which I know you do not care about. I will gladly pay you for your time, if that can tip the scale. All I know is, this child could use adequate help, and I am unable to provide it. But you could.
I am well aware that this is a shot in the dark, and I would not be surprised should you decline to even answer. But you could bring true change to this student’s life, and I believe this could mean something to you.
For what it’s worth, I know your former roommate would be glad to see you. Ms. Sinclair started teaching lycanthropy 101 last year, and is thriving. Perhaps this would make the ordeal of coming back to Nevermore more palatable.
Yours truly,
L. Weems
Wednesday set the letter down, and looked up. Her mother was gone, but she knew in her gut that the older psychic knew exactly what the contents of the letter were. Despite her best efforts, Morticia managed to stay one step ahead of her at all times. She folded the letter and placed it in her pocket, surprising herself when she started actually considering the idea. She had no upcoming trips planned. Perhaps the forests surrounding Jericho could be a good source of inspiration. The fourth installment of Viper de la Muerte’s adventures had taken some delay, as creativity was fleeing her lately. Even though it pained her to admit it, she was experiencing writer’s block.
And there was no denying that the perspective of seeing Enid again was not entirely despicable. The west coast werewolf had somehow made her way into the very small circle of people she cared about, along with Eugene Ottinger. If there was any nostalgia to be felt about her time at Nevermore, it was surely thanks to these two. Yes, it was decided. She would visit Nevermore, even if only for a week. After all, Weems had made no specifications as to how long she was expected to stay, and she would make sure not to sign anything legally binding, ensuring her ability to make a quick getaway.
She knew her mother to be in the greenhouse at this time of day, which meant that her father would be in his office, since it was the only moment he suffered to spend away from her. Wednesday always wondered how her father managed to grow the Addams estate like he did while spending so little time actually working. She did not bother to knock, and easily dodged the knife thrown at her as she opened the door.
- Am I getting faster, or is the age finally catching up to you, Father ? That knife could never touch me.
- My little tormenta, your words sting as always ! her father answered, a sparkle in his eyes and a huge smile on his face. What could this old man do for his dearest daughter ?
- I wish to know if you kept the keys to the house you purchased near Nevermore. I find myself in need of staying there for a while.
- Of course, mija. May I ask what you’re planning to do there ? Not burn down the school, I hope.
- Nothing of the sort, though I don’t entirely exclude the possibility, she answered. I have been asked to help a student master his gift, as he might be a Raven like me.
- How kind of you, Wednesday. Are you sure you’re not sick ? He said with a mischievous grin.
She flashed him a dark look, to which he shrugged and reached in one of the many drawers. He pulled out a small key that was attached to a wooden keychain engraved with an “N”.
- Thank you, father, said Wednesday as she grabbed the key. I shall depart in the afternoon. Fret not, I will bring my crystal ball along so you can contact me for whatever futile considerations you might have.
He gave her a beaming smile. She turned her heels and made her way out of the room, dodging another knife that was thrown at her and hearing her father’s hearty laugh resonate behind her as she closed the door. She vowed to poison his coffee before leaving.
Once the key was acquired, all that was left was to pack. She would not be requesting Lurch to drive her, instead opting for her motorcycle, which meant she had to travel light. Fortunately, summer had yet to come to an end and the days remained warm. As she was making her bags, Pugsley knocked on her doorframe, giving her a sleepy but questioning look. He was wearing his grey prison suit, which he kept as pyjamas, and his hair was still ruffled from his fourteen hours of sleep.
- I’m sorry I won’t be there for the presentation you had prepared about the Amazon, Pugsley. I’m afraid I have to take a trip to Vermont.
- Going to Nevermore, I bet. If for some reason you run into Eugene, tell him we need to catch up sometime. I miss his snacks.
Wednesday knew he meant Eugene’s treasured bugs, but kept quiet. Without a word, Pugsley left, coming back a minute later. Without a word, he handed her a shrunken head. She took it and observed the fine craftsmanship. Pugsley really had a talent for weird artistic endeavors. The head’s hair was braided in a similar fashion to hers. She thanked her brother with a nod, and he answered with one of his own before leaving. She placed the gift in her bag, careful to find a spot where it would not be crushed : such artifacts were quite fragile. She finally found a spot near her typewriter.
Later in the day, she was preparing the bike in the circular driveway, placing her affairs in the side bags. She saw her brother waving her goodbye from a second floor window. She acknowledged him, and went back to her preparation. Grandmama suddenly barged through the doors of the mansion, carrying a small bag that made a clinking sound.
- Hello, my dear, she said as she handed her the bag. I was worried you would leave without a refill on your poisons and elixirs.
- Thank you, Grandmama. I might end up needing those.
- One can only wish, the old woman answered with a wink. Have a dreadful trip, dear.
And with that, she made her way back into the house, back to whatever potion she was brewing. It was now time for her parents to approach, and her father gave her a quick hug. She was willing to tolerate it once a month, if it was her father.
- My coffee tasted like almond, my little deathtrap. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you ? He said with one of his signature smiles.
- You’re still standing. Perhaps I am also losing my edge, she answered.
He laughed, tapped her gently on the shoulder and left her with Morticia. The woman looked at her with an endearing smile. Wednesday held her gaze, then went back to her belongings. She was almost done, and put on her helmet and gloves. With her black jeans and leather jacket, as well as her black leather boots, there was not a single trace of white or any color visible on her person, as well as on her bike. She mounted the bike and turned on the engine, looking at her mother through her visor.
- Do transmit our kindest regards to Larissa, said her mother, as well as to your pink wolf friend. Remind her she is always welcome should she want to come to the Addams estate.
- So you did see all of this coming, Mother, answered Wednesday as coldly as she could. Perhaps I should have poisoned your tea instead of Father’s coffee.
- Your choice of cyanide would dampen the taste of the nightshade berry infusion, darling. Have a woeful trip.
I’m sure I will, she thought as she revved the bike and made her way out of the Addams grounds. She had a good four hours of driving ahead of her. Nothing she could not handle.
The miles went by quickly, and she soon crossed into the state of New York, then finally into Vermont. Ignoring the speed limit was a great way to cut down on travel time. After a little bit more than four hours of constant speeding, she arrived in the familiar forests surrounding her former academy. It was almost 8PM, but the sun would not set for another hour, which meant the majority of the students would be in the quad, especially on such a sunny evening, and that Weems would be in her office.
The gates of Nevermore opened for her, operated by an old spell dating from Edgar Allan Poe’s time at the school. She made her way through the grounds, noticing that the Hummers’ shed was still in good shape, meaning other students had taken the responsibility of caring for the academy’s beehives. She felt a slight relief ; she knew how much these bees mattered to Eugene, and had no doubt he slept better knowing his protégées were looked after. She soon arrived in front of the academy, and dismounted her bike, ignoring the looks of the students that observed her cautiously. She laid her helmet on the saddle, and dared anyone to come close to her bike with an icy stare ; many students quickly looked away. Still got it, she thought.
She made her way along the very familiar path to the principal’s office, finally reaching the tall engraved doors. She knocked, and heard a familiar voice say “come in”. She pushed the door. Larissa Weems was standing near the fireplace, and looked genuinely surprised to see her. She was holding a glass of what looked like whisky, clearly decompressing from her day.
- Wednesday ? By god, come in, I did not expect you, certainly not so soon anyway.
- Your letter reached us at a lucky time, as I was back home, the seer answered. Since I am not bound to a place given the nature of my work, I thought it just as fitting to come write in Vermont. And if I can help someone who suffers the same curse as me, then I cannot refuse.
- This is great news, Wednesday. Do you want to go over the details now, or perhaps wait until tomorrow ? The matter can wait a day.
- If it is all the same to you, then I would appreciate postponing this discussion. I merely came to the school to inform you of my presence, but I have yet to settle and-
- Wednesday !? said a voice behind her.
The seer froze. She’d recognize that voice anywhere, and the smell of caramel and juniper berries that suddenly filled the room might as well be a legal document of identification. The wolf girl’s scent was unique. She slowly turned around, her eyes landing on the girl, dressed in her usual pinks, though a bit more formal, her hair still full of blue and pink strands. She was standing in the doorway, frozen as well, her deep blue eyes spread wide as if she could not believe what she was seeing.
- Hello, Enid, said Wednesday softly.