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Title: Purity of Body
Characters: Draco
Rating: PG
Word count: 208
Created with: Painter X
Warnings: Eating disorder triggers
Summary: Ancestral tradition dictates purity of blood, purity of body and purity of mind, and only by eating the most flawless, untainted food is the boon bestowed: undiluted magic.
Notes: For [livejournal.com profile] hp_mhealthfest 2009, original entry here. The issue is orthorexia nervosa. Thank you, [livejournal.com profile] marguerite_26, for giving me such wonderful support and advice whilst working on this. Special thanks to [livejournal.com profile] cassie_black12, as well. Additional notes below.

Additional notes: The drabble was actually written as a last minute thing, and I'm ecstatic from the response it's received (imagine how chuffed I was when someone said the art wasn't needed!). I started with this idea and had a rather abstract vision for the artwork. After finishing it, I then knew I couldn't just explain my thoughts behind the art, as the impact simply wouldn't be there. I had to write it.

It was a challenge to take on an issue like this and present it just how I wanted to and how I felt I needed to, both in art and in writing. But of course, I like a challenge! :)



Purity of Body

The knife slices the flesh directly down in a straight line. Juice spills onto the plate, and the pungent aroma reaches Draco’s nose. His hand shakes. He shuts his eyes and breathes, trying to control the trembling.

The room pivots when he opens his eyes. He blinks rapidly and focuses on his task. One centimetre to the left, he cuts again. Ten more to go. On the third, he stops once more; he can’t hold the blade steady.

Draco has twelve slivers. Clockwise, he arranges them on the plate. A scant gap separates each so none are touching.

One slips; he begins again.

The plate is full and precisely centered on the table, and a goblet of water sits to its right. There is no silverware.

He lowers himself into the chair, spine rigid.

Grasping a piece, he brings it to his mouth, presses the cold surface flush against his lips. He inhales, and it’s sour yet saccharine. Saliva gathers on his tongue.

This sacred ritual is one he performs daily. Ancestral tradition dictates purity of blood, purity of body and purity of mind. Only by eating the most flawless, untainted food is the boon bestowed: undiluted magic.

Draco sinks his teeth into the apple. Strength consumed, power granted.


(no subject)

Date: 2009-12-12 04:11 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fireflavored.livejournal.com
It's amazing to me that you managed to make this so beautiful and so horrible at the same time. My favorite thing is the slightly dehydrated look of the apples and the barren branches, mirroring the wasting body. Also, the background color is gorgeous ♥

(no subject)

Date: 2009-12-13 10:24 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] pink-mint.livejournal.com
Thank you so much, sweetie. I really couldn't only do the horror, there had to be depth, something more tangible, so I'm so pleased to hear I managed it. Draco and the tree are a pair, aren't they? And I'm glad you like the background color as well; that was fun to do! ♥

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