Silver collar

Sirius

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.