The Dog Talisman, and Why Are Spies So Good Now?

"Alright, I understand." Aaron murmured, then looked at the Phoenix Society members who still had the strength to attend the meeting. "My informant brought me one piece of good news and one piece of bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?"

"The bad news." Abufus answered without hesitation. "Experience has taught me that it's never wrong to hear the bad news first."

Aaron's mouth twitched. "Let's hear the good news first!"

"Crabbe and Goyle succeeded. When we head to the Forbidden Forest tomorrow, Voldemort will split off part of his forces to go to Divine Thunder Hall. We should be able to take quite a few of them down."

"What about the bad news?" Sirius asked.

"The bad news is that Voldemort discovered the Elder Wand's resistance toward him. He kept Professor Snape by his side. If nothing unexpected happens, he's already decided to kill him."

"This..." Sirius fell silent for several seconds. "Severus was prepared to sacrifice himself long ago. I'm afraid we can't save him."

"That may not be the case." Aaron placed a bottle of emerald-green potion on the table and said pointedly, "I've kept this potion for six or seven years. It just so happens that it can finally be put to use."

"Wasn't that supposed to be insurance for Harry?" Sirius looked awkward and conflicted as he stammered, "Harry is the key to this war."

"So, by your logic, Severus Snape deserves to die?" Aaron asked.

"No, that's not what I meant. I don't want Snape to die either."

"Then shut up." Aaron shot him a sharp glare before continuing, "Professor Snape served Dumbledore for over a decade. You saw his contributions in those memories. He doesn't deserve to die.

"Besides, this potion is mine. No one but me has the right