A/N: This was inspired by a Facebook Post. I left it off at the end to either be a one-shot, or the prologue, depending on reviews and the like. A few things. Canonically in the Addams Family universe, Grandmama and Morticia are some type of witches. In this timeline Fester never went missing (but I am using the 1991 movie as reference for their looks and mannerisms.). Harry is the oldest, Pugsley is 6 months younger than him, and Wednesday is 9 months younger than Pugsley.
Mr. and Mrs. Addams of number thirteen, Privet Drive, were proud to say they were perfectly creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky and all together ooky, thank you very much. They were so incredibly lucky that number 13 had vacated recently, as they had run into some trouble in the States. The statute of secrecy was getting stricter by the day there, and that was why Morticia had decided to relocate them. She could see the neighbors trying to peak through the window curtains as they began to unpack. She gave them a cool smile, black lipstick gleaming in the sunshine. They were only a few hours away from London, where there was rumored to be a flourishing wizarding community.
"Dear, where would you like me to put Cleopatra?" Her husband, Gomez, asked her. She moved fluidly to the crate that housed her African Strangler, caressing the wood as she thought.
"In the back yard. I will be planting rose hedges soon enough to shield her from view." She answered, planting a kiss on his forehead. He smiled up at her and left to do as she asked. Lurch emerged from the car with Pugsley in his car seat carrier. He gave a small grunt in question. "Place him in his crib, please." With a sigh she ran a hand over her growing stomach. They would be welcoming a little girl sometime soon. Thing ran up her leg and paused on her stomach, tapping his pointer finger in concern. "I am alright. I will be very pleased if she arrives a bit early on Halloween."
The holiday in question was just a few days away, but Wednesday Addams was not due until the Fourth of November. She watched in amusement as Gomez and his older brother Fester began to squabble, having lodged the sofa in the front entrance. She was not concerned if they caused any damage. Her and Grandmama would be enchanting the house soon enough to accommodate all of them. Speaking of Grandmama, the elderly woman was dragging an ornate chest behind her, white hair wild in the breeze. No doubt her potions stash was within, and she was hesitant to let her sons handle it.
"Let's cross the street here, Pet." She heard a man say. She turned to look. An absolute walrus of a man was escorting a thin woman and their pram across the street in order to avoid number 13. She gave a sneer at the pink floral print the woman wore.
"This town could definitely use some Addams family values."
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Unbeknownst to both the Dursley's and the Addams family, on this day, Halloween, a great evil had been defeated. Celebrations rang out in wizarding homes, wands cast to the sky. Night had fallen, and Morticia was out back, trimming her roses. By trimming, it was meant that she was lopping off the red petals, letting them fall to the ground. A peculiar noise caught her attention. It was as if a motorbike was above her. Looking up, she clearly saw a large man silhouetted against the moon, riding said motorbike. Wednesday gave a kick. Absently Morticia placed a hand against the spot as she left her garden. Her bare feet slapped lightly against the sidewalk as she followed the strange sight. Before she knew it, she stood mere feet away from number 4. Stepping behind the neighbor's tree she paused to observe.
"You cannot leave him here, Albus!" A woman, whom she assumed was a witch based on her attire, all but hissed at an elderly wizard. Morticia wrinkled her nose at the garish robes. The large man dismounted, scooping a child from the sidecar. Morticia's eyes glowed eerily. "They are the worst sort of Muggles I have ever seen in my days!"
"Hush now Minerva." Albus said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "They are his only remaining family. He will be safe here. Hagrid, if you will." Hagrid handed the child to Albus, who pushed back some hair, causing Minerva to gasp.
"That scar…will he always have it?" Albus nodded solemnly.
"Yes, as it was given to him by Voldemort. Not to worry, scars can be useful. I have one above my knee that is a perfect replica of the London Underground." Albus placed the child on the doorstep, producing a letter out of nowhere. He tucked it into the blanket, casting a mild heating charm on the boy. "There will be a day in which everyone will know the name Harry Potter…but for now, at least for a while, let him be just Harry." Hagrid began to cry and Morticia felt her heart ache for him. "Let us take our leave. It is late." With a few loud cracks the elder two had gone. The motorbike started up once again, taking to the sky.
For a long while Morticia simply stared at the boy, and then she felt the first contraction. A strange sensation, not quite painful, but certainly noticeable. It seemed Wednesday had decided. Morticia agreed as she walked up to the stoop of number four. Three was more powerful than two afterall. She bent carefully, pulling the child into her arms. She brushed the fringe away to see the scar the others had spoken of. A bolt of lightening sat on his forehead. Slowly, green eyes opened to stare at her. The child was calm, simply observing. The boy had seen death, she was sure of it. Another contraction.
"Very well. Welcome Harry."
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"Mi Amor!" Gomez called out as Morticia entered the house. "Where have you been?" he asked in alarm.
"I was retrieving our son." She said simply.
"Pugsley? I swear I just saw him upstairs!" Morticia smiled faintly, handing the boy to Gomez. His eyes went wide with wonder.
"Harry. Now, if you would escort me to bed, Wednesday is about to make her appearance." Without any hesitation Gomez shifted Harry in his arms in order to assist his wife upstairs. Number 13 was the only home in town that now had three floors, thanks to his mother and wife. The Housing Board had stopped by a few times to dispute it, but always seemed to flee at the sight of their butler, Lurch. Once his wife was laid in bed, he inspected Harry closer. The boy seemed close to Pugsley's age, perhaps a bit older. Wild black hair, and green eyes. He grinned; Harry would fit in just fine.
"There is a letter attached here, dear." Gomez said, pulling the letter out of the blanket as he placed Harry next to Pugsley in the crib. "Shall I read it to you?" Morticia gave a nod, feeling the contractions getting closer in time. "Very well."
Dear Petunia,
It is with great sorrow that I inform you of your sister, Lily, and her husband, James, death upon this night. The two perished at the hands of Voldemort, protecting their 1-year old son, Harry Potter. I am unsure how much Lily may have told you of our world, but take solace in the fact that their death was quick and painless, falling to the spell, Avada Kedavra. Harry would have passed as well, had his mother and father not loved him so, casting a protection upon him that others may consider Dark Arts. As an effect of this spell, should you adopt your nephew, Blood Wards will be erected around your home, and will continue to remain strong as long as the boy calls your domicile home.
Kindest Regards,
Albus P. Dumbledore
Attached was Harry's birth certificate, as well as an adoption application and a prelabelled envelope addressed to the Ministry of Magic. Another wizard! His mother would be so excited. He looked up from the papers to see that Morticia now held Wednesday in her arms.
"Oh, I missed it!" he exclaimed. Morticia gave a low chuckle, holding a hand out to beckon her husband. Gomez moved to her side, peering at his daughter. She had pale skin like her mother, and the smallest tuft of black hair. "Positively horrifying." He said with affection.
"Please call your mother in to take care of me, I am too weak to cast the spells myself." Gomez kissed his wife's hand.
"Of course, my love." Once he was out in the hall, he couldn't help but smile wider. And then, if possible, it grew even wider as a prank sprung to mind. "Mother! Come quickly," he called out. "Morticia has just birthed twins!"
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Pugsley and Harry rushed around the foyer, Wednesday furiously crawling after them. Lurch was seated in the middle of the room, allowing the children to use him as a jungle gym. Harry babbled nonsense to his slightly younger brother, and the strawberry blond screeched back. A disembodied hand was attempting to sneak past the group, but Harry immediately saw it.
"TING!" he shouted, running after the hand. Thing scurried as fast as his fingers would allow him, but found his exit blocked by Pugsley's foot. He quickly changed directions, only to fall trap to Wednesday, who gleefully bit down on him to sooth her aching teeth. Harry gave Wednesday a pat on her head and the little girl gave him an unpleased growl, turning away. The older boy laughed at this. "Puggy, play seek?" he asked his brother. Pugsley nodded, his chubby cheeks jiggling. "One! Two! Six! Sefen!" Harry shouted, covering his eyes.
Pugsley looked around and quickly toddled to a nearby coffin. He huffed as he struggled to get his fat little body over the edge of it. The lid closed with a small thunk, and Wednesday got a sparkle in her eye. She released Thing, who spun in a circle on his middle finger before 'fainting'. She crawled to the coffin and patted it roughly.
"Sit." She said, motioning to Lurch. The butler smiled, and did as the little girl commanded. He loved Wednesday with all his heart, and he admitted he spoiled her more than her brothers. The wood creaked under his weight. Harry had decided that he had counted enough and uncovered his face, squinting as he looked around. Lurch made a note of this, thinking maybe the boy needed glasses.
"What are you doing Harry? Looking for your pig-brother?" Grandmama asked as she entered the foyer. Harry nodded quickly.
"Don know?" he said with a shrug. Grandmama pretended to think about it, playing with the mole on her face. Having Harry with them had tempered her blunt and rude manner, but only a bit. The boy was so naturally warm and loving, much like Gomez.
"Maybe the garbage can, looking for scraps." She suggested. Before little Harry could rush to the kitchen there was a knock at their door. "I'll get it, don't bother yourself Lurch." The old witch strode to the front door, opening it.
"IT!" Harry squealed in joy, seeing the pile of hair that had walked in. Cousin Itt tipped his bowler hat with a white gloved hand. He spouted gibberish.
"Everything is almost set up," Grandmama answered. Harry had reached Cousin Itt, and grabbed a hand full of hair, yanking. Itt gave a yelp, making Harry laugh. He held up his fist to show he had turned the hair in his hand blue. He put the patch of hair on top of his head. A bell rang through the house, and Lurch stood, scooping Wednesday up. He lifted the lid and tossed Pugsley onto his shoulder. He held out his hand to Harry. Harry took it without question. Lurch was a part of their family and he trusted the butler with his life.
"You rang?" Lurch asked as they arrived in the dining room. Morticia, held her hands out for her children. She strapped each of them into their highchairs. Harry's was an acid green, the same color as the Killing Curse. Morticia thought it complimented his black hair and emerald eyes. Not to mention the morbidity of it. Her son…able to deflect the Killing Curse with Dark Magic. She ran her nails through his hair and he smiled at her. Gomez and Uncle Fester entered, carrying a giant cake.
"Can't believe the shops here!" Gomez exclaimed. "A bit early for Halloween she says. I tell her its for Harry's birthday and she tries to sell me some cake with trucks on it, and not even Monster trucks." The cake they had special ordered easily covered their whole table, and had grey frosting with tiny spiders all over it.
"Cake!" Harry chanted, him and Pugsley slapping their hands against their trays. Even Thing was enthusiastically jumping up and down to add to the noise.
"Sush, or I'll spell your mouth shut." Grandmama warned. Harry quickly covered his mouth, but there was a grin behind his fingers. They did not sing Happy Birthday, as it was a terribly dreadful song. Instead Morticia placed a kiss on Harry's head before giving him a piece of cake. Lurch served the others, quickly and efficiently.
Morticia moved back to watch her family. Albus Dumbledore never came to check on Harry. Did he even know that the Addams had the boy? What if she hadn't taken Harry that day? What fate awaited at number 4? Her sharp black nails clenched at her arm. She needn't worry. If those disgusting people ever laid a hand on her son, the police would never find their bodies.
Harry giggled with glee as Fester lit up lightbulbs in his mouth for his amusement. Wednesday took her cake and lobbed it, hitting Fester straight in the eye. A corner of Morticia's lip curled with humor. Harry's hair began to move as if he were in a breeze, his small hand pointed towards the cake. It lifted up, and moved over Fester. With a crash it doused the man, knocking him to the floor. Fester gave a blaring laugh as he jumped back up, covered in cake. Morticia and Grandmama shared a look.
Harry would be powerful.
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Dudley was in his second year of school, and considered himself King of the playground. He easily outsized the other students, even those in their fourth year. There was a disturbance near the slides and teachers began to rush over. Dudley was curious and he stood on top of the jungle gym to watch.
"Harry Addams!" one of the teachers scolded. She tried to pick up a student that Harry had forced to lay on the slide head first. The child didn't budge. From next to the slide Harry frowned, his small juice box in his hand.
"Can I have water?" Harry asked as the teachers tried to pry his victim from the slide. He scoffed at this; they wouldn't be able to unstick him until he said so. "I can't waterboard with juice. Not working." The other child was crying, face turning red. Harry grimaced at this. He wanted screams, not crying. How gross. No one was listening to him however and he rolled his eyes, walking away so the sticking magic would fade off the student.
Dudley told his parents all about the incident once he got home. Petunia Dursley blanched, thinking that a Wizard may be going to a school with her Dudders. She would investigate tomorrow she said to herself, not wanting to alarm her husband and child to the wizarding world.
The next day Petunia stood by the gates of the school, watching her son play. She had instructed him to point to the boy who had gotten in trouble yesterday once he was outside. Dudley's fat finger identified the black haired rugrat that dressed in dark jeans and a black long sleeve. Petunia watched the small boy, and let out a gasp when she finally saw his face. Green eyes were framed by round wire glasses. Lily's eyes were framed by James' face. Her sister was here? She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to follow the hand to its owner. She let out a shrill scream and slapped away the hand that belonged to no one. It landed at the feet of Morticia Addams. Thing crawled up the gothic woman's leg and into her waiting palm.
"Why are you watching my son, Petunia?" the Addams mother asked.
"Your son! That's my nephew!" she shouted, chills running down her spine. "A-and how do you know my name?"
"Have you come to take him from me, Petunia?" As much as she hated saying the name, seeing the horse like woman bothered by it was worth it.
"Where's my sister?" Petunia demanded.
"Dead. Harry was left on your doorstep by some of our kind. So, I took him. If you plan to remove him from us, you will not only contend with me, but the whole of the Addams family." Petunia couldn't hold the look of disgust that curled her lips at the mention of the Addams family.
"I don't want the little freak! Just keep him away from my son." Morticia gave a nod and left Petunia to her thoughts. She gripped the gate tightly.
Her sister was dead?
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"That's right Harry! Now you're getting it!" Gomez shouted as he watched his son evade the living vines around their house. The boy was quick, and had a keen eye, perfect traits for some mischief. A small foot came out of nowhere, sending Harry sprawling to the ground, the vines wrapping around him in seconds. Wednesday stepped out from behind the fountain with a sadistic grin.
"Ugh! I should amputate that meddling foot of yours!" Harry complained as he fought with the vines. The thorns were cutting up his skin. He knew his body would heal him, but he still felt the pain, not like the rest of the Addams whom seemed immune to such things. A sword struck the ground next to his head, the vines retreating in worry. "Thanks, Pugsley." Harry gripped the sword next to him and rolled to the side, his brother's sword striking the earth where he had been.
"Anytime Harry." His brother replied, swiping at the raven-haired boy. Swords clanged together loudly as each tried to get a hit on the other. Gomez was involved in his own fencing match with Wednesday, the girl giving him a run for his money.
"Look out below!" Uncle Fester shouted. The four on the ground looked up to see a large bag of something coming at them. They dove behind the nearest object, the bag hitting the ground with a splat, goo exploding out everywhere. Fester's laugh could be heard throughout the neighborhood.
Morticia watched all this with hooded eyes from her bedroom window. Harry would be turning eleven in a few days. No doubt they would come for him. She however would not be making it easy. She raised her arm to pull the noose by her head.
"You rang?" Lurch asked.
"Double check the traps we have set at the entrance, and add a few more to the foyer and sitting room." She demanded, her eyes not leaving Harry. Lurch nodded, and started to think of the more heinous traps they owned. "Oh, and skip Kitty's meal on the morning of Harry's birthday. Just in case."
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"Albus!" Minerva called out as she rushed into his office with a letter held tightly in her hands. The Headmaster emerged from the back room, blue eyes twinkling.
"Yes?" He noticed the ruffled owl perched on her shoulder.
"Two owls have come back from attempting to deliver Harry Potter's letter, and now all are refusing to go." The owl screeched in indignation. "Also look at the address." Albus took the offered envelope.
Harry James Vladimir Addams-Potter
The Viper Room, 13 Privet Drive
Little Whinging, England
"Thirteen? No, no, it should be number four." He muttered. Perhaps he made a mistake by never checking on the boy. They would have to remedy that immediately. "Let us go ourselves. Hopefully we do not intrude on any birthday celebrations." He said with a laugh.
It was utter chaos. The neighborhood kids ran screaming from the tall, dark house before Albus. There framed in the doorway was Harry Potter, blowtorch in hand.
"Oh, come on! It's just a small brand!" he called out to the fleeing kids. He frowned when none returned. He spun on heel, slamming the door. Albus and Minerva shared a glance before heading to the front door. Minerva barely avoided a swinging log to the head by shifting into a cat. Albus pulled his wand and cast a detection spell. The whole of the front porch began to glow. The front door opened, a large man taking up the whole frame.
"Ah, hello there. We are looking for Mr. Potter." Albus said jovially.
"It's Addams." Albus turned to see a young girl behind them, slingshot in hand. Minerva shifted back into a woman to avoid the boy grabbing her by the tail. Pugsley didn't seem phased, pulling out his sword instead. The pair of Hogwarts personnel looked back at the front door, seeing Harry flanked by his adoptive parents. Gomez' pencil thin mustache was twitching in amusement. What funny colors the two wore.
"Did you order these clowns for my birthday? Do I get to torture them?" Harry asked hopefully, looking up at Morticia with adoration. It would have been sweet, if not for the whole torture thing.
"Wednesday, Pugsley, let our guests enter." The two children let their weapons fall to their sides with displeased looks. Minerva shifted back into a cat, expertly avoiding all the traps and landing at Harry feet. She hissed at him when he tried to step on her tail. Morticia and Gomez led their son inside, knowing their other two children would use an unarmed entrance. Albus was dumbfounded. He looked down the street, to where he knew number 4 sat. Lurch stepped onto the porch, being hit with a variety of traps but not flinching. His dead eyed stare was unnerving. Albus shook off the unease and stepped into the home swiftly. His foot landed in a muck puddle, of which he had to surrender his shoe to in order to escape. Minerva stood near Harry, denying his offer of a seat. Albus thought it wise. He would not be touching anything in this cursed household.
"Tea?" An elderly woman asked, holding out a tray.
"Would I be wrong to assume it would not sit well with me?" Albus inquired with a raised eyebrow.
"Don't think poison agrees with anyone." She shot back, cackling. Minerva looked as if she would rather be anywhere else.
"We have come to deliver Harry his invitation of Hogwarts." Albus announced, pulling the letter from his robes. He held it out to the boy, who took it wordlessly. "We are a magical boarding school in session from September to May. There Harry can harness his powers, make friends, integrate into wizarding society, and the like."
"I don't wanna go to some stuffy boarding school, Mum. Why can't I just learn at home like you and Grandmama did." Harry whined. He could imagine it now. Bright florescent lights, white floors, preppy uniforms. Disgusting. Albus blinked in surprise. Morticia smiled at this, pulling her son to her side.
"Yes, why would my son be taught by strangers?" Harry ripped open the letter, seeing if there was anyway he would enjoy the school.
"Well, I'm sure you've realized Harry is very powerful." Albus started. Morticia's eyes lit up at this.
"Oh, yes. He stopped the Killing Curse with Dark Magic. I wish I had more time to devote to the Dark Arts." She sighed wistfully.
"They teach Defense Against the Dark Arts." Harry muttered, reading the class list. Morticia's look soured at the proclamation. "Potions, Transfiguration, Herbology…" he listed off. Grandmama could admit those classes could be useful to a boy like Harry.
"Uh, yes well, Harry has a very important role to follow. You see he defeated Voldemort, but his followers are still out there." Albus continued.
"Followers?" Gomez inquired.
"Death Eaters. Voldemort believed in blood purity. He wished to eradicate all those who were of mixed or Muggle blood. It was his goal to control the Wizarding world."
"Not a terrible goal, but eradicating based on blood purity. It has been done already and failed!" Morticia said with a laugh. "I'm sure Harry would do a much better job." Harry grinned at her. "But, school first, yes my little bat?"
"It says here the boy can bring a housecat." Grandmama said, jabbing her finger to the parchment.
"Kitty!" Harry called out. Minerva felt sorry for whatever cat had to live with these sadistic children. A roar echoed through the foyer. "Kitty, come here." Harry said, beckoning the lion.
"No, absolutely not. That is NOT a housecat." Minerva argued, reaching the end of her wits with the strange family.
"It's a cat and it lives in the house." Gomez replied, attempting to pet Kitty, whom snapped at his hand. Harry buried his face in the mane, silently cursing under his breath. Minerva's glare was withering. "Fine. We will keep Kitty."
"How will our son contact us if he does go to your school?" Morticia asked.
"Students can send letters home with owls, as electronics do not work at Hogwarts." Harry perked up at this. No electricity? That meant no garishly bright lights. "However, owls seemed to have had trouble reaching your home."
"I was shooting at them. I will refrain if its from my brother." Wednesday said, causing Minerva to jump in surprise. Where had the girl come from. There was a shout from above as Pugsley was shot out of a chute on the second floor, sailing over the balcony. He hit the floor with a thud, making Harry and Grandmama crack up.
"What do you think Harry? Hogwarts?" Gomez asked gently, kneeling to his eye level. Morticia did the same. Harry chewed his lip, uncertain. Both his siblings placed a hand on him. He looked between them, then over to where Grandmama stood next to Lurch. Uncle Fester was ringing his hands nervously.
Love.
It ran through the home deeply, and Albus' worries about Harry's role diminished. Sure, the Addams were a little kooky, but which wizarding household wasn't? Would Harry have felt this way about the Dursley's? Minerva had said they were the worst kind of Muggles.
"Okay, I'll go." Uncle Fester wailed and rushed to the group, hugging them all. Harry was his favorite, and he was going to miss the boy. Albus handed the train ticket to Harry once he was released.
"We will see you September 1st."
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Having followed the instructions in the letter, Harry, his parents and Grandmama had gone to Diagon Alley. Several times Grandmama had complained about the materials needed, saying she had much better stuff at home. None had dared approach them, and they even had had time to step into Knockturn Alley for some fun.
Now, however, the entire household was standing at King's Cross Station in London, looking down at the ticket in Harry's hand.
"Platform 9 ¾?" Harry asked. He looked at the pillar between 9 and 10.
"Come on kids, let's go, no lollygagging." A woman's voice rang out as she shepherded her redhead children towards said pillar. Harry watched in amazement as they simply began to disappear into the pillar.
"Woah." he said. He looked up at his family. "You'll come through with me, right?" Morticia smiled at her son, holding the umbrella away from her face so he could see.
"Of course. Let us go." She strode to the wall, Gomez on her heels, offering his arm. Wednesday and Pugsley's hands slipped into either of his, but they both refused to look at him. In all honestly, they were a bit scared for their big brother. The Addams stuck together, it was how they survived and lived their spooky lives in peace. How would Harry fare so far away? The children went through the pillar, Fester and Grandmama following. Lurch came in the rear, pushing Harry's items on a cart. He had to stoop in order to avoid the red sign announcing platform 9.
"Amazing!" Gomez was gushing at the sight of the Hogwarts Express. He was now planning to make a replica to add to his collection of toy trains. The Addams were garnering whispers and hurried glances from the other families. Morticia let her umbrella rest on her shoulder. For ten years she had raised Harry. He did the Addams family proud. It was time for him to take the Wizarding World by storm. Lurch helped Harry load his stuff onto the train, seating him with a boy that looked ready to sick up, a toad in his hands. Harry watched them from the window, as many other students were doing.
"And don't forget to give a counterclockwise turn right at the end." Grandmama could be heard saying over the noise.
"Just write me a letter anytime, Harry. I will send the best explosives in a heartbeat." Fester added sometime later.
"If you don't write us, we'll set your room on fire." Wednesday threatened, he and Pugsley standing shoulder to shoulder. Harry grinned at this. His parents stood slightly behind the rest, the picture of ease and grace. He would miss them. The train whistled signaling it was to depart in a minute.
"Do us proud son!" Gomez shouted as it began to chug along, waving. Harry waved back, pulling his head into the train. He sat down with a frown, already missing his home. And then he heard it.
A knocking from inside his trunk.