Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Growing Numbers, Growing Challenges

The dome was bustling more than ever. In the weeks since the arrival of the Weasley twins, Elbert and Lydia, and Marcus Flint, the sanctuary had nearly doubled in size. The gatehouse had become a hub of activity, with new arrivals coming almost daily.

Harry sat at his desk in Hogwarts, reviewing the latest reports. The parchment in front of him listed the names of thirty newcomers who had entered the dome over the past week. The sanctuary was growing faster than anyone had anticipated, and with it came new challenges.

A knock at the door pulled Harry from his thoughts. Percy entered, carrying yet another stack of reports.

"This just came from Grintok," Percy said, placing the stack on Harry's desk. "The new apartments are nearly full. If the influx continues at this rate, we'll run out of space by the end of the month."

Harry leaned back in his chair, sighing. "We've expanded twice already. How much more can the dome handle?"

Percy adjusted his glasses, glancing at the map spread out on the desk. "The dome is still expanding, albeit slowly. But Grintok believes it's reaching its natural limits. We may need to start managing arrivals more carefully."

"Managing arrivals?" Harry frowned. "You're not suggesting we turn people away, are you?"

Percy hesitated. "Not yet. But we need to be realistic, Harry. The sanctuary has its limits. If we overburden it, we risk collapsing everything we've built."

A Discussion in the Great Hall

That afternoon, Harry called a meeting in the Great Hall. The core team—Percy, Neville, Luna, Draco, and Grintok—gathered around the table, joined by Fred and George, who had been volunteering in the creature habitats since their arrival.

Harry spread out the sanctuary map, pointing to the latest expansion zones. "The dome is still growing, but it's slowing down. We're nearing capacity in the apartments, and the greenhouses can only support so much. We need to plan for what comes next."

Neville nodded. "The greenhouses are holding for now, but if the population keeps growing, we'll need to double our crop output—and that means more land."

Fred leaned forward, grinning. "Why not add rooftop gardens to the apartments? Makes the most of the space we already have."

"Good idea," George added. "We can charm the soil to stay fertile, even in smaller plots."

Grintok tapped the map with a clawed finger. "We've identified additional resources beyond the dome's edge—stone, metal, even fertile soil. But harvesting them will require venturing outside the barrier, and that comes with risks."

Draco looked up sharply. "Risks we can't afford. The frost isn't just cold—it's lethal. One wrong move, and we could lose people."

"That's why we need to be careful," Harry said. "We'll start with small teams, fully protected and equipped with emergency Portkeys. But we can't ignore the resources outside the dome."

Managing the Population

As the discussion continued, Percy brought up the question of population management. "If the dome stops expanding completely," he said, "we'll need to prioritize. Not everyone can stay indefinitely."

The room grew tense. Luna, who had been quiet until now, spoke softly. "Everyone who comes here is desperate. Turning them away would be cruel."

"No one wants to do that," Percy replied, his tone measured. "But we have to consider the greater good. If the sanctuary collapses, no one will survive."

Fred and George exchanged a glance before Fred spoke up. "Then we make it work. We get creative, we pull together, and we make this place stretch for as many people as possible."

George nodded. "If we start rationing supplies now, we can plan ahead. Everyone gets what they need, but no more."

Harry leaned forward, his hands resting on the table. "We're not turning anyone away unless it's absolutely necessary. But we do need to be smart about how we use our resources. Percy, work with Grintok on contingency plans. Neville, Luna, and the twins, focus on expanding food production."

"And what about housing?" Draco asked.

"We'll keep building," Harry said. "For as long as the dome allows."

A New System

In the days that followed, the sanctuary shifted into high gear.

Neville and Luna began planting rooftop gardens on the apartments, using enchanted soil and self-watering charms to maximize growth. Fred and George took charge of organizing food supplies, creating a system to ensure fair distribution and minimize waste.

Grintok assembled a team of goblins and witches to explore the frost-covered land outside the dome, carefully harvesting resources while avoiding danger.

Inside the dome, Percy worked tirelessly to coordinate the growing population, assigning tasks to new arrivals and ensuring that everyone contributed to the community.

A Glimpse of the Future

One evening, as Harry walked along the edge of the dome, he stopped to watch the latest group of arrivals being led to the gatehouse. They were a mix of wizards, witches, and a few Muggles, their faces weary but filled with hope.

Hannah and Michael greeted them warmly, guiding them through the intake process with practiced efficiency.

Harry felt a swell of pride—and anxiety. The sanctuary was growing stronger every day, but the challenges were mounting just as quickly.

As he gazed out at the frost-covered world beyond the dome, Harry clenched his fists.

They had come so far. They couldn't stop now.

The frost was relentless. But so was the sanctuary. And Harry would do whatever it took to ensure their survival.