Chapter 8: The Notches

"What is our Lady's plan?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but we shall find out in due course. Be patient, when we are to know her plans she shall tell us."

"Our Lady is a genius. How is someone so young so smart?"

"Never again mention our Lady's age, age does not matter, ingenuity does."

"Yes, you are right, I shall never mention it again, Lady may get the wrong impression and we would not want that."

"No, we would not, it is best to keep our mouths shut."

. : X : .

I woke up from a strange dream. I couldn't remember most of it, there seemed to be two men talking about something, or someone, but that was all I could remember.

News of Wood's and my permanent break-up had traveled quickly. Wood seemed to be constantly surrounded by flustered, eyelash batting, flirting girls. He didn't look as if he cared that they were there either, until he noticed that I was watching that is, then he blushed and pretended that he was enjoying their continuous company.

My own popularity with the boys had soared. They were forever flirting with me in the hallways and walking with me to class. I found it highly amusing and they soon became the butt of many jokes between Lauran, Celeste and me.

The only guy I found even remotely interesting was a 3rd year exchange student from America who showed absolutely no interest in me. He was in Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch team. Of course he was sought after by many of the same girls chasing after Wood. This amused me even more than the guys flirting with me and I made an effort to get to know this guy.

I walked down to the Quidditch Pitch a little early that day, thinking maybe I'd meet that exchange student, I figured it was best to find out his name first. We were practicing right after Ravenclaw and I sat in the bleachers to watch the end of their practice. Needless to say, I was noticed. Honestly it's hard to hide auburn hair when it's sunny outside.

"Potter, I was sent to ask if you're spying on us," the American exchange student said in his American accent.

"And you are?" I asked, thinking, I'm good.

"The name's Andrew Notch and I have a girlfriend. I suggest you get out of our practice. The Pitch is yours in exactly 10 minutes."

My jaw dropped, "I never said anything about a girlfriend! And where's the rule about sitting in for Quidditch practice?"

"You can take it up with Justin if you want."

"No, that is okay," I said quickly jumping over the seats in front of me. Justin, the Ravenclaw Quidditch Captain, and I weren't on the best of terms.

"I thought so," Notch shook his head and walked down the stairs quickly.

I tried to catch up and managed to trip myself. Great, I thought, at least I didn't tumble down all of the stairs. Then I noticed that the entire Ravenclaw Quidditch team was assembled at the foot of the stairs and were laughing hysterically. I wouldn't be able to avoid Justin now.

"Were you spying Potter?" Justin asked cruelly.

"Why would I want to spy on you? Slytherin, maybe, but you guys, I think not," I figured fight fire with fire, right? WRONG! I had forgotten that I was, needless to say, outnumbered by the Ravenclaw Quidditch team.

"Guys, she didn't mean it!" Notch called as the entire team advanced on me. Apparently he called most of the shots and everyone back off reluctantly.

"Thanks," I whispered to Notch as I walked past him.

"I didn't do it for you Potter; I just didn't want the whole team getting expelled for pulling you limb from limb." Notch replied nastily but I thought I detected a small smile.

"Is she crazy?"

"Maybe a little bit," I responded to the 1st year who was gazing at Wood and debating with her friend why I hadn't gotten back together with him.

"Are you mad at me?" That Kaitlin girl was getting annoying. Convinced that I hated her for breaking Wood and I up, she was now asking every time that she saw me if I was mad at her.

"Once again, no, I am not mad, but if you keep asking I just might change my mind," I replied through clenched teeth.

"I'm sorry, I really am!"

"It's not your fault and stop apologizing!"

"I'm-" Kaitlin stopped mid-sentence as she realized what she was saying.

"Way to go, now keep it up and don't apologize for everything that you do!" I turned and walked off not noticing the gaze of one Andrew Notch.

"Do you know Andrew Notch?" Lauran asked me later that week. I looked up form the clue I was studying over Logan's shoulder.

"We've met," I replied stiffly, "Why?"

"His sister was telling me today that he likes this girl but she can't figure out who he likes. He broke up with his girlfriend recently and hasn't asked out another girl," Lauran was my source for gossip; she had a way of hearing it all without anyone noticing her.

"Who's his sister?" I asked curiously, "I didn't know he had one."

"Kaitlin Notch, she's in Gryffindor, you know her."

"Well, that explains a lot," I replied half to myself, "Annoying must run in the family."

"You're so immature, Riley," Lauran rolled her eyes and I nabbed the clue from Logan.

"Hey! I was reading that," Logan protested.

"You've been reading the damn clue for an hour! Give it up!"

"I want to figure out one clue! Is that too much to ask?"

"If puzzles aren't your strong point, then yes, it is too much to ask!" I replied, but I handed back the clue, smiling. I already had the answer. Dang, these were easy!


AN/ So, what'd you think? I'd like to think that my writing is improving. Tell me what you think, espscially if you've read the first two Riley Potter stories!(some of my earliest works!) Please Review, I like to know what you guys think even if it'sthat the story absolutely stinks!

Love From,

MotherCrumpet