Chapter 23
In the fourth week of January, classes have been going swell for Remus and the other first years. The friday night before the full moon was Gryffindor's second match since the tragic death of Katelyn Domer. Madam Hooch chose a 7th year, Gan Chang, to take her spot. He had tried out every single year, but never made it due to he always choked in tryouts. He didn't look like a 7th year though, rather he had a very scrawny frame that made him blend in with the younger students. The first game he unfortunately choked and lost the game, the Gryffindor team and Remus worried that this would repeat. However, the morning of the game, Remus remembered that he still had the vial of liquid luck from Sirius. He mixed it with some water and went into the boy's locker room and found Isamu.
"Hello, Gan." Remus said with a smile.
"Hi, Remus. Why are you here, don't you have to announce?" Gan gloomily said.
"I came to talk to you. I know you'll do great today." Remus encouraged.
"Ha, ya right. You don't have to lie to me, I know I'll choke like always."
"That's not true!" Remus exclaimed.
"Yeah I will. You know what's ironic? My name. Do you happen to know the Chinese meaning of my name?" Gan asked.
"I can't say I do." Remus confessed.
"It means "the daring one". What a joke. Every time I'm in front of a crowd, I turn into a complete coward. My parents moved to Britain when I was only a baby and expected some big hero so they named their only son Gan, and he turned to be a coward. They'll be watching me in the audience for the first time ever today, and I'll shame them." Gan vented.
"I know for a fact that this will be the best game ever for you. You should drink this, stay hydrated before the game." Remus said as he gave the bottle to Gan. He thanked him and drank the entire bottle. "I have to go to announce. Good luck, Gan." Remus smiled.
"Welcome witches and wizards to a very special quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. It is special because tonight is Parent's Night." Remus said into the microphone. He looked to his right and saw the Changs who were smiling and cheering. The players gathered and Madam Hooch released the balls. Ravenclaw's team was made up of all very well trained 5th, 6th, and 7th years who looked like giants compared to the younger Gryffindor team.
Flaneb tried to retrieve the quaffle but was hit by a wild bludger sent by the 7th year, Tessa Lopez. "Ravenclaw makes their way down the field and - 10 points to Ravenclaw." Remus announced Ravenclaw parents and students erupted in cheers. By halfway through the game, Ravenclaw had 60 points and Gryffindor only 10. Remus and Gryffindor started to worry and a blizzard seekers and the snitch were released and the Changs cheered for Gan. Remus could see the Gryffindor team collectively gulp, but Gan Chang raced to the snitch and followed it effortlessly through the snow. Remus saw he and the Ravenclaw seeker follow it high up into the clouds until they could not be seen. They disappeared for a full 10 minutes before the stadium started to panick. Suddenly a broomstick came crashing down to the earth and stuck straight up in the ground. The stadium screamed and Mcgonagall paused the game. "Everyone please remain calm." Remus pleaded into the microphone.
"We have to go up there." Flaneb, the captain, and Potke, the keeper, said.
"Don't you dare, Flaneb! It is a suicide mission." Madame Hooch said. She grabbed her broom and was about to push off from the ground when suddenly a black spot was seen in the sky, descending quickly to the ground.
"Oh my god!" Lily said next to Remus.
Mrs. Chang screamed. "He's going to crash!" The body came flying down but suddenly a person on a broom swooped and caught the flying player from the sky. The two came down and Remus could see the hero was Gan Chang. He landed on the field and lifted the 7th year Ravenclaw, Jennifer Wegner, gently onto the ground covered with snow. Her lifeless body suddenly jerked awake and she coughed and hugged him.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Gan Chang has saved Jennifer Wegner." Remus announced into the microphone. Madam Hooch, Madam Pomfrey, and Professor Mcgonagall ran out to the pair on the field. The crowd erupted in cheer. Remus saw Gan talking with Hooch and reached into his pocket and pulled out the golden snitch.
"Gan Chang has also caught the golden snitch, giving Gryffindor the win!" The entire stadium, even the Ravenclaws, erupted in applause once again. John Potke, and Robert Flaneb went and lifted Gan Chang on their shoulders and flew him around the stadium. They stopped in front of the parents section and Mr. and Mrs. Chang embraced their son warmly.
"Congratulations, mates." Remus said as he walked over to the Gryffindor team.
"We really didn't do anything. Gan Chang was our hero tonight!" Flaneb said. Jennifer Wegner flew up to the stands next to Gan.
"I just wanted to say thank you for saving my life back there. I lost consciousness mid flight. I think you're a really great guy and I'd love to spend more time with you."
"Would you like to go to the Hogs Head in Hogsmeade with me this weekend?" Gan asked nervously.
"I'd love to!" Jennifer said as she flew into his arms. She looked into his eyes and Remus could see that they had an instant connection. Suddenly they closed their eyes and kissed. James and Sirius cheered and the entire Gryffindor section joined them. Even the shocked Changs applauded. Remus smiled to himself, proud that he gave his liquid luck to someone who really deserved it.