Chapter 77: 1991
"Russell, you'll protect me too… right?"
Pugsley copied Wednesday's tone and leaned in, only to be stopped by her.
She pointed toward Uncle Fester standing nearby.
"Uncle Fester will protect you."
Was Wednesday being territorial?
Russell watched her retreating figure and fell briefly into thought.
"Of course," Fester said, patting Pugsley on the head.
"So…" Russell sat back down. "When are we going?"
"Mid-August," Gomez replied. "About two weeks. We'll be back in time for Hogwarts to start. Before that, though, we'll need to make some preparations."
Russell agreed. He had preparations of his own to make.
First and foremost: safety.
He wrote in his notebook—within the next month, he needed to gain at least basic mastery of the Shield Charm, enough to block frontal spells.
He also needed to refine the Disillusionment Charm. A failure at a critical moment could be fatal.
And finally—buy a broomstick. When it came to escaping danger, flight meant survival.
When traveling, safety always came first.
---
"Protego."
A paper-thin barrier materialized in front of Russell.
The next instant, a chair hurtled toward him with violent force, smashing into the shield before skimming past his side and exploding against the wall in a spray of splinters.
The barrier shattered.
Russell wasn't dissatisfied.
At his age, mastering the Shield Charm in roughly a month was already an impressive feat.
Blocking at least one spell from an average wizard would not be a problem.
[Shield Charm (Level 2): 79/200]
With a thought, his body shifted, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
The Disillusionment Charm was far more stable than before.
[Disillusionment Charm (Level 2): 47/200]
Still, Russell wasn't sure what leveling up the Disillusionment Charm actually changed.
To him, Level One and Level Two felt nearly identical.
What he did understand, however, was this:
Having a good teacher made an enormous difference.
Compared to self-study, proper guidance accelerated magical growth by leaps and bounds.
Russell had always kept a certain distance from Morgan—partly out of caution, perhaps even fear—and rarely sought her help. But after learning the truth of his origins, he began to study under her in earnest, like a true apprentice.
Some spells hadn't even existed in Morgan's era, yet whenever Russell wrote an incantation into the diary, she was always able to dissect its essence, breaking it down from fundamentals and guiding him step by step. It saved him countless detours.
All that remained now was a broomstick. Before leaving for the Soviet Union, Russell planned to set aside time to visit Diagon Alley with Wednesday and buy everything they needed, so they wouldn't be scrambling at the last minute.
Yes—just yesterday, Wednesday had received her Hogwarts acceptance letter.
As Russell was mentally counting the days, Pugsley's voice drifted in from outside.
"Russell, you've got a letter!"
A letter? Russell frowned and walked out of the practice room, flicking his wand toward the shattered chair in the corner.
"Reparo."
A blue-white glow burst from the tip of his wand, enveloping the broken fragments. The splintered wood pieces lifted into the air, snapping neatly back into place as if guided by invisible hands.
A few soft clicks later, the chair stood whole again—unmarred, even smoother than before.
Whoever invented this spell was a genius, Russell thought. Even if some eccentric old wizard lugging a suitcase full of magical creatures trashed your house, this charm could fix everything.
Come to think of it, he really wanted to meet Newt Scamander someday—Dumbledore's former favorite student. Though after next year, that title would probably belong to Harry instead.
Russell wasn't sure how Newt would feel about that, but he was certain Grindelwald would have opinions.
He opened the letter. It was from Cedric, inviting him over for a visit.
Perfect. A couple of relaxing days at Cedric's place, then they could head to Diagon Alley together.
"You're going out?"
Wednesday's voice came from behind him. She had just finished strapping Pugsley into an electric chair and immediately deduced the situation.
"Yeah. Visiting a classmate for a couple of days," Russell nodded.
"I'm coming too."
She lifted her chin and met his gaze.
"You'll need to ask Uncle Gomez and Aunt Morticia first," Russell said, scratching his head. Wednesday was still young—and a girl. Taking her out alone felt… questionable. Surely her parents wouldn't agree.
"I approve."
Gomez answered without hesitation.
Morticia said nothing. She simply stroked Wednesday's hair, gazing lovingly at Gomez.
Great. The two of them were lost in their own romantic world again.
Russell sighed and made a deal with Wednesday.
"First, you stay by my side at all times—never out of my sight."
"Second, unless absolutely necessary, you don't hurt anyone. Murder included."
"Third, you listen. Can you do that?"
Wednesday sighed and reluctantly nodded.
"We'll be gone a few days. So now—pack your bags, Corporal Wednesday."
"Yes, sir," she replied crisply.
Sometimes, she didn't mind indulging in Russell's childish games—just as he humored her fascination with guillotines and electric chairs.
"Ready? Your luggage—"
Russell stopped mid-sentence.
Right. Of course she had an Undetectable Extension Charm too.
"Let's go. I'll take you on the Knight Bus. It's a rite of passage for every wizard."
Russell had originally planned to use Floo Powder, but when he checked, he discovered the Addams family's supply had expired.
Thirty years ago.
Morticia's explanation made it make sense: they always traveled by car, and every Addams gathering involved driving. Floo Powder was practically useless to them. Their connection to the Floo Network had been shut down ages ago anyway.
"Hey, Stan," Russell greeted the conductor casually as the Knight Bus screeched to a halt. He gave Wednesday's shoulder a gentle pat, signaling her to board first.
---