A Mermaid's Legacy- Sebastian Sallow x MC x Ominis Gaunt

Chapter 21- Veritaserum

Lovely-TikTok Remix by TommyMuzzic, ZeddMusique

Yvaine POV

"We could try Veritaserum," I suggested to my mother, Professor Sharp, and Headmistress Weasley. "Garreth is skilled in potion-making, being in the Ministry of Magic. He might be able to brew us a dose. It could help us determine Sebastian's true intentions and get his response regarding potential future scenarios."

They reluctantly agreed to consider the idea, influenced by my persistent pleas on Sebastian's behalf. I knew that most people wouldn't be comfortable with their minds being tampered with in such a way. I pondered whether Sebastian had changed over the years or if he remained the impulsive, irresponsible, self-destructive hothead I once knew.

The rest of the day passed in a haze as I rested, my professors and mother convening in Headmistress Weasley's office. I drifted in and out of sleep, occasionally visited by concerned friends. Ominis, however, was the last to come see me. He appeared worn down, with sunken eyes, cuts on his face, a disheveled shirt, and bloodied knuckles. I hesitated to ask about his condition, but he sat by my bedside and tenderly kissed my hand. His touch spoke volumes, conveying his unspoken worries and fears. I sat up weakly and embraced him, seeking solace in his presence, hoping to shield him from his own negative thoughts.

"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

"Yes, I need to confront him and get to the truth of what happened," I replied. I moved closer to him, gathering supplies to clean his knuckles. "I'm going to clean your cuts now. It might sting a bit."

He winced as I used an alcohol wipe to disinfect the wounds, taking care to treat them properly. "Do you want a Wiggenweld potion or should I wrap them up?" I asked, concerned for his comfort.

"Wiggenweld, please," he replied. With a touch of magic, his hand swiftly healed. "Good as new," I murmured, relieved.

With hesitation weighing on me, I made my way to the Undercroft, opening the entrance. The sound of my footsteps echoed in the cold stone chamber. As I entered, I saw Sebastian, a pitiful sight. He knelt on the floor, tied up and battered. His clothes were soiled from the lake, his shirt partially torn and stained with blood. His left eye was swollen shut, and his lips bore a cut. He kept his gaze averted from me as I approached him.

"Look what the black cat dragged in... again," he muttered sarcastically.

"I told you this cat's got claws," I muttered in response, my tone equally laced with sarcasm. He let out an ironic laugh. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of guilt looking at him.

"Don't pity me, darling. I'm fine," he spat, noticing the concern in my eyes. Annoyed, I walked over to him, gripping his hair, pulling his head back, and forcefully administering the Veritaserum down his throat.

"What the hell is that!" he growled back, frustrated, attempting to break free from his bonds once more.

"The Truth," I spat back, our eyes burning with distrust. I waited for ten minutes, ensuring the potion took effect.

"Why did you try to kill me?" I demanded.

"I didn't try to 'kill' you," he retorted, struggling stubbornly against the effects of the potion.

"Why did you try to hurt me?" I pressed further.

"I wasn't trying to... I wanted to see if you were a mermaid," he replied, still resisting the truth serum.

"Why would you think I was?" I questioned, seeking answers to his motives. I needed to know how much he discovered.

"There were possible signs here and there..." he ground his teeth, struggling to resist talking. "I saw something in the lake, and I tried numerous times to prove it... Ominis thought I was mad, but I delved deeper into mermaid lore."