Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Gathering Expertise

Harry sat at his desk the next morning, Grintok's letter still fresh in his mind. The mention of Ministry inquiries gnawed at him, but he pushed the thought aside. His focus had to remain on the dome and the growing community it would protect.

The individuals Grintok had mentioned—craftsmen, potion-makers, and ward specialists—sounded like exactly the kind of people Harry needed to move forward. If these people were trustworthy and skilled, they could help bring the project closer to completion.

He penned a quick response to Grintok, requesting a meeting with the recommended candidates and instructing him to keep tabs on the Ministry's activities.

Hedwig fluttered down from her perch, taking the letter in her beak. "Take this to Grintok, girl," Harry said, stroking her feathers. She hooted softly and flew off into the morning sky.

The Meeting at Gringotts

That afternoon, Harry Apparated to Gringotts, the imposing marble structure gleaming in the sunlight. The goblins inside moved with their usual brisk efficiency, and Harry was quickly escorted to a private meeting room.

Grintok awaited him there, flanked by three individuals: an elderly wizard with a long silver beard, a tall, thin witch with sharp eyes, and a stocky goblin with a hammer slung over his shoulder.

"Mr. Potter," Grintok said, gesturing to the group, "allow me to introduce your potential allies. This is Alaric Pytheron, a master ward-maker." He gestured to the bearded wizard.

"Meredith Cline, a renowned alchemist and potion-maker." The sharp-eyed witch inclined her head.

"And Brashak, one of Gringotts' most skilled craftsmen." The goblin gave Harry a short nod.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Harry said, shaking hands with each in turn.

"Grintok has told us some... intriguing things," Alaric said, his voice slow and deliberate. "You're preparing for something big, aren't you?"

Harry nodded, choosing his words carefully. "Yes. There's a danger coming—a deep freeze that could consume the entire world. I'm working to create a dome over Hogwarts and Hogsmeade to protect both the land and the people within it."

"A bold undertaking," Meredith said, her tone skeptical. "And you believe this freeze is real?"

"I know it is," Harry said firmly. "I've seen what it can do. That's why I need your help."

The group exchanged glances before Alaric spoke again. "Tell us more about what you need."

Planning with Experts

Harry spread his map on the table, detailing the boundaries of the dome and explaining the spell Gelida Ultra.

"Alaric," Harry began, "I need you to reinforce the dome with secondary wards—something to bolster its strength and protect it from external attacks."

The ward-maker stroked his beard thoughtfully. "A layered warding system could work. I'd need access to the land and time to study its magical properties."

"You'll have it," Harry assured him.

He turned to Meredith next. "We'll need potions to sustain the people inside the dome. Healing draughts, fertilizers for crops, maybe even something to counter the effects of the cold if it breaches the barrier."

Meredith's sharp eyes gleamed with interest. "That's a tall order, but not impossible. I'll start drafting some ideas."

Finally, Harry looked at Brashak. "I need structures that can withstand the freeze—farm buildings, storage facilities, anything we'll need to survive long-term."

Brashak smirked, tapping the hammer on his shoulder. "Goblins have been building for centuries, Potter. I'll make sure it's done right."

Harry nodded, relief washing over him. "Thank you. All of you. This means more than I can say."

A Warning from Grintok

As the group left, Grintok lingered behind, his expression grave.

"Mr. Potter," he said, "there's something else you should know."

"What is it?" Harry asked, tensing.

"The Ministry's interest in your activities is growing. They've noticed the land purchases and the construction in Hogsmeade. It's only a matter of time before they start asking questions."

Harry frowned. "Do you think they'll interfere?"

"It's possible," Grintok said. "The Ministry doesn't like secrets. You'll need to be careful, especially when dealing with those outside your inner circle."

"Thanks for the warning," Harry said. "I'll keep that in mind."

Back at the Flat

When Harry returned to his flat, the weight of the day's work settled over him. He poured himself a cup of tea and sat at his desk, reviewing the notes he had taken during the meeting.

The pieces of the plan were coming together, but Grintok's warning nagged at him. The Ministry's interference could complicate everything.

As he set his notes aside and prepared for bed, Harry resolved to stay ahead of any potential obstacles. The dome had to be completed, no matter what.

The deep freeze was coming—and time was running out.