12

I guess I'm on a Goblet of Fire kick today.

Anyhow, after Dumbledore disarms Crouch/Moody following the third task, Crouch Jr is left unconscious for a while; Dumbledore says this:

‘Severus, please fetch me the strongest Truth Potion you possess, and then go down to the kitchens, and bring up the house-elf called Winky.

Minerva, kindly go down to Hagrid’s house, where you will find a large black dog sitting in the pumpkin patch. Take the dog up to my office, tell him I will be with him shortly, then come back here.’

Goblet of Fire - pages 591-592 - Bloomsbury - chapter thirty-five, Veritaserum

Clearly Veritaserum is the strongest Truth Potion Snape has, because that is what he returns with. But does this mean there are other types of Truth Potions that maybe aren't as strong as Veritaserum, or that are more potent? Or is the text merely stating that there are different degrees of Veritaserum itself, and that it's maybe a potion that covers a spectrum of potency?

Are there other Truth Potions besides Veritaserum?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
16

The best evidence I can find for other truth drugs comes from Fantastic Beasts, in the entry on the Jobberknoll:

Jobberknoll feathers are used in Truth Serums and Memory Potions.

If Veritaserum was the only truth potion, then why not mention it by name? Likewise with Dumbledore in the Goblet of Fire quote. It suggests to me that there are a whole family of truth drugs, of which Veritaserum might be the strongest or most well-known.

Improve this answer
8
  • 1
    I don't think it's weak at all. I think it kind of leans toward there being more than one kind of truth potion, and that would be interesting. I may steal your Jobberknoll quote and ask what memory potions do, as I don't recall reading about them in the books, unless it was in OOTP in the Christmas On the Dai Llewelyn Ward chapter (or some name like that).
    – Slytherincess
    May 20, 2014 at 22:32
  • @Slytherincess: I meant weak because it’s only based on conjecture; I’d prefer to have a named example for a “strong” answer. I don’t think there’s any canon info about Memory Potions, beyond the brief mention in the Jobberknoll entry.
    – alexwlchan
    May 20, 2014 at 22:37
  • 1
    I agree, it's an excellent answer, though I disagree 100% (I think this was JKR being her usual vague unclear self and meaning what the question suggested "the strongest of Veritaserum batches you have"
    – DVK-on-Ahch-To
    May 21, 2014 at 0:11
  • @alexwlchan -- I have a running list of HP questions and post them when I have the time, and one of them is specifically about memory charms ... I might see if I can work in the Jobberknoll aspect -- if you don't mind, of course -- in an authentic way. I am curious about it ... :)
    – Slytherincess
    May 21, 2014 at 4:33
  • @DVK -- That's entirely possible, of course. I think it would be interesting if there were more than one truth potion, but, otoh, why would potioneers develop only semi-potent potions meant to elicit the most guarded of information from someone? :)
    – Slytherincess
    May 21, 2014 at 4:36

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.