Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Plans in Motion

The warehouse was alive with activity as Percy's group moved around, checking inventory and loading supplies into organized piles. Harry stood off to the side, watching the hustle. The sense of purpose here was tangible, even comforting. These people had a plan, and it was clear they trusted Percy implicitly.

Harry glanced at his brother, who was studying a map spread out on the meeting room table. The tension between them from earlier had eased, but there was still an unspoken weight hanging in the air.

"We need to talk more about how we're going to work together," Harry said, breaking the silence.

Percy looked up, his expression guarded but open. "Agreed. But first, I want to see what you've built at Hogwarts."

Harry hesitated. "You're not going to like everything I've done. It's... different from what you're doing here."

"I'm sure it is," Percy said, his voice calm but firm. "But if we're combining our efforts, I need to know what I'm working with."

A Tour of Hogwarts

Later that day, Harry led Percy to the edge of the protective dome surrounding Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. As they passed through the shimmering boundary, Percy stopped, staring up at the invisible magical field.

"This is incredible," Percy admitted. "It feels... ancient."

"It is," Harry said, his voice tinged with pride. "The goblins helped me set it up. It's layered with protections to withstand the cold, falling ice, even magical interference."

Percy raised an eyebrow. "And it covers all of this?"

"Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, the Black Lake—even some new farmland and a mountain range I created," Harry said.

Percy's lips twitched in surprise. "You created a mountain range?"

"Long story," Harry replied, smirking faintly.

As they walked through Hogsmeade, Percy studied the new buildings rising along the village's outskirts. "These are apartments?" he asked, pointing to the nearly finished structures.

Harry nodded. "We'll need places for people to live—safe, insulated places. The goblins are building most of the infrastructure, and Neville's been helping with the farmland and greenhouses."

They made their way to the hospital site, where goblins were hard at work laying the foundation. Percy crouched to examine the enchanted stones being set into the earth.

"A hospital?" Percy asked.

"With a morgue," Harry added quietly. "I don't want to think about it, but we have to be prepared for casualties."

Percy straightened, his expression unreadable. "Smart."

Combining Forces

Back at Hogwarts, Harry brought Percy to the Great Hall, where they sat at one of the long tables. Percy spread out his own maps and notes, and the two brothers began comparing their plans.

"What you've built is impressive," Percy said, nodding toward the map of the dome. "But you'll need more supplies than what you've got here. My group has stockpiles of Muggle goods—things magic can't replicate easily."

Harry glanced at Percy's list of supplies, his eyes scanning the inventory. "Solar lanterns, thermal clothing, ration packs... This is good, Percy. This is what we need."

"And your magical protections are better than anything we could manage," Percy admitted. "If we pool our resources, we'll be stronger for it."

Harry leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "We'll need to set up a system for moving supplies between here and your warehouse. Maybe an enchanted portal or a secure Apparition point."

Percy nodded. "I'll talk to my team about it. And we'll start transferring some of the heavier supplies here—your dome is better equipped to protect them."

A Question of Trust

As they wrapped up their discussion, Percy leaned forward, his gaze serious. "There's something we need to talk about, Harry. Ron and Hermione."

Harry stiffened, his jaw tightening. "What about them?"

"You said they betrayed you," Percy said carefully. "But in this timeline, they don't remember what they did. Are you going to tell them about any of this?"

Harry looked away, his hands tightening into fists. "I don't know if I can trust them, Percy. Not after what they did to me."

"They don't know what they did," Percy reminded him. "You said it yourself—they thought they were doing the right thing. Maybe they were wrong, but they were scared. Desperate."

"That doesn't change the fact that they killed me," Harry said bitterly. "If they did it once, what's to stop them from doing it again?"

Percy was quiet for a moment, then said, "You don't have to forgive them, Harry. But you need to decide whether you're going to bring them in or keep them out. Either way, they're going to notice something is going on."

Harry didn't respond, the weight of Percy's words settling heavily on his shoulders.

The First Steps Together

As the sun set over the castle, Harry and Percy stood at the edge of the Black Lake, watching as the water reflected the golden light of the horizon.

"This is going to work," Percy said, his voice steady.

Harry glanced at him. "You really think so?"

Percy nodded. "We've got the resources, the knowledge, and the time. We can do this, Harry."

For the first time in weeks, Harry felt a flicker of genuine hope. They had a long way to go, and the freeze was drawing closer every day. But with Percy by his side, it felt possible.

They weren't just fighting to survive—they were building something worth saving.

And together, they wouldn't fail.