[HPforGrownups] Veritaserum and Truth Potions (was 'How do you end the effect of veritaserum?')

[Star Opal]

No: HPFGUIDX 52515

Kivrin wrote:
>It would seem to me that any sort of Truth Potion, no matter the strength,
>has the power to render the individual completely -unaware- of the actions
>and -unable- to stop from speaking the truth -- there seems to be no
>personal choice in the matter.


My veritaserum theory has always been this: Veritaserum is sort of like 
Imperio.

People vary on how resistant they are, that being a reason for varying 
strengths. Not being sure how much resistance Barty jr. has, Dumbledore asks 
for the strongest truth potion Snape has.

I also think that a truth potion is an either or situation. That you either 
answer or you don't, depending on will power, ect. But since it is magical 
you CANNOT lie. My reasoning behind this is due to 1) that there are 
apparently different levels of truth potions and 2) the way Dumbledore 
questions him. He's very careful to keep Barty calm and on subject. He asks 
"quietly", "softly" even though his "blue eyes were blazing" he keeps his 
voice "calm." Why, if Barty has no chance of a choice, is Dumbledore so 
careful in questioning?

Barty's behavior: I personally believe veritaserum is a lot like sodium 
pentothal. Makes the subject dopey and druggy. Perhaps it puts the person in 
a cloudy state, like Imperio?

As far Winky goes, Dumbledore is the one who actually _gives Barty the 
potion_. IIRC, Dumbledore's the only one who Barty answers that whole scene. 
Maybe the nature of veritaserum only lets the giver's voice get through to 
the receiver.

One last thought. The bottle Snape keeps the veritaserum in is described as 
"small" and the potion is "completely clear." Perhaps what makes veritaserum 
so much more powerful than other truth potions is that its refined and more 
pure. Maybe it takes months to get one small crystal bottle. Same 
ingredients, but more time and care. Since it only takes three drops I 
wonder if you can overdose on it?

Star Opal
who wants to know what would happen if Harry were to take it

_________________________________________________________________
The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE*  
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail