Lawbreaking Among HP Adult Characters

[Cindy C.]

No: HPFGUIDX 28284

Sara:
> Was [Veritaserum] outlawed then? I don't remember reading that it 
was, but I've only 
> just today restarted reading GoF so I should answer my own question 
in a day 
> or two. 

Snape shows Harry the Veritaserum in "Padfoot Returns" and says:

"It is Veritaserum -- a Truth Potion so powerful that three drops 
would have you spilling your innermost secrets for this entire class 
to hear," said Snape viciously.  "Now, the use of this potion is 
controlled by very strict Ministry guidelines.  But unless you watch 
your step, you might just find that my hand slips" -- he shook the 
crystal bottle slightly -- "right over your evening pumpkin juice.  
And then, Potter  . . . then we'll find out whether you've been in my 
office or not."  

Actually, now that I look at it again, Snape's mentioning of the 
ministry guidelines seems a little forced here, doesn't it?   I 
wonder if JKR is foreshadowing something?  Hmmm.
> 
> << Snape: ...Failed to blow the whistle on Black... >>
> 
> But he did, didn't he? He got the Ministry and was looking forward 
to Black 
> getting the Dementors kiss when Harry & Hermione helped Black 
escape.

Sorry, I meant in GoF, once he learns Black is an animagus, he 
doesn't blow the whistle then.

Cindy