Hi! This is my new Percy/Cormac fic titled "Captivated". This is my attempt at a Dark/Unstable/Obsessive!Cormac...since there's really none of those out here..or at least I haven't seen any. I'm wanting to make this story a decent length, so don't expect a novel...it's an experiment and I'm wanting to see where I can take it. There will be a couple time skips so the origins won't be drawn out...I do hope it doesn't seem choppy. It's rated M for language, future violence and sexual content...also, there will be slash and it's AU. (Different year, manipulation of events, OOCness, etc.) Bear with me on this attempt. Well, enough of my rambling...on to the story! :)

Anything beginning/ending with a *~ is a memory or dream/daydream!
Sorting Hat speech is ~" and written in italic.
Author's Note and Disclaimer: Harry Potter is NOT my property. Only the plot is mine. Any mistakes are mine!

Chapter One-Alone

September, 2009.

"We're going to miss you so much..." a blonde woman mumbled into her son's neck just as he was about to turn to the Hogwarts Express.

The boy in question nodded, hugging her just as tightly. ''M' gonna miss you too."

Next to them, a much taller and heavier built, equally blonde man did the same. "This is a huge step for you, Cormac. There's no need for you to be nervous, I know you're going to make us very proud. Now hurry and find your brothers. It's almost time to leave. Goodbye, son."

"Bye, Mum. Bye, Dad. I'll write soon..." Cormac waved them a final goodbye before stepping onto the red locomotive. Sighing, the would-be first year searched the compartments for an empty seat, disregarding his father's instruction to find his brothers. 'Feh, why should I sit with them? They never want me around them anyway...probably just holed up with their girlfriends and sucking face as usual. They never have time for me...not anymore. I'm fine sitting all by myself!'

With an indignant huff, Cormac found an empty compartment and claimed the seat at the window, staring out as the stone walls turned to green fields.

The sound of voices echoed throughout the train. Some were giddy and nervous, some held a joyous and delighted tone. Regardless of their nature, it was all mere noise to Cormac, reminding him of what he severely lacked for years. Growing up at McLaggen Manor, there were no other children for miles. It was only himself and his two older brothers, Declan and Liam. Both are teenagers returning to Hogwarts. Normally, a young boy's first friends are his siblings, if he had any. This time, it didn't apply to him. Many times Cormac had tried to socialize with his brothers but he failed each time, definitely within the past few years. Cormac crossed his arms, pressing his back to the gray upholstery of the seat, frowning as he heard Declan and a girl with a voice as shrill as a harpy's. She could have been part-harpy for all he knew, considering how she sounded whenever she'd visit the manor. He didn't care to learn her name. A small annoyed grunt escaped his lips. He knew that like here, his brothers would always be occupied with never any moment to spare. It's not like it was different back home...

~*Nine year-old Cormac happily ran upstairs with his newest broom and quaffle, just eager and itching to test them out on the pitch in their spacious yard. First, he needed to recruit his brothers for an impromptu practice. Cormac wants to be an excellent Keeper like them. Reaching the tall oak door, Cormac turned the brass knob.

''Declan, wanna play?! I just got my new-"

"Damn it, Cormac!" Declan grit out irritably as a brown-haired female hastily rebuttoned her coral pink blouse.

"W-What did I do?" the small, violet-eyed blonde boy squeaked as his big brother approached.

"Will you go away and leave us alone?!"

"B-But I..."

"And next time, knock before you open the fucking door!" Declan firmly shut the door in Cormac's face.

"I'm sorry...guess I'll ask Liam." Shrugging meekly, he meandered across the hall to Liam's room and knocked.

"Yeah, what is it?" "

I was wondering if you'd like to play with me...I need someone to throw the quaffle while I block it."

The older wheat-blonde sighed, gesturing to the other male occupants in his room. "Cormac, I'm busy. I don't wanna play with you right now."

"Ok, maybe later?" he asked with a hopeful glint in his eyes.

Liam shook his head. "No, the guys and I will be leaving later. We're gonna be gone for a week."

"Oh...um..ok."

"Go ask Declan."

Before Cormac could respond, the door already shut. "...I tried."

Outside the door, he heard Liam say in exasperation ''Merlin, you need to get real friends of your own."

"Sorry I don't have any..." Cormac sadly mumbled before leaving to his room. Sitting on his four-poster bed, he grabbed a plush red, yellow and brown griffin that he loved so much and held it to his chest, hugging it tightly.

"Guess it's just you and me again huh, Lucky?" he asked, waiting for it to answer. The stuffed creature only stared in response. Cormac took his time in laying upon the pillows, stroking the faux feather patterns upon the stuffed animal's neck.

"It must be so nice to be a plushie. People aren't mean to plushies. My brothers don't like me anymore but I'll never be that way to you. You're my only friend."

Staring outside the window on his left, he mused as he squeezed Lucky. 'Maybe someday I'll have a friend that isn't stuffed with fluff, someone to actually play with. I hope it comes true because I will never be mean to them and I will never let them go. Never.*~

Shaking his head at the memory, Cormac closed his eyes in an effort to forget about it. This was a new school, a new start. Hopefully things would be different this year.

Hours later, it was nightfall. The Hogwarts Express halted, signaling the end of the journey. While the majority of the students separated, taking thestral-driven carriages to the castle, the first years were led to the ancient threshold on boats, directed by a half-giant who introduced himself as Rubeus Hagrid. After listening to the deputy headmistress introduce herself and give details about the Sorting and four houses; which Cormac merely cared less about because he knew what would transpire, he, among multiple others entered the Great Hall.

'Five tables, four banners, floating candles, castle ghosts and an enchanted sky...yeah, yeah...heard it all before.'

His eyes flit over to his far left. A long wooden table sat underneath a scarlet and gold banner with a Lion positioned to strike. That was Gryffindor table. Upon it sat many Lions, young and older...his brothers sat closer to the middle. They didn't bother to look over at their baby brother, apparently head-deep in conversation with their mates.

'They don't see me at all, do they? Am I that invisible to them? Well, once I'm sorted...they're bound to remember I exist.'

Haughtily, he stood waiting for the Sorting Hat to finish its song and Professor McGonagall to begin the list. Numerous shouts of ''Hufflepuff!" "Ravenclaw!" "Slytherin!" and "Gryffindor!" continued until Cormac heard his name. "Cormac McLaggen!" The blonde glided through the remaining firsties and took his seat upon the stool.

Once the aged, faded black cloth covered his eyes, a low voice echoed in his mind. ~"So, Cormac...been wondering when I'd get to see you. Will you be a Lion just like your brothers? We'll find out now won't we? Hm...I see there is an intelligent streak, most likely from your mother. Your father was smart too, but was more of the brash, brawny and bold type. There is a strong sense of caring, of wanting to hold onto something...or someone. That would be a trait suited mostly for a Hufflepuff. On the other hand, you don't want to be ignored like you have been for quite some time...which was most unfortunate. You also manage to find a sense of new hope each day, reminding you that there is something always worth fighting for no matter what. Not bad at all, if you ask me...now, what else is there?..."~

The Sorting Hat silenced briefly, searching farther into the deepest recesses of Cormac's mind. It narrowed its figurative eyes at something it found, but wasn't sure how to respond. He's met several with this ''something'' and hoped this boy wouldn't end up like they did. It was there but not obvious enough..not yet. Perhaps if he got the right influence, it wouldn't come out. Taking a firm chance, the hat at long last shouted "Gryffindor!"

Applause resonated to his right and Cormac claimed a seat closer to the end of the table, right across from a bespectacled boy with freckles and curly red hair. The sorting progressed. Names like 'Moon', 'Potter', 'Weasley' and the like went on until Albus Dumbledore gave his pre-feast speech. Now, to the relief of the older and new students, the feast was underway. About an hour passes and the feast ends. The students are escorted to their dormitories, leaving the first-years to be given the passwords and speeches on upholding the ideals of their given houses, since they will be like their family...for the next seven years.

The next day...

'Where are they? I know I saw them. It's our free period and I want them to show me where the Transfiguration room is. This place is much bigger than I thought. Almost fell off the moving staircase...' Cormac pondered as he searched for Liam and Declan.

Within a few blinks, they came around the corner with a few buddies at the end of the hall, talking and laughing loudly. Cormac's face lit up.

'There they are!' "Hey! Liam! Declan! I need you for a second!" he called, wandering over in their direction.

They didn't seem to hear him, or that's how it looked. Cormac thought otherwise, he was calling them loud enough.

"Wait...are you even listening?! I said wait up!" he said higher this time as he tried to hurry after them while adjusting his shoulderbag.

One of their mates, a bloke with black hair poked Declan. "Did you hear something?"

"No.." he shook his head.

"Funny, thought I did. Anyway, we need to hurry...the girls are waiting on us." Disappearing down the corridor, they left a struggling Gryffindor in the hall. Standing there, Cormac stared after them, his lower lip trembling. Gazing about the empty corridor, he saw a few doors. He shuffled over to one, threw it open and shut himself inside. Shrugging off his bag, he plopped onto the stone floor and put his head in his hands as hot tears rolled down his cheeks.

'W-Why won't they help me? I was yelling for them and they left me all alone. I thought that..that once I got to school, they wouldn't be able to ignore me. I was wrong. Why do they hate me? I never did anything to them.'

Outside the broomcloset, a lanky third-year redhead named Percy Weasley was heading down the hall to get a headstart to his Charms class when he heard a distinct sobbing sound from one of the doors on his left.

'Who could that be?' he thought, creeping closer. Curious, he opened the door to find a blonde Lion huddled in the corner peering up at him with red-rimmed violet eyes. The third-year's heart clenched at the sight. It was one of the McLaggen boys, Cormac. He was a first year and clearly upset about something. ''Um, are you ok?'' Cormac shook his head, wiping his eyes and remaining silent. The redhead stepped inside and walked closer.

"I know you really don't know me but maybe if you tell me, I could help. I won't tell anyone you were in here if that's what you're worried about.''

Cormac's breathing softened at his tone. It was gentle and calming. He had a kind face so the little Lion believed him. "My brothers."

Ah, Percy knew exactly where he was coming from. "I see.." he took a seat right beside the discontented blonde. "What did they do?"

"They ignored me when I was calling for them in the hall. I..I needed them to show me where the Transfiguration class was because I'm afraid to get lost. This place is too big...and they...they acted like I wasn't even there. I think they really hate me."

Percy reached out a freckled hand and placed it onto Cormac's shoulder. ''I don't think they hate you, Cormac."

Cormac sniffled. "H-How do you know?"

"Because I've been there with my older brothers. They're just more preoccupied with doing their own thing, you know? Older teenagers don't like having to tend to their little siblings all the time. They're just a little self-centered but that doesn't mean they hate you. Liam and Declan probably love you very much."

Cormac snorted at the asinine idea and crossed his arms. "They have a funny way of showing it...they must love me a lot at home." he finished sarcastically.

Percy smiled. "I understand completely. It may not seem like it now, but they really do care about you. You'll see. Until then, maybe you could hang with a few friends for a while?"

"I would, but I don't have any friends. They were all I had and now that's over."

At hearing this, Percy felt so terrible for Cormac. He could not count the times he's been in his shoes, both as an older and younger sibling. Being ignored and/or teased by his big brothers and little brothers was not fun. Thankfully, his baby sister Ginny had more maturity, or so he hoped. Right now, Cormac was left out in the cold and had no one to turn to. Percy figured 'Why can't I befriend him? He needs a friend and a little guidance. I know it'll make him feel better and plus, I do see myself in Cormac.'

"I tell you what, how about I be your friend? I mean, if you want to...and uh..I can show you to your classes. I've been here a while and I know the place like the back of my hand."

Cormac's eyes brightened at Percy's offer. "You will? Really?"

Percy nodded with a friendly grin. "Really. I'll even show you a couple short cuts that'll save you time."

A small smile stretched across Cormac's formerly-saddened face. "Thank you, Percy. I'd like that."

"Come on, then. I can show you the way with plenty of time for me to make it to Charms." He extended a pale hand to Cormac and helped him up from the dark corner.

"First, we go down this hall and take a right..." When they arrived at the Transfiguration classroom, Percy bid him farewell before leaving to Flitwick's class.

Cormac gazed after the redhead with a sweet smile. 'I'll see you later, Percy...'

'It's been one week and I'm so glad I remember the way to my classes. I dunno what I would have done without Percy.' Cormac cheerfully thought to himself as he sat down to dinner a few nights later.

When Transfiguration with McGonagall finished, Percy held true to his word and showed him the rest of his classes for the first couple of days. Cormac couldn't have been more thankful, Percy was much kinder to him in one day than his brothers have been in a few years and that was saying something. Speaking of, Liam and Declan were still immersed within their own group towards the opposite end of the table. This time, Cormac wasn't too upset. Right now, he was actually anticipating seeing Percy again. His friend. As if on cue, Percy waltzed in, searching for an empty seat.

"Over here!" Cormac gestured, grabbing his attention.

Percy smiled and headed over to sit across from him. "Thanks. It gets pretty busy with all the bustling students in here at once."

"Anytime."

"So.." Percy began filling his plate, sure to maintain some eye contact with Cormac. "...how did your first week go?"

Cormac swallowed his herb-roasted chicken. "Oh, it was great. The subjects are kinda interesting...my favorite so far is Defense Against the Dark Arts. Transfiguration and Potions...not so much. Then again, they're not as boring as History of Magic with Professor Binns."

Percy nodded and replied "I'll admit, History can be a bit of a bore but it is essential to understanding the rest of the subjects here. As for the others, they're not so bad once you get the basic instructions down."

"I dunno. Professor Snape is rather mean...and he seems to have it out for Harry Potter. He singled him out on the first day for no reason at all."

"Well, Professor Snape is a difficult man and he is hard to get along with...if that's possible."

"He's a total git."

Percy frowned slightly. "Now don't you say that about a professor. Although they can be a bit demanding and a tad harsh, they just want us to work to our full potential."

Cormac averted his eyes slightly to his plate. "Sorry..."

"It's ok, and I should apologize too..."

"Why?"

"I should have been more clear. It really isn't ok to call a professor names but it DEFINITELY isn't ok if you do it aloud...even if it is the truth. So, if you just keep that to yourself and between us, you should be fine."

Reassured, Cormac smiled before taking a sip of his pumpkin juice. "Uh, if you can...think maybe you can help me with Potions and Transfiguration? I know it's only the first week and I'm still learning. I could really use the help."

Slightly stunned, Percy nodded. "Sure, I can help with the basics. No problem." The redhead couldn't help but have some surprise...hardly anyone asks for HIS help, except Oliver.

"So, when can we start?"

"How about after dinner? My homework is already finished."

"That'll work."

"Great. What else would you like to talk about?"

"Sorry, Perce! I didn't mean to be so late...I got so caught up in reading this Keeper's autobiography, I completely lost track of time." a Scottish brunette with chocolate eyes slid in right beside Percy in a rush. Cormac raised an eyebrow at this. Dinner only started about ten minutes ago so it's not like he lost a shit ton of time. His entrance was a tad dramatic.

"Oh! Hey there...sorry, I didn't catch your name last night."

The blonde answered him, absentmindedly fingering his fork. "Cormac McLaggen." 'The hat shouted my name.'

"Well it's nice to meet you. I'm Oliver Wood."

'I already know yours..'

The Scot briefly shook the first-year's hand before filling his plate, much to the amusement of Percy. Simultaneously, he started engaging the redhead in conversation while Cormac watched. Cormac still managed to finish his plate but oddly, he kept finding his gaze float across the table to the third-years in front of him. Oliver talking to Percy, Percy talking to Oliver...Oliver keeping within close proximity and Percy not seeming to mind...Oliver laying his hand on Percy's shoulder...the corner of Cormac's mouth twitched. A tiny firm line formed across it. Oliver and Percy were almost always together...talking, sitting, eating...they even slept in the same quarters. Now, Oliver was just merely touching the redhead. Cormac found he didn't like that but didn't know why.

An uneasy sensation fluttered in his gut as they kept chatting, prompting Cormac to interrupt all of a sudden. "Percy?"

They stopped, looking at him. "Yes, Cormac?"

"I was wondering, would you like to hang out this weekend? I already have the rest of my homework done...so...after you help me?"

Percy smiled. "Sure, I'd like that. Last thing you need is to slack off and fall behind. It's too early for that. You don't mind, do you Oliver?"

He shook his head with a mouthful of ham. "Nope."

"Then I'll see you tomorrow."

Feeling relieved, Cormac flashed a quick grin. 'Yes!'

Hope this wasn't too bad of a beginning for you guys. What you think so far? :) Oh and the instance(s) where Cormac was treated badly by his brothers, it's not that unrealistic because there are younger siblings who do get treated that way...some worse than others. Just thought I'd give insight. :P