"Look at my cool tattoo!" or Thoughts on the Dark Mark

[sulky_rhino]

I came across another fic today where Harry sees Snape's/Draco's arm with its Dark Mark and is shocked/disgusted/saddened/etc. by seeing it. And I was thinking that it doesn't really make much sense for it to be visible.

Comments

[rubymoth]

I'm wondering what would be the done thing here, then, in terms of trying to adhere to 'canon'? In most fics, it's 'visible' simply because it's easier and/or not thought of, and yet it IS a plothole because of the vagueness of it. If one wants to stick to canon as much as possible, how would one even go about trying to do so, considering she's created the inconsistency? Is it just that it's easier to say that after GoF and His return, the Marks are black against the skin?

Maybe it's just one of those things where it's confusing because she HASN'T spelled it out, and yet we're supposed to divine it from what's there? (leaving too much to the imagination and therefore getting left out altogether)

This is very compelling evidence though that Draco already bears the Mark, because it makes more sense as to why, visible or not, Draco wouldn't want Madam Malkin messing with his left forearm that day in HBP, if it had been freshly given to him.

[sulky_rhino]

I totally forgot about the scene at Madam Malkins! (I should probably reread the books again...) :D I've seen people explain that in several ways too; he had the Mark and he didn't want Madam Malkin to see it, or he had the Mark and it hurt when she was poking his arm (which is why he slapped her hand away), or he faked one because he knows he has to go to Borgin & Burkes and that's a way to threaten the owner.

But I was just thinking in terms how "stupid" the Dark Mark would be if it was visible all the time and anybody could see it... Unfortunately there are quite a few things like that in the books. Some things just don't make much sense. :)

[rubymoth]

You know, usually I complain bitterly about inconsistencies and gaps in canon, but in the case of HP, I'm starting to believe it's a good thing to have them, because it leaves more room for creative license on the part of the fanficcers. :) We can interpret it in many different versions and ways, and there's never a need to feel guilty about it.

So we could actually describe it any way we want to see fit for particular fics and get away with it, I guess.

I'm still wondering if Draco would have any scars on his chest from the Sectumsempra - they'd used Dittany on his face, of course, but its true they might not have enough in stock, and he could indeed still have those there. interesting. so we can still be writing him having been marked by Harry even though his face is ok in canon. (not even addressing the possible Glamour here to cover it, if they didn't have any.)

[sulky_rhino]

Or the cut could've been deeper on his chest, so there's a scar because of that. But who cares for ifs and whys... as long as we get to "see" some Malfoy chest I'm happy. ;P

I think it's strange though, that I've come across so many fics where the Mark is visible (before or after Voldemort's death), or it's not there at all (because Voldemort died or somebody removed it), but I don't remember reading any fics where it's only visible to certain people or when the person wants it to be seen... It'd be cool to read a story where only Voldemort and those marked by him could see it (which could include Harry). :)

[rubymoth]

I've been thinking about this since you brought it up, and I wanted to say that it reminds me of the thestrals - only those who know death can see them!

I'm wanting to use this idea in my next fic, and I'm wondering if you'd want credit for this idea? Because it's cool, and it IS you who pointed it out. :)

I'm in fact wanting to incorporate it into my understanding of canon; and how to battle the fanon idea that it is always visible to all while not making it into a battle in the fic for the reader, you know?

[sulky_rhino]

Oh yay! :D You have no idea how happy that makes me. I can't wait to see what you'll write! :) And sure, credit would be nice. :D

[rubymoth]

oh right, of course. it's 'magic', as you pointed out LOL

[sulky_rhino]

"It's magic" is a great explanation/excuse. :P