Hey! Hello! Allow me to be the first to introduce you to my newest story "Beauty's Folly". It's a Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast (1991)'-inspired fic featuring my newest experimental pair: Colin Creevey/Cormac McLaggen. I was inspired to try them out after reading a story featuring them on ArchiveOfOurOwn. For those who have grown to love the Colin/Miles pairing...don't lose heart! I have not given up on that rare pair and honestly, it's a favorite alongside Percy/Marcus.

I just wanted to see what I could come up with by choosing a fellow Gryffindor. Colin of course, is ''Belle'' and Cormac...hahaha...what better way to humble everyone's favorite douchebag by making him the ''Beast''. No, he's not covered in fur and there's no talking candlestick, clock, teapot or other furniture...this is inspired. Therefore, this is modern-time...in Britain, AU yet magical. There are characters who will be OOC (Out of character)-either completely or partially. And this is rated M for future content! Also, this is slash so if that bothers you...you see the figurative door? Take the hint.

~*...*~ indicates a memory!

Authors Note/Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and I never will. Also, anything mirroring 'Beauty and the Beast' doesn't belong to me, either...just the rest of the stuff I've written. Also, any references you may see will be noted in the bottom A/Ns. Any mistakes-spelling/grammatical/etc. are my own! Enjoy another of my Disney-inspired fics! :P (This makes number three.)

Chapter One-One Insult Too Far

(First Person-Cormac's POV)

Another day passes and here I sit next to the window, watching the world as day turns into night. I sit in my favorite chair and gaze through my enchanted window, peering into the village several miles west of my manor. I observe the numerous happy faces that waltz by without a care in the world. All those joyful, smiling, beautiful people...I used to be one of them. Oh yes, I was the most gorgeous young man in my province. Every man envied me. My looks, my charm, my body...everything.

Women and men flocked around me, hanging onto my every word. What could I say? I was very popular. Being a handsome and vastly wealthy bachelor ensured it. You would say I'm arrogant and a narcissist, well...you're probably right. I knew I was beautiful, so what was the point in denying it? With one wink and a smile, I made people crumble. If they could manage to accomplish it without mussing their clothes, they'd fall at my feet.

Now, you're probably wondering what the past tense 'used to be one' means. I won't keep you in suspense any longer. My unfortunate tale begins as if it were a dream, but it was all too real. I remember this like it happened merely hours ago...

~May 2011- Cormac's Sixteenth Birthday~

~* It was a regular Saturday spring night at Rosethorn Manor, or McLaggen Manor...whichever suits your fancy. The latter happens to be my last name. Anyway, it was my sixteenth birthday and knowing my parents, they wanted it to be spectacular. Sixteen was a milestone in a teen's life, so everything had to be perfect and it was.

A few hundred guests were in attendance, the ballroom was immaculately decorated and I was dressed to the nines in my finest form-fitting black robes, swaying to the beat of the music. I was dancing with some of the prettiest girls there-Fleur, Lavender, Cho, Pansy and Astoria to name a few. I like diversity. Oh yeah, I was dancing with a few guys too. Oliver, Draco, Blaise, Roger and Viktor. Like I said...diversity.

After an hour or so of dancing, me and a bunch of the guests decided to take a break outside, the same with my best mates, Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas. The teenagers migrated back and forth between the ballroom and the outside ground patio. Why would we want to be constantly hawked by chaperones, anyway? Lounging on the painstakingly-carved stone benches, I participated in the lively banter.

We conversed about everything...our attire, future parties, connections, and of course...some of us; myself included, were cracking on the lesser-looking guests that were invited. One guest in particular was Marcus Flint. To me, that guy looked like a giant mountain troll. Overly-built body, brutish countenance, creepy icy-blue eyes and crooked teeth sharp enough to shear metal.

He was within earshot of me when I was stating my observations. "I'm pleased to see he made it out of the mountain troll forest retreat to come to my party. It would have been a shame if he couldn't take time off from scaring small children with his smile...or shattering glass with one glance.''

I smirked as the others laughed. I saw that Dean and Seamus weren't laughing, but I didn't pay it any mind. They were used to my antics by now.

Across from me, I could hear Flint grunt to his boyfriend Percy Weasley. For a tall, lithe and freckled redhead with glasses, he was quite pretty. How the hell Flint managed to snag him, I'll never know. Percy looked as though he was trying to placate him.

"Come on, Marcus. Ignore him. It's his birthday, at least be civil."

He replied. "I don't wanna. I didn't want to come to this stupid party to begin with. I should have stayed home with my mates. You know what happens when I'm around here, with these people."

"I know, but try to fake it."

"I'll try, but if he keeps it up, McLaggen won't be so pretty for long."

I nearly laughed aloud at his side-glare. He got riled up so easily, it was comical.

"Cormac..." Astoria whined, laying on my shoulder.

"Yes?"

"Why did that undesirable have to come, anyway? He's not wanted here."

I reply "Don't ask me. I'm not the one who wrote the guestlist."

"Still, could you at least ask him to leave? He's making people uncomfortable." Another party-goer, Penelope Clearwater commented, glancing up at me with those doe eyes. She was a gorgeous thing too and I never liked to disappoint my guests. So, I decided to do her that favor and maybe, she'd repay it later...if she was lucky for me to choose her. I strolled over to Percy and Marcus, who were whispering to each other near the tall hedges.

"Flint..."

They looked at me.

"Listen, some of my guests were complaining about your hideousness and it's ruining the vibe. So, if you would be so kind as to lumber your way out, that would be most appreciated. The, uh, door's that way." I pointed behind me, past the hopeful onlookers.

I could hear Marcus's knuckles crack as he balled one huge hand into a fist. "You smug son of a-"

"Marcus! No!" Percy stopped him in mid-lunge.

I chuckled "Gee, temper...temper. However do you put up with such a loose cannon, Percy?"

The curly top faced me, his sapphire eyes glinting with anger. "You know, being a bloody jerk may get you the admiration and groupies now, but it'll cause you nothing but pain in the long run. Take my advice, quit while you're ahead. You're a smart boy, it shouldn't take you long to figure it out. Come on, Marcus. Let's go."

With raised eyebrows, I watched Percy lead a fuming Marcus out through the ballroom, my guests out here waving him goodbye. Dean ambled his way over to me. "Dude, that was un-called for and you know it. Why do you insist on making more enemies all at the plea of some made-up broad?"

"Hey!" I heard Penelope shout. Seamus replied to her. "Well, it's true."

I responded. "I was only being a good host. It's expected of me to provide comfortable atmosphere to my wonderful guests. If I had to ask a troll to vacate the premises to achieve that then so be it. You know I have to maintain a pristine image."

Dean rolled his eyes, sighing. "I know. Just how many times have you said this to me?"

"Too many to count."

"How is it that we're still friends?"

I smile. "Easy. You and Seamus have both grown up with my quirks and my attitude is one of those endearing ones. Come on, let's head back to the group."

He shrugs. "If you say so, mate." As we pass by the hedges, a small white rabbit sat on its hindlegs, watching me with uncharacteristic mercury-gray eyes. We live in the magical world, so I put it off to some odd strain of rodent.

"Thank you! The troll has left the building!" Cho exclaimed as the main doors shut behind the two wizards.

"Finally." Draco snorted, smoothing some of his platinum-blonde hair into place.

I join them, reclaiming my seat. ''Indeed. There's no place in my party for a beast."

Just as that last word emitted from my mouth, a gust of wind blew in our direction and lightning flashed across the sky. Opening my eyes, I saw that where the rabbit once stood, a beautiful silvery-blonde haired girl was in its place.

An impassive look was on her delicate features as she strode over towards us, wearing a white silk gown with silver trimming that cloaked her well-developed figure marvelously.

I grinned. "Hey there! I thought all of my guests arrived earlier. You surely know how to make an entrance, miss..." I waited for her name.

In a melodious voice, she spoke. "Luna."

"Well, Luna. I'm pleased you could make it. Tell me, why is it that a beauty such as yourself arrived without an escort? Surely I would have walked you inside."

Her face remained an emotionless mask. I could see she was not amused nor flattered in the slightest. At her side, she was twirling her wand in her pale hand.

"Why don't you put that lovely wand away and join the rest of us. I'd like your company."

She shook her head. "You have made a terrible remark for the last time, Cormac Riordan McLaggen. And now, you must pay the price."

I stared at her before I and the rest; minus Seamus and Dean, started laughing. Catching my breath, I ask "What? Pay the price? What do you mean?"

Luna's eyes began to glow, everyone shut up instantly. "You'll see." Raising her wand, she silently shot a beam of bluish-gray light into my chest, sending me over the bench and down to the dirt. As soon as I landed, the light encased my body. Strange, yet painless sensations struck me all over. I wanted to cry out but found I couldn't use my voice. I had no idea what she done to me...it had to be better than murder, considering I was still alive and breathing.

Within minutes, the odd feelings ceased. I opened my eyes to see Luna standing over me. The others were able to look after shielding their eyes from the bright light. A deafening silence remained in the courtyard until I heard Lavender gasp "Oh, Merlin! He's...he's...oh..he's hideous!"

'What? Hideous?' I think as she and the rest took on a look of shock mixed in disgust. Dean and Seamus's mouths hung agape, eyes widened. I snap my head to Luna. "What...what did you do to me?!"

Her voice hadn't changed in tone. "Simple." she conjured a mirror and held it in front of me. I nearly fainted at what I saw.

"I told you were going to pay the price. You've made one jibe too many at the expense of another...now you must suffer the consequences. I've been watching you, Cormac. The rich, tall, ruggedly handsome, athletic boy who's had numerous men and women at his beck and call. The boy who has everything in the world...money, looks, power, prestige, family, friends...concubines.." she flitted her eyes momentarily to my posse before returning to me. "...and not a shred of pure love in his heart."

I stammered "W-What? Of course I do! What makes you believe that I don't?!"

"Hopping from one girl or bloke to another nearly every night of the week is not love. Neither is only seeking a person for their outward appearance and having your way with them. Your actions prove to be a mockery of the word. The same goes for your attitude...comprised of nothing but sheer arrogance, narcissism and an inflated ego. You've demonstrated not only to me, but to your closest friends and several others that you have quite an ugly heart, indeed. You know how some say that a person's outside appearance doesn't always reflect the inside? It does now. You're going to be seeing this for a very long time."

I took another glance in the mirror and started shaking my head. "No..no no..I..I can't stay like this! I can't go around into public looking like a...a.."

Luna finished for me "...A beast? You should have thought of that before you ran your mouth."

I stared up at her, my heart was sinking faster than a frozen bludger three-hundred feet in the air. I didn't care how pathetic I was looking at that particular moment, I begged her. "Please, I-I'll do anything. Don't leave me looking like this."

She stared upon me like I was the one about to be sent to the gallows. "It's too late, Cormac. You have made fun of others who differed from your and your peanut-gallery's so-called standards of beauty for far too long. Unless you can find someone out there who will love you for who you are, regardless of your appearance, you will remain this way forever. You brought this upon yourself and you'll have to deal with it." She handed me the mirror. "Consider this as a parting gift along with my final message...'Misery loves company'. Good luck to you."

Concealing her wand, Luna snapped her fingers and disappeared without a trace. I sat there dumbfounded. I couldn't believe this was happening to me. Wordlessly, I turned to face my posse...their stares were burning right through me. They whispered furiously to one another as their faces didn't mask their apparent distaste. Cho jumped a little when I locked eyes with her, then proceeded to force her eyes back to Davies as if I was a fucking trainwreck. I couldn't blame her. What I saw was terrible.

Wondering what the commotion was all about, my parents came to see me. I heard my mother's shock "W-What happened? What happened to my son?"

As Dean went to explain, I closed my eyes in shame, not wanting to listen further. When I opened them back up, I was alone all except for Seamus, Dean and my parents. Staring into the mirror, I allowed my tears to drop across the smooth, polished glass.*~

And that's what happened on that fateful night. Before you right now sits a formerly-beautiful, nineteen year-old man, alone in his bedroom...surrounded by treasures and boxes of shattered glass. I was considered model material with my wheat blonde hair, violet eyes, chiseled jaw, nose and cheekbones topping my powerful six foot-four frame with sunkissed skin.

Now, I'm a Quasimodo/Igor/Mr. Hyde/Shrek*-looking motherfucker. Pasty, grayish skin... lumpy, creeping frame...deformed face and large crooked, gnarled teeth in all their fine glory. Yeah, please tell me you noticed my blatant sarcasm. On the bright side, well..if there is one to all of this, I'm still tall and muscular though I'm all hunched over and shit when I walk or sit. I have my same thick hair and violet eyes.

Besides those tiny victories, I still have Dean and Seamus. When I walked back in, everyone got a good view of what I had become. This was one hell of a sixteenth birthday present. I will never forget the stares, their faces of pure revulsion, their whispers and finger-pointing. That night, I lost every friend and acquaintance I had...all except for those two. Even as I fled the ballroom, they followed me to make sure I was alright. I told them to leave me alone and go back with everyone else, but they refused and took rooms adjacent to mine, since I locked myself in.

I guess I should consider myself lucky, no one else stayed with me...not counting my parents. After the night was said and done, my parents took me to the best healers money could buy, trying to reverse the spell Luna cast on me. It was all to no avail. There was nothing they could do. They sent investigators to search for her, but found no trace. I was truly stuck in this grotesque form.

I couldn't venture out in public anymore, I drew too much attention. Funny, it takes one loud exclamation of a child to turn the entire population in your direction. Now that was a shitty day. For weeks, I would remain housebound, falling into a deep depression not even the town grump was sure to get out of. My folks felt so horrible and worried, they resorted to bribing people to hang out with me but I put an end to that with a rampage once one bloke made fun of me right to my face and I threw him out the window. He's lucky it was on the first floor. Since then, it was only Seamus and Dean who'd I allow as my company. We've been tight for as long as I can remember and in a strange way, this strengthened it. At least I knew who I could trust.

On the love topic, Seamus and Dean were an item. I could smell that coming a mile away when we were younger. I'll never admit it aloud, but I was jealous and I still am. I knew finding someone in this body was never going to happen for me.

Of course, the hopeless romantic Irishman had to lilt in my ear ''Aw, don't say that, mate! There's plenty o' fish in the sea. One o' them is bound to look past all this to the man underneath. You just gotta have hope.''

It's been three years and I'm still hoping. It seems pointless but a tiny shred of me hangs on to the thought that maybe...someday...someone will come my way. Will that day come? Who knows. We'll see if hell freezes over first.

Well? What you think? :D

Ok, to those who may have had to reread a few things or was half-asleep or whatever when they read this:

-'Beauty's Folly'- The title is not referring to Colin, whom you'll see in Chapter two. Remember Cormac saying how gorgeous he was and his mistake? There you go.

-'Misery loves company'- You see that Cormac caused Marcus and any other's misery and hurt feelings. Once he got royally bitch-slapped by Karma, he's now wallowing in the same melancholy he's dealt others. They may be still suffering from jibes from different people...I'll leave that to your imagination.

How'd you like Luna in this? I thought she was simply perfect for the mysterious enchantress. Hermione...meh...maybe...but that's kinda for those who favor the Hermione/Cormac angle.

*Quasimodo/Igor/Mr. Hyde/Shrek- all these characters are owned by Disney, DreamWorks and the rest of their respected owners