The silver collar initiative

Remus stares at the copy of the prophet in his hand, no longer able to make sense of the words on the page. He knew the ministry was tightening restrictions for half-breeds, especially werewolves. It made sense when every full moon there's another attack on some innocent child or unsuspecting muggle. The moon was two days ago, and the prophet had been filled with pictures and articles of the worst attack Remus had ever heard of. An orphanage. The bodies of the young children mauled and ripped apart by a beast they didn't know existed. He felt sick, seeing the photos but he hadn't been able to pull his eyes away.
He knew the restrictions were coming, knew that the ministry had to do something after such a gruesome attack. He hadn't expected this though. The silver collar initiative was first suggested by Orion Black in the late summer of 1976. At the time, it had been simply a way for the man to show his son the power he held but no one on the wizengamot at the time believed that it was morally correct. It had resurfaced again in winter 1980, a comment by a member of the ministry's beast division regarding the need to segregate and control. It had been turned down, not even entering the wizengamot this time. Yet now, now it was printed in the newspaper for all to see.
Following the attack of a muggle orphanage on the last full moon, the ministry has decided to take a firmer hand on the werewolf problem. "While in the past we have tried to help the werewolf community, they have showed time and time again that this help is not wanted," ministry spokesperson, Amanda Yaxley said. "It is time we show them who is truly incharge and ensure that they do not have the chance to destroy anyone else's life," she added.
The silver collar initiative was initially turned down by the ministry in 1976 in hopes that the wizarding community could continue to live alongside the half-breeds of our world. While hags, goblins, centaurs and house elves, to name but a few, seem capable of integrating into their positions within our society, werewolves continue to prove that the ministry has been too kind to them. The lives of our community must come first, and each werewolf attack places the entirety of Britain, including the muggle community, in severe danger.
As of this morning, the silver collar initiative has been implemented by the ministry. Every registered werewolf shall be contacted with the necessary information as ministry officials focus on capturing any unregistered werewolves. The new program, set in place to ensure the wizarding community's safety, places werewolves in a position that perhaps they should have always been in. Each werewolf will be placed within an individual cage and any witch or wizard who wishes to own such a beast is able to purchase one.
"Werewolves are beasts, they do not deserve rights," an anonymous wizengamot seatholder commented after the law was passed. "It is about time that the ministry places tighter restrictions to ensure the safety of our community," Lucius Malfoy said in a statement to the daily prophet. While there is no knowing how long it will take for these beasts to be round up, it is safe to say that the ministry has finally done its job in ensuring no one has to suffer such an awful fate.
He can feel the tears well up but refuses to let them fall. Everything that was said is true. A werewolf is a beast, and nobody wants to suffer such a life. He understands where the ministry is coming from, knows exactly why they would approve such a law. At the same time, he can't think of anything crueller. He knows that not every werewolf is the same, that most have never attacked another person. It seems cruel and inhuman. It shouldn't be legal to be able to purchase someone. He was still a person, and yet his life didn't matter anymore. His most dreaded reality had come true.
He hears Sirius' footsteps enter the room and it hits him just what he will lose. Sirius crouches beside Remus' chair, gently brushing the tears away. Remus knows that his touches are far too gentle for what's to come but he can't help but want more. "Moons," he asks, barely above a whisper. Remus can't move, frozen to the spot as he waits for Sirius to react, to do exactly what he has known would happen eventually. Sirius takes the daily prophet and reads over the article.
Sirius' words come out as white noise. He stands up and presses a kiss to Remus' forehead before moving back to their bedroom. Remus hears the door close behind his husband and his heart breaks. He knows exactly what will happen and he knows that it's exactly what he deserves to happen. Sirius would leave him, dump him at the ministry cages. He would be left to be picked out and enslaved. He would be unable to stop anything that his master made him do. The thought made him sick, but nothing hurt more than losing the life he held. His husband was about to break his heart and he would never know love again.
Sirius comes back out of the room after what feels like an eternity. This time he doesn't touch Remus gently and the werewolf knows that he's right. "I laid out clothes for you to wear on the bed," he says, avoiding looking at Remus. He nods, not trusting his voice as he stands and walks to their bedroom. There's a pair of worn-out denim shorts and a ripped shirt on the bed. He isn't even sure where they're from, but he hides his feelings as he changes into the clothing. It will probably be the only thing he ever wears, and he can't hide his disappointment from himself when he realises that it doesn't smell like Sirius at all.
He exits the room and catches Sirius sat on the lounge, his face in his hands. A small part of him hopes that Sirius will turn around and not go through with this. That he could still love him despite the beast that he is. He knows it won't happen, there's nothing he can do to stop this happening. "Come here," Sirius says, his voice even and emotionless. Remus goes over, trying to hide his nerves. "Kneel," Sirius orders and he finds himself dropping to the floor. He doesn't look at Sirius, can't look at him. If he sees the man that he loves, it will only make this harder. He doesn't register what Sirius is saying. A hand comes to the back of his neck, rubbing gently. "Look at me," Sirius asks.
Remus looks up, despite everything telling him not to. There are unshed tears in Sirius' eyes, his usual bright silver now dark grey and glassy. Remus doesn't know what to say, doesn't think he can say anything. Sirius grabs something from beside himself and before Remus can register what is happening, a collar is snapped around his neck. Sirius looks at him, and Remus knows he is trying to say something. After a minute Sirius simply shakes his head and stands up, a leash held between his fingers. "We have to go."
It goes by in a blur as Sirius leads Remus through the floo and into the ministry. He instantly knows that he isn't the only werewolf collared. A scream echoes through the chamber and Sirius' hand pushes his face downwards. "Don't look up, just follow my feet," he says. Remus does as told, terrified at the fate that is awaiting him. There's a long line in the beast divisions but Sirius gets them through and into a private room at the mere mention of his last name. Remus is ordered to kneel and does so, looking at the floor as he continues to hold back the tears that have threatened to spill since he first saw the article.
Sirius' hand on his neck gives no comfort as they wait in silence. He glances at his left hand, the gold wedding band placed beside his engagement ring. It had been specially designed, an intricate detailing of the moon and stars with the word 'forever' engraved on the inside. He isn't sure if he should be taking them off and handing them back to Sirius. "Stay still, don't say a word," Sirius tells him just before the door is opened and a middle-aged woman walks in.
"Mr Black, apologies for the wait," she says, sitting down across from him. "Sirius will do thank you, and no apologies needed," he responds. Remus is drawn in by his aristocratic smile and the elegance that he speaks with. He knows that Sirius has reverted back to the pureblood training of his childhood to deal with the ministry, probably wanting to ensure their marriage is never uncovered after he gets rid of him. "I see you have a mutt to sell," she states, and Remus can hear the disgust in her voice. He feels Sirius' grip on the leash tighten and has to fight back a whine. "I found this one just before the last moon, kept him locked up," Sirius says. "Good, one less person attacked. They're dangerous beasts, hate that we have to have them sent here," the woman says.
"I don't know, seems like the ministry is trying to keep everyone safe," Sirius says. "Oh yes, the initiative is great I just don't like seeing them. They're all so dirty and cruel." "I don't know, I've heard they have pretty good libido," Sirius says, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Actually, thinking about it, is it possible for me to purchase this one," he asks. Remus moves to look at him, but Sirius is faster. The grip on the leash goes slack as a hand lands against the back of his head. "Stay down," he says, his tone flat. "Might need some training but I did have him over the full, so it'll be all good." Remus doesn't know how he feels, how he's meant to feel. His husband just decided to purchase him, to collar and enslave him.
Remus zones out again, not registering the rest of the meeting. He can't get past the fact that Sirius would do this. He loves him with his while heart and to know that he will now amount to nothing more than a slave is heartbreaking. He finds himself thinking back through the years, reminiscing on all the moments that he shared with Sirius. They had started off as nothing more than roommates and it took them years as friends to realise that they both liked the other. Usually, thinking back to the simple wedding they shared the summer after graduation at the Potters, just with their closest friends and family, would bring a smile to Remus' face but now he only feels sadness knowing that they would never share a moment like that together again.
He's pulled out of his thoughts by a small tug on the leash. It doesn't hurt but the pull of the collar rubs uncomfortable along his neck. "Follow, don't look up," Sirius orders. He follows Sirius and the ministry worker down a corridor and into another room. There's no windows or pictures in the room, just plain white walls. Remus' eyes instantly go to the centre of the room where a table with straps on each corner sits, the only furniture in the room. There's an older wizard in healer robes who turns to speak to the witch before she leaves the room. "I need the mutt stripped," the healer says. "Of course," Sirius replies. Before Remus has a chance to remove his clothes, they're folded in a neat pile in on the floor and he knows instantly that Sirius is showing off his magical talent.
"On the table," the healer orders. Remus moves over and climbs onto the table, trying to hide his fear. As soon as he lays down, straps close around his wrists and ankles. Remus pulls at them, unable to hide his fear at being held down. It's a fear that has plagued him since childhood when his dad would strap him to the basement wall for his transformations. "Stay still," Sirius tells him. Remus wishes that he would reach out a hand to comfort him, to let him know that he is still there. He doesn't, and Remus knows he will never receive that sort of comfort ever again. He wants to look at Sirius, to watch the man he loves. Instead, he closes his eyes and lets his mind wander, imagining a different universe where none of this is happening.
He hears the healer and Sirius talking but blocks out the individual words, unable to allow himself to concentrate on what is happening. The cold of the metal prevents him from forgetting that he's strapped down, and he has to fight to stop himself from spiraling. He can feel each time the healer casts a spell, but he has no idea what any of them are. He can't help but flinch when the healer draws blood and struggles to swallow the various potions that are poured roughly down his throat. He glances towards Sirius, noticing how quiet the room is. He's leant against the wall, looking bored but Remus can't help but notice the way his grey eyes flicker about, watching the healers every move.
***
Remus feels a hand run down towards his inner thigh and tries to draw his legs together, but the chains prevent him from doing so. The healer begins rubbing across his private parts, stroking his length and fondling his balls. He wants to beg him to stop but he can't get the words to form. Sirius is watching the healer intently now, not even trying to act bored anymore. Remus wants nothing more than for him to step forwards and stop this, but he doesn't. Three fingers are pushed inside of him, dry and creating a painful stretch. He can't help the scream that escapes his lips as he arches away from the table, trying to get away from the touch. He can feel the tears in his eyes and hurriedly glances towards Sirius.
It takes a moment to find him, the man standing directly beside the healer. He has a hand on the table and reaches out a single finger to stroke Remus' knee. He doesn't know why Sirius touches him, but the touch is comforting. He hears the healer talking, telling Sirius that it's just part of the examination. Sirius' reply is curt, and Remus notices the slight hitch in his voice. He desperately wants Sirius to stop this, to get him off the table and hold him close. Right now, Remus needs the calming comfort of his husbands touch and voice. He knows it won't happen; this man is no longer his husband, thanks to him being a beast. "Stay quiet," Sirius tells him. Remus lets out a small whine as the healer shifts his fingers, but Sirius ignores it, turning away from the table as if none of it bothers him at all.
*****
The healer leaves and the witch from earlier reenters. He can feel her eyes on him as he climbs off the table. "Horrible scars," she comments. Remus moves to cover himself up, but Sirius is faster, redressing him with a flick of his hand. Sirius makes no reply about his scars and Remus is reminded once more everything that he's lost. Sirius used to kiss his scars, telling him how beautiful he was and practically worshipping him. He knows it was all a lie, the mans silence ringing truer than the past. "That's all done, you selected that you would prefer to keep the ministry posted. Every moon you will receive a form that needs to be filled out and returned once it's changed back just to ensure that no one was hurt," the witch tells Sirius.
"No problem, thank you," Sirius responds. He leads Remus from the room and into the lift, pressing the werewolf against the wall. Remus can only see Sirius' back from where he stands. The lift stops at the lobby and there's a pause before anyone exits, one witch loudly gasping. "Do not look up," Sirius tells him, pushing his head downwards. Remus wants to look, to see what caused such a freeze but Sirius keeps his hand against his head and forces him to walk in front. He can hear the sound of whips and the echoing screams that follow. He knows that each scream is another beast that's been collared, and a shiver runs down his back at the thought. At least, he thinks, Sirius isn't whipping him. Yet, he adds, almost feeling guilty about viewing him that way.
They arrive home and Remus has no idea what he's meant to do. Sirius drops the leash, unclasping the collar and tossing it across the floor. He presses a kiss to his neck where a red mark had appeared from the leash before guiding Remus onto the couch. His hands are gentle as he massages Remus' neck, and the werewolf finds the tears building up again. He can't stop them now, knowing he had lost his husband but would forever be forced to be in his presence. Sirius pulls him onto his lap, gently rubbing his back as he cries. The comfort he feels from the touch almost feels wrong, as if Sirius is pretending their positions haven't been forever changed. His tears begin to slow, and he finally makes sense of what Sirius is saying, the constant spew of apologies and 'I love yous'.
Remus pulls back and turns to look at him, noticing for the first time Sirius' red eyes and tear-streaked cheeks. He can't help but reach out a hand towards Sirius before he remembers that they are over, he is now his slave. Sirius grabs his hand before he can pull away and brings it to his cheek, holding it against the cold skin. "I'm so sorry Moony, I had to, I couldn't lose you," he says, the words slightly broken by small sobs. "Why," Remus asks, finally able to form words. "Why would you do this?" Sirius looks at him, reaching out a hand to wipe away his tears. "I had to protect you Moons, if I didn't do this the ministry would have taken you away. I had to keep you safe," he says.
"Keep me safe," Remus asks. He doesn't know what Sirius is thinking and almost wishes that he could read the man's thoughts. Sirius nods in answer, tears still falling from his grey eyes. "Why would you do this to yourself? You had an easy way out and yet you chose to be stuck with a beast." He can feel anger pushing through the sadness and heartbreak, unable to understand why Sirius would do this to both of them. "Not a beast," Sirius says quietly, his voice pained. He pulls Remus back into his chest, restarting his massaging. He grabs Remus' left hand with his free hand and brings it up to his lips, pressing a kiss to the gold band on his ring finger. "I love you Moony. I have for so long and I will always love you." He wipes at the tears that linger against Remus' scarred cheeks before pressing a kiss to his lips. "I married you and nothing will ever change the way I feel about you."
Remus can see the day rearranging itself in his mind, realizing the sadness that Sirius portrayed that morning and the little gestures throughout the ministry. He had spent the entire day ensuring he saw nothing while attempting to comfort him with little touches. He had noticed him watching during the exam and it makes sense now, the way Sirius had to turn away but couldn't do anything to stop it. Remus attempts to interject, needing to thank Sirius for saving him and still loving him regardless of the beast that he is. Sirius doesn't give him a chance to speak, pressing their lips together. "You will never, and I repeat never, be collared or enslaved. I won't allow it and no matter what any papers say you are my husband, and you are my equal," Sirius promises. "I love you Moony," he adds, leaning in to kiss his husband again. "I love you too Pads," Remus replies once they pull apart, resting his head against Sirius' shoulder.
Sirius presses another kiss to Remus' forehead before reaching for his wand. He matters a quick 'finite' and Remus finds his clothes transfiguring into a pair of his pants and a sweater. He glances at Sirius in confusion who shoots him a small smile. "James' idea," he supplies in answer. "This morning when I left the kitchen, I went to talk to him on the mirror and he helped me finalise the plan to keep you safe." Remus' mind latches onto the word 'finalise', and he can't help but voice his thoughts out loud. "How long were you planning this," Remus asks, relaxing against Sirius again. "Since the first time the prophet reported the initiative. Obviously, some of the plan changed as we got older, but it was always for me to sign the paperwork," Sirius explains, wrapping his arms around Remus and placing a kiss to his forehead. "Thank you," Remus says, barely above a whisper. "Don't thank me Moons, please don't," Sirius tells him. "I should be apologising to you for all of this," he adds, fresh tears pooling in his eyes.
Remus sits up, despite not wanting to break their hug. He reaches out a hand and wipes under Sirius' eye, removing the tears before they streak his cheeks anymore. He can't help but think about just how handsome Sirius looks in formal robes, his hair pulled back in a neat bun. "You do not need to apologise for anything that happened today. Cariad, you did it to protect me. I...I don't even want to think," Remus says, his voice breaking off at the end. He is terrified to think about what could have happened otherwise, especially with the medical exam they gave him and the screams in the lobby.
"Neither do I," Sirius says, and Remus can't help but notice just how heartbroken his husband truly sounds. "I love you Sirius," Remus says, leaning in for a kiss. He knows they rarely use each other's actual names but right now it feels right, like he truly needs his husband to know that he means it. "I love you too Remus," Sirius replies, pressing their lips together again. "Do you want food or a shower first," Sirius asks, his hand gently massaging at Remus' neck once more. Remus grabs his hand and places a kiss to the knuckles, silently telling Sirius that he's alright. "Shower," Remus says almost instantly, a slight shiver running down his spine at the thought of earlier.
Sirius stands up, lifting Remus as he does so. Remus lets out a small laugh at the gesture before wrapping his legs around Sirius' waist and resting his head against his shoulder. Sirius presses a kiss to his forehead, muttering an 'I love you'. Remus replies but he struggles to get the words out, exhaustion overtaking him. He hadn't slept properly since the full moon and now that he knew he was safe, now that he knows he isn't about to lose Sirius, the exhaustion hits him full force. He doesn't try to fight it, safe in the arms of his love and finally feeling at peace with the events of the day.