Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

The Turning of the Seasons

The warm hues of summer had begun to fade, and the golden fields surrounding Hogwarts were giving way to the amber and russet tones of early autumn. Leaves fluttered down from the trees in lazy spirals, and the air carried the crisp scent of the changing season.

Harry stood at the edge of the Black Lake, staring out at its smooth surface. The chill in the air was faint but undeniable, a constant reminder that the freeze was drawing closer.

Behind him, the goblins were finishing the outer walls of the hospital, their tools ringing out in rhythmic strikes. Hogsmeade was bustling with activity, the newly constructed apartments and shops taking shape.

It was progress—but not fast enough.

A Planning Session in the Great Hall

Harry joined Percy and Neville in the Great Hall, where maps, lists, and diagrams covered the Gryffindor table. Luna was there too, seated cross-legged on the bench, sketching designs for a new Thestral enclosure.

Percy pointed to a section of the dome on the map, his expression serious. "We've fortified most of the perimeter, but this area near the Black Lake still needs reinforcement. If the freeze starts earlier than expected, it could weaken the wards."

Harry nodded, making a note on the parchment in front of him. "I'll handle it tomorrow. What about the greenhouses?"

"They're almost ready," Neville said, his voice filled with quiet pride. "We've got the Frostbane Ferns planted, and the temperature charms are holding. The crops should survive even in the coldest conditions."

"And the hospital?" Percy asked, turning to Harry.

"The goblins say they'll be done by the end of next week," Harry replied. "Hannah's been amazing with the medical supplies, and Luna's been helping enchant the morgue's preservation charms."

Luna looked up from her sketches, her dreamy voice cutting into the conversation. "The Thestrals are excited about the new habitats. They can sense the change in the air, you know. They're getting restless."

Neville frowned. "Do you think that's a bad sign?"

"Not necessarily," Luna said with a faint smile. "It just means we're on the right track. They'll settle down once they feel safe."

The First Frost

Later that evening, as Harry walked through the grounds of Hogwarts, he noticed a thin layer of frost beginning to form on the grass. It was barely noticeable, just a glimmer in the moonlight, but it sent a shiver down his spine.

The freeze wasn't supposed to start for months. But nature was already warning them.

Harry crouched down, running his fingers over the frosted blades. "Too soon," he muttered under his breath.

"Harry," Percy's voice called from behind him.

Harry stood, turning to see his brother approaching. Percy's breath was visible in the cool air, and his hands were stuffed into the pockets of his coat.

"You see it too?" Percy asked, nodding toward the frost.

Harry nodded. "It's starting earlier than we thought. We're running out of time."

Percy's expression darkened. "Then we need to move faster. No more delays, no more distractions. If this frost is any indication, we'll be dealing with the real thing before the end of the year."

The First Fire in the Great Hall

The next morning, the staff of Hogwarts—now including goblins, volunteers, and a growing network of allies—gathered in the Great Hall for breakfast. For the first time since Harry had returned to the timeline, the fireplaces along the walls roared to life, filling the space with warmth.

Luna entered with Hagrid, both of them bundled in heavy cloaks, and sat down beside Neville. Percy arrived moments later, a stack of notes under his arm.

"Feels like winter already," Hagrid said, rubbing his massive hands together. "The frost came early this mornin'."

Neville looked at Harry and Percy, his brow furrowed. "Do you think the freeze is accelerating? Could it hit before December?"

"We don't know," Harry said, his voice firm. "But we're going to act like it will. No more waiting. Everything we've planned needs to be in place by the end of autumn."

Luna tilted her head, her voice calm as she said, "It's not just the frost, you know. The creatures can feel it too. They're restless because they sense the shift in magic. It's already begun."

Doubling Down

After breakfast, Harry and Percy met with Grintok to revise their timelines.

"The hospital needs to be ready in two weeks, not a month," Percy said, pointing to the construction schedule.

Grintok frowned but didn't argue. "We'll make it happen. But it'll cost you more."

"We'll pay it," Harry said firmly.

"And the wards?" Grintok asked, glancing at Harry.

"I'll handle them myself," Harry replied. "With Neville and Luna's help, we can have the Black Lake section reinforced in a few days."

As the meeting ended, Percy pulled Harry aside.

"We need more people, Harry," he said quietly. "I know we've been careful about who we bring in, but if we're going to meet these deadlines, we'll need more hands."

Harry hesitated. "It's risky. The more people who know, the harder it'll be to keep this quiet."

"I know," Percy said, his voice low. "But we don't have a choice."

Harry sighed but nodded. "Alright. Let's make a list of people we can trust."

Preparing for What's Coming

As the day went on, the team worked tirelessly. Neville tended to the greenhouses, while Luna and Hagrid prepared the new habitats for the creatures. Percy managed the logistics of moving supplies from his Muggle warehouse to Hogwarts, and Harry focused on reinforcing the wards.

The chill in the air grew sharper with each passing day, and by the end of the week, the frost lingered even in the afternoon sun.

One evening, as Harry stood on the Astronomy Tower, gazing out at the grounds below, Percy joined him.

"We're making progress," Percy said, his voice calm but resolute. "But it's not enough yet."

"It'll never feel like enough," Harry replied quietly. "Not until the freeze comes and we see if it holds."

Percy placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "We'll be ready. We have to be."

Harry nodded, his gaze fixed on the shimmering wards of the dome. Autumn was here, and winter was coming faster than they'd ever anticipated.

There was no more time for doubt. It was now or never.