Chapter Six:

'Vigente Veritas'

The Force of Truth

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It was agreed by Moody and Lupin that although the serum was safe in the small doses that Fred & George had tested recently, for an extensive interrogation such as the one Draco proposed, they would need the strictest medical supervision in case anything went wrong. It was at Moody's request that Madam Pomfrey flooed to Grimmauld Place that evening at 6 o'clock.

Shortly after Draco had agreed to let Fred & George test the serum on him the entire house had been made aware of what was to happen that evening. This was largely thanks to Fred running through the halls screaming that Malfoy was going to be his new guinea pig for the truth serum.

Ron had decided that sullen silence was the best way to deal with any and all information related to Malfoy and so he removed himself to his room for the remainder of the day, unable to be tempted out by either Harry or Hermione (to whom he was still giving the glacial shoulder for daring to help Malfoy).

At Moody's behest, Hermione and Fred had agreed to test a small dose of the serum as a control exercise, the dose would be one drop and would last only 5 minutes during which time a set of easily verifiable questions would be asked by Moody and Lupin.

Molly Weasley had strenuously protested this exercise, pointing out that the use of even the normal Veritaserum was heavily regulated by the Ministry of Magic (let alone this highly modified version of her sons) for a reason, and that should they be found out, it was likely they would be imprisoned.

Arthur had assured her that not only would Hermione and Fred be completely safe during the experiment, but that he had informed the Ministry of the new 'Vigente Veritas' potion this afternoon by owl and they were so keen on seeing it's effects that they had requested not only a full report, but a presentation on the product by Fred and George tomorrow morning at 9am.


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At 5.30pm, Lupin and Moody ushered everyone out of the room until only Hermione and Fred remained with them to commence the testing.

"To truth" Fred said, holding the eye dropper of serum, and placing a single drop on his tongue.

Lupin waited 15 seconds and then asked Fred a series of questions.

"OK then, can you please tell us your name?"

"Fred George Weasley."

"Who is your best friend?"

"I am, but George Fred Weasley comes a close second."

"What is the worst thing you have ever done?"

"I cast a curse, killing a Death Eater to save the life of a muggle" Fred said emphatically; the glazed look in his eyes, a side effect of the potion. "It was the first time I had killed someone and I don't think I slept for a fortnight without nightmares, I kept seeing his face in front of me. I hate that we have to do that."

Lupin nodded, he too remembered the first time he had killed someone, it had been justified, but the memory had stayed with him his whole life, in his darker hours, the mans face still haunted him. "But" Fred continued, "if we're discussing non lethal stuff too, then I guess blackmailing Ludo Bagman would also have to be one of them, Mum would be livid if she ever found out, but that git deserved it, he cheated us."

"Is there anything you want to tell Hermione?" Lupin asked, his eyes filled with mirth as he thought of the possibilities, considering the twins propensity to prank people endlessly.

Fred nodded, "George and I swapped the hairs you collected from Millicent Bullstrode's robes to put in the polyjuice potion in second year, for cat hairs as a joke. We thought you would realize what they were, we didn't know you'd use them and be coughing up fur balls for six weeks. We would have apologized, but it was just so damn funny."

Hermione should have been livid, but she was so fascinated with the way the potion was working on Fred that she barely registered what he said.

"Do you have any reservations about how the potion works Fred?" Moody asked.

"Not a one, we've tested it on loads of people – admittedly, most without their knowledge, but George and I were the first to test it and we're positive it's safe."

"Fred, is there anything you absolutely would not want us to know?" Lupin asked a sly look on his face.

"Oh, loads of stuff " Fred said, "but mostly I'm worried that you'll find out that I think that there's more to what happened with Dumbledore's supposed murder than we're aware of. I don't think Snape is guilty of killing him, aiding and abetting yes, but not killing him – in fact I'm really worried that you'll find out that I don't think Snape is a Death Eater at all and that we should find him and learn what he knows."

Hermione gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth in shock. Lupin and Moody both nodded to each other, the serum was indeed effective. They knew that Fred would never have willingly admitted such a seemingly treacherous train of thought to anyone other than George, other than under the effects of the serum. With the effects of the serum wearing off quickly, Fred looked from Moody to Lupin, a little shame faced.

"Sorry." He said softly.

Lupin clapped a hand on Fred's shoulder and gave him an uncharacteristically broad smile. "I wouldn't worry Fred; I dare say that thought has occurred to quit a few people over the last few years." Fred smiled slightly and got up off the sofa on which he had been sitting.

"Your turn Hermione," he handed her the eye dropper and she eyed it warily "relax; it tastes like bubblegum, really."

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Hermione opened her mouth and stuck out her tongue so Fred could drop the serum on it. True to his word, she immediately tasted bubblegum and a strange warm sensation passed from her mouth and seemed to curl up her neck and settle into her brain, although it was certainly not unpleasant, it was a highly unusual experience.

Lupin looked at her, watching as her eyes obtained the same glazed look that Fred's had a moment ago and asked his first question.

"What is your name?"

"Hermione Jane Granger."

"Hermione, do you believe that Snape is a Death Eater and that he murdered Dumbledore?" Moody asked.

"No, I do not. Dumbledore was far too clever a wizard to be murdered the way they said. I think Professor Snape could tell us all a lot about what really happened that night, and I believe that he should be given the opportunity to do so."

"So, you believe that Dumbledore is still alive then?" Lupin asked, fascinated by her confession.

"I believe it is possible that he survived."

"So, why were you shocked when Fred suggested the same thing earlier?"

"I had no idea anyone though as I did, it merely took me by surprise."

"Hermione, do you believe that Malfoy is telling the truth? Do you think that he was actually a prisoner at Malfoy manor?" Moody asked.

"I do. I saw his injuries the night he brought Tonks home; he had been beaten to a pulp, cut, strangled and whipped. There is no doubt in my mind that he was a prisoner. I think he wants to join us, I think he has wanted to join the 'Light' for years, even at school, but did not know how."

Moody and Lupin nodded and seemed to consider her comments for a moment.

"Um, 'Mione, are you going to retaliate for us changing you into a cat woman in second year?" Fred asked, shrugging as Moody and Lupin looked at him with raised eyebrows.

"Absolutely!" she said with a firm nod.

"Okaaay, so what are you going to do?" he asked, suddenly looking very worried.

"I haven't decided, but I can say that it will be embarrassing and likely permanent!"

Fred gave a startled gasp and slowly backed towards the door, walking out into the corridor, most likely to go and warn George.

"Hermione Granger, that was highly un-sporting of you." Lupin said grinning from ear to ear. "You were not under the influence of the potion for those last two questions!"

Hermione gave him a haughty, but highly amused look "I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about Remus."

Moody chuckled and grabbed the vials of serum from the table, his face suddenly serious.

"I believe it's time to bring the others down to the main living room for the interrogation, I'll leave that in your capable hands Lupin. I want every member of The Order there, including that sullen, sulking infant Ronald. Miss Granger, you might want to do your best to make Mr Malfoy comfortable, he's in for a long session tonight."