Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Hagrid Joins the Cause

The encounter with Ron and Hermione lingered in Harry's mind as he sat at his desk later that evening. The flat felt heavy with silence, broken only by the occasional hoot from Hedwig. As much as he hated to admit it, their anger had stung.

He rubbed his temples, forcing himself to refocus. Dwelling on it wouldn't help. He needed to keep moving forward, and that meant solidifying another critical alliance.

Hagrid.

Hagrid's love for creatures, his unshakable loyalty to Harry, and his resourcefulness made him the perfect person to help organize the creature side of the plan. Harry knew he had to tread carefully, though. Hagrid's deep ties to Hogwarts and the Ministry might make him hesitant to act in secret.

Resolving to visit Hagrid the next day, Harry gathered his notes and went to bed.

The Journey to Hagrid's Hut

The following afternoon, Harry Apparated just outside the Hogwarts grounds. Summer's warmth was in full force, and the Forbidden Forest buzzed with the sounds of unseen creatures. He made his way down the familiar path toward Hagrid's hut, his heart beating faster with every step.

As he approached, Fang bounded out from behind the hut, barking excitedly.

"Fang!" Harry greeted, crouching to ruffle the dog's ears.

"Harry!" boomed Hagrid's voice from behind him. The half-giant emerged from the side of the hut, carrying a basket of vegetables. His face broke into a broad grin. "It's been too long, lad! What brings yeh here?"

Harry smiled. "It's good to see you too, Hagrid. Can we talk? I need your help."

Hagrid's expression shifted slightly, his brows furrowing. "Course, Harry. Let's go inside."

Laying Out the Plan

The interior of Hagrid's hut was just as Harry remembered: cluttered, cozy, and smelling faintly of whatever stew Hagrid had brewing on the fire. They sat at the large wooden table, and Harry wasted no time explaining why he had come.

"Hagrid, there's something coming," Harry began, his tone serious. "Something big. And if we don't prepare now, we won't survive it."

Hagrid frowned. "Survive? What're yeh talkin' about, Harry?"

Harry took a deep breath, deciding to be honest. "The world's going to freeze over. Completely. I've seen it happen. I... I've been sent back in time to stop it."

Hagrid stared at him, his bushy eyebrows knitting together. "Freeze? Like... the whole world?"

Harry nodded. "Yes. I know it sounds unbelievable, but it's real, Hagrid. And I need your help to prepare."

There was a long pause as Hagrid processed Harry's words. Finally, he leaned back in his chair, his expression grave. "If yeh say it's true, Harry, I believe yeh. What d'yeh need from me?"

Relief flooded through Harry. "I need someone to organize the creatures and the logistics for moving them to safety. We're creating a protected dome over Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and the surrounding land, and I want to make sure magical creatures have a place there too."

Hagrid's eyes lit up. "Creatures, yeh say? I'd be honored, Harry. This is somethin' I can really help with."

"There's more," Harry said. "We'll also need to work with livestock—cows, pigs, sheep, chickens. We'll need them for food."

Hagrid grinned. "Oh, I'm yer man for that too. I'll start thinkin' on how we can get 'em all set up in the new land yer protectin'."

"Thanks, Hagrid," Harry said, his voice warm with gratitude. "I knew I could count on you."

Exploring the Forest

After their conversation, Hagrid suggested they take a walk through the Forbidden Forest. "Let me show yeh a few spots where we might set up shelters for the creatures," he said, grabbing his crossbow.

They strolled into the forest, Fang trotting happily alongside them. Hagrid pointed out clearings and hidden groves, describing how different creatures might use them.

"This here'd be perfect for the thestrals," Hagrid said, gesturing to a large, shaded meadow. "Plenty o' space for 'em to roam, and the trees'll give 'em some cover."

Harry nodded, jotting down notes in a small notebook he'd brought. "Good idea. What about the hippogriffs?"

Hagrid scratched his beard. "They'll need a spot closer to the hills. They like the open air."

As they walked deeper into the forest, Hagrid's enthusiasm grew. He spoke animatedly about how to care for the creatures and ensure they thrived in the dome. Harry couldn't help but feel reassured by his confidence.

Returning to the Hut

By the time they returned to Hagrid's hut, the sun was dipping low in the sky. Harry's notebook was filled with ideas and sketches, and he felt more hopeful than he had in days.

"Yeh'll need some supplies to make all this work," Hagrid said, pouring them each a mug of tea. "I'll start talkin' to a few o' my old contacts—see if they can help."

"That'd be great," Harry said, taking a sip. "But keep it quiet, Hagrid. Not everyone can know about this yet."

Hagrid nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Harry. Yer secret's safe with me."

Dinner and a Parting Promise

Harry stayed for dinner, enjoying a hearty stew that Hagrid had prepared. They talked late into the evening, refining their plans and reminiscing about their time at Hogwarts.

As Harry prepared to leave, Hagrid clapped a massive hand on his shoulder. "Yer doin' somethin' great here, Harry. Don't let anyone tell yeh otherwise."

"Thanks, Hagrid," Harry said, smiling. "I'll be in touch soon. There's a lot more to do."

As he walked back to the edge of the Hogwarts grounds, the stars shining above him, Harry felt a renewed sense of purpose. With Hagrid on board, the creature side of the plan was in good hands.

The team was growing stronger, and with each step forward, Harry was one step closer to ensuring their survival.