Fic: The Collar
Nov. 13th, 2008 08:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
drachenminaTitle: The Collar
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
drachenmina
Word Count: ~1,500
Rating: PG
Characters: Severus Snape/Remus Lupin
Summary: Remus finds something disconcerting at the back of the cupboard.
AN: Once again, for the lusciousblpaintchart *pokes with even bigger stick*, who prompted me with (how did you guess?) collar.
Remus was quite aware that it was all his fault. People who went rooting around in the backs of cupboards in the run up to Christmas had only themselves to blame when they found something they’d really just as soon not have seen. He’d tried to push the memory of it to the back of his mind, but that only made it worse: it lingered there, festering like a rotten apple and breathing decay upon all that surrounded it.
How could he have failed to notice that Severus yearned for… that? It was all so obvious, when he thought about it – all those years Severus had dismissed him as beast, wolf, creature. Just because they had become lovers, it didn’t mean that Severus had ceased to think of him that way. Rather, it meant, it seemed, that he had accepted that side of Remus, welcomed it even. Remus supposed he should be grateful, but that was beyond even him, used as he was to finding good in the worst of circumstances.
It was just… he had thought that they were equals. That they respected one another. Had ceased their weary struggle for supremacy, on the one hand, and acceptance, on the other. And now this.
It was always possible, he’d supposed, that it was intended for Severus himself – but no: his lover was a proud man who had chafed under the yoke of one master or another for much of his adult life; he would not willingly seek that out now. No, the collar (a rather handsome thing, objectively viewed, of the finest snakeskin and tastefully designed) must be intended for Remus. But how on Earth could he tell Severus that he would not, could not wear such a blatant symbol of subjugation?
He couldn’t stop himself from going back to look at it, when Severus was out or locked in his potions laboratory. He’d even tried it on one day, when he was sure that Severus was two hundred miles away, and after casting a dozen or so warding charms. He’d stood in front of the mirror, and unbuckled the thing and placed it around his neck, where it grew unnervingly to fit. He’d hastily returned it to its silk-lined case, remembering belatedly that sometimes such things were charmed to be impossible for the wearer to remove. No. He couldn’t do it. Not even for Severus.
…….
He’d planned a hundred approaches; a discourse on the noble nature of werewolves; a sermon on equality. But in the end, it was as they lay in bed, about to make love, that he blurted out “I won’t wear it!”
Severus did not look pleased at his interruption of the foreplay with such a non sequitur. “What? Lupin, you are making no sense whatsoever.”
“The collar. I found it, you see. In the cupboard. And I’m sorry, but I won’t wear it.” Remus was adamant.
Severus glared at him in the sort of way he had used to do when they had both been teachers at Hogwarts, and sighed, raising his eyes briefly to the ceiling. “Am I given to understand that you have found my Christmas gift for Lucius?”
Remus’ heart twisted. “Lucius?”
“Yes, Lupin, your hearing has not yet gone the way of your senses. Lucius.” His tone was absurdly matter-of-fact for such a shocking admission of infidelity.
“But…” Remus was painfully aware that he was naked, in bed with his lover. His betrayer. “Why?” he whispered finally.
Severus shrugged, another nail in the coffin of Remus’ love. “It’s a joke, that’s all.”
Remus set his jaw. “I’m afraid, Severus, I don’t find it very funny.” Gathering his dignity and his pyjamas as best he could, he stalked off to the spare room, leaving Severus staring after him.
……..
The next morning was, naturally, rather strained. Remus had resolved that he would not rail at Severus, would not condemn him for his faithlessness (and whether it were only, as yet, of the mind he dared not enquire). It was hard, however, watching his lover eat his porridge, wondering if he thought only of another. It was torture, comparing his own features, his own form, with that of the over-bred, overbearing, arrogant fop who had evidently supplanted him in Severus’ affections.
Having burned the toast, Remus gave it a vicious swipe with the butter knife. He brusquely waved aside Severus’ offer of the marmalade, convinced that it would sour in his stomach, and bit into his slice of charcoal in wounded silence. He insisted that Severus take the last cup of tea in the pot with, he thought, a noble air of quiet martyrdom.
Severus exploded. “In Merlin’s name, Lupin, what on Earth has got into you? Is this some strange quasi-menopausal werewolf affliction I have hitherto been fortunate enough to be unaware of? First you storm out of our bed, and now you act as though I’d strangled your puppy! What, Lupin, is the matter?”
Remus looked at him with resignation. “I shan’t stand in your way, Severus. If Lucius is the one who can make you happy, then you should go to him.”
“Hell’s teeth, Lupin! You are making yourself ridiculous!” Severus rolled his eyes and stalked over to the Floo. “The things I do for you!” He flung in a handful of powder and disappeared, not before Remus was able to make out the words Malfoy Manor. Realizing his lover had taken him at his word, Remus gave himself over to despair.
He was just getting into his stride when the Floo flared once more and disgorged not only Severus but also Lucius, the latter looking a little disgruntled in his embroidered silk morning robe.
“Now, Lucius, if you would be so kind?” Severus asked with a measure of steel beneath the velvet of his voice.
“If I must,” Lucius sighed affectedly, and transformed.
Remus blinked. And blinked again. There, by the hearth, stood a large, ridiculously handsome Afghan hound, its glossy coat rippling in the firelight like spun silk. Indeed, it shimmered so exquisitely that Remus strongly suspected Lucius had been using coat-enhancement charms. Or possibly Muggle conditioner.
“Accio collar!” Severus commanded, and catching the obediently flying case in one sure hand, took out The Collar, which he deftly buckled around Lucius’ neck. “Happy now, Lupin?” he asked sardonically, as the hound tossed its head superciliously and, still wearing the collar, reverted to human form. Suddenly, Remus was assailed by conflicting thoughts: firstly, that he had been a prize idiot to suspect Severus of carrying on with Lucius – and secondly, that he could hardly have blamed him if he had.
Tossing his head only half so prettily as he had in canine form, Lucius heaved a put-upon sigh and unbuckled the collar, which singularly failed to resist his efforts. “Really, Severus, I’d hoped for more originality from you of all people. I have it on good authority from the house-elves that Narcissa will be giving me a food bowl bearing the legend Rover, and that my only son, generous as ever, will be presenting me with a large stick for Christmas. You were my only hope of a half-decent present this year.”
Severus sighed. “Well, since the surprise has been ruined,” he glared at Remus, “I suppose I shall in any case have to find you another present. You may not drop hints,” he added at Lucius’ eager look. He began to shoo their guest towards the Floo, ignoring Lucius’ whine that surprises were only really good when you knew what you’d be getting.
Remus watched him go with a heart so light he fancied he might, after all, be able to manage a spot of broomless flying, despite Severus having despaired of ever getting him to master the knack. “Severus!” he exclaimed, as his lover turned back to face him. “I’ve been acting like a fool. Can you ever forgive me?”
Severus’ eyes narrowed. “Some would say you’ve done more than just act like a fool, Lupin. However, I may be prepared to let bygones be bygones.” He smirked. “For a price, of course.”
Remus risked a raffish smile. “A price? I do hope it won’t be a large one.”
“Regrettably, Lupin, it is exceedingly large, and has been since last night, when your ridiculous assumptions rendered our coitus interruptus.”
“Dear me, Severus!” Remus sashayed closer, and slid his arms around his lover. “Mmm, yes, I see what you mean. Very large indeed.” He grinned, dropping to his knees. “Perhaps I could pay it off in installments?”
……………….
Much later, and moving, it had to be said, with a somewhat awkward gait, Severus returned to the hall cupboard to ensure that his hastily-cast wards were still intact. He sighed, looking at the presents Remus had failed to locate. He had (rather cleverly, he prided himself) salvaged the collar situation, but clearly the gimp mask and restraints would have to go back to the shop. About to remove them from their hiding places, Severus hesitated.
Such a pity to send them back. And it would be Remus’ birthday in March. Perhaps by then, he might have persuaded Remus to be more open to such things?
Well, he could hope. Smiling, Severus closed the door.
Fin
Author:
drachenminaWord Count: ~1,500
Rating: PG
Characters: Severus Snape/Remus Lupin
Summary: Remus finds something disconcerting at the back of the cupboard.
AN: Once again, for the luscious
blpaintchart *pokes with even bigger stick*, who prompted me with (how did you guess?) collar. Remus was quite aware that it was all his fault. People who went rooting around in the backs of cupboards in the run up to Christmas had only themselves to blame when they found something they’d really just as soon not have seen. He’d tried to push the memory of it to the back of his mind, but that only made it worse: it lingered there, festering like a rotten apple and breathing decay upon all that surrounded it.
How could he have failed to notice that Severus yearned for… that? It was all so obvious, when he thought about it – all those years Severus had dismissed him as beast, wolf, creature. Just because they had become lovers, it didn’t mean that Severus had ceased to think of him that way. Rather, it meant, it seemed, that he had accepted that side of Remus, welcomed it even. Remus supposed he should be grateful, but that was beyond even him, used as he was to finding good in the worst of circumstances.
It was just… he had thought that they were equals. That they respected one another. Had ceased their weary struggle for supremacy, on the one hand, and acceptance, on the other. And now this.
It was always possible, he’d supposed, that it was intended for Severus himself – but no: his lover was a proud man who had chafed under the yoke of one master or another for much of his adult life; he would not willingly seek that out now. No, the collar (a rather handsome thing, objectively viewed, of the finest snakeskin and tastefully designed) must be intended for Remus. But how on Earth could he tell Severus that he would not, could not wear such a blatant symbol of subjugation?
He couldn’t stop himself from going back to look at it, when Severus was out or locked in his potions laboratory. He’d even tried it on one day, when he was sure that Severus was two hundred miles away, and after casting a dozen or so warding charms. He’d stood in front of the mirror, and unbuckled the thing and placed it around his neck, where it grew unnervingly to fit. He’d hastily returned it to its silk-lined case, remembering belatedly that sometimes such things were charmed to be impossible for the wearer to remove. No. He couldn’t do it. Not even for Severus.
…….
He’d planned a hundred approaches; a discourse on the noble nature of werewolves; a sermon on equality. But in the end, it was as they lay in bed, about to make love, that he blurted out “I won’t wear it!”
Severus did not look pleased at his interruption of the foreplay with such a non sequitur. “What? Lupin, you are making no sense whatsoever.”
“The collar. I found it, you see. In the cupboard. And I’m sorry, but I won’t wear it.” Remus was adamant.
Severus glared at him in the sort of way he had used to do when they had both been teachers at Hogwarts, and sighed, raising his eyes briefly to the ceiling. “Am I given to understand that you have found my Christmas gift for Lucius?”
Remus’ heart twisted. “Lucius?”
“Yes, Lupin, your hearing has not yet gone the way of your senses. Lucius.” His tone was absurdly matter-of-fact for such a shocking admission of infidelity.
“But…” Remus was painfully aware that he was naked, in bed with his lover. His betrayer. “Why?” he whispered finally.
Severus shrugged, another nail in the coffin of Remus’ love. “It’s a joke, that’s all.”
Remus set his jaw. “I’m afraid, Severus, I don’t find it very funny.” Gathering his dignity and his pyjamas as best he could, he stalked off to the spare room, leaving Severus staring after him.
……..
The next morning was, naturally, rather strained. Remus had resolved that he would not rail at Severus, would not condemn him for his faithlessness (and whether it were only, as yet, of the mind he dared not enquire). It was hard, however, watching his lover eat his porridge, wondering if he thought only of another. It was torture, comparing his own features, his own form, with that of the over-bred, overbearing, arrogant fop who had evidently supplanted him in Severus’ affections.
Having burned the toast, Remus gave it a vicious swipe with the butter knife. He brusquely waved aside Severus’ offer of the marmalade, convinced that it would sour in his stomach, and bit into his slice of charcoal in wounded silence. He insisted that Severus take the last cup of tea in the pot with, he thought, a noble air of quiet martyrdom.
Severus exploded. “In Merlin’s name, Lupin, what on Earth has got into you? Is this some strange quasi-menopausal werewolf affliction I have hitherto been fortunate enough to be unaware of? First you storm out of our bed, and now you act as though I’d strangled your puppy! What, Lupin, is the matter?”
Remus looked at him with resignation. “I shan’t stand in your way, Severus. If Lucius is the one who can make you happy, then you should go to him.”
“Hell’s teeth, Lupin! You are making yourself ridiculous!” Severus rolled his eyes and stalked over to the Floo. “The things I do for you!” He flung in a handful of powder and disappeared, not before Remus was able to make out the words Malfoy Manor. Realizing his lover had taken him at his word, Remus gave himself over to despair.
He was just getting into his stride when the Floo flared once more and disgorged not only Severus but also Lucius, the latter looking a little disgruntled in his embroidered silk morning robe.
“Now, Lucius, if you would be so kind?” Severus asked with a measure of steel beneath the velvet of his voice.
“If I must,” Lucius sighed affectedly, and transformed.
Remus blinked. And blinked again. There, by the hearth, stood a large, ridiculously handsome Afghan hound, its glossy coat rippling in the firelight like spun silk. Indeed, it shimmered so exquisitely that Remus strongly suspected Lucius had been using coat-enhancement charms. Or possibly Muggle conditioner.
“Accio collar!” Severus commanded, and catching the obediently flying case in one sure hand, took out The Collar, which he deftly buckled around Lucius’ neck. “Happy now, Lupin?” he asked sardonically, as the hound tossed its head superciliously and, still wearing the collar, reverted to human form. Suddenly, Remus was assailed by conflicting thoughts: firstly, that he had been a prize idiot to suspect Severus of carrying on with Lucius – and secondly, that he could hardly have blamed him if he had.
Tossing his head only half so prettily as he had in canine form, Lucius heaved a put-upon sigh and unbuckled the collar, which singularly failed to resist his efforts. “Really, Severus, I’d hoped for more originality from you of all people. I have it on good authority from the house-elves that Narcissa will be giving me a food bowl bearing the legend Rover, and that my only son, generous as ever, will be presenting me with a large stick for Christmas. You were my only hope of a half-decent present this year.”
Severus sighed. “Well, since the surprise has been ruined,” he glared at Remus, “I suppose I shall in any case have to find you another present. You may not drop hints,” he added at Lucius’ eager look. He began to shoo their guest towards the Floo, ignoring Lucius’ whine that surprises were only really good when you knew what you’d be getting.
Remus watched him go with a heart so light he fancied he might, after all, be able to manage a spot of broomless flying, despite Severus having despaired of ever getting him to master the knack. “Severus!” he exclaimed, as his lover turned back to face him. “I’ve been acting like a fool. Can you ever forgive me?”
Severus’ eyes narrowed. “Some would say you’ve done more than just act like a fool, Lupin. However, I may be prepared to let bygones be bygones.” He smirked. “For a price, of course.”
Remus risked a raffish smile. “A price? I do hope it won’t be a large one.”
“Regrettably, Lupin, it is exceedingly large, and has been since last night, when your ridiculous assumptions rendered our coitus interruptus.”
“Dear me, Severus!” Remus sashayed closer, and slid his arms around his lover. “Mmm, yes, I see what you mean. Very large indeed.” He grinned, dropping to his knees. “Perhaps I could pay it off in installments?”
……………….
Much later, and moving, it had to be said, with a somewhat awkward gait, Severus returned to the hall cupboard to ensure that his hastily-cast wards were still intact. He sighed, looking at the presents Remus had failed to locate. He had (rather cleverly, he prided himself) salvaged the collar situation, but clearly the gimp mask and restraints would have to go back to the shop. About to remove them from their hiding places, Severus hesitated.
Such a pity to send them back. And it would be Remus’ birthday in March. Perhaps by then, he might have persuaded Remus to be more open to such things?
Well, he could hope. Smiling, Severus closed the door.
Fin
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2008-11-13 09:26 pm (UTC)Nice fic!
no subject
Date: 2008-11-13 09:40 pm (UTC)I giggled all through it, there are so many great lines and I can´t even pick my favorite scene (although the breakfast comes to mind. Remus angst+porridge=AWESOME). Remus is such an adorable neurotic.
I love you very very much and I want to steal your brain now. =)
no subject
Date: 2008-11-14 06:21 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-11-19 04:24 pm (UTC)