Cicatrices- Marks That Remain

The Door

A/N: Happy Sunday, Folks! And here is today's chapter!

Thanks to a fellow author over on another platform (who I won't name here just in case), I have found a resource for learning about OCD from a firsthand perspective! I will be using the information that I learn to better my depiction of Draco's OCD in my story. One thing to note: OCD can look very different for many people, and the type that is occurring with Draco is less common than most, and is being written by somebody (me) with no firsthand experience, who is trying to combat that by learning as much as I can.

Let it also be noted (for those who may not know a lot about OCD): Draco's habit of cleaning and baking is not part of his developing OCD (At least, for now). Those remain poorly utilized coping mechanisms for Draco. However, Draco's fixation on securing his house by locking the door is part of his OCD.

If anybody has any information that they would like to share with me for the purposes of better understanding and representation, I am open to hearing what you have to offer.

With that being said, let me know what y'all think! And, as always...

Enjoy!

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The next morning, Draco did his best to keep his composure around Potter, but his thoughts the night prior were still swimming around his head, almost maliciously.

He found himself nervous to leave the house again, pressing the wrinkles on his shirt too many times in order to stall, brushing and re-brushing his hair, and taking a longer shower than usual.

Potter looked like he wanted to say something when Draco insisted he close the front door himself and then began his locking ritual. Draco tried his best to pretend he didn't notice it.

They got to church on time today, and Draco was happy to have his usual seat open to him, unlike last time, when he arrived late. He tensed only briefly and slightly when Potter slid into the seat beside him, inadvertently ending up in the same spot Astoria used to sit in. Draco distracted himself by taking the bible from the book rack attached to the pew bench in front of him and opening it to a random page.

The church was abuzz with talk, and Draco was trying his best to pay attention to what the book said, but he could feel Potter's gaze on him. He didn't look up from the bible.

Maybe I should find out today's readings and turn to them in advance-

His thoughts were cut off by the sound of the church's music beginning to echo throughout the room. Draco sighed, feeling the tension pulled from his shoulders with each chord of the organ.

"In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit"

"Amen."

Draco noticed that Potter was participating this time. The faint sound of him speaking with Draco and the rest of the congregation brought him comfort.

"Let us pray"

The room settled, and Draco joined the others in standing. He could see who he now knew to be Hannah Abbot thanks to his previous time here, who was now a soft brunette.

He wondered if Potter would strike up a conversation with her this time as he had last time.

"Heavenly Father, as we gather here on this blessed Sunday morning, As we reflect on your promise of hope and prosperity found in Jeremiah 29:11, open our hearts and minds to your guidance and grace. May this Mass strengthen our faith in your loving plans for each one of us. We ask this through Christ our Lord."

"Amen."

Draco could already feel himself breathing a bit lighter, seeing a bit clearer. He wondered if finding Jesus was what he'd needed all along, for all these years, a simple oath of good faith and some forgiveness. That was all. Just be good, that's all. He closed his eyes.