The rain poured heavily as Rufus Scrimgeour made his way down the grimy streets of Spinner’s End. The desolate neighborhood, with its deserted brick houses and broken streetlamps, seemed to reflect the somber nature of his mission. The abandoned mill with its tall chimney loomed in the distance, casting long shadows over the street.
Rufus approached a particularly dilapidated house, the childhood home of Severus Snape. He could see the faint glow of light through the grimy windows, indicating that someone was home. With a deep breath, he knocked on the door.
The door creaked open, and Severus Snape stood there, his face a mask of guarded curiosity. His eyes, sharp and calculating, scrutinized Rufus as he stepped inside.
“Mr. Scrimgeour,” Snape greeted, his tone cold but not unwelcoming. “What brings you to Spinner’s End?”
“I appreciate you agreeing to meet with me, Professor Snape,” Rufus said, stepping into the dimly lit hallway. “I need your assistance with a delicate matter.”
Snape closed the door behind him and led Rufus into a small, cluttered sitting room. The room was filled with the pungent aroma of various potions and ingredients, creating an atmosphere of intense focus and concentration.
“Please, have a seat,” Snape said, gesturing to a threadbare armchair. “What exactly do you need my help with?”
Rufus sat down, looking around the room with a mixture of curiosity and concern. “I need you to help me prepare a Veritaserum.”
Snape raised an eyebrow, his expression turning even more guarded. “A Veritaserum? That’s a complex potion, one of the most difficult to brew. And what exactly is the purpose of this potion?”
“It’s for the upcoming trial,” Rufus explained. “I plan to use it to ensure that the truth is revealed. The participants will consent to its use, so it won’t be illegal.”
Snape’s eyes narrowed. “You do realize that using Veritaserum is fraught with complications. It is a powerful and dangerous potion, and its use must be handled with extreme care.”
“I understand that,” Rufus replied, his voice steady. “But if it can help uncover the truth and ensure justice, it will be worth the risk.”
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Snape’s skepticism was evident. “And who exactly will be subjected to this potion?”
“Primarily, Sirius Black,” Rufus said. “If he is indeed guilty, the potion will reveal his darkest secrets and ensure that he is properly convicted. If he is innocent, then it will prove his innocence.”
Snape’s expression remained impassive, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of interest. “And why should I assist you in this endeavor? You must understand that I have my own reservations about helping Sirius Black.”
Rufus leaned forward, his gaze intense. “I’m aware of your reservations, Professor. But consider this: if Sirius is indeed guilty, then helping to prepare this potion will allow us to bring him to justice. If you believe him to be guilty, you would be aiding in putting him away for life.”
Snape’s lips curled into a faint, sardonic smile. “And if he’s not guilty?”
“Then we’ll have proven his innocence,” Rufus said, his tone resolute. “Either way, we will uncover the truth. I trust that you want justice to be served as much as I do.”
Snape considered Rufus’s words carefully. After a moment of silence, he nodded slowly. “Very well. I will assist you in brewing the Veritaserum. But you must understand that this potion requires precise ingredients and careful preparation. Any mistake could render the potion ineffective or even dangerous.”
Rufus nodded in agreement. “I trust you to handle it. What do you need from me?”
Snape moved to a cluttered table covered with various potion ingredients and tools. “I will need several rare ingredients, including asphodel, wormwood, and a few others. The brewing process is intricate and requires patience.”
As Snape began gathering the ingredients, he explained the brewing process. “First, we must prepare the base, which involves a series of precise steps to ensure the potion’s potency. The asphodel must be ground to a fine powder and combined with the wormwood. Then, the mixture must be simmered for exactly twelve hours, during which time we will add other components in specific intervals.”
Rufus watched intently as Snape worked, his hands moving with practiced precision. The potion began to take shape, its color shifting as the ingredients blended together. Snape’s concentration was evident, and Rufus could sense the gravity of the task at hand.
As the potion neared completion, Snape looked up at Rufus. “The Veritaserum will be ready in a few days. Make sure to handle it with care. It is a powerful tool, but it must be used responsibly.”
“I appreciate your help, Professor,” Rufus said, standing up. “Your expertise is invaluable.”
Snape gave a curt nod. “I trust you will use the potion wisely. Now, if you have no further questions, I suggest you leave. I have other matters to attend to.”
Rufus nodded and made his way to the door. As he stepped out into the rain-soaked streets of Spinner’s End, he felt a sense of cautious optimism. With the Veritaserum in preparation, the upcoming trial promised to bring clarity and, hopefully, justice.