Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Expanding the Vision

The morning sun hung low in the sky as Harry stood in front of the massive doors of Gringotts, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and determination. The goblins had proven to be efficient and trustworthy so far, and he hoped they'd be just as helpful with the next phase of his plans. Clutching a rolled-up map of Hogsmeade, Harry stepped inside.

The familiar scent of parchment and coins greeted him as he approached the main counter. A goblin with sharp features and a gleaming nameplate that read Grintok peered down at him.

"Mr. Potter," Grintok said with a thin smile. "What business brings you to Gringotts today?"

"I'd like to purchase some property in Hogsmeade," Harry replied, unrolling the map and pointing to the areas he had marked. "Specifically, these plots of land."

Grintok's smile widened, his pointed teeth glinting. "Ah, wise investments, those. They've been on the market for some time. I assume you have the funds?"

Harry nodded. "Take it from my vault."

Grintok's long fingers tapped on the counter, summoning a parchment with a flick of his wrist. "Very well. We'll process the transfer immediately. Anything else?"

"Yes," Harry said, leaning forward. "I'd like to hire the Gringotts Construction Division to begin development on these lands. Apartments, shops, an inn—basic infrastructure. I have a list of what I want built."

He handed over another piece of parchment, and Grintok's sharp eyes scanned it quickly. "Ambitious," the goblin remarked. "But manageable. You'll find goblins to be efficient builders."

"I'm counting on it," Harry replied, standing straight.

Grintok nodded. "We'll begin immediately. Expect progress reports within the week."

"Thank you," Harry said, relief washing over him. With the goblins on the job, the vision of a self-sufficient Hogsmeade within the protective dome was one step closer to reality.

Writing to Remus

Back at his flat, Harry sat at his desk once more, carefully drafting a letter. His quill scratched across the parchment as he addressed Remus Lupin.

Dear Remus,
I need to speak with you. It's urgent, and it's something I can't trust to anyone else. Can you come by my flat today? I'll explain everything in person. It's about the future—and the survival of everyone we care about.
Your friend always,
Harry

He sealed the letter and sent it off with Hedwig, who gave a soft hoot before flying out the window.

Remus Arrives

Later that afternoon, a knock echoed through the flat. Harry hurried to the door, opening it to see Remus standing there, looking tired but curious.

"Harry," Remus greeted, stepping inside. "Your letter was... intriguing, to say the least. What's going on?"

"Thanks for coming, Remus," Harry said, closing the door behind him. "Before we talk, I need you to take a vow of secrecy."

Remus raised an eyebrow. "A vow of secrecy? This sounds serious."

"It is," Harry said firmly. "I wouldn't ask if it wasn't absolutely necessary."

Remus studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, Harry. I trust you."

They both drew their wands, and Harry recited the vow, ensuring that everything Remus was about to hear would stay between them. As the magic sealed the vow, Harry let out a breath and gestured for Remus to sit.

The Truth About the Future

Harry began his explanation, starting with the deep freeze that had consumed the world. He told Remus about the year he had spent trying to survive in the icy wasteland, the betrayal he had faced, and his eventual death. He described his second chance, his efforts to gather allies, and the vision of a self-sufficient community protected from the freeze.

Remus listened silently, his face growing more serious with each word. When Harry finally finished, the older man let out a long breath.

"Merlin, Harry," Remus said softly. "That's... it's a lot to take in. But I believe you. I've seen enough in this life to know when something extraordinary is happening."

"Thank you," Harry said, relief flooding through him. "I need people I can trust, Remus. That's why I asked you here."

"What do you need from me?" Remus asked, leaning forward.

Harry pulled out a new piece of parchment, one he had prepared earlier. "I need you to handle the livestock. We're going to need a reliable source of food—cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, you name it. I'm already marking space for farmland near Hogsmeade, but we'll need someone to manage it."

Remus's eyebrows lifted. "You want me to be a farmer?"

Harry smiled faintly. "You'd be more like the overseer. You'll have help, of course. But we need someone who knows how to handle animals."

Remus chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I suppose being a werewolf gives me some experience with animals. Alright, Harry. I'll do it. I am your honorary godfather, after all. I'm with you all the way."

Harry felt a swell of gratitude. "Thank you, Remus. You have no idea how much this means to me."

Dinner and Rest

After their conversation, Harry prepared a simple dinner of stew and bread. They ate together at the small table, talking about plans for the farmland and reminiscing about better times.

"This is a big undertaking, Harry," Remus said as he finished his meal. "But if anyone can pull it off, it's you. You've always had a way of bringing people together."

Harry smiled. "I just hope I don't let them down."

"You won't," Remus said confidently.

When the meal was done, Harry gestured toward the couch. "You're welcome to stay here tonight. It's only a one-bedroom flat, but the couch isn't too bad."

Remus laughed. "Thanks, Harry. I'll take you up on that."

As Harry prepared for bed, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Another ally was on board, and the pieces of his plan were falling into place.

This time, he thought as he drifted off to sleep, they'd be ready.