When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 87

My Enemy's Approach

"I don't think you'll get it to fade much more," Reg murmured as he inspected Nancy's latest scar.

She had been clipped with a searing curse leaving a burn across the back of her shoulder, an angry purple mark where the skin had bubbled. It was no longer so, but the tarnished flesh was still thick and puckered.

The woman released a deep sigh.

"Is it bad?"

Reg shook his head.

"Why does it matter?" he asked curiously.

"You're a pureblood, Reg," Nancy huffed. "It's been difficult enough for my father to find a husband for me. He only agreed to let me become an auror to shield him from that shame."

Reg frowned in confusion.

"Why would it be so hard to find you a husband?"

Nancy pulled her robes up to cover her shoulder before turning to face him, her almost silvery eyes laced with sadness.

"Look at me," she snorted humourlessly. "I'm over six feet tall, and come from a poor, pureblood family. Even in America I'm not considered a prize bride. There's nothing to be gained from a marriage to me."

"That's ridiculous," Reg chuckled.

Nancy raised an eyebrow at him.

"Add this into the mix," she continued, pointing to the prominent scar protruding from her hairline, "and the fact that my family supported Grindelwald whilst he was there, and you have the definition of an outcast."

"Your family supported him?" Reg asked, surprised by the revelation.

"At first," Nancy confirmed. "He promised he would restore the wealth that had been stolen from us by another family, and my father fell for it. When he was captured, everyone knew we had championed him. I had to jump through so many hoops just to be accepted into the auror academy."

Reg leaned back in his chair as he observed the woman.

"Well, I certainly didn't expect that," he mused aloud.

Nancy offered him a sad smile.

"It wasn't until I got older that I realised how stupid my father had been," she sighed. "I don't support him now."

Reg held up his hands to placate her.

"My family doesn't have the best reputation, but it is my brother that has to deal with that. I'm just a second son who has to endure the grimaces from others whenever my name is mentioned."

Nancy frowned at him questioningly, and Reg deflated.

"Only a few generations ago, my family was found to be involved in some very unsavoury business ventures. Our reputation hasn't recovered, especially since we still live off the proceeds. My father cares more for his life of luxury than he does about our reputation, and my brother is the same."

"But not you?"

Reg chuckled as he shook his head.

"Being out here and experiencing what I have, I'd sooner have nothing and live a simple, peaceful life. When it is all over, I plan to join the aurors, and finding a small home for myself. As long as it has walls, a ceiling, and I have food in my belly, that will be my luxury."