Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Family at the Gate

The shimmering dome pulsed faintly as Harry made his way to the gatehouse. Hannah's hare Patronus had delivered an urgent message just minutes earlier, her voice calm but with an unmistakable edge of emotion:

"Harry, the Weasleys are here. Molly, Arthur, Ginny, and Ron. You should come quickly."

Harry quickened his pace. Percy, who had been reviewing reports in the Great Hall, joined him without a word. The tension in the air was palpable as they walked side by side toward the gatehouse.

"They've finally arrived," Percy said quietly.

Harry glanced at him, noting the flicker of relief in Percy's eyes. "You've been waiting for this."

"I've been hoping for it," Percy replied. "But... Ron..." He trailed off, his expression hardening.

Harry nodded, understanding the unspoken conflict. "Let's see how this goes."

Inside the Gatehouse

The small living room was crowded. Molly Weasley sat on one of the chairs, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her expression weary but hopeful. Arthur stood beside her, his arm draped protectively around her shoulders. Ginny sat on the edge of another chair, her fiery red hair tangled, her eyes darting nervously around the room.

Ron stood near the panoramic window, his posture stiff, his face pale.

Hannah was speaking softly to Molly, offering her a cup of tea, while Michael sat at the desk, quill in hand, ready to take notes.

As soon as Molly saw Harry and Percy enter, she rose to her feet. Her face crumpled as tears welled in her eyes.

"Percy!" Molly cried, rushing to embrace him. "Oh, Percy, my boy!"

Percy wrapped his arms around her tightly. "Mum," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "You're here."

Arthur approached, his face lined with exhaustion but his eyes shining with relief. "You're safe," he said, clasping Percy's shoulder. "We didn't know if we'd ever see you again."

"You're here now," Percy said, his voice steady. "That's what matters."

Seeing Harry Again

Molly turned to Harry, her tear-streaked face lighting up with gratitude. "Harry," she breathed, pulling him into a hug. "Oh, Harry, thank you. Thank you for keeping them all safe."

Harry hugged her briefly before stepping back. "You're safe now too, Mrs. Weasley. That's what matters."

Ginny stood, her eyes locked on Harry. "Is it true? Percy, Bill, Charlie... they're all here?"

"It's true," Harry said, offering a small smile. "They've been helping keep the sanctuary running. You'll see them soon."

Ron had been silent, standing awkwardly by the window. When Harry's gaze shifted to him, he finally spoke.

"Harry," Ron said tentatively. "We didn't know if we'd find you. I—"

"You're here now," Harry interrupted, his tone measured. "That's what's important."

Taking Their Information

Michael cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "If everyone's ready, we'll need to complete the intake process."

Molly and Arthur sat back down, Ginny shifting closer to her mother. Ron remained standing, glancing uneasily at Harry and Percy.

"Names and relationships?" Michael began, quill poised over the parchment.

"Molly and Arthur Weasley," Arthur answered. "This is our daughter, Ginny."

Michael nodded and turned to Ron.

"Ron Weasley," Ron said quickly.

Michael scribbled the names and continued, "Where did you come from?"

"The Burrow," Arthur said, his voice heavy. "It's gone now. The frost overtook it weeks ago. We stayed as long as we could, but it wasn't safe anymore."

"And after that?" Michael prompted.

"We moved between abandoned buildings," Ron said, his voice subdued. "Barely managing to stay ahead of the frost. When we heard rumors of the sanctuary, we knew it was our last hope."

Michael jotted it all down. "What's it like out there?"

Ginny spoke up, her voice trembling but steady. "It's a nightmare. The frost is everywhere. People are desperate, and even magic doesn't work the way it used to."

Arthur nodded. "The Ministry... it's chaos. They've lost control, and no one's coming to help. This sanctuary... it's the only thing keeping hope alive."

Reuniting the Family

As the intake process wrapped up, Percy stepped forward. "Bill, Fleur, and Charlie are waiting for you," he said. "They'll be so relieved to see you."

Molly's eyes lit up with fresh tears. "They're safe?"

"Yes," Percy said firmly. "They've been helping here for weeks. Bill's working on the wards, Charlie's with the creatures, and Fleur is assisting at the hospital."

"And you, Percy?" Arthur asked. "What are you doing here?"

"Whatever needs to be done," Percy replied with a small smile. "And now that you're here, we'll figure out where you can help too."

Draco entered the gatehouse, clipboard in hand, and Harry gestured to him. "Draco will assign you an apartment and explain how things work here. Once you're settled, we'll reunite you with the others."

Molly hesitated, glancing at Harry. "Will we see you again soon, Harry?"

"Of course," Harry said gently. "You're safe now. That's all that matters."

Lingering Tensions

As the group left with Draco, Ron lingered near the door. He glanced at Harry, his expression conflicted. "Harry, I—"

"We'll talk later, Ron," Harry said firmly. "Go get settled first."

Ron nodded, his shoulders slumping slightly, and followed the others.

Percy, who had remained by Harry's side, exhaled slowly. "That went better than I expected."

Harry turned to him. "It's not over yet. There's still a lot to work through."

Percy gave a small nod. "One step at a time. For now, they're here, and they're safe."