Sadly, the mood quickly disappeared. Everyone was assigned a seat. It was confusing. Can't we just sit anywhere? Why does it matter? They sorted us alphabetically and by our year. First years were all near the back of the table, and seventh years were at the front. It was annoying. However, I got to sit near Remus, which I guess was a plus. Dorcas Meadowes, Mary McDonald, and Marlene McMillan were also near us, so we talked along with the other kids.
"I've got to give you a high five for what you pulled in the common room." Dorcas said. I smiled.
"Had to do something. The depressing mood was upsetting me." I said.
"Yeah, well, thanks. It was getting annoying talking about the ministry and Voldemort and who might be with him and also kind of scary. Then you went up and brightened the mood somehow. You were able to get everyone too, not just the first years. That deserves credit. Thanks." Marlene said. I shook my head.
"Anyone could've done it, no big deal-" I started, then Remus stiffened. "What?" I asked. He shook his head and looked around at the people. I shook my head slightly, trying to tell him I wasn't letting it go that easily. He got the message and sighed.
"What if they ask if we are associated with dark magic?" He whispered. I realized what he was getting at. I shook my head a bit.
"One sec." I said, raising my hand. One of the workers came over, looking g slightly surprised. Guess no kid asked questions.
"What is it sweety?" She asked.
"I-I'm cur-cur-curious about wh-what is go-going to hap-hap-pen-pen… is it go-going t-to h-hurt? How d-do they kn-know that people aren't l-lying?" I asked, trying to seem as scared and nervous as possible. The lady put a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"It's fine. It isn't gonna hurt. They just cast a simple spell that if you are lying, it gives you a small shock, and if you aren't, it doesn't. They know by how the person reacts to the shock." The lady said. I tilted my head.
"Wouldn't i-it be easier to j-just give them Veritaserum?" I asked. She shrugged.
"That's what I thought was the original plan, but one of the professors brought up that I can't be used on children without their parents approval. Then, five minute later, the guy in charge announces that we will be doing the same with the professors according to the ministry. To be honest," Her voice lowered, "I think someone cast the imperius curse on him. No way did he change his mind like that. However, we aren't allowed to disobey him according to the ministry." She said. I nodded as she walked away. I turned back to Remus.
"There's your way to lie. Just act like you weren't shocked." I whispered. Dorcas and Marlene were talking to each other and everyone was talking to one or two people, so no one heard. The next couple of hours were boring as all of the first years just sat here, talking. All of a sudden, the names were drawing closer and closer. Remus went up, and when he came back in, he seemed relieved.
"Quinn Marley." I heard. I stood up and started walking.
"Told you so." I said with a smile as I walked by Remus. He rolled his eyes and sat back down. I followed the lady to a classroom where there were many different people. I followed the instructions given to me and sat down in the chair.
"We are going to ask you questions, and you need to answer truthfully. We'll know if you don't. Don't make this go longer than it has to." The man said. I nodded. "Are you interested in dark magic?" He asked. I shrugged.
"It depends. I don't want to do dark magic, but it would be interesting to learn more about it and see how to avoid it." I answered. No shock. The man nodded and wrote something down.
"Do you know anyone who is related to dark magic?" He asked. Crabs.
"No sir." I said, trying to sound confident in my answer as I did with the previous one. A very small shock was sent throughout my body and I did my best not to flinch. He paused for a solid second, before writing something down.
"Are you one hundred percent sure about your answer to the previous question?" He pushed. I nodded.
"Yes sir." I answered. A shock that was larger than the previous one was sent, but somehow I managed to hide it better than the last one. He nodded and wrote something down.
"Ok, then are you interested in joining Voldemort?" He asked. I looked up at him as if he was insane.
"No. I would never join someone who doesn't have their beliefs right." I said, prepared to go on a long rant as to why his beliefs were wrong. He smiled a bit and wrote something down. He seemed to be thinking, so I looked around the room. There was a man standing in the corner, staring at me. I stared back.
"I see you've met the man in charge. Lilthio Gaghi." One of the women said. I nodded.
"Lovely to meet you, Mr. Gaghi." I said. He nodded, but didn't stop looking at me. I looked around the room and realized everyone else was looking at him warily. I looked back at him and into his eyes. "Sorry, but can I see your identification?" I asked. Everyone looked at me as if I were insane. The man's eyes widened.
"I-I-I don't have it on me!" He answered quickly. I nodded slowly as the room was quiet, no one doing anything.
"My father helps the ministry. He's a muggle, so he helps keep the wizarding world a secret. Cool job, right?" I questioned. A look of disgust appeared in his eyes as he hesitantly nodded. I nodded as well. "I've seen a couple of pictures of you, actually, from the Daily Prophet." I said. I glanced down at his hand to see it slowly moving towards his wand. I glanced at the other workers to see none of them noticed. I looked at the man's hair and realized it was slowly but surely turning colors as a smirk displayed on my face. "Sir, or ma'am, I believe your polyjuice potion is wearing off."