Author's Note: I know, I know. I don't know why I'm cutting it in so short of segments, either. My apologies, but I'm not ready to reveal the next part yet. I'm about to go on a long trip, so I wanted to put up the next chapter before I leave to hold my audience over.
I want to say a few words about Corey Cunningham. He's actually a character in one of my own novels. As I was thinking of who to place as Cormac's friend, Corey came to mind, and I thought that he was perfect. Oh, and Lorelei (whom you'll have a small introduction to in this chapter) is Corey's love interest in my novel, but that may not be the case for this fan fic. Just a little fun fact. :)
And a disclaimer, I haven't read the book or seen the movie in a long time. I may get some of the facts wrong, or twist the story a little, but I'm not going to stray from the story too much. And if I do, I promise it's not on purpose. You can correct me if you like, but be respectful, and realise that I may not be able to go back and change it. Otherwise, just ignore it and enjoy MY version of the story.
A note to Dave, who reviewed the story and was on guest mode so that I cannot respond to him through PM: Thank you! I'm happy that you have such faith in this story. However, it will not be perfect. The one that I found that is pretty close to perfect is "Someone Different" by Hannah-Kiwii, along with its sequel, "Implausible Infatuation". I highly suggest this story. I would read it as you're waiting for me, because it's much closer to completion, and it's very well written and thought out. I don't really know how long this story is going to be. I doubt it'll be short, as I like to take my time when telling a story. I'm just going to write until I think I've come to a good stopping point. I actually don't have this planned out as far as you may think. I'm pretty sure it'll easily pass 30k, though. Thank you for your review.
As for the rest of you, I would like reviews. :) They help me. Sorry for the long Author's Note. If you've made it this far, (first off, congratulations), I'm sure you're sick of me. You can read now.
The Great Hall was ready for all the students, new and old, welcoming them in warmly to another school year. The older students comfortably took their place in their seats with their houses, while the younger looked nevously around for a place to sit. The first years remained outside until all of them were present, and then were lead in.
It was always entertaining to watch their timid eyes flash quickly over the faces of the students in the tables. They shuffled their feet and rubbed their hands together, all with the same look about them.
Cormac McLaggen sat confidently with his friends, including Corey Cunningham and a girl named Lorelei that Corey had recently met.
Cormac was very aware of Hermione, who was sitting a little less than six feet away from him. Her eyes were pointed straight towards the front in an attentive stare. Beside her was Ginny Weasley, across from her were Potter and Weasley.
He didn't have a problem with Harry and Ron. They seemed nice enough. He could understand why they disliked him, though. A guy that used to date every girl in school? Hung out with Corey (who was disliked by most)? Yes, it was only probable.
Dumbledore started with a speech, much like the speech from last year. Cormac decided to tune it out. He was particularly hungry today. He hoped this class was smaller than the class last year. He also hoped that there were no hatstalls. The quicker the food, the better.
He waited as the hat would call out a house after being placed on the first year's head for a few moments. He would cheer along with the rest of the Gryffindors as they got new house members.
He remembered being sorted. Cormac had almost been sorted into Hufflepuff, but was, in the end, able to convince the Sorting Hat to put him in Gryffindor. And he was glad he did.
Finally, after about an hour of sorting and another short speech by Professor Dumbledore, it was time for the feast.
The food served at Hogwarts was always so good. There never seemed to be an end to the vividly colored food that appeared on the tables. Everyone ate their fill.
Cormac was more quiet today during dinner than normal. Part of it was because he was shovelling food, yes, but the other part was because he would catch small glimpses at Hermione, who was eating slowly and daintily.
Corey was talkative, however. He would tell a story to Lorelei, who he was obviously trying to impress, (with good reason, the tall, thin blonde was pretty), and then turn to Cormac for an affirming comment.
Cormac, who had been temporarily sidetracked with looking at Hermione, only heard his name, and took it as his cue to nod. He would distract himself with Hermione again until he heard his name, and the cycle would repeat.
Lorelei, after a while, excused herself and went to the restroom. Corey scooted closer to Cormac, who was still in a daze, and whispered in his ear with a sly grin, "Granger's looking good, isn't she?"
Cormac snapped his head to meet Corey's bright green eyes. "What?" he asked dreamily.
"You've been looking at Granger for a while." Corey's smile got even bigger. "She's pretty. Why don't you talk to her?"
"No way, man. I don't want a girlfriend." Corey grabbed the top of Cormac's curly blonde head and forceably turned his head so that he could see Hermione. After a second, he turned his head back. Corey raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Cormac realized there was no way around it. "Well, what would I say?"
"Listen to the pro, little McLaggen. Listen and learn." He cracked his knuckles and continued. "You see, I have a theory. Granger hangs out with Potter and Weasley, right? And she had a thing with that Krum kid a few years ago... he was a famous Quidditch player. So, she must like Quidditch."
Corey leaned in closer. "You play Quidditch. You are good at Quidditch... no, you're awesome at it. And," he said this part under his breath, "Bro to bro, you're a good looking dude." Corey folded his arms, leaned back, and continued in his normal talking voice. "You're in the bag. But, you need to learn a lesson from my way of life. She's not going to think you're all that impressive unless you act like you're impressive. So, I'd play this one cocky."
Cormac narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean, 'play it cocky'?" He crossed his arms.
"Cormy, girls like guys with confidence. The more confidence, the better. Show her that you're worthy of dating her." Corey's grin grew and he nudged McLaggen in the ribs.
"But the thing is, I'm not worthy of dating her. You don't hear her name going around in rumors for a reason." He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, man. I think she'd accept me better if I just acted like myself."
Corey rose his eyebrows. "Trust me on this one, McLaggen. You don't know this breed of girl. And, let's face it, I've had experience with them all. Just try it. I guarantee it'll work."
Why did he keep staring at her? She kept her eyes trained on the front, trying to enjoy Dumbledore's words of wisdom. She could listen to him talk all day. McLaggen needed to listen. He could learn a thing or two from the wise old professor.
He had really been creeping her out, ever since he first smiled at her a few weeks before school started in Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. She was trying to avoid him.
He had never talked to her, thankfully. She had to admit, he was good-looking, but he wasn't her type. Cormac was flirty and full of himself. He was the type that had a new girlfriend for every day of the week. At least, that was what she had heard.
She wasn't about to be his next victim. She was determined. Hermione didn't look back towards the front after the sorting was over. She focused on the food and her friends.