I do not own Harry Potter, it belongs to others.
Written for Taragh MacCarthy's challenge "The Animal Challenge"
A Caprine Discussion
Part 1 - Ernie MacMillan
"Say, Ernie, could you pass me some water?"
"Sure thing, Dean." The tall, muscular boy reached in to his backpack, pulled out a bottle and chucked it to the black boy.
"Nice up here, isn't it?" Ernie asked, trying to make some conversation. "I could spend the rest of my life here."
"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Dean said, ruffling a hand through his hair. "Not unless you're a mountain goat." He laughed at his joke, but stopped when he saw Ernie hadn't. "What, you think you're a goat?" he asked incredulously.
"Sort of," Ernie said. "I mean, I've always been headstrong-"
"You can say that again," Dean interrupted with a chuckle. "Remember second year? You completely lied to Harry, telling him you're pureblood. Everyone thinks you actually are."
"Really?" Ernie's eyes widened at that. "God, those people are gullible. Not like the mountain goat," he said, bringing the conversation back. "You know it's more like an antelope than just a full goat. They're bloody aggressive and protective, basically a vicious Hufflepuff," he added with a twinkle in his eyes.
"And that's you down pat," Dean laughed. He turned to look out over the fields below and his vision started to haze. "You know, we have a little something in common."
"Oh yeah?" a voice from behind the two friends said. They turned suddenly to raise their wands against the newcomer.
"Calm down, Ernie, It's just me, Roger Davies."
"Prove it," he spat.
"You got stuck up on the astronomy tower in your third year and I was the one who did it. Also, you came to me rather than anyone else when things started to happen to your body. I believe you described it as-"
"Okay, I believe you," Ernie spluttered. "Never mention that again, okay mate?"
"Sure," Roger said, seating himself on the right-hind side of Ernie and then shot Dean a look.
"Is he safe?" he asked Ernie, giving a head jerk.
"Yeah," he said. "We came up here together."
"Speaking of which, why are we here?" Roger asked, looking between the two boys.
"It's calm and away from Snatchers. Why are you here? How did you find us?"
"Fifth year. I put tracking charms on you." Dean jumped up.
"Isn't that illegal? Ernie, I don't trust this guy." He retreated and pulled out his wand. "Who are you really? Why would you put tracking charms on Ernie?"
"Dean, calm down!" Ernie shouted. "He's my cousin!"