Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

The Gift of Passage

The morning after the dome rose, Percy stood in the warehouse where his group of Muggle survivors gathered daily. The shelves were meticulously organized, the crates stacked high with supplies they had spent months collecting.

But today, the mood in the warehouse was different. Percy had called for a meeting, and his people now stood in a semicircle around him, their faces filled with curiosity and unease.

In his hands, Percy held a small box filled with delicate necklaces, each one adorned with a smooth, polished stone that glimmered faintly in the dim light. The necklaces looked simple, but the magic within them was anything but.

"Everyone," Percy began, his voice calm but commanding, "what I'm about to give you is important. It's not just jewelry—it's your key to survival."

The group exchanged glances, murmuring softly among themselves. Jenny, the auburn-haired woman who had been one of Percy's closest allies, stepped forward. "What do you mean, 'key to survival'?"

Percy took a deep breath, holding up one of the necklaces. "These are enchanted. The stones in these necklaces are linked to a protected Apparition point inside the dome we've built at Hogwarts. With this, you'll be able to travel there instantly, no matter where you are."

The murmurs grew louder, a mix of amazement and skepticism rippling through the crowd.

"But we're Muggles," Justin, another member of the group, said. "We can't use magic. How's this supposed to work?"

Percy smiled faintly. "That's the beauty of it. The enchantment doesn't rely on you having magic. As long as you're wearing this necklace, it will activate when you reach the Apparition point. Think of it as a bridge between worlds."

The Power of the Stone

The group gathered closer as Percy began handing out the necklaces, one by one. Each person held their necklace with a mix of wonder and reverence, running their fingers over the smooth surface of the stone.

Jenny examined hers closely, her brow furrowed. "It's warm," she said softly.

"That's the enchantment," Percy explained. "The warmth means it's active. As long as you're wearing it, you'll be able to pass through the dome's wards and use the Apparition point. Without it, you'd be stuck outside."

"Why can't we take it off?" asked another man, holding his necklace gingerly.

Percy's expression grew serious. "Because if someone else gets hold of it, it could compromise the entire system. These necklaces are bonded to each of you specifically. They can't be removed, stolen, or tampered with. Once you put it on, it's yours for life."

There was a moment of hesitation, the weight of Percy's words sinking in.

"This is our lifeline," Percy said firmly. "When the freeze comes, the dome is the only place we'll be safe. These necklaces will get you there. But they only work if you keep them on. Do you understand?"

The group nodded solemnly, the gravity of the situation settling over them.

A Quiet Reassurance

As the group dispersed to continue their work, Percy stood by the edge of the warehouse, watching as Jenny and Justin tested their necklaces. The stones glimmered faintly, their enchantments responding as intended.

Harry arrived moments later, stepping through the open door with his usual determined stride.

"They took it well," Harry said, nodding toward the group.

Percy shrugged. "They trust me. That's all that matters."

Harry studied him for a moment. "You've given them a real chance, Percy. These necklaces... they're brilliant."

Percy glanced at the box in his hands, the remaining necklaces glowing faintly. "I just hope it's enough," he said quietly.

"It is," Harry said firmly. "You've done everything you can to protect them. And now they're connected to the dome. They'll be safe."

Percy exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Thanks, Harry."

Testing the System

Later that afternoon, Percy led a small group of his people to the Apparition point near Hogsmeade. Harry and Grintok were already waiting there, their wands at the ready to monitor the wards.

"Alright," Percy said, addressing the group. "This is just a test. All you have to do is step onto the Apparition platform. The necklace will do the rest."

Jenny was the first to step forward, clutching her necklace tightly. She took a deep breath and stepped onto the platform. For a moment, nothing happened—then, with a faint shimmer of light, she disappeared.

Seconds later, a soft glow appeared inside the dome, signaling her arrival.

"She made it," Grintok said, his sharp eyes scanning the wards. "The system works."

One by one, the others followed, each disappearing as they stepped onto the platform and reappearing safely inside the dome.

When the test was complete, Percy joined Harry at the edge of the Apparition point.

"It's done," Percy said, his voice quiet but resolute.

Harry nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "They're part of this now. Connected to the dome, just like the rest of us."

A Lifeline for the Future

That evening, as Percy returned to the warehouse, he couldn't help but feel a sense of quiet relief. The necklaces had worked perfectly, and his people were now tied to the one place that could save them.

He sat alone at his desk, the empty box of necklaces beside him, and stared at the map of the dome. For the first time since waking in this timeline, Percy felt like he had given his people a real chance at survival.

The freeze was coming. But now, they had a way out.

And Percy wouldn't let them down.