Sirius was curled tightly on the uncomfortable Victorian-style chaise in the sitting room. The moment he had been dreading had arrived.
His seventeenth birthday.
For most other wixen, this was a day to celebrate – finally coming of age in the wizarding world.
For Sirius, it was practically a death warrant.
The Ancient and Most Noble House of Black had many twisted and cruel traditions – the worst of which, in Sirius’ opinion, was the continuation of a treaty signed with the werewolves of Britain. While many packs ran throughout Britain, they were all technically subject to the Great Alpha Werewolf of the British Isles. A hulking, vicious beast of a man called Fenrir Greyback held the title.
The treaty stated that the members of House Black were to remain unharmed and left in peace by the wolves – in exchange for a price. The eldest child, male or female, of House Black in every second generation was to be wed to the Great Alpha – a toy to be raped and killed at the whim of the Alpha – or his pack.
Sirius had turned seventeen less than an hour earlier, and soon it would be time to go to his death wedding – scheduled for 11.30 that night. He would be seventeen for all of forty minutes before he was claimed by the wolf.
He tried to breathe slowly and calm himself – he did not want to humiliate himself in front of his cruel mother or uncaring family right before he was sent to his inevitable death.
‘It is time. You will go through the Floo with me, to ensure you do not try to escape.’ Walburga Black said, voice cold and eyes sharp, promising pain if Sirius tried anything. Sirius reluctantly shuffled closer to the fireplace. Walburga gripped his arm far too tightly, fingernails digging in. ‘Remember that if you do not wed the Great Alpha for any reason, Regulus will take your place.’ She whispered into his ear, then yanked him after her into the Floo.
Regulus. The only reason Sirius had not already fled. Reggie was only fourteen – but if Sirius did not fulfil his duty, he had no doubt Regulus would be married off immediately, regardless of his age or status as second son. They might even add in one of his cousins as extra payment, as apology for Sirius’ sins. He had no doubt it would be Andromeda, his favourite cousin.
He blinked back tears and gritted his teeth, following his mother through to the foyer of Gringott’s bank, where the wedding was to take place. They were quickly ushered to a room and left to wait.
The room was ornately carved with marble and decorated with precious gems, but Sirius barely noticed. He was busy trying to control himself, to stop shaking like a leaf. He could practically feel his mother’s eyes boring into him in vindictive glee as she watched him suffer. His father was silent and still, as usual. He wasn’t particularly happy about the whole situation – although Sirius was suspicious that his mild irritation was more to do with the fact that he would have a lot of paperwork and rituals to complete to make Regulus the Heir when Sirius died.
He was pulled from his morose thoughts when the door opened, and a goblin entered, followed by – not Fenrir Greyback.
This man was tall too, with strong, broad shoulders – though not as strong or broad as Greyback, from the couple of times Sirius had seen the other man. This man looked young – only a couple of years older than Sirius, perhaps. He had a large scar running from his forehead, down through his eyebrow and finishing somewhere below his shirt collar, and his eyes were cold and sharp.
‘Who are you?’ Walburga asked sharply. ‘Where is Greyback?’
‘He is not the Great Alpha.’ The man said, voice calm – and as cold as his eyes. ‘I am.’
Walburga sputtered in shock and anger. Sirius didn’t know why she was put out – clearly this man was more than capable of killing Sirius too – she needn’t worry. He was sure his last few hours on earth would be as dreadful with this man as they would have been with Greyback.
‘Stand here and here.’ Barked the goblin, before Walburga could protest further. It was well known that goblins had little patience for the matters of humans – or creatures, probably. Sirius shuffled slowly forward.
This was it.
The man cleared his throat and turned to the goblin. ‘Pardon me, Sir Goblin – I believe we must first review and sign the contracts?’
The goblin grumbled something no doubt unflattering, but nodded. ‘On the desk.’ He gestured sharply, and Walburga practically rushed over to sign away her eldest son’s life. The man was slower, waiting until Walburga stepped away before he sat down to read the document through.
‘It is the same contract as always!’ Walburga snapped, before trying to rein herself in. ‘There have been no changes made.’
The man ignored her and continued to read carefully.
Very carefully.
Maybe he wasn’t good at reading?
Sirius held back a sigh. He was about to be assaulted and killed by an idiot. His mother must be thrilled.
He chanced a glance over at her, but she looked frustrated and kept glancing subtly at her fob watch. Sirius strained his eyes to see what she was looking at.
11.56 from what he could gather. There seemed to be no extra enchantments or anything attached to the watch – what could she be looking at that was making her so tense and restless?
Several minutes passed, before the man finally signed his name, stood again and took his place opposite Sirius again.
The goblin began to chant, but Sirius barely heard it. His ears were beginning to ring as his vision went grey. His stomach churned and his knees wobbled, his whole body desperate to flee – but he held himself in place.
For Reggie.
For Andi.
He tried to breathe, but the corset his mother had insisted he wear made it difficult to draw a full breath.
He felt a hand grip his own, and watched through a haze of tears as the ribbon encircled his hand and the man’s, binding them irrevocably together in the name of Lady Magic.
And then the hand let go, and his par- Walburga and Orion left, and the goblin was muttering to the man, and the man was muttering back… and then the man was coming closer and closer, and he laid a hand on the back of Sirius’ neck and Sirius whimpered in fear, and the man tugged him closer and –
Sirius came to with no idea where he was. The lighting was dim, and he was on a couch, maybe? He blinked slowly, trying to work out why he was still alive.
Oh Gods. The werewolf wanted to drag his death out, string him along for weeks- months… years? Tortured and assaulted and passed around the pack and finally torn to pieces and…
A hand on his chest had him jerking away, breathing ragged and gasping desperately as he tried to get enough air past the stupid bloody corset and into his starving lungs.
‘Hush, now, you’re safe. It’s alright, Sirius. No harm will come to you here.’ The man crouched down beside the couch, hands up in surrender.
Sirius sucked in a breath, forcing his lungs to savour the air before he took another breath.
‘That’s it – slow, steady breaths. Well done, Sirius.’ The man murmured encouragingly.
‘Who – who are you?’ Sirius croaked.
The man gave a wry smile. ‘I thought perhaps during the ceremony – no, you were far too panicked. If I am honest, I was surprised you stayed and didn’t try to flee.’
Sirius heard the questioning tone in the man’s voice as he looked him over warily. He wasn’t sure why the wolf wasn’t just…
Perhaps he liked to play with his food beforehand.
‘My mother told me if I didn’t fulfil my duty, she would send my little brother in my place. Maybe a cousin too, as an apology.’
The man frowned darkly. ‘I would not marry a child,’ he growled. ‘I wanted to delay marrying you, but your mother wouldn’t hear of it.’
Sirius blinked. ‘Why?’ he asked blankly.
‘Because you are a child still. You may be an adult under the law, but you should not have been immediately forced into marriage. Traditionally, I should have begun courting you when you became of age – not rushed into marrying you before midnight! Your mother is a far worse beast than any werewolf.’ The man was practically snarling by the end.
Sirius wasn’t sure whether to be gratified that the man could see what a horrid witch his mother was, or terrified at the angry Alpha werewolf right in front of him.
‘Apologies, I did not mean to frighten you.’ The man said, relaxing his body language and lowering himself to look up at Sirius, who was gaping at his submissive display. ‘I am sure you have learned many things about werewolves that are utterly untrue. I hope, with time, you will come to know us as we truly are – not as the senseless monsters that we are made out to be.’ The man sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.
A knock at the door interrupted whatever he had planned to say next. A hulking great man entered, and Sirius’ blood froze.
Fenrir Greyback.
Oh Gods, this was it. The beginning of the end of his life.
Greyback moved with surprising grace as he entered, carrying a small tray. ‘Stinks of fear in here, Alpha. You been stirring the poor boy?’ he smirked, voice deep and gravelly.
‘Put the tray down and get out, Fen.’ growled the man.
‘Yes, Alpha.’ Greyback muttered, ducking his head and bowing out of the room.
Sirius’ chest still heaved, but his confusion was clear on his face. ‘You – he – what?’ he stuttered.
The man gave him another wry smile. ‘My apologies Sirius, I still have not introduced myself. My name is Remus Lupin, and I am the Great Alpha of the British Isles.’
Sirius stared blankly for a long minute. ‘But… but I’ve heard someone call Greyback ‘Alpha’ before... what…?’
The man – Remus, nodded. ‘As I said, I hope you can come to understand us as we truly are. The pack dynamics of werewolves are far more complex than people assume. Greyback is an Alpha of his own pack – however, when in my presence, all other Alphas defer to me. In my home, Greyback is a Beta. If he leaves and goes travelling with his own pack, he is Alpha again.’
Sirius’ brow furrowed. ‘Then why would he come here, if he loses his title?’
Remus smiled gently. ‘Pack dynamics are complicated. I would love to explain them to you when there is enough time. However, dawn will come soon enough.’
‘What happens at dawn?’ Sirius asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
Remus gave him a strange look. ‘What happens at dawn on our wedding day?’ he asked, a touch sarcastically, then frowned. ‘Apologies. I should not assume that you know about… Your mother no doubt did not deign to explain anything of the treaty to you, I gather?’
‘The treaty – that the eldest Black in every second generation is married off to the Great Alpha? I know about it. Obviously.’ Sirius said dryly.
‘But not the details.’ Remus pressed. ‘I saw that you noticed your mother checking the time, but perhaps you didn’t understand the significance?’
Sirius blinked, then shook his head slowly.
‘She was trying to hurry us along to be married before midnight, but I stalled long enough that we were married at two minutes past. That means we have until dawn – 6am.’
Sirius frowned. ‘We have till dawn for what?’
‘Consummation of the marriage.’
Sirius pressed himself hard against the back of the couch. He saw Remus’ nose wrinkle slightly, and he began to tremble, then shake, harder and harder, lungs desperate for air and vision darkening again.
Suddenly, a heavy hand, warm and slightly rough, laid over the back of his neck, and a nose was pressed under his chin, nuzzling carefully. Sirius held his breath, fear still pounding through him, but tempered now by confusion.
‘This will be more effective once…’ Remus trailed off. ‘You are safe, Sirius. I swear it. I will not harm you, nor will I allow harm to come to you.’
Sirius wasn’t sure how to believe that, but something about the way Remus was tucked close to him, mumbling reassuring words – Sirius wanted to believe him.
‘Why – why dawn?’ Sirius whispered.
‘It would take a while to explain properly. Suffice it to say for now, that werewolves are ritualistic creatures, and cycles of time are important in our culture. Our day is divided into four sections, divided at 6am, 12pm, 6pm, 12am. Your mother tried to rush us into marriage before midnight, meaning we would have had to consummate before midnight.’
‘She – she wanted…’ Sirius swallowed convulsively. ‘I know she does not care for me, I know she will rejoice in my death – but she actively tried to orchestrate my r – my ra –‘ Sirius swallowed again, bile rising in his throat.
Remus hand curled further around the back of his neck. ‘I would not allow that to happen. I knew her plan, and I stopped it. I cannot delay for much longer, but I at least ensured that we had time to come home and have privacy. I am sorry that you did not know about any of this.’
‘What happens if…’ Sirius trailed off.
Remus gave him a long, searching look. ‘I will not force you, Sirius. But if we do not consummate, the consequences will be decided by Lady Magic for breaking a contract made in her name. She may have mercy on us, strip us of magic and allow us to live. Or, she may exercise her power, and take our lives.’
‘Then what – what would happen to the treaty?’ Sirius had to ask, fear and curiosity burning equally inside him.
‘I don’t know. It is likely that your family would scramble to re-establish it by marrying your brother or cousin to whoever becomes the next Great Alpha. I do not know if it would work, though – the contract may already be considered fulfilled, or it may dissolve, and your family would no longer be protected. I do not know.’
Sirius swallowed harshly. ‘So – so we have to. I have to… consummate the marriage.’
‘Sirius – ‘ began Remus. ‘I do not want you to – I will not hurt you, or force you – I will take my chances with Lady Magic, if you do not want to do this. Regardless of what the Ministry or wizardkind or anyone says – we are not mindless beasts. I will not hurt you or do anything without your agreement.’ He finished vehemently.
Sirius eye’s flicked over him, assessing. After a long minute, he nodded slowly. ‘Alright.’
Remus looked up at him. ‘Alright?’
‘Alright. I don’t want to risk my brother over this. I only ask that you don’t drag the whole thing out longer than necessary.’
Remus’ cheeks pinked. ‘Er, could you clarify that? I think you would… appreciate it if I take my time.’
‘You think I would appreciate you dragging out my death?’ scoffed Sirius.
‘What?’ Remus asked sharply. ‘What death?’
Sirius stared at him. ‘My death. You know, after you’ve had your way with me – I don’t want to be passed around the pack. Just kill me and be done with it.’ He held his head high, daring Remus to argue.
Remus stood abruptly, and Sirius’ courage fled almost immediately. But Remus turned away from him, pacing a couple of times before he turned and roared at a wall, punching hard enough to send dust and small stone fragments flying. He whirled back to face Sirius, who was curled tightly on the couch, sheer terror in his eyes. Remus wrinkled his nose at the stench of overwhelming fear, but he quickly schooled his face and dropped to his knees, crawling towards the couch.
Sirius watched on, fear still swamping him, until Remus reached his tucked-up legs and laid his cheek on Sirius’ foot. ‘No, no, no. Forgive me, please. Please, my heart. No.’ he whimpered, eyes beseeching. At Sirius’ blank look, he continued. ‘I would not kill you, my heart. We are married – if we consummate, we will be bonded too. Your death could very easily cause my own. There are few bonds that survive the death of one partner. No, Sirius, I will not kill you, nor would I ever consider passing you around the pack! Such a thing is – is vile – unconscionable! Werewolves are utterly loyal to their partners. I don’t know where you ever learned that wolves kill their partners, but it is not true. Killing you would surely kill me too.’
Sirius gaped in shock.
‘I offer you the choice again Sirius – we can take our chances with Lady Magic. I will not force you.’
Sirius slowly began to uncurl, dislodging Remus’ cheek carefully and setting his feet on the floor. ‘Oh.’ He said, unsure what else to say. ‘Then, I guess…’
Remus held up a hand. ‘Sirius, did you come into this marriage with the belief that you were going to die? That you would be raped and murdered?’ he asked, slightly breathless.
Sirius nodded warily.
Remus gusted a sigh. ‘Fucking hell. Sirius Black, I think you are the most courageous person I have ever met. It is my honour to be your husband.’ As he spoke, Remus slid lower, pressing his lips to Sirius’ ankles, then resting his forehead against the smooth leather of his shoes. He stayed there for a long moment, before slowly lifting his head and raising himself back to his knees, hunching slightly to ensure he was still looking up at Sirius. ‘Whatever you decide, I will honour your choice, my heart.’
Sirius had no idea what to do next. He latched onto the first thought that swam through his clouded mind. ‘My heart?’
Remus smiled, small and soft. ‘My heart. I am yours, Sirius. If we – if you choose to consummate, to bond – well, it will change things, but my feelings will remain the same. You hold my heart, Sirius Black.’
Sudden tears prickled at Sirius’ eyes. ‘Oh.’ He whispered. ‘I – oh.’
Remus’ eyes were soft as he looked up at Sirius. ‘Whatever your choice, I will honour it.’
Sirius closed his eyes, trying to pull his thoughts into line.
Okay.
Okay. So.
He was married to a werewolf.
The werewolf didn’t want to rape and murder him.
He wasn’t going to be passed around the pack.
He couldn’t get out of the marriage without risking Lady Magic killing him.
If he didn’t go through with this, Reggie might be at risk.
Reggie.
‘Let’s do it.’ Sirius said determinedly.
Remus looked him over carefully. ‘You agree to consummate the marriage?’
Sirius nodded, cheeks burning.
Remus’ eyes lit up, but he kept his expression calm. ‘We have time, we do not need to rush. Would you like a cup of tea first – something to eat?’
‘No,’ Sirius said firmly. ‘Let’s get it over with before I lose my nerve.’
The wolf seemed to wilt at that, but he obligingly stood and took Sirius’ hand, helping him to his feet.
‘What –‘ Sirius started.
‘I had planned to go to the bedroom, unless you would prefer…’
‘No! No, er, that’s alright! Sorry!’ Sirius’ blush spread down his neck as he hurried after Remus.
Remus’ bedroom was… Sirius looked around, taking it in. Grand and cozy at the same time, he decided. A big room, but not over-large like some of the rooms in his parent’s house. It felt worn in, comfortable. A room that was truly lived in, not just for showing off wealth. Not that it was shabby or anything – just… homely.
Sirius blushed when he turned back to see Remus watching him, a hint of a smile on his face. He didn’t say anything though, just let Sirius take everything in.
When the silence and stillness began to drag, Sirius cleared his throat. ‘Shall – shall I just take my clothes off, then?’ he asked, voice tight and a little squeaky – much to his chagrin.
‘I’d prefer to help – if you agree?’ Remus asked quietly.
Sirius’ cheeks burned so hard he thought he might pass out, but he gave a slight nod.
Remus stepped up close, one hand hovering by the collar of Sirius’ outer robe. ‘May I?’ he asked, voice low and quiet.
At Sirius’ nod, he reached for the first of a few dozen tiny buttons, carefully loosening it and making his way down Sirius’ chest.
‘I think my mother picked this robe especially to piss you off,’ Sirius tried to joke. ‘I usually just use a spell for the buttons.’
‘Your mother is abhorrent. And I have no issue taking my time.’ Remus replied calmly.
‘Oh.’ Sirius said, a little out of breath. Gods above, he wasn’t sure if this was really happening.
Remus dropped to his knees, continuing the buttons that ended by Sirius’ ankles. He looked up at Sirius as he worked, and Sirius swallowed convulsively.
A sharp flare of pain and burning hit him, and he hunched slightly, holding his breath.
Remus looked up sharply. ‘What is it?’ he asked urgently.
Sirius breathed slowly. ‘It’s alright, keep going.’
‘I can smell your pain and fear – what is it, Sirius? What happened?’
Sirius dropped his head, ears hot. He mumbled something that Remus couldn’t quite make out.
‘It’s what?’ Remus asked again.
‘A chastity device. Part of the treaty is that the gifted Black must be a virgin.’ Sirius ground out, fists clenched. ‘The chastity device can only be removed by whoever I marry.’
A deep, steady breath from Remus, before he turned back to the innumerable buttons. ‘Why did it cause you pain just now?’ he asked, carefully controlling his voice.
Sirius blushed darkly, looking away.
‘Sirius?’ Remus asked, looking up in concern.
‘Your hand brushed my… over me.’ Sirius mumbled.
‘It causes you pain when someone touches you – there?’ Remus clarified.
Sirius nodded. ‘Or if… If I feel…’ he trailed off, face burning.
Remus frowned but held his tongue. ‘We can address it in a minute, Sirius. Let me continue here first.’
Remus’ brow remained furrowed as he finished off the buttons, and moved to Sirius’ shoes, then socks. Sirius was almost glad his mother had told him to wear clean ones today. He blushed again as Remus stroked his thumbs over Sirius’ bare feet, gathering himself.
Remus looked up again, holding Sirius’ eye, and slowly stood until he was at his full height – practically towering over Sirius, who hunched his shoulders involuntarily.
Remus immediately loosened his posture, ducking his head and shuffling his feet, trying to make himself look smaller. He waited, eyes downcast, until Sirius spoke.
‘Er, are we – waiting for something?’
‘You still want to continue?’
Sirius huffed an irritated sigh. ‘I already said I would – stop second-guessing me! Just get on with it!’
Remus blinked at him in surprise. ‘I apologise if you feel I am not trusting your word. I don’t want to force you, Sirius – I’m just making sure we are on the same page, so to speak.’
Sirius shuffled his feet nervously. ‘Well – sorry. Just… we can keep going.’ He mumbled, embarrassed.
‘May I remove your robe?’ Remus asked quietly. Sirius nodded, and Remus gently tugged it from Sirius’ shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. ‘What is this?’ he asked, surprised.
‘My mother said a corset would make my scrawny body more appealing.’ Sirius replied, somewhere between a snarl and a whine.
‘You aren’t scrawny. This is far too tight – is this my you fainted when I apparated us here? You mustn’t be able to breathe with this thing on!’ Remus asked, outraged.
Sirius ducked his head, nodding. It felt… sort of nice, actually, to have someone be angry on his behalf. His shy smile quickly vanished when Remus whipped a knife from somewhere and sliced neatly through the laces, allowing the wretched thing to fall to the floor. Sirius had a blissful moment of easy breathing, before he realised he was standing half naked in front of a werewolf who was about to bed him. He fought to keep his hands by his sides, not cover himself up.
Remus was like a statue in front of him, staring openly. ‘Sirius,’ he breathed. ‘Merlin have mercy, look at you!’ His eyes roamed hungrily, taking in the delicate collarbones, the thin silvery scars that criss-crossed them, the slightly defined abs, the narrow hips, the bruising on his upper arm that looked like a handprint, the dark nipples, the dusting of fine hair running from his navel below his belt, the oddly shaped patch on his ribs that might have been a birthmark. ‘Beautiful.’ He whispered, hand reaching out almost involuntarily to trace a line from his collarbone, down the centre of his chest and resting momentarily on his hip, before he pulled away again. He made short work of his own robe and undershirt, standing before Sirius and continuing to look over his young husband’s body.
Sirius gasped suddenly, dropping to his knees and curling up protectively, face twisting in agony.
Remus immediately dropped in front of him, hands reaching out but not quite touching. He watched helplessly as Sirius fought to bring himself under control, breathing carefully, eyes closed and arms still wrapped protectively. When he finally felt he could breathe again, he opened his eyes and met Remus’ worried gaze.
‘The chastity device.’ He explained. ‘It’s – I felt… Can you take it off? You’re my husband, you’re the only one who can – please?’
Remus nodded quickly, hands reaching for Sirius’ hips. ‘Where – how can I best reach it?’
Sirius whimpered, then loosened his belt and tugged his trousers down slightly, revealing the fine, silvery chain. There were old scars and new reddened flesh along the skin where the chain sat, and Remus tried not to growl – it wouldn’t do to frighten his young husband when he was already in pain. He went to grasp the chain, then pulled back with a hiss, growling curses.
His hand was already blistering as he looked it over. He stood and quickly hurried to the door, opening it a fraction and shouting, ‘Dittany! Quickly!’
It took barely a minute before several people arrived back at the door, carrying Dittany leaves, water, a large bowl, and several soft cloths. One woman stepped forward, sniffing the air, then snarling at Remus and shoving past him into the room. Remus moved aside for her, but blocked anyone else from entering, shutting the door with a warning glare that had the other wolves backing up and averting their eyes.
Helena was crouched beside Sirius, murmuring soothingly to him. When Remus stepped closer, she whipped up to snarl at him, and he obligingly stepped back again, ducking his head politely.
‘He reeks of pain and fear! What have you done?!’ she snapped, baring her teeth. Remus tilted his head slightly, showing a little of his neck. Helena growled, confused at the meekness.
‘He didn’t hurt me.’ piped up Sirius. ‘He hasn’t hurt me. My terrible excuse for a mother did this.’
Helena turned back to him, rubbing a hand over his back. ‘You can tell me, little one. I will make sure he doesn’t set foot near you again, if need be. What happened?’
Sirius shook his head. ‘Remus didn’t hurt me. My mother put this – this…’ Sirius trailed off, blushing furiously.
‘A chastity device made of pure silver that burns him if he is touched or feels… aroused.’ Remus finished for him, voice quiet but burning with anger.
Helena gasped, curling protectively over the poor child. ‘Where?’ she asked bluntly.
‘Around my waist and… between my legs.’ muttered Sirius, still blushing furiously.
‘Between your legs as well?! It has burned you there too?!’ growled Remus. ‘Get out, Helena. Now.’
Helena gave Remus a narrow-eyed look, then looked away when he held her gaze with a glare of his own. She turned back to Sirius, still hunched over his knees.
‘Your mother is less than worthless. I will be your mother now. Come and find me in the morning.’ Helena stood, heading for the door but stopping right in front of Remus. She barely reached his shoulder, but her burning gaze had him paying attention. ‘Bring him to me, or I will come and find you. Do you understand, Alpha?’
Remus gave her a nod, expression serious. He watched as she left, then hurried over and knelt by Sirius, preparing the Dittany. He sunk his hand in the bowl for a few seconds, sighing in relief as the blisters faded and his skin healed almost immediately. He knew he should be attending his husband first, but he also knew he wouldn’t have the strength to break the chain with his hand in that condition.
He looked at Sirius with a questioning glance, before reaching towards the chain again. He paused a few centimetres away, steeled himself, and grabbed hold of the chain, pulling hard. He snarled as the silver burned his hands, but he didn’t let go – pulling harder and harder until finally, the chain snapped and withered away to dust, gone.
Remus plunged his hands into the bowl, growling and whining at the pain. After a pause, smaller hands reached into the bowl and gently turned one palm up, brushing a gentle finger over the burned and blistered skin. Sirius gently brushed it over and over until the skin was healed, then turned to the other hand. Having been in contact with silver twice in such a short span of time, it was in far worse shape. The edges of several of the blisters looked almost charred, and the wounds were much deeper. Remus whined piteously as Sirius washed it, making him work even more gently and carefully. It took twice as long as the other hand, but finally the skin was smooth and pink again, and Remus removed it from the bowl, examining it closely.
When he looked back at Sirius, he noticed the strange expression on his face. Before he could seek an answer, he knew he had to tend to the poor boy’s wounds. ‘Sirius – would you let me… or you can, if you prefer. But they cannot remain unattended. You may not be a werewolf, but wound made by a chain like that – ‘ Remus stopped, flexing his fists in anger. ‘I cannot believe someone put such a thing on a young man before his wedding!’
‘Oh, it’s been on far longer than that.’ Sirius said dismissively. ‘I think I might have been three or four.’
Remus gasped. ‘Someone put that on you as a mere toddler?!’
Sirius nodded. ‘Apparently Great Uncle Alphard was giving me some funny looks. Mother put it on as a precaution.’
‘So it did not always burn you?’
‘Oh no, it’s always done that.’ Sirius replied flatly. ‘It’s always worked as intended – pain for me, and anyone who tried to touch me.’
Remus gave him a strange look. ‘So… you’ve never… nobody has ever…?’
Sirius shook his head, blushing and frowning. ‘Not even myself – double serve of pain if I tried.’
Remus looked a little green. ‘You’ve never touched yourself, and nobody else has ever touched you?’
Sirius shook his head.
‘There is a small part of me that is purring at the thought of nobody ever touching you – but the much larger part is furious and outraged that you have never experienced pleasure, not even by your own hand.’
Sirius ducked his head, ears burning as he mumbled, ‘Don’t see what the big deal is, really. Not like it’s killed me.’
Remus dragged in a slow breath through his nose, holding it for a minute before letting it out. ‘There is so much I want to say. So much I want to show you. But first, we need to heal your wounds. Would you prefer to do it, or will I?’
Sirius ducked his head lower, before mumbling so softly Remus almost didn’t catch it, ‘You.’
He tried to tamp down the wolfish part of him that rumbled with satisfaction, and calmly soaked the cloths in the bowl. He reached out a hand, tugging Sirius to his feet, and reached slowly for his belt, giving Sirius time to stop him if he wanted. When no protest came, Remus unbuckled the belt, then loosened the fastenings of Sirius’ trousers, letting them slide down his legs to his knees.
Remus knelt and tugged them right down to his feet, helping Sirius step out of them and leaving him completely bare. Remus resisted the urge to bury his nose against his young husband’s skin and reached for a cloth. He ran it carefully along Sirius’ hip, across his belly and around the other hip, swiping back and forth slowly, watching closely as the skin knit back together. He raised himself on his knees, and reached his hands slowly around behind Sirius, swiping the cloth over the wounds along his lower back. He traced a hand carefully over it, checking that it was healed, before sinking back till he was resting on his heels again. He swapped the cloth for a fresh one and took a steadying breath. His eyes lifted until he was looking at his young husband’s crotch, and he stared for a long moment.
A trickle of blood running down Sirius’ inner thigh startled him into action, and he carefully reached out, running the cloth down from his waist and under one side of his groin, following a line of blood that revealed layers of scars underneath. His own arousal was quickly tamped down at the sight, and he cleaned even more carefully, fingers tracing after the cloth as he moved. He leaned back to swap the cloth over again, and repeated the process, before sitting back slightly to review.
It took him a moment to notice – after carefully having avoided staring again – that Sirius was hard. Remus looked up quickly, and saw Sirius gazing down at him, mouth slightly open and eyes dark with desire. Remus gave him a hint of a smile, before leaning forwards and pressing his nose to the crease of Sirius’ thigh, dragging in a long breath.
Fuck, he smelled good.
Sirius’ knees wobbled, but Remus stood quickly and steadied him.
‘Y-you too.’ whispered Sirius, and Remus wasted no time in removing his own trousers, standing before Sirius as they both dragged their eyes over one another.
Sirius let out a whimper, eyes fixed on Remus’ half hard cock. Before he could begin to panic about it having to fit inside him, Remus had stepped closer, chests almost brushing, and ran a gentle hand down Sirius’ cheek. ‘We’re in no hurry, my heart. Let’s go to bed and just spend some time together.’
Sirius choked slightly as he nodded. His feet didn’t quite seem to want to move. He let out a yelp when Remus scooped him off his feet and carried him over to the bed, laying him down carefully. Sirius watched with wide, nervous eyes as Remus moved around to the other side of the bed and slid in, shuffling over beside him and laying a hand on his chest.
Sirius gulped.
Remus leaned in, pressing his lips to the hinge of Sirius’ jaw, making him shiver. His large, warm hand stroked up and down, occasionally brushing over a nipple and making Sirius twitch.
‘Is there anything you want to try, Sirius? Anything you’ve thought about before?’
‘N-not really. Too risky.’ Sirius mumbled.
‘Did your schoolmates ever talk about anything?’
‘Yeah, but I tried not to listen. Also too risky.’
Remus’ expression was a mix of frustration and sorrow as he watched Sirius’ face. He slid his hand a little lower, over Sirius’ belly. ‘Do you know what a hand job is?’
Sirius let out a whimper as he nodded.
‘Would you like to try it?’
He nodded again.
Remus took his time as he ran his hand over Sirius’ skin, admiring the gooseflesh that broke out, the way Sirius twitched and tried to bite down any sounds that tried to escape.
‘Make as much noise as you want, my heart. Let me know what you enjoy.’
Sirius’s groan turned into a sharp, cut-off whine when Remus finally reached his cock. He held his breath, eyes scrunched tightly shut at the overwhelming sensations he’d never felt before. Remus had been stroking slowly up and down, but after a glance at Sirius’ face, he paused, hand wrapped loosely around his achingly hard cock.
‘Don’t stop!’ he cried. ‘Please – please don’t stop!’
Remus started again, stroking slowly at first then picking up the pace gradually. Sirius’ breathing was uneven, hitching gasps and cut off moans as he writhed beneath Remus’ talented grip. Remus added in a slight twist at the end of his stroke, and with a muffled yelp, Sirius arched his back, then slumped like his strings had been cut.
‘Oh fuck,’ he whispered. ‘Oh fuck! Did – did I ejaculate?’
Remus tried not to snort at the word. ‘You did. I usually use the word come. Or maybe orgasm.’
‘Oh. Right.’ Sirius gusted a sigh. ‘Fucking hell. I think I see what the big deal is!’ he joked weakly.
Remus rolled onto his side, leaning slightly over Sirius. ‘We’re only just getting started, my heart.’
‘That – that wasn’t… it? Consummation?’
Remus tried not to frown. ‘No, my heart. Consummation is when one of us comes inside the other.’
Sirius’ eyes widened. ‘But how – we’re both men! How – where...?’ He tried to shrink away at the look on Remus’ face.
‘I am not angry at you, my heart. I am angry that your wretched parents sent you to your wedding night utterly clueless!’ Remus took a breath, composing himself. ‘Two men can indeed enter one another. It takes some preparation, but it is certainly possible. Were there no gay students at your school?’
Sirius shrugged. ‘Probably?’
‘Technically, for the consummation…’ Remus began slowly. ‘I must be the one to enter you. However, we have time – we can try the other way first, if you prefer?’
Sirius hesitated. ‘What does it feel like? To – to, er…’
‘To be on the giving end feels somewhat similar, if more intense perhaps, than how it felt with my hand. To be on the receiving end is… rather different. It can be… it can take a little longer to enjoy, but ultimately it is also very pleasurable, provided your partner knows what they are doing.’
‘And you know what you’re doing, right? Of course you do, you’re explaining everything. Are you disappointed that I don’t know anything?’
Remus tilted his head side to side. ‘I am angry that you have not had a chance to learn anything before now – not angry at you, but at your family. As I said earlier, there is a small part of me, mostly wolf, that is… quite pleased nobody else has touched you.’ Remus seemed ashamed at that, avoiding Sirius’ eye.
‘You – you mean you’re glad I don’t know anything? You glad you’re the one teaching me?’
Remus blushed.
‘Me too. I mean, I’m glad you’re teaching me. I thought I was coming here to die, but instead you just made my brain turn to mush and my body feel like I was on fire – no, like I was made of fire! Not what my mother hoped for me, but far better than I hoped for myself.’
Remus gave him a poorly hidden smirk. ‘I have a feeling you’ll be rather chatty in bed, once you get the hang of things. You’re rather more chatty after coming, at least.’
Sirius gave a small, wry smile. ‘Most people tell me to shut up, that I talk too much. You’ll be regretting marrying me soon enough.’
Remus lifted Sirius’ chin, turning his head so Remus could look into his eyes. ‘I will not. Once we are bonded, there is nothing that would drive me away from you. Nothing, Sirius.’
‘I don’t know, you haven’t heard me once I get going!’ Sirius joked, but Remus could smell the undercurrent of fear and hopelessness.
‘No. Nothing, my heart. I would do anything for you. I would hold still while you stabbed me through the heart with a silver blade, if you so wished.’
Sirius’ eyes filled with tears. He shook his head. ‘No, you’re just saying that. You’re just trying to make me comfortable so you can… so… the consummation.’
‘I would not lie to you, my heart. And in case you forgot, let me offer again – if you wish it, you may enter me first. I have no objections to any kind of intimacy with you. It is entirely up to you.’
Sirius tried to glare at him, as if to intimidate him into truthfulness – but the tears glimmering in his eyes gave him away. Remus leaned in slowly and pressed a kiss to each eye, then licked away the salty tears from his lips. Sirius watched him in surprise and… something else.
‘Okay.’ He said suddenly. ‘Okay. You can do it. That’s what the consummation needs, right – you inside me? So let’s do it. We can try other stuff another time.’
Remus could clearly see through the façade Sirius was trying to establish, but he didn’t call it out. He just nodded, shifting his weight till he was laying comfortably on his side. Sirius nervously shuffled against the pile of pillows at the head of the bed, trying to project calm but failing by a long shot.
‘I’m going to use some charms to help prepare. It can feel strange, but don’t fight it. A cleaning charm,’ Remus concentrated for a moment, and Sirius felt a strange sensation inside, making him squirm. ‘We need lubrication too, to help things move smoothly.’ Remus concentrated again, and Sirius was torn between marvelling at the wandless, wordless magic, and the strange, squelching sensation in his…
‘And a stretching charm – before I cast this, know that it can feel strange and uncomfortable at first, but it is not painful. Just breathe through it, let the charm work inside you. Are you ready?’
Sirius gave a short nod, fists clenching as he braced himself.
‘Take a breath, Sirius. It won’t hurt. Just relax, let your muscles loosen, feel yourself sinking into the bed.’ Remus coached, voice a low murmur. ‘That’s it, well done my heart.’ Remus cast the charm, and Sirius let out a gasp at the feeling of his… back there, stretching.
‘I’m going to loosen you further, Sirius – but I promise it’ll be more enjoyable this time.’ Remus gave him a wicked smirk, and before Sirius could begin to question, his limp cock was inside Remus’ hot mouth, rapidly becoming rock hard.
He jerked his hips up involuntarily, and Remus moved a hand to pin his hips to the bed. The sensation of being held down made Sirius even harder, and he arched his back, moaning. Remus’ finger at his hole had Sirius quickly dropping back to earth, tensing again.
Remus slid off with an obscene slurp. ‘Stay relaxed, my heart. Don’t fight it – just focus on the pleasure as it builds. I will not harm you, I swear it.’
Sirius gave a hesitant nod, and Remus sucked his slightly flagging cock back into his wicked mouth. His finger ran gentle circles over the ring of muscle – still tight after the charm, and carefully pressed inside. Sirius was trying to breathe normally as Remus worked.
Remus sped up over his cock, until Sirius was letting out regular little gasps of pleasure, and he slid his finger in further, probing carefully until he found what he was looking for. Sirius jerked his hips hard, eyes wide in shock.
‘What – what?!’ he cried.
With another filthy slurp, Remus lifted his head. ‘Prostate gland. Feels good, right?’
Before Sirius could agree, Remus dropped his head again and curled his finger, and Sirius yelped, drawing it out into a long moan.
‘Oh fuck, oh Gods, yes, that’s it, yes, oh fuck, oh fuck!’ he gasped, body writhing. Remus worked another finger inside, but Sirius barely tensed this time. The third finger drew a slight whimper, that grew as his muscles stretched further, but Remus kept up his steady motions over Sirius’ cock and prostate, keeping him on the edge. Four fingers, and Sirius was starting to babble, almost incoherent.
Remus slid his fingers free, casting a quick cleaning spell again, and let Sirius’ rock-hard cock slip from his lips.
‘Nooo!’ whined Sirius, hips wiggling and bucking. ‘Why did you – oh.’ Sirius stopped suddenly. He licked his lips and took a deep breath. ‘I’m ready.’
Remus moved to straddle his young husband’s thighs, then leaned down to kiss him thoroughly. Sirius looked dazed when he finished, and Remus felt a little guilty that he had jumped right to a hand job before he’d even kissed his husband!
He pushed that aside though as he focused all his attention on wringing as much pleasure as he could out of his husband – his heart. This was the moment – the bond would establish itself, and their lives would be irrevocably intertwined.
Remus moved to position himself at Sirius’ hole, and looked up to check in. Sirius looked nervous – very nervous, but also determined. There was some anticipation there too, a touch of excitement. Remus smiled softly at him and leaned down to press his nose just below Sirius’ ear, nuzzling at him. Sirius smiled shyly as he tucked his chin into his shoulder, as if Remus was tickling him. Remus knew it wouldn’t feel like tickling after the bond settled. It would probably drive Sirius wild with desire.
He drew his attention back to the task at hand and lined his cock up against Sirius’ hole. He pushed gently, whispering encouragement and praise to Sirius as he held himself carefully loose. Remus marvelled at the level of trust Sirius was showing him, and tears prickled at his eyes as the head of his cock finally breached the tight ring of muscle. He dropped his head briefly, the sensation overpowering him for a moment, before he concentrated on his husband again. Sirius was breathing carefully, eyes on the ceiling as he concentrated. Remus leaned down to suck gently at Sirius’ collarbone, making him gasp. He began a slow rocking motion, pushing in just a fraction more each time, as he licked and sucked at Sirius’ neck and shoulders. Sirius was breathing a little unsteadily, but didn’t seem distressed.
With a final push, Remus seated himself deep inside his young husband and took a moment to look him in the eye again. This part needed connection, in order for the bond to settle more quickly and powerfully. Remus reached a hand out and laced his fingers with Sirius’, as he held himself up on the other elbow.
‘Look at me, my heart. Keep looking at me for this next part. The bond will be stronger if we look at one another. Are you ready?’
Sirius swallowed as he nodded, eyes fixed on Remus’.
His eyes were a molten silver, dark with desire even through the nervousness.
Remus’ own eyes were a warm honey brown, but as Sirius examined them more closely, he saw flickers and flashes of pure gold in their depths.
Remus began a steady rhythm, rocking his hips into Sirius’ willing body, and moving slightly between each thrust, until he found Sirius’ prostate again. Sirius arched his back and moaned, eyes scrunching shut and head tipped back, but Remus quickly tipped his head back down, brushing a finger near his eye.
‘Keep looking at me, my heart. Keep looking.’ He encouraged, voice beginning to roughen as he drew closer to the end.
Sirius held his eye, not looking away again, but his moans grew longer, higher and sharper as he whimpered beneath Remus’ body, beneath Remus’ rolling hips, beneath Remus’ careful hands, beneath Remus’ glowing golden eyes…
They came at the same time as magic swirled around them, settling into their skin and creating a link – a tether between them. Sirius could feel Remus’ pounding heart alongside his own in his chest. Could feel the pleasure and joy and love and overwhelming awe as his husband – his bonded husband, gazed into his eyes. Not entirely his own feelings, he realised after a moment – his husband’s feelings, alongside his own.
He gazed at Remus in wide-eyed wonder, feeling the bond surging between them, feeling the aftershocks of pleasure making him twitch, feeling Remus’ still hard cock buried deep inside him.
‘My heart.’ whispered Remus.
‘My beloved.’ Sirius whispered back, then blinked in surprise. He wasn’t sure where that had come from, but it felt right. The brilliant smile Remus gave him made it feel even more right.
Maybe his seventeenth birthday wasn’t the end – maybe it was the beginning of something better than he’d dreamed possible.