Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

The Gathering Storm

The following morning, Harry awoke with a sense of urgency gnawing at him. The days seemed to slip by faster than he wanted, and though progress was being made, he couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out.

After a quick breakfast, he donned his cloak, grabbed his map and notes, and set out for another day of preparation.

Hogsmeade's Expanding Borders

Harry arrived in Hogsmeade to find Grintok already overseeing the goblins' work. New buildings were rising along the edges of the village, their stone walls sturdy and reinforced with magic.

"Good morning, Mr. Potter," Grintok said as Harry approached.

"Morning," Harry replied, glancing around. "It's looking great. How are we on finishing the apartments?"

"The apartments are nearly done," Grintok said, tapping his clipboard. "We've begun work on the marketplace and storage buildings as well. Your associate Mr. Malfoy has provided additional resources, which has sped up the process."

Harry nodded. "Perfect. Once the wards are in place, this will be a safe haven for everyone."

Grintok's sharp eyes met Harry's. "Let's hope so, Mr. Potter. The Ministry's whispers grow louder. They're taking notice of the changes here."

Harry frowned. "Any signs they're going to interfere?"

"Not yet," Grintok said. "But I suggest you prepare for that possibility."

"I will," Harry said firmly. "Thanks for the warning."

Coordinating with Neville

From Hogsmeade, Harry headed to the greenhouses, where he found Neville tending to a row of magical plants. The warm, earthy scent of soil and herbs filled the air, a sharp contrast to the crisp chill outside.

"Neville!" Harry called, walking up to him.

Neville straightened, wiping dirt off his hands. "Harry! Perfect timing. I've got something to show you."

He led Harry to a section of the greenhouse where several plants with silvery leaves and glowing roots were growing in neat rows.

"These are Frostbane Ferns," Neville explained. "They thrive in cold environments and release heat as part of their natural cycle. If we plant these around key areas, they could help keep the temperature stable inside the dome."

Harry crouched to inspect the plants, impressed. "That's brilliant, Neville. How soon can we get them in the ground?"

"I've already started propagating them," Neville said with a grin. "We'll have enough to cover the village and the castle grounds in a couple of weeks."

"Perfect," Harry said. "Anything else we need to focus on?"

Neville hesitated. "I've been thinking about the Forbidden Forest. Some of the creatures there might not adjust well to the dome, even with Luna and Hagrid's efforts. We'll need to find ways to integrate them or create specific zones for them."

Harry nodded. "Good point. Let's talk to Luna about it."

Meeting with Luna and Hagrid

Later in the day, Harry met Luna and Hagrid near the new creature shelters. Luna was perched on a rock, sketching diagrams of potential habitats, while Hagrid was busy checking the fences for the hippogriffs.

"Luna, Hagrid," Harry greeted them.

"Harry!" Hagrid beamed. "Yer just in time. Luna was just tellin' me about some ideas for the Bowtruckles."

"Hello, Harry," Luna said, looking up with a dreamy smile. "I was thinking we could create tree sanctuaries for the smaller creatures. They'd feel much safer if they had familiar environments."

"Great idea," Harry said. "Neville also mentioned the creatures that might struggle to adjust. We'll need to make sure they're accounted for."

"We'll manage it, Harry," Hagrid said confidently. "The Forest's got all kinds o' creatures, but I'll talk ter 'em. They'll understand."

Luna nodded. "The Thestrals are already curious about the changes. I think they'll adapt well. But the acromantulas... they'll need a lot of space."

Harry grimaced. "Let's prioritize the less dangerous creatures for now. We'll deal with the acromantulas later."

"Fair enough," Hagrid said with a chuckle.

Surveying the Dome's Boundaries

As the day wore on, Harry returned to the outskirts of Hogsmeade, where the stakes marking the dome's boundaries were nearly complete. He walked the perimeter, wand in hand, double-checking each one to ensure the magic was stable.

The stakes glowed faintly as he passed, their enchantments humming with power. The sight filled him with a mix of hope and anxiety. They were making progress, but there was still so much left to do.

As he finished his circuit, he spotted Draco waiting near the edge of the village, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable.

"Malfoy," Harry called, walking over. "What brings you here?"

Draco raised an eyebrow. "I've been coordinating supplies and keeping tabs on your precious Ministry, Potter. Thought you'd want an update."

"And?"

"They're definitely sniffing around," Draco said, lowering his voice. "Nothing concrete yet, but they're watching the land purchases and the construction here. You might want to be careful about who you're inviting to your little survival club."

Harry frowned. "Thanks for the warning. Anything else?"

"Just this," Draco said, handing Harry a small package. "Artifacts from one of my family's vaults. They might help strengthen your wards."

Harry stared at him, surprised. "Thanks, Malfoy."

Draco smirked. "Don't get used to it."

A Night of Reflection

As night fell, Harry returned to Hogwarts and climbed to the Astronomy Tower. From there, he could see the entire area under the dome's planned protection—the castle, the lake, the forest, and the growing village of Hogsmeade.

The stars twinkled above, and for a moment, the world felt peaceful.

"This is going to work," Harry said to himself, his voice firm. "It has to."

He stayed there, letting the cool night air clear his mind. Tomorrow would bring more challenges, but for now, he allowed himself a moment to breathe.

The freeze was coming—but so was their chance to fight back.