J.K. Rowling‘s Harry Potter universe holds a medley of interesting, relentless, and unforgettable characters, and one of the most underrated among them is the Peacemaker star Freddie Stroma’s arc as Cormac McLaggen. In the film adaptations, Stroma’s presence was highlighted by his role as the potential love interest of series star Emma Watson, AKA Hermione Granger.
Although he is a fleeting pawn in the grand love story of Hermione and Ron, Cormac McLaggen is anything but forgettable. His unrequited crush on Emma Watson’s character is the very catalyst that finally leads Ron to admit his love for Hermione and be the couple that fans have been shipping from day one of the saga (excluding the Harmione and Dramione lovers, yes, I see you!).
Peacemaker Star Freddie Stroma’s Harry Potter Arc Was a Foil to Ron Weasley
In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Freddie Stroma‘s Cormac McLaggen was introduced as a Gryffindor student who was not only vying for a spot as the Keeper for the red and gold team at Quidditch but also for the attentions of Hermione.
In the course of the movie, his role gradually evolved from being an arrogant jock to a comic relief to a romantic foil to Rupert Grint‘s Ron Weasley.
After his actions during the Quidditch match, Cormac McLaggen became quite a noteworthy thorn in Ron’s side, and Hermione expertly exploited their rivalry to provoke the latter. After learning about Ron dating Lavender Brown, Hermione felt hurt and betrayed by him and chose Cormac as her date to Professor Slughorn’s Christmas party since “he would annoy Ron the most.”
Despite never being interested in him, Hermione followed through with the ruse, which had an element of truth attached to it because of Cormac’s feelings for her. His jealousy over Harry being Hermione’s best friend and his forward actions with her under the mistletoe at the Christmas party proved the validity of his romantic interest in Hermione and that it was more than just a passing curiosity for Cormac.
Freddie Stroma’s character was neither particularly memorable nor exceptional enough to become an enduring presence in the Harry Potter films or book series. But Cormac McLaggen was a pivotal plot device in the story, serving as the sole stepping stone to Hermione and Ron’s enduring romance.
Why Hermione Chose Ron Over Cormac McLaggen
In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Cormac McLaggen was introduced as a talented Keeper at the Quidditch trials, although disruptive and incapable of being a team player. He had a striking, impressive, and confident air about him that made him stand out, if not for his privileged arrogance and disdain for those around him.
Being a Gryffindor does not immediately warrant a person as being good, courageous, and all-around remarkable in every aspect of their character. Cormac McLaggen was a very prominent example of the negative traits in a Gryffindor – self-righteous, braggadocious, and too driven to succeed.
[Note: Cormac selflessly and bravely rose to the occasion during the Battle of Hogwarts as a leader of Dumbledore’s Army against Voldemort’s Death Eaters, thus ultimately redeeming himself somewhat in the end.]
Even now, his rogue charm and “bad boy attitude” make him an attractive antecedent to the Dramione lovers, but those qualities are exactly what make him unsuited to be Hermione’s partner. For such a true, pure, and selfless person as her, Cormac McLaggen is merely a passing annoyance when compared to the deep, emotional, and enduring bond that she shares with Ron since day one of the saga.
Below is a list of all the vital details about Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince:
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is available to stream on HBO Max.
