Shadows of Nevermore

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.

"Wednesday!" he called, waving enthusiastically.

"Pugsley," she replied with a nod, her expression as stoic as ever.

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.

"Missed me, did you?" he asked, grinning.

She raised an eyebrow. "Don't be absurd. I've been far too busy to indulge in such frivolous emotions."

Pugsley chuckled, picking up his suitcase. "Yeah, I missed you too."

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.

"Need a hand?" she asked dryly, watching him fumble.

"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?"

"Nevermore Academy," Wednesday said curtly.

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."

Pugsley laughed. "Glad to see some things never change."

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."

Pugsley smirked. "True. But having you here is just as good."

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Pugsley," she said, though a faint hint of a smile played at the corners of her mouth.