Her face was not her own, a pudgy cheeked dumpy looking creature with dull brown hair and watery blue eyes. The clothing had been taken from the house servant laundry, a plain black skirt, and white blouse. Even though it had been 4 years since last she had seen Peter, he would most likely recognise 'her'. The last time they had seen each other she had been 16, home from Mandira for the summer holidays - the year after Mister Dantés had died. In the process of passing her care from the school to the house keepers, governess and extensive household staff who would watch over her until she finished her education. Ramdas had been the main stalwart care provider, intelligent and loyal he had been the obvious choice. Adrestia, at that time, still maintained the gangly long limbedness of childhood, hovering around the edges of her appearance – all of which were gone now that she was fully blossomed into womanhood.

Her plan had been to slip into Peters home and pretend to fall asleep on the sofa – playing the part of the indolent maid servant caught dozing by her employer - a little joke to let him know that she had arrived safe and well. It was very possible that he had already knew Adrestia had arrived. It was possible that Ramdas had sent him a patronus to him to the moment they set foot in England. When she had slipped into his study she had found a file with her name on it – the investments and business that Peter managed on her behalf.

Dropping into the masters chair behind the deak, she had lost herself in reading through them. She knew he had done well – ‘wisely and prudently’ are what Mister Dantés had always said of Mister Salvages investments on her behalf, but it seemed he had been under selling her fathers proteges skills. She smiled reading them, he truly had made mountains out of molehills in terms of the returns on those investments. Between the money that her fathers investments in Peters business and the money Mister Dantés left her, much of which had been given to Peter to mange her finances were well and truly secured.

Her ‘lazy maid’ plan was all but forgotten when she heard the door click open. She didn’t look up but wished she could see his face- the dumpy house maid helping herself to her master’s papers.

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@'Acacia ruskin'

  

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MJ did things

While Peter had not stopped visiting India when he had become guardian of the debutante, the visits with her personally had been cut off has he tried to give her the space that he hoped would help her heal. Check ins with the household staff that cared for her in the mean time had not stopped at all. Making sure she was being cared for properly, that her education was going well. A quite figure in the background. But now was the time to hover. This was dangerous waters that she was jumping into, with sharks and urchins alike. She might be cunning in her own right, but was she ready for this?

News of her arrival had been quick, and Peter was quick to make his preparations. A party was to be organized for her debut into British society. India was one thing, but she needed to make her connections. While he hadn't seen her in person in quite some time, letters had been exchanged here and there regarding her goals and what would certainly transpire upon her arrival.

Business was something that Peter was good at. Very good at. Knowing when to strike and when to be in the shadows. Working the angles that would lead to the smartest decisions possible. The Hogwarts incident was a mistake he would never allow himself to repeat again.

Seeing a face he didn't recognize sitting at his desk made him tense, especially when realizing what the woman was looking at. "You shouldn't be looking through those." It had never really occurred to him that his ward would choose to sneak into his office and look through his files, and he was very protective of those he was loyal to. A stunning spell was soon to come if answers didn't.

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Magic by MJ

Come Play Out a Story of Revenge

She didn't stop looking through the papers - but when she reached the last one, she closed the file and pocketed it.  Before standing up from behind the desk and moving around to the front.  While she looked like a dumpy little creature she still moved like herself, a slinking that didn't seem to suit the rather plain faced creature in front of him.  'I shouldn't be - but I am' she laughed.  'That is some interesting reading there Mister Salvage.' she moved towards him hitting the file against her free hand. 



'I'm sure your ward would be most interested in all of this' she grinned, her tongue poking out between her teeth. She hadn't really bothered to think about why a maid would know enough about money and investment strategies to understand anything that was in the papers. She continued to move towards him across the thickly carpeted floor of his finely appointed study.

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Peter Salvage

  

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MJ did things

While the face was not familiar, that walk surely was. It did not take him very long to put two and two together. A person did not walk like that as a servant, and the only meta he knew was his ward. This was impressive, really. Most metas had the concentration of their hair changing, or their eyes. But to be able to focus on their face so easily? To be able to focus on other things. It was not a common sight, no matter the age.

"I'm sure she would be. However, sneaking into my private office with a different face is sure to get her stunned." He said cheekily. Peter was protective of his ward and their secrets. For someone to find out about their plans... for there to be any risk to her did not sit well with him. There was just this instinct for loyalty. One that seemed to stick out aside from the smarts. Probably the only reason he had been sorted into Hufflepuff in the first place. And he knew his ward.

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Magic by MJ

Come Play Out a Story of Revenge

She could tell the instant she had been rumbled, the shift in the intensity of his eyes just before he spoke, and just as she drew level with him. ’If she let you stun her, she would deserve it’ she burst out laughing and slapped the file against his chest. Levity did not come easily to Adrestia, harder and harder in fact as the years had passed since Mister Dantés’ death, since she had learned the truth and the seriousness, she wore like armour had hardened around her. But the light moments with one of the few people she could trust were precious.

She remained very much in his personal space, and allowed her own face to return, the brown hair lightening to her blonde, and her bone structure becoming finer, the watery blue eyes turning grey. ’Is that better?’ she asked her tone defiant and cheeky

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Peter Salvage

  

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MJ did things

A smirk flashed on his face the moment she made that comment. It was good to see her laugh. To see her actually having a bit of fun. Though she really should be careful not to accidentally get stunned. That would be unfortunate indeed. Not that he was one to lecture. Instead he snickered and shook his head a little at this little joke of hers.

"Much." He commented. She had always been a beautiful young woman. Even as a child, she had been pretty. But seeing her at the age of twenty was a very different thing. "I still don't know why you insist on staying at the other London home." He continued, as he didn't see it as practical. Then again, he never had been the practical sort.

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Magic by MJ

Come Play Out a Story of Revenge

She quirked her head in recognition of the compliment and feigned a coquiettish flutter.  For her, her appearance was a practical asset, like her money and her house, it served a purpose to get her closer to the people who she needed access to.  She wasn't vain, if presenting as the dour little maid would get her what she needed she would do it - the fact that those people had a son of just the right age meant that her appearance, and her fortune were her best hope of accessing those circles. 

As he pressed the issue of her staying in the other house again she turned serious.  'I need space to do this, space that is mine' she explained 'When I'm introduced to the Princling I need to be able to present as a friendless orphan, an heiress ripe for picking- and everyone knows a seduction is better done in private.'  They were still standing close on the study floor, 'besides' she added her face softening a little ''if it goes wrong you need to have deniability, she explained, but the softness was buried as quickly as it surfaced, there were few people in this world she still cared about.  And while Peter wouldnt be allowed to stand in her way, she wouldnt purposefully endanger him either.  'You need to be able to say you didn't know' she gave his elbow a comforting squeeze, before dropping her hands again.

She let out a sigh, 'would a night or two a week here make you feel better?' she asked, prepared to make some concessions for the sake of his peace of mind.  'I could spend the night at least?' she asked, standing like this made their height difference noticeable, he  was a towering man next to her. 

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Peter Salvage

  

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MJ did things

It was a brilliant plan. No one would suspect a debutante, not in their society where women were seen as the weaker of the masses. A maid would be more suspect anyway. Getting even closer to the family meant getting close. Which is exactly what they planned for her. Despite the fact that if Peter had his way, she would have never left India, for her own good. But he also respected her decision. Knew that she would never forgive him of that. So he kept his eye on her, rather than having her sneak onto British soil and try to do these things without him.

Her logic made sense, though it was odd for a society woman to live on her own. But there never seemed to be any way to talk her out of something. She had always been a stubborn one. "You do have a talent for getting your way." He commented. Again, if he had his way, she would at least live with his mother and sister. Have someone to be her more proper chaperone than the household staff. But trying to argue Adrestia was like trying to argue with smoke.

"It might." At least to make sure she was OK. They would have to be careful, make sure her comings and goings were not too noticeable.

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Magic by MJ

Come Play Out a Story of Revenge

At his comment about getting her way she smiled and quirked her eyebrows.  Although she smiled often, very few of Adrestia’s smiles every really made it to her eyes.  A smile was a debutantes greatest weapon, it drew you in and held you at distance all in the same breath.  For although she smiled, flirted, and complimented with great ease, never seeming the wall flower, none of it made it past the corners of her mouth.  In unguarded moments, and there were few, even with Peter and Ramdas, the sea grey of her eyes became steel and the warm softness of her expression was an implacable mask – a poker face to shame the rakes of Monté Carlo. 

Even so she nodded at him, flashing another brilliant smile, ’Then it’s setteled’ she said with an air of finality, ’I can spend a night or two a week with you and the rest of the week at my own address. I can fluu in and out and only the house mice will see me.’  She moved away from him towards the sofa and realised she was still wearing the maids drab clothing.  She was no expert in transfiguration, other types of spells had always been much more her forte.  Peter’s abilities had always far outstripped her own.  Adrestia raised her hands to her sides, indicating that his help would be appreciated in rectifying her clothing.  It was minor magic for a man as talented as him. 

She took a seat on the chaise that occupied his study, ’Would you mind, since you are so keen that I be myself with you.’ She made herself comfortable, ’It’s been rather a long time since we’ve seen each other Mister Salvage’ she added.  'To properly talk?' there was a hint of softness in his last remark cockiness replaced with the desire to reconnect with a friend.

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Peter Salvage

  

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MJ did things

They were both talented individuals in their own right. She had never ceased to find ways to be impressive, even by his standards. Putting things to her advantage as she did. Thinking up ways to get what she wanted. In a way, he was proud. If only she could have reason to be more trusting. He understood why she couldn't but it still hurt to see her mask, even if she wasn't wearing a different face.

With all thoughts elsewhere, he hadn't really paid much mind to her clothes until she did. "I'll change it for you now, but you must work on that type of spell work for yourself. In a more difficult situation, you will need a quick change of appearance for more than just your face." He advised before getting to work on some quick transfiguration.

"It has been quite a while. I wanted to give you your space." He knew that she wanted to be alone at times, and with everything that happened - and everything he told her - he also knew that she would more likely need time alone.

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Magic by MJ

Come Play Out a Story of Revenge

The dress changed into a tastefully cut blue gown, elegant and understated. She nodded her approval, but retrieving her wand from the pocket she changed the garment to red, much more her colour. 'You know my talents lie elsewhere' she quipped. She could transfigure the garments herself but why not let him show off- he was no stranger to that after all. Flashy at always been his way.

'I appreciated that, but it's funny how space seemed to be the exact same size, shape, breadth and depth as you.' she remarked, she had missed him, the last connection she had to the life before. She didn't want to push him away, but some distance would be needed between them, a public coolness to fuel the facade, so she might as well take this time to reconnect with him. 'but I'm here now, how have you been?'. She gestured to the sofa beside her.

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MJ did things

It truly was. To spark wonder and curiosity. Knowing that he was the most impressive in the room sent a thrill through him. Not many had his flair and charisma.

For their plan to work, they did have a need to be seen as distant. The reluctant guardian, he was sure he would be seen as. Determined to find a husband to take her off his hands. It wasn't how he felt, and he did hope she knew that. The letters had been frequent.

Sitting beside her, he was glad for this time. To have this pleasant familiarity before they must face the world. "I have been fine. Mother still looks at me like a criminal, but I've grown used to it. At least she behaves kindly while among society."

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Magic by MJ

Come Play Out a Story of Revenge

Her eyes narrowed when he mentioned his mothers disdain, but Adrestia tried hard to bite her tongue. It irked her immensely that his family didn’t appreciate what they had in him. His one mistake in boyhood shouldn’t still haunt him as an adult. Her father had seen the talent in the boy, and Adrestia at least could see the value in the man – more than just to the execution of her plan. There were a dozen things she could say, things she could snap out about his family, specifically his mother, but she angrily bit the inside of her mouth, her lip set in a hard line.

She settled for drawing her legs up onto the sofa, and extending a hand to rest indolently on his shoulder. Her head resting on her own shoulder, as though if she had been closer she might have laid it on his in a half hug. It was a small gesture, hardly an outpouring of emotion, but as much as she could manage, as much as she allowed herself, but it was meant to convey that she was team Peter, and that his mothers disdain was misplaced.

’I’m glad she appreciates the society you’ve elevated her to’ she noted – it was tactful, but barbed, it was the least she could do to control herself in public, since if it wasn’t for Peters talents she wouldn’t have access to the lifestyle she now did. The hypocrisy just about gagged her.

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MJ did things

Deep down, Peter knew it was more than that. The woman blamed him. Blamed him for the heart attack. For his father's last, stressful, days. In some way, Peter blamed himself to. Enough not to send his mother to an isolated estate to leave him in peace. Or for him to leave English society and move to India. But that was also due to Adrestia's plan. There were things Peter did share, but this was not one of them. He didn't like to think about it. Perhaps when this was over, he'd run off for America, or China. Somewhere that Britain could care less about.

Adrestia's show of sympathy was comforting. More so than if someone else had made these moves of comfort. Because he knew this was the best she could manage. Knew her well enough that he wasn't offended by the distance. Concerned, yes. But never offended. Perhaps if she yelled at him, but that was something else entirely. He flashed a grateful smile in response.

"She tries not to be too cold, though it's obvious she's trying when we're at home. I hate how it affects Casey." Casey, at least, didn't blame Peter. Though the girl always seemed like a poor little deer in front of a carriage when she was in a room with Peter and mother. He assumed that she never married because she was scared to leave the two alone together.

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Magic by MJ

Come Play Out a Story of Revenge

There were sins one could control, and should atone for, there were other sins that were quirks of fate – a cosmic joke- to crib a line from Shakespeare –‘We are fortunes fools’. His family blamed Peter, but the same path that ‘caused’ the thing they blamed him for, was also the path that led to his success, that provided the lifestyle that they now enjoyed. She would and should, in her view – get over it. He wasn’t to blame, a blind man could see that.

Adrestia didn’t think about life after this she had money and status enough to be comfortable, she still had the home in India in which she had grown up, but so far she had lived for this plan, she wasn’t sure how she would be able to live without it.

Returning to the topic they had discussed before, her brow furrowed, ’Will my being here make it better or worse with them?’ she pressed, his mother could take it one of two ways – a marriable ward here to smooth over his rough edges, or a pretty distraction that could exacerbate the behaviours his family already disdained. ’Your plate is full enough without my plans, if you need to put more distance between us?’ she offered and examined the lapel of his jacket, where her hand fell with great interest. ’We can engineer some falling out and you can step away?’

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MJ did things

Grief did interesting things to people. At this point in Peter's life, he didn't bother questioning it. How would picking everything apart and trying to rearrange it all help? His mother was always going to hate him, it seemed. He didn't see much point in dwelling over it.

This was one thing that made Peter worry about Adrestia. A lack of direction. So focused on the terrible things that had happened in her past. Yes, even peter was frustrated and angry by what happened. But was this all worth it?

"And leave you alone to deal with all of this yourself? Not a chance." He stated firmly. His mother would just have to live with it. He was the head of the house, and his mother needn't know more than that. "Besides, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I wasn't there and something were to happen." Shaking his head softly as he thought of it. These people. What would they do?

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Magic by MJ

Come Play Out a Story of Revenge