*Angst ahead*
TW: Self Harm!!
DISCLAIMER: Only read what you’re capable of. Trust me, I’d rather you skipped past this than read it and felt bad. I want you to be safe waaaaaaaaay more than I want likes. I love you guys, stay safe, and talk to me. Will post a link to helplines at the end of this.
The idea that Draco cuts over his mark is relatively common (at least I’ve seen it a lot but I read some angsty crap), cause of the guilt or outside prejudice. I rarely see others reacting to it though and I want to so here we are. I’m bored and in an angsty mood so:
Harry; is the first to notice, sees the scars while initiating something in bed, immediately stops and just hugs Draco, who is confused until he realises his sleeve is up. Draco panics and tries to pull away, Harry lets him retreat from the embrace but stays near him for the next few days until Draco’s ready to talk. Harry doesn’t really understand (he hates his scars and can’t understand why you’d want more) but after talking with Luna realises it’s not really about scars at all. Harry making sure Draco knows he is more than the scar and that he is loved, always, by hiding notes that say “youre worth so much more than you can imagine” and “I already miss you, even if I’m in the next room” and “I don’t know what I’d do without you”. They’re everywhere, in Draco’s office, taped to the fridge, in Draco’s socks. Literally in his socks. Draco doesn’t even pretend to be exasperated by it.
Luna; is the second to find out, Draco tells her out of panic. Later Harry asks her about it. She’s a nurse in a muggle hospital so has seen self harm before and knows what to do. Giving Draco bandages and antiseptic and physically making sure he isn’t in any extra pain. She brings Harry round to the idea that it’s not actually about hurting yourself, it’s a distraction from what else is hurting you. Luna sending Draco tea every other day and giving him sleeping potions, because she knows nights are the worst. Luna not giving advice, but being the literal shoulder that Draco cries on when he’s to insecure to go to Harry. Luna being her crazy wonderful self, being the only distraction Draco needs besides Harry. Luna instinctively knowing when Draco has had a bad day and apparating to his office, under the guise that she needs his advice, just to see if he’s okay.
Ron; Being the only other outside experienced member, with George’s depression giving him experiences to rival Luna’s. Understanding the emotional landslide that coming with self harm, and navigating Draco through his own emotions. Being Harry’s shoulder, when Harry can’t do anything to help and feels useless. Holding up Draco and Harry when they can’t stand on their own two (four) feet. Bringing food from Molly and cleaning the house every so often. Making life as manageable as it possibly can be. Making the arduous task of living a little less daunting. Giving Draco George’s address so he can visit and talk to someone who really gets him. Ron not realising Draco already has a Weasley that really gets him.
George; How to get over your feelings. The shared experiences. Understanding that it’s as much of an addiction as alcohol. The same shame, the same guilt. Helping Draco realise he can move on. Helping Draco realise he can still love and be loved. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be trying. Giving Draco a red marker to draw on himself with. Counting to 500 in the middle of the night. Naming as many animals as they can. Taking Draco to get his mark covered once the scars heal, white and yellow ink forming daisies over the mark. Healing together.
Hermione; Learning concealment charms. Researching healing salve with Luna that minimises the appearance of scars and prevents infection. Finding support groups and fighting tooth and nail for them to accept Draco. Using her position of power in the ministry to speak up on mental illness. Forcing the Auror department to give Draco paid leave. Showing up to take Draco to hospital when everyone else has to work, cause she’s the department head and won’t fire herself. Filing lawsuits against companies that make Draco feel unwanted for his fathers choices.
Pansy; Before the tattoos and the perfect salve formula, Pansy applies foundation to the mark every morning on her way to work. Personally fighting the “slytherin Purebloods dont cry” bigots with her own fists. Bringing over new slytherin green scarves and older blankets from Narcissa so Draco has bits of home. Showing up for slytherin house. Talking to the rest of the Malfoys so Draco doesn’t have to. Forcing them to understand. Dragging the pureblood community into the light.
Teddy; Makes everything better without knowing anything. “Uncle Draco” gets sad sometimes and teddy brings his favourite dragon for Draco to have. Bringing Draco drawings of Draco and Harry taking him to the beach or pushing him on the swings. Reminding Draco of all the people around him that don’t see the mark when they look at him. Picking flowers from the garden and trying to fit as many in Draco’s hair as possible.
Call the numbers below if you need them!! There are people that care about you and want to support you. ❤️
