Hesper Staky

"Why were you here?"

As the professor began questioning him, Severus naturally answered:

"I saw the sky getting overcast, so I came to the Great Lake before it rained to enjoy the breeze, cool off, take a walk, and relieve the stress from studying lately...?"

Only after speaking did Severus' eyes widen slightly.

Knowing it was Veritaserum, even though Severus was confident that the answer to this question would not implicate him further in the matter, he should have remained wary.

Or rather, no one would fail to be wary after being given Veritaserum. Who knew what the other person might ask?

Yet in the end, he had immediately spoken the answer. There was not even the slightest sign that his vigilance or self-control had worked... No, it was not that they had failed to work. They simply did not exist.

When Veritaserum took effect, it was unlike what Severus had imagined—being controlled into involuntarily speaking the truth. It was more like his mouth was faster than his brain.

When people spoke normally, they generally composed the wording of a sentence in their heads before saying it. But after drinking Veritaserum, whatever came to mind was spoken directly.

Without the process of composing one's words, there was naturally no opportunity to consider whether those words were appropriate or should be said.

"Very good. It seems you really have nothing to do with this matter."

The professor waved her wand, smiled at Severus, and cast another spell. Manus had never encountered this spell before, but judging by its Latin roots, it was probably meant to clear one's mind.

"Here, take this bottle of Veritaserum. Remember, do not use more than three drops at a time, or it will damage the drinker's brain."

The professor tapped her temple.

"Also, if there is