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Hermione sat in the Great Hall, nibbling on her food daintily, unaware of the events going on around her. If she had been paying attention she would have noticed Harry and Ron discussing Quidditch as usual, as well as the gleam of triumph in Ginny's eyes. The redhead could recognize when her friend was thinking over a problem and was pleased she had Hogwarts' brightest witch working on the Plan. Hermione also, if she had been paying attention, might have noticed the rather unusual exchange between Professor Snape and Trelawney and his subsequent departure from dinner.
Instead her rather impressive intellect was focused on the plan Ginny had introduced to her. Obviously some form of secrecy was required. Although not strictly against the rules, she imagined the creation of a club of sorts to pursue the boys… and men of Hogwarts might be frowned upon. Frowning to herself, she pushed her plate away from her and pulled out a thick tome she had found in the library, the only one mentioning the Goblet of Fire and its creation.
Her lack of interest in her food however, had Harry turning to her with a look of brotherly concern clouding his vibrant green eyes. It took him three tries and a gentle prod to her side for him to finally get Hermione's attention. Brown eyes focused on him as Hermione blinked away her thoughts and tried to focus on her friend. "Hmm… yes Harry?"
The Boy-who-lived-twice glanced at her text before searching his friend's face with a concentration that made him so successful at the sport he loved. "Why are you interested in the Triwizard Tournament all of a sudden, 'Mione?" He was too busy trying not to think of his particular experience with that subject to notice Hermione's quick glance in Ginny's direction or the slight narrowing of the redhead's eyes.
Hermione's mind whirled quickly, trying to come up with a story plausible enough to relieve Harry's sudden curiosity. She was saved from answering by a quick reply from Ginny.
"I'm surprised you even notice what a girl is interested in, Harry." Ginny's voice was syrupy sweet.
This produced an audible cough from Ron, who recognizing his sister at her worst, was vainly trying to swallow the mouthful of food her comment had caused him to choke on.
Harry turned quickly to Ginny, a look of genuine confusion on his face. "I…uh… what?" His voice raised slightly in panic as his eyes blinked rapidly behind his glasses. Although he didn't understand what he had done, the male in him instinctively recognized an angry female.
Ginny sighed heavily, in the way that implied she was used to dealing with those obviously inferior to her. "Never mind, Harry." She replied breezily, tossing her hair with an air of regal nonchalance. "Let's go, Hermione…" She stood up gracefully and glided from the room, leaving a wide eyed and confused Harry behind.
"Oi mate, what crawled up her… Ow!" Ron rubbed the back of his head where Hermione had 'accidentally' hit him with her book bag when she got up to follow Ginny. The boys watched Hermione walk away next, both confused by the unexplainable actions of the females in their lives.
Still rubbing his head, with a slight pout on his lips, he turned back to the table to carefully select one of the many desserts. Taking a decisive bite and smiling with pleasure, Ron turned to his best mate and cuffed him affectionately on the shoulder. "Girls…" He shrugged with the sympathy of a fellow male, turning back to his dessert as their earlier discussion began again.
Moving quickly from the hall, Hermione was surprised to see a beaming Ginny waiting for her at the bottom of the stairway.
When she saw her friend, the younger girl's smile grew wider, taking on a slightly predatory glint, as she threw an affectionate arm around Hermione's shoulders. "Beware milady, there are games afoot!"
AN: Okay still no promised group of girls starting the Plan, but Ginny took the first step and I promise that in the next chapter they will discuss and work out the details. Please read and review.