Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Gathering Allies

The morning sun streamed through the window, its warmth a stark reminder of what Harry was fighting to preserve. He sat at his small dining table, staring at a rough map of Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and the surrounding areas. The stakes he'd driven into the ground were a good start, but the scale of what he needed to accomplish was daunting.

Harry knew one thing for certain: he couldn't do this alone. But trust was a fragile thing, especially after what had happened in the future he had escaped. He had to choose his allies carefully.

Hermione and Ron were out of the question. Their betrayal still cut too deeply, even though they weren't yet the people who had turned against him. He wouldn't risk it. No, this time, Harry would forge a new path with new allies—unlikely ones, perhaps, but people he could count on to stand with him when the freeze came.

His first thought was Neville.

Meeting Neville

Harry Apparated to the Longbottom estate just as the morning mist was lifting from the fields. Neville was crouched in the garden, inspecting a patch of brightly colored flowers.

"Neville!" Harry called, walking toward him.

Neville looked up, smiling warmly as he wiped his hands on his trousers. "Harry! What brings you here?"

"I need to talk to you," Harry said, glancing around. "Privately."

Neville's smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. "Alright. Let's go inside."

They sat in the cozy kitchen, mugs of tea in hand. Harry leaned forward, his voice low. "What I'm about to tell you... it's serious, and I need to know I can trust you."

Neville frowned but nodded. "You know you can, Harry. What's going on?"

Harry took a deep breath and launched into his explanation. He told Neville about the deep freeze, the grim future he'd lived through, and his desperate efforts to prevent it. Neville listened intently, his face growing paler with each word.

When Harry finished, Neville sat back, his hands gripping his mug. "A world frozen solid," he said slowly. "And you've come back to stop it?"

"Yes," Harry said. "I don't have all the answers yet, but I'm working on a way to protect Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and the surrounding land. I need people I can trust—people who'll help me build a community that can survive."

Neville stared at him for a long moment, then nodded. "Alright. I'm in. Whatever you need, Harry. Just tell me what to do."

Relief washed over Harry, and he smiled. "Thanks, Neville. I knew I could count on you."

Recruiting Draco

Next, Harry turned to someone he never thought he'd approach: Draco Malfoy. He Apparated to the gates of Malfoy Manor, the grand estate looming in the distance. Before he could call out, a house-elf appeared with a pop.

"Master Malfoy is expecting you," the elf said in its high-pitched voice.

Harry frowned. "Expecting me?"

The elf didn't answer, simply leading him through the gates and into the opulent foyer, where Draco stood waiting.

"Potter," Draco drawled, smirking. "I had a feeling you'd show up. You've got that look—like you're about to drag me into some mad scheme."

Harry crossed his arms. "I didn't think you'd be so eager to see me, Malfoy."

Draco's smirk faltered. "Let's just say I'm curious. Come in."

They moved to a sitting room, where Draco poured himself a glass of wine and offered Harry nothing. Harry ignored the slight, cutting straight to the point.

"I need your help," he said.

Draco raised an eyebrow, swirling his wine. "My help? That's rich. What could I possibly do for you?"

Harry explained the situation, detailing the deep freeze and the future he was determined to prevent. As he spoke, Draco's expression shifted from skepticism to curiosity, and finally to seriousness.

"So, you're saying the entire world freezes over?" Draco asked, setting his glass down.

"Yes. And if we don't act now, it's going to happen again," Harry replied.

Draco leaned back in his chair, studying Harry with calculating eyes. "And you came to me because...?"

"Because I need people who are clever, resourceful, and willing to think outside the box," Harry said. "And because you know how to get things done."

Draco snorted. "Flattery won't get you anywhere, Potter. But... I'll admit, this is intriguing." He stood, pacing to the window. "Alright. I'm in. But only because I don't fancy living in an ice block."

Harry extended a hand, and after a moment's hesitation, Draco clasped it.

Luna and the Creatures

From there, Harry and Neville visited Luna Lovegood at her family's eccentric home. Luna, ever the dreamer, listened intently to Harry's story, her silvery eyes wide with wonder.

"A frozen world," she said softly. "It sounds beautiful and terrible all at once. But I believe you, Harry. I'll help."

With Luna on board, Harry turned his attention to magical creatures. He and Neville ventured into the Forbidden Forest to speak with the centaurs, who agreed to stand with Harry after Firenze confirmed their knowledge of the coming danger.

"We have seen it in the stars," Firenze said solemnly. "The chill in the air, the disruption in the heavens—it is as you say. The freeze is coming."

Next, Harry sought out Grawp and the giants. Grawp greeted Harry with a booming "Harry!" while the other giants listened warily as Harry explained the freeze.

Kormag, the giants' leader, eventually nodded. "We will fight. But we need land—safe land."

"You'll have it," Harry promised.

Returning Home

By the time Harry returned to his flat that evening, he was exhausted but satisfied. He had the beginnings of a team—Neville, Luna, Draco, the centaurs, and the giants. They were an unlikely group, but they were united by a shared determination to stop the freeze.

After a quick meal of soup and bread, Harry sat at his desk, sketching maps and writing notes until his eyes grew heavy. As he climbed into bed, his mind buzzed with plans and possibilities.

This time, he wouldn't fail. This time, he wouldn't face the storm alone.