Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Preparing for the Unexpected

The sanctuary was thriving. The new apartments west of Hogsmeade were nearly full, and the construction of additional greenhouses had begun in earnest. With every new arrival, the dome seemed to stretch a little farther, accommodating the growing population as though it sensed their need.

Harry was in the midst of reviewing notes in his study when a knock sounded at the door. Percy stepped in, his expression as focused as ever, holding a stack of fresh reports.

"More arrivals today," Percy said, placing the reports on the desk. "Fifteen total. Mostly from Wizarding Britain, but a few from Scandinavia. The gatehouse team has their information, and Draco's handling housing."

Harry glanced up. "Fifteen in one day? That's the largest group yet."

Percy nodded. "The freeze is accelerating. People are getting desperate, and the sanctuary is their last hope."

Harry rubbed his temples. "We're holding steady, but we need to plan for the worst. The dome is adapting, but we can't rely on magic alone. If the influx grows too quickly, we'll need more than just space—we'll need systems to manage food, health, and safety."

Meeting in the Great Hall

Later that afternoon, Harry called a meeting in the Great Hall. The core team—Percy, Neville, Luna, Draco, and Grintok—gathered around the table, along with a few other key figures from the sanctuary's operations.

Harry spread out a map of the dome, its expanding boundaries marked with glowing lines.

"The sanctuary is growing faster than we anticipated," Harry began. "The dome is holding, and the Eternal spell is stable, but we need to prepare for what comes next."

Neville leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "The greenhouses are managing for now, but if we keep growing, we'll need more land for crops—and possibly livestock."

"We also need to address medical care," Luna added. "The hospital is doing well, but with more people arriving, we'll need additional supplies and staff."

Draco tapped his quill against the table. "Housing is under control for the moment, but we're reaching the limits of what we can build with the current materials. We'll need to source more resources soon."

Grintok raised a clawed hand. "The goblins can help with that. We've been exploring the area just beyond the dome's edge. There are veins of stone and metal we can harvest without compromising the wards."

Percy nodded. "Good. But we also need to think about security. The freeze isn't the only threat out there. As the sanctuary grows, it'll attract attention—both from people seeking help and from those who might try to take advantage."

Strengthening the Sanctuary

The team worked late into the evening, drafting plans to expand and reinforce the sanctuary's infrastructure.

Neville and Luna took charge of the greenhouses, planning to cultivate hardier crops and experiment with magically enhanced soil. "If we can grow enough food inside the dome," Neville said, "we won't need to rely on external sources."

Draco coordinated with Grintok to secure more building materials, drafting a schedule for new apartments and additional storage facilities.

Meanwhile, Percy outlined a plan to create a dedicated security team, recruiting capable witches, wizards, and goblins to patrol the sanctuary and monitor the wards.

"We're building a community here," Percy said. "And a community needs protection."

Unexpected Visitors

Two days later, as Harry walked the perimeter of the dome, he noticed something unusual near the gatehouse. A small group of people was standing just beyond the shimmering barrier, their faces pale and gaunt.

Hannah stepped out of the gatehouse, waving Harry over. "They're just standing there," she said, her voice filled with concern. "They haven't stepped through the bubble yet."

Harry approached cautiously, his wand at the ready but lowered. The group consisted of five individuals, all of them wearing tattered robes and clutching makeshift bags.

"Can you hear me?" Harry called through the barrier.

The tallest of the group, a man with hollow eyes and a scraggly beard, stepped forward. "We can hear you," he said, his voice hoarse. "Is this the sanctuary? The one they talk about in whispers?"

Harry nodded. "It is. You're safe here. Step through the bubble, and we'll help you."

The group hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances. "Is it true what they say?" the man asked. "That it's warm inside? That the frost can't reach you?"

"It's true," Harry said firmly. "Come through, and you'll see for yourselves."

After a moment's pause, the man stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate. The others followed, their expressions a mix of fear and hope.

As they passed through the bubble, the dome's magic enveloped them, and their shivers eased. Hannah guided them into the gatehouse, offering tea and blankets as Michael began taking their information.

A Growing Resolve

That evening, Harry stood on the steps of Hogwarts, gazing out at the glowing dome. The sanctuary was growing faster than anyone had anticipated, and the challenges ahead were daunting.

But as he thought of the faces of those who had arrived today—cold, desperate, and filled with fragile hope—he felt a renewed sense of purpose.

They were building more than a refuge. They were building a chance for survival.

And no matter how large the sanctuary grew, Harry was determined to ensure that no one was left behind.