Q (pre-AU)

[lepidopterologist]

Harry was typically happy to do what the king asked of him. He had for years, after all. Even when they were children. And even if they weren't friends, it would have been his duty. He'd already lost an eye for him.

He was known as the king's right hand man, his chief advisor, a good hand with a sword and with a keen military mind. So he'd had to do plenty of things he didn't care for...

This was not one of them. This he was always more than happy to do. And it was completely silly, how happy he was to have an excuse.

He knocked politely on the wizard's door. Adjusted the patch over his eye, and then tugged at his coat to straighten it.

Comments

[lepidopterologist]

Harry glanced away, a touch embarrassed. (Even if a little pleased.) "You mean under the king's watch."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"I assure you, I know what I said, and I meant it," Q replied, pushing his glasses back up his nose, the simple metal frames leaving little marks on his nose.

[lepidopterologist]

"... oh," said Harry, his gaze settled on Q's face. Though it slid from his glasses to his mouth. "Well. I appreciate that vote of confidence. It is my duty to care for the kingdom. On behalf of the king."

Duty was very important to him. And he also cultivated the perception that it was the most important thing to him. That it was, for example, why he'd never married. Despite many, many interested women.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Right, of course, the king," Q said, smile fading a bit.

Sometimes Q was certain Harry was as keen on him as he was him. Other times... Well, other times the man was a mystery. Not that it mattered, he was certain the king wouldn't be alright with his right hand man and the wizard carrying on anyway.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry felt much the same way. Which was part of the reason he'd never made any sort of... advance, towards Q. Well, that and he had no intention of anyone, especially the king, finding out that he preferred the company of his own sex. Every... dalliance he'd ever had, was with utmost discretion. And were in all honesty rather few and far between.

"Is there anything you're concerned about?" Harry asked. "Anything that makes you feel unsafe?"

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

Q shook his head. "No. Well, the usual things, dragons, murderers, wolves, but I feel safe here, Harry. I consider myself fortunate to have this work and a place in the castle."

[lepidopterologist]

"Good," Harry said, and nodded. "Good. I'm glad you're content. And... safe. That's important."

He wanted to tell him how far he would go to protect him, but he knew it would sound a bit mad.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Are you afraid of anything, Harry? Q asked, watching the other man as he slipped his tea. "You see and know so much more than I do. That's a privilege that comes with heavy burdons"

[lepidopterologist]

"I am," said Harry, without elaborating further on that.

"And I am fortunate to be in the position that I am in. And happy to be in a place where I can help. The king and I have known each other since we were boys. I want to help him."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"I stay here because it's safe, and I'm given the freedom and tools I need to focus on my craft, Truth be told... Sometimes I find it all a bit tiresome," Q admitted. "I envy those wizards who live deep in the woods, practicing magic for fun not profit. ...Sadly my taste for the finer things prevents me from daydreaming too much about living the simpler life."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry quirked a smile. "I believe I would feel the same way," he said. "I am certainly happy for the lifestyle that the castle has afforded me." His clothes were one example. He did very much like nice clothes.

"You know, you could... spend some time at the castle, if you liked," Harry said. "I'm sure you'd be welcome there, and I think sometimes the cooks are disappointed their food isn't enjoyed by more people."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"I always feel a touch out of place there," Q confessed. "I'm not exactly one of them."

Q could smarten up when the occasion arose, but there was no mistaking him for wealthy. He did well for himself, but his robes were often slightly ill fitting, even if they were clearly well crafted. He didn't carry himself the way the wealthy did, often shrinking out of sight unless he had something worth showing off, like a new spell or enchantment.

[lepidopterologist]

"Neither am I," said Harry. And then looked a bit sheepish from this confession. "I suppose many people don't know that. They think I must be some lord's son or something. No. But I've gotten terribly good at faking it."

Many people knew, of course, that he was where he was only because of the king. But many assumed that though they were childhood friends it must have been because Harry's father was someone important. But no, he'd just been in the right place.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"You're good at fitting in though," Q said. "I've never been good at just fitting in. I envy you that. I envy you many things," he added with a soft laugh.

[lepidopterologist]

"I envy things about you as well," Harry said quietly. "You're clever, and your magic is... remarkable. It gives you a kind of power that even kings don't have." Pause. "Not that I would recommend reminding him of that."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"No," Q chuckled. "Kings have killed for far less, and I prefer my head remain where it is."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry chuckled as well, and took a sip of tea. After a moment he said, "Have you seen the butterfly garden outside of the palace? My father made that. He was the royal gardener for many years. It's one of my favorite places to be."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"I spand a lot of time there, actually. I love all the gardens here," the magical boffin admitted.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry's smile broadened at that. "They're amazing, aren't they? I think he may have been a bit disappointed I didn't take over after he died, but the new gardener does a fine job."

Realizing perhaps he should give a little more context, he added, "My mother died when I was only a couple of years old. Arthur and I were the same age, and the former queen offered to allow his nanny to watch after me as well so that my father could continue his work. She loved the gardens."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"And that's why you're so close," he realized, nodding slightly. "Do you believe he's a good man?" he asked.

[lepidopterologist]

“I do,” said Harry, and meant it. “I don’t know that he would want this if he weren’t born to it, but… he does his best.”

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Your loyalty to him is sweet. I hope he appreciates it," Q said softly. "I'm sure plenty of women find that loyalty very alluring."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry actually looked surprised for a moment at the mention of women, but then finally said, "I'm not particularly interested in marrying."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"No? Me either, I suppose," Q admitted. "I don't court, really..."

[lepidopterologist]

"You could, of course," Harry said hesitantly. "If you wanted to. You're very... I mean, I imgine many are interested in you."