Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Expanding Roles

The newly thriving marketplace brought a new rhythm to life inside the dome. The hum of activity, the chatter of families, and the smells of freshly baked bread and bubbling potions gave the sanctuary a sense of normalcy. For the first time, it felt less like a place to escape the frost and more like a real community.

But with growth came new challenges. As more people arrived and more businesses opened, Harry realized the sanctuary needed more structure—roles, responsibilities, and leadership to ensure everything ran smoothly.

One afternoon, Harry gathered the core team in the Great Hall. The atmosphere was lively, the buzz of the marketplace echoing faintly outside as everyone took their seats.

"We're growing faster than any of us imagined," Harry began, spreading a map of the sanctuary across the table. "And with the marketplace up and running, things are changing. People are settling in, finding purpose—but we need to make sure the dome can sustain this growth."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "You mean we need rules."

"Not just rules," Harry said. "We need leadership. People who can oversee specific areas—food, housing, security, supplies. It's too much for one group to manage alone."

Percy nodded, already jotting notes on a parchment. "Delegation. It's a practical solution."

"Exactly," Harry said. "We'll assign roles to people we trust—people who've already been stepping up."

Establishing Leadership

The team spent hours reviewing names and assignments, carefully considering each decision. By the end of the day, they had a list:

Neville Longbottom: Overseer of Agriculture and Greenhouses.Luna Lovegood: Liaison for Magical Creatures and Habitat Management.Draco Malfoy: Housing Coordinator and Infrastructure Manager.Percy Weasley: Head of Logistics and Operations.Fred and George Weasley: Co-Heads of Marketplace Development.Michael Corner: Gatehouse Coordinator and Record Keeper.

Harry himself would remain the overall leader of the sanctuary, but the new structure would allow him to focus on broader decisions while others managed day-to-day responsibilities.

"I'll make the announcements tomorrow," Harry said as they wrapped up the meeting. "But I want to talk to each of them personally first."

Conversations and Reactions

The next morning, Harry began reaching out to the people on the list.

He found Neville in the greenhouses, carefully tending to a patch of enchanted tomatoes.

"Neville," Harry began, "we need someone to oversee all of this. The greenhouses, the crops, the planning—you're the best person for the job."

Neville straightened, his face flushing slightly. "Me? But... I mean, I've been helping, sure, but leading it all..."

"You've already been doing it," Harry said with a small smile. "This just makes it official. What do you say?"

Neville hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright. I'll do it. Someone has to keep the plants alive, after all."

Next, Harry visited Fred and George at their shop.

"Co-heads of Marketplace Development?" Fred repeated, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"Fancy title for what we were already doing," George added.

"It's more than just running your shop," Harry explained. "You'll work with other businesses, coordinate resources, and make sure the marketplace stays fair and functional."

Fred mockingly saluted. "Consider it done, Chief."

George nodded. "We'll keep the economy booming, Potter."

Harry smiled. "I know you will."

Announcing the Roles

That evening, Harry gathered the sanctuary residents in the marketplace. Lanterns flickered softly as people filled the open space, their faces curious and expectant.

Harry stepped onto a small platform, his voice carrying across the crowd.

"We've grown so much since the sanctuary began," he said. "But with growth comes new challenges. To keep things running smoothly, we need structure—people who can take charge and help us build something lasting."

He went on to announce the new roles, introducing each person as they stepped forward. Neville received warm applause, his shy smile growing as he took his place. Luna waved serenely, while Draco nodded crisply at the crowd.

When Fred and George were introduced, they both gave exaggerated bows, earning laughter and cheers.

By the time the announcements were finished, the crowd was buzzing with excitement.

A Sense of Direction

As the meeting dispersed, Harry lingered by the platform, watching as people returned to their homes and shops. Percy joined him, his usual clipboard in hand.

"That went well," Percy said. "People like knowing there's a plan."

"They need hope," Harry replied. "Structure helps with that."

Percy glanced at the map in Harry's hands. "We're building something real here. Something sustainable."

Harry nodded, his gaze shifting to the shimmering dome in the distance.

The frost was still out there, relentless and unyielding. But inside the dome, they were creating something stronger: a community.

And as long as the dome held, so would their resolve.