With a bright red face and (still) wide eyes, Bella unknowingly let her covers drop once more while they just stared at each other. Had her scars frightened him? Was he upset with her? He'd said he wasn't, but that meant nothing.

"... Mr. Gladstone?" she asked in a murmur before beginning to nibble on her lip. "I know they're hideous, but you don't have to be scared of me. I- I'm still Bella. Miss Scrimgeour."

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