The Sorting Hat

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 87405

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "ghinghapuss" <rredordead at a...> 
wrote:

Mandy:
> Umbridge use the unforgivable only when she felt she had no other 
> option at that time.  She had used the Veritaserum on Harry, or 
> thought she had, and it appeared not to work.  (I can't remember 
> right now if Snape switched the tea or Harry carefully sipped it 
and 
> avoided swallowing it.) Anyway Umbridge probably believed Harry was 
> immune to it or something.  Plus when she was about to inflict the 
> Crucio on Harry she was surrounded by children and on some kind of 
> perverted power trip.  

Geoff:
The Veritaserum episode failed for two reasons.

"'What's the matter?' said Umbridge who was still watching him 
closely, 'Do you want sugar?'
'No,'said Harry.
He raised the cup to his lips again and pretended to take a sip, 
though keeping his mouth tightly closed. Umbridge's smile widened."

(OOTP "Snape's worst memory" p.555 UK edition)

"BOOM!
The very floor of the office shook. Umbridge slipped sideways, 
clutching her desk for support and looking shocked.
'What was - '
She was gazing towards the door. Harry took the opportunity to empty 
his almost-full cup of tea into the nearest vase of dried flowers..."


and in addition....

(ditto p.556)

"'It was he, (Snape) too, who gave Professor Umbridge /fake/ 
Veritaserum when she was attempting to force you to tell her Sirius's 
whereabouts.'"

(my emphasis)

(OOTP "The Lost Prophecy" p.734 UK edition)

Geoff