The silver collar initiative

Sirius exits the bedroom, noting how quiet the house seems. He can't help but worry, knowing that Remus had gotten up earlier and should still be at home. By now, they would usually have music playing or at least the radio on in the background. He enters the kitchen, instantly noticing Remus at the kitchen table. The werewolf is hunched over, a copy of the daily prophet clenched in his right hand and his coffee untouched. Sirius quickly flicks his wand at the stove to turn it off, but Remus makes no move, as if he is unaware of Sirius' presence.
"Moons," Sirius says quietly as he walks over and crouches beside him. Sirius instantly notices his silent tears and reaches out a hand to gently wipe them away. He pries the prophet from Remus and quickly scans over the article. His heart shatters at the words printed. He was well aware of what the silver collar initiative involved. It was something that him and James had tracked through the wizengamot trials several times before and had previously devised a plan if it was ever put in place.
"It'll be alright Moony, you're not alone at all love," he says gently. Remus makes no effort to respond, and Sirius isn't even sure he heard him. "I'm going to go quickly call James on the mirror and we'll figure out what to do," he adds. Sirius stands up and presses a kiss to Remus' forehead. "We'll sort everything out, don't worry Moons," he adds before walking back to the room. Not wanting to waste time, Sirius grabs the mirror and calls James as he searches through the closet for his formal robes. He hates wearing them, almost as much as he hates going to the ministry but there is nothing he won't do for his husband, his Moony.
"Padfoot, what's up," James asks, loud and cheerful as always. "It's Remus," Sirius tells him. There's the sound of a pot dropping, followed by Lily calling out in the background. "Do you need me to come over," James asks, instantly worried. "No, I don't think so," Sirius answers, unsure of himself. "The silver collar initiative, it was in the prophet," he adds as explanation. "James," Lily screams in the background. "The prophet," she adds, sounding distressed as she runs into view. James grabs the prophet from her, cursing out loud as he reads the article.
"Where's Remus right now," James asks, turning back to the mirror. "Kitchen," Sirius replies, trying not to let his fear and heartbreak show. "How is he," Lily asks, seeming slightly calmer. "Not good, he's completely spaced." "For fucks sake Harry, sit down," James calls, turning away from the mirror. "The only way around this is for you to sign the paperwork," James tells him. "Sit down," he adds, looking off into the distance once more. "I know that James, but the ministry isn't just going to let partners buy each other. The initiative already acts as an annulment. Last time it was mentioned, we weren't married. It was a different playing field," he stresses, trying not to get angry at James and Lily.
"Play their cards," Lily tells him. "It's what, three days post moon. You found him just before the moon and kept him locked in your basement. You planned to hand him in after the moon but saw the prophet just before you left," she adds. "You'll need to make it believable. If you transfigure some clothes to look like shit, I don't know, dirty and ripped it'll give off that dirty homeless vibe every idiot thinks about werewolves," James suggests. "Ok, I've got my formal robes and I'll do my best to get through straight away," Sirius tells them. He feels stupid needing to call the Potter's about this but saying the plan out loud helps calm his nerves.
"Do not let Remus get hurt," Lily tells him, a threatening tone to her words. "You know I won't, Red," Sirius tells her. "Get him to look down, don't let him speak. You don't know the ministry's rules but the more submissive he appears, the more likely it'll be over quickly," she tells him. Sirius pulls out a sweater and pants of Remus' and transfigures them. "A collar," James says, and Sirius feels sick. "It, fuck it's disgusting but it's what they expect," James tells him. "Oh Merlin," Sirius mutters, tears welling up in his eyes. "Do you need me there," James asks, clearly sensing his distress but Sirius shakes his head. "I'll be ok, I have to go now. The quicker we do this, the quicker it's over." "Call us straight after and just send a patronus if you need anything," Lily tells him. "I will," Sirius says before ending the call.
Sirius gets ready as quickly as he can, dressing in the formal robes and styling his black locks into a bun. He lays Remus' clothes out on the bed, trying to hide his emotions. He knows it won't go well for them if he's overly emotional when dealing with the ministry. Sirius exits the room and has to hold himself back not to pull Remus into a hug. He wants to hold him and tell him everything is going to work out, but he can't.  Instead, he stays near the door and avoids looking directly at Remus. "I laid out clothes for you to wear on the bed," he tells him, keeping his voice even to hide his emotions.
Remus nods before standing up and shuffling towards their bedroom. Sirius has to hold himself back from following his husband, needing to clear his mind. He looks around, trying to find something to transfigure into a collar. He knows that the dog collar and leash they bought as a joke for Padfoot would work but he can't bring himself to use it. Instead, he unclasps one of his own necklaces and transfigures it into a simple black collar. Sirius sits on the couch, staring at the now transfigured necklace, trying to figure out his thoughts and what he will do if this doesn't work out. All he knows is that he cannot lose Remus, that he needs his Moony.
Sirius presses his thumbs into his eyes, willing himself not to cry. He knows he can't, that he has to look like the put together head of the Black house that he is meant to be. He hears Remus reenter the loungeroom, his husband stopping near the doorway. He sits up, tossing the collar beside him before clearing his throat. "Come here," he says, his voice coming out flat as he tries to hold back the tears. Remus edges closer and stands awkwardly next to him. He pats the chair, but Remus doesn't seem to notice, his mind clearly elsewhere. "Kneel," Sirius tells him and watches as Remus drops to the floor in front of him.
He reaches out a hand, going to lift Remus' face to look at him but withdraws at the last moment. He doesn't want to risk an argument, not when today was already going to be hard enough as it was. "I spoke to James and Lily, and we worked out a plan. I know it's not ideal but I'm going to sign the ministry paperwork so that nothing happens to you," he explains, hoping that Remus knows how much he hates this. "Moons," he asks but Remus doesn't move at all. Sirius reaches out a slightly shaky hand and brings it to Remus' neck, rubbing gently in the hopes that he'll look upwards. "Hopefully it will be over quickly, yeah," he says. Remus doesn't respond and Sirius knows that he's definitely spaced out.
"Look at me," Sirius says. He has to hide his relief when Remus looks up at him. Remus' eyes look distant, and he seems to be barely aware of his surroundings. "I have to put on a collar, I'm so sorry," Sirius tells him as he reaches beside him. Remus doesn't respond as he clasps it on, but the werewolf is watching him, as if waiting for what is next. Sirius goes to speak; to apologise and check in on Remus but he can feel the resistance in his throat. He knows that if he tries to say anything that the floodgates will open, and he won't be able to get through today. Instead, he shakes his head and stands up, grabbing the leash that he attached to the collar. "We have to go," he tells Remus, waiting for him to stand before moving towards the floo.
They step out of the floo and are met with a mayhem that Sirius never knew was possible for the ministry. There are crowds of people, werewolves being led and dragged across the floor. He sees a young man no older than them whipped. He trips to the ground, a loud scream echoing throughout the chamber. Without thinking, Sirius presses a hand to Remus' head, forcing him to look downwards. He doesn't know what his Moony saw, but he will make sure he doesn't see anything else. "Don't look up, just follow my feet," he says, hoping that Remus listens to him.
The beast division is crowded, lines of people inquiring about the initiative, and purchasing werewolves. He grabs Remus' shoulder and moves him in front, wanting to ensure that there's no tug on the leash. He doesn't want to see Remus hurt, especially not because of his own carelessness. Sirius quickly pushes through to the front, pulling out his ministry ID and leaning against the front desk. "You need to line up sir and someone will get to you soon," the teller tells him. Sirius huffs and places the card down in front of her. "Please, my family has not been at the forefront of the wizarding community since the time of Merlin for such blatant disrespect," he tells her. She glances at the card before gasping slightly.
"My apologies Lord Black, let me get you through straight away. What are you after today," she asks, readjusting her hair and pulling her cleavage down. "About the silver collar initiative, found this one just before the moon," he tells her, gesturing to Remus. "Of course, if you follow me sir, I can get you situated in a private room until someone can assist you," she tells him, standing up and gesturing for Sirius to follow her. "Do you need the beast taken away," she asks, looking at Remus in disgust and fear. Sirius has to stop himself from snapping at her and defending his husband. "I would rather keep an eye on it, make sure there's no escaping," he says, hoping his disgust comes off as disgust towards werewolves instead of the ministry and their initiative.
"Kneel," he says, giving the leash a slight tug. It's not enough to pull at all, just to ensure Remus knows he's addressing him. Remus drops down and looks at the floor. Sirius begins massaging his neck, hoping that it gives some comfort from the situation. He would much rather be waiting in here while talking to Remus; laughing and joking together or sharing quick kisses but he knows they can't risk it. It's not long before the door is being pushed opened, a woman turning away to say something to someone down the corridor. "Stay still, don't say a word," Sirius tells Remus as he moves his hand away from his neck. A middle-aged witch enters and sits down across from him.
"Mr Black, apologies for the wait," she says, reaching for a stack of parchment and a quill as she speaks. "Sirius will do thank you," he replies, still hating the Black name even if he is now legally the head of house. "And no apologies needed," he adds, trying to draw on his childhood training as best as he can. "I see you have a mutt to sell," she says, practically spitting the words as she recoils away from Remus. Sirius can't help but grip the leash tighter as he tries to restrain himself from defending his husband. "I found this one just before the last moon, kept him locked up," he tells her, gesturing towards Remus. "Good, one less person attacked. They're dangerous beasts, hate that we have to have them sent here," she tells him.
"I don't know, seems like the ministry is trying to keep everyone safe," Sirius replies, hoping his emotions are hidden. "Oh yes, the initiative is great I just don't like seeing them. They're all so dirty and cruel," she says, wrinkling her nose up in disgust. Sirius bites his tongue to prevent from snapping at her before responding. "I don't know, I've heard they have pretty good libido," he jokes, hoping Remus appreciates his terrible attempt at humour. "Actually, thinking about it, is it possible for me to purchase this one," he asks. Remus moves to look at him, but Sirius quickly places a hand against his head. He doesn't trust the witch across from him not to try and take Remus away if he doesn't show his dominance. "Stay down," he tells Remus, massaging his fingers into his curls slightly.
"Might need some training but I did have him over the full, so it'll be all good," he tells the ministry worker. He hopes Remus is present enough to know what is happening, to know why Sirius is doing any of this but he fears that Remus is too far away. "All good, this is the purchasing paperwork," she says, pushing a sheet of parchment towards him. "If you fill that all out and I'll go organise the medical exams for the beast," she tells him. "Have to make sure that no one's about to get some disease from it," she adds in disgust. Sirius watches as she stands up and exits, making a wide circle around Remus as if scared his lycanthropy might pass to her.
"We'll be home soon Moony," he says, bringing a hand down to massage his curls again as he fills out the paperwork. Just as he finishes, the witch reappears. "If you follow me, the healer can conduct the examination now." "Of course, thank you," he says, standing up. He gives a slight tug on the leash to get Remus' attention. "Follow, don't look up," he tells him, hoping that the witch thinks he's ordering around is enough. They enter a small office with no window. There's a table in the centre of the room with straps on each corner and an older wizard with greying hair and reading glasses. "I need the mutt stripped," he says. "Of course," Sirius replies. He flicks his wrist, removing the clothes and folding them into a neat pile.
It wasn't necessary, but he wanted the healer to know how magically powerful he is that he can do wandless, wordless magic with such ease. "On the table," the wizard says. He acts unfazed but Sirius saw the way his eyes flickered about the room at his display of magic. Of course, the spell was practiced many times, but he doesn't know that. Remus climbs onto the table and as soon as he lays down, the straps clasp around his wrists and ankles. He flinches and pulls at the straps, clearly distressed at being held down. "Stay still," Sirius says. He needs the ministry doctor to see him in charge, but he also needs Remus not to get hurt. As expected, his husband lies still instantly and closes his eyes.
"It's a quick examination, shouldn't take long," the wizard tells him. "Of course, take your time sir," Sirius tells him. He is partially curious as to what the wizards name is but doesn't ask. He is a Black and this man is below him, even more so now that he is volunteering to 0be a part of the ministry's beast division. He acts bored as he watches the healer draw blood and cast several diagnostic spells. His own healer training is enough to know exactly what each potion and spell the healer uses is for and to know that Remus is safe.
****
He has to hold himself back when the healer changes his course of action. He begins touching Remus between the thighs, rubbing his fingers across his balls. Sirius can't pull his eyes away as the healer forces three fingers inside. Remus screams and he rushes to his side without thinking. "Need to make sure everything's all good down below," the healer tells him. "No harm done; I will cast a silencing spell if it doesn't shut up." "Of course," Sirius replies, trying to keep the hitch out of his voice as he rubs a finger against Remus' knee in a calming gesture. "Stay quiet," he says, hating that he is a part of this. He can't look, has to turn away as the bile rises in his throat. Here he is, standing idly by as his husband is strapped down and sexually assaulted by a healer, and there's nothing he can do to stop it.
*****
It feels like forever before the healer leaves and the ministry worker returns. The witch looks at Remus with disgust as he climbs down from the table. "Horrible scars," she comments, looking him up and down. Sirius flicks his hand to redress Remus, biting down on his tongue to stop his retort. He makes a mental note to himself to make sure Remus knows his scars aren't horrible, to remind him of how beautiful his entire body is. "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," she tells him. "No problem, thank you," he says.

Sirius leads Remus back down to the main lobby. He quickly forces Remus' head down and tells him not to look up. There's a body speared onto the statue in the centre of the lobby; blood dripping down the back, turning the water red. Sirius knows instantly that the body belongs to a werewolf, the scarred skin enough of a telltale. It's a sight that he knows will haunt him, that will revisit him in dreams where the lifeless man is Remus and there's nothing he can do. It is not a sight that he wants Remus to see, or to even know about.

Sirius walks past the line at the floo and flashes the witch operating it a quick smile. She instantly lets him through first. As soon as they step out into the loungeroom, Sirius drops the leash. He hurriedly reaches up to remove the collar and throws it across the floor, not caring where it lands. There's a red mark on Remus' neck from the leash rubbing and Sirius instantly feels guilty, knowing that he had gripped the leash too tightly in his anger at the ministry. He leans down and presses a kiss to the mark before wrapping an arm around Remus and guiding him towards the lounge chair.

His hands are gentle as he massages Remus' neck, hoping that there's no lasting pain. "I'm so sorry baby, I didn't mean to hurt you," he says, letting his tears fall. "I love you Moony, I'm so sorry," he cries, kissing the red mark again. He notices Remus' shoulders start to shake as he cries and instantly pulls him into his chest, dragging Remus onto his lap so his husband is straddling him. Sirius feels helplesss, knowing that he is part of the reason for his husband's pain. He rubs circles on his back as he continues speaking, a spew of apologies and endearments coming out. He barely makes note of the words that he says, just knowing that it's enough that the plan worked, and his husband is still here.

Remus pulls back and looks up at him, golden eyes hazed over with tears that streak his tanned cheeks. He reaches a scarred hand towards Sirius' cheek but pauses, moving to draw backwards. Sirius gently grabs his hand and places it against his cheek, silently letting Remus know it's alright. "I'm so sorry Moony, I had to, I couldn't lose you," he says, sobs escaping between the words as his husband watches him. "Why," Remus asks, his voice soft and gripped with sadness. "Why would you do this," he adds. Remus blinks and another tear slides down. Sirius reaches out and gently wipes the tear away. "I had to protect you Moons, if I didn't do this the ministry would have taken you away," he tells him. Sirius takes a shaky breath in and closes his eyes briefly. "I had to keep you safe," he says, opening his eyes to look at Remus again.

"Keep me safe," Remus asks. He sounds surprised despite the heartbreak in his tone. Sirius nods in answer as he feels more tears fall. "Why would you do this to yourself? You had an easy way out and yet you chose to be stuck with a beast." There's a hint of anger to Remus' tone, as if he truly believes Sirius did the wrong thing. "Not a beast," he replies quietly, hating the fact that Remus sees himself like that. He pulls Remus back into himself, restarting the massaging against his neck. Remus makes a pained whine and Sirius can tell that he wants to say more. He doesn't give him the chance, grabbing his left hand and bringing it up to his lips. He presses a kiss to the wedding ring there, rubbing his thumb in circles against the palm. "I love you Moony. I have for so long and I will always love you." He lifts Remus' faces and wipes at the tears that linger against his scarred cheeks before pressing a kiss to his lips. "I married you and nothing with ever change the way I feel about you."

Remus attempts to interject but Sirius quickly silences him with a kiss. "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. He truly means it and he hopes that Remus knows how true that statement is. "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. As he moves, the material of his shirt scratches across Sirius' hand, reminding him of the state of the clothes. Sirius presses a kiss to Remus' forehead as he reaches out for his wand. "Finite," he mutters, watching as Remus glances at him in confusion.

"James' idea," he answers. "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," Sirius adds. He can't help but move his hands back to massage Remus' neck again, hating the marks that the collar and leash had left. "How long were you planning this," Remus asks him, resting his head against Sirius' shoulder. "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, stopping the massage when Remus shifts away. He wraps his arms around Remus instead, holding him close and pressing another kiss to his forehead.

"Thank you," Remus says, his voice barely above a whisper. Sirius shakes his head as he shifts a hand to pull Remus' sweater down properly. "Don't thank me Moons, please don't," he says. "I should be apologising to you for all of this," he adds, trying to blink away the tears that pool. Remus sits up and reaches out a hand to wipe away the tears. He gives Sirius a soft smile, clearly pained around the edges from the events of the day. "You do not need to apologise for anything that happened today," Remus tells him. "Cariad, you did it to protect me. I...I don't even want to think." His voice breaks off at the end, and Sirius feels his heart break at the pain his husband is in.

"Neither do I," Sirius says, not even trying to hide the pain from his voice anymore. This is his husband, the love of his life and the one person he can always truly be himself around; no matter how broken he might be. "I love you Sirius," Remus says, placing a hand on Sirius' cheeks and leaning in for a kiss. Sirius smiles into the kiss, glad that Remus is right there. "I love you too Remus," Sirius whispers before kissing him again. Remus returns to his earlier position, resting his head against Sirius' shoulder and Sirius, without thinking, begins massaging Remus' neck once more. "Do you want food or a shower first," Sirius asks, silently hoping that Remus says shower. While he knows they both need to eat, he desperately needs to wash away that healers touch.

Remus grabs his hand, moving it away from his neck and placing a kiss to the knuckles. Sirius gets the message, that Remus is alright, and he doesn't need to worry so much. "Shower," Remus says, and Sirius can't ignore the way he shifts uncomfortably. He knows what Remus is thinking of and wishes that he didn't have to go through that. He stands up, lifting Remus up with him. Remus lets out a small laugh before wrapping his legs around Sirius and leaning on his shoulder once more. Sirius turns and presses a kiss to Remus' forehead, smiling at his husband. "I love you," he says, unable to stop the words sliding from his mouth. It doesn't matter anyway, there's no reason for him not to say those three words; especially when there's nothing that is truer.

Remus mumbles something that Sirius can work out to be 'love you too', but his voice is heavy with sleep. "Go to sleep love, I have you," he whispers but his words fall on empty ears, Remus' breathing already changing as sleep overtakes. He carries Remus into their bedroom and places him onto the bed. "I love you Moons," he says quietly, running a finger across his forehead to smooth out the creases before pulling the blankets up to cover the sleeping man. He pulls out his wand and casts a quick cleaning charm, needing to atleast know Remus is clean even if he is yet to properly wash away the unwanted touches.

Sirius reaches for the mirror, knowing that Lily will knock his door down if she doesn't hear from him soon. He glances back at Remus before leaving the room, not wanting to wake him up. He enters the kitchen and begins searching the cupboards for something to make for the dinner, the mirror in one hand. "James," he says, watching as the messy-haired man slowly comes into view. "How's Moony," James asks instantly, not waiting for Sirius to speak. "He's at home," Sirius replies. "That's, that's all that matters," he adds, feeling the tears springing back to life again. He blinks them away, not wanting to worry James. It doesn't work though; his brother knows him too well. "How are you, do you need me to come over," James asks, clearly worried.

He shakes his head, not wanting to take James from his family. "He's at home," he says again. He knows James got the message as he sits down, his shoulders relaxing. "What," James starts but Sirius shakes his head. "I can't talk about it right now, I need to talk to Moons about it first," he says. "Of course, I just wanted to check on you too Padfoot. You seem stressed," James tells him. "I, oh Merlin," Sirius says, bringing a hand to his mouth as a sob escapes. "There was a werewolf lanced onto the ministry statue," he says, needing to say it out loud to someone. "Fuck," James exclaims loudly. Sirius can hear Lily shout at him in the background. "Moony didn't see it, I don't think. He was behind me, and I told him not to look up before moving him in front. I just, if we weren't here."

"I'm coming over," James says, standing up and Sirius can tell he's walking towards their lounge room. "You don't need to, I'm alright," Sirius tells him, wiping at his cheeks. "No, you aren't," James tells him sternly. "Oi Evans," he calls out, turning away from the mirror. "What," Lily calls back. "I'm going to Sirius'." "You don't need to come," Sirius protests, grabbing out a pot as he turns back to the mirror. "What happened," Lily asks, sounding worried as she appears in the mirror. "Remus is at home, he'll be alright," he tells her, shaking his head at James in warning. "No, you are clearly shaken up," James tells him. "Put that knife down," Lily tells him, and Sirius drops the knife, surprised by her authority even through the mirror.

"Go be with Remus," she tells him. "Moons is asleep, I just want to have dinner ready once he wakes up," Sirius tells her. "I will make you both dinner and James can bring it around later, just look after him for us and look after yourself too," she tells him. "Ok, fine," he mutters, putting the knife away. "Thanks Red, I love you," he adds, smiling at her. "Don't steal my wife," James jokes, pulling Lily against him and pressing a kiss to her red hair. "Get off," she says, pushing James away. "We're all here for you, both of you," she tells Sirius. He smiles appreciatively at her as he walks towards the bedroom. "Thanks Lils, I'll see you later Prongs," he says. He hangs up before either of them can reply.

He moves into the bathroom and runs a bath, casting a stasis charm so it remains the perfect temperature for once Remus wakes up. He's quick to change, stripping out of the robes and into a pair of pants and one of Remus' sweaters. There's a nervous energy beneath his skin, and Sirius has half a mind to turn into Padfoot and run off. One glance at his husbands sleeping form, looking calm for the first time since the moon has him changing his mind. He climbs into bed behind him, smiling slightly as Remus shuffles back into him. Sirius wraps his arms around Remus and presses a kiss to his hair. "Love you Moons," he whispers before closing his eyes, letting the tension leave his body now that his husband, his Moony, is safe in his arms.