Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

A Strange Arrival

The morning sun bathed the sanctuary in a warm glow, and the air inside the dome carried a sense of calm. The marketplace was bustling as usual, the sounds of chatter and laughter blending with the hum of daily life.

At the newly expanded gatehouse, Michael and his team were in the midst of processing another group of arrivals when something unusual happened. A faint ripple passed through the dome, a subtle vibration that caught the attention of everyone nearby.

Michael looked up sharply, exchanging a glance with Hannah.

"Did you feel that?" she asked, her voice low.

Michael nodded, frowning. "It's not frost... but it's something."

Before they could speculate further, the door to the gatehouse opened, and a single figure stepped through the bubble.

An Unexpected Visitor

The man was tall and lean, his face hidden beneath a hood. His robes were tattered but elegant, a deep shade of green that shimmered faintly with magic. He carried no visible luggage, but the weight of his presence was palpable.

The room fell silent as the man pulled back his hood, revealing sharp features and piercing gray eyes. His face was familiar, but it took a moment for recognition to dawn.

"Professor?" Michael said, his voice laced with surprise.

The man's gaze swept over the room before settling on Michael. He nodded once. "It's been a long time."

A Name from the Past

News of the visitor spread quickly, and within minutes, Harry arrived at the gatehouse, his expression wary but curious.

"Who is it?" Harry asked, stepping inside.

The man turned, his face calm but unreadable.

"Professor Slughorn," Harry said, his eyes widening.

"Harry," Slughorn replied, his voice warm but tired. "It's good to see you again."

Harry's initial shock gave way to relief. "It's been years. We thought you..."

"Didn't make it?" Slughorn finished, offering a small smile. "I managed to survive, though not without difficulty. When I heard whispers of your sanctuary, I knew I had to find it."

A Story of Survival

Harry led Slughorn to a quiet corner of the gatehouse, where they sat to talk. Michael handed Slughorn a cup of tea, and the older man took it gratefully.

"I stayed in my home for as long as I could," Slughorn began, his voice low. "But the frost doesn't discriminate, even against magic. My protections held for a while, but eventually, I had to leave."

"Where did you go?" Harry asked.

"Nowhere, at first," Slughorn said, his expression darkening. "I wandered, like so many others. But I couldn't leave everything behind. I took what potions I could carry and tried to help where I could. I encountered small groups—pockets of survivors—but none of them lasted long."

Harry nodded, his throat tight. "What brought you here?"

Slughorn's gaze softened. "Hope, Harry. Your sanctuary is the only place left where that word still has meaning."

Welcoming Slughorn

Harry stood and gestured toward the door. "Come with me. Let me show you what we've built."

Slughorn followed Harry out into the sanctuary, his eyes widening as he took in the bustling marketplace, the thriving greenhouses, and the expansive creature habitats.

"This is extraordinary," he said, his voice filled with awe. "You've done more than just survive—you've created a community."

"It hasn't been easy," Harry admitted. "But we've had help. The dome... it's been a miracle."

Slughorn paused, his gaze distant. "The dome... yes. It feels familiar, in a way. Ancient magic, but alive."

"You can feel it?" Harry asked.

Slughorn nodded slowly. "It's not just protecting you. It's guiding you."

A New Role

By the time their tour ended, Slughorn seemed more at ease, though his exhaustion was evident.

"You're welcome to stay here," Harry said. "We'll find you a place to rest, and if you're willing, we could use your expertise. Potions, teaching... whatever you're comfortable with."

Slughorn chuckled softly. "Always recruiting, aren't you, Harry?" He sobered quickly, nodding. "But yes, I'll help. It's the least I can do."

Harry smiled. "We're glad to have you, Professor."

A Glimmer of the Past

That evening, Harry stood at the edge of the dome, gazing out at the frozen world beyond. Slughorn's arrival was a reminder of how far they'd come—and how much they still had to fight for.

Luna appeared beside him, her gaze dreamy but sharp.

"He's carrying more than just potions," she said softly.

Harry glanced at her. "What do you mean?"

"Memories," Luna replied. "And secrets. He'll tell you when he's ready."

Harry nodded, her words settling heavily in his mind. The sanctuary was growing, its people stronger and more united with each passing day. But the frost was still out there, relentless and unyielding.

As the dome shimmered in the moonlight, Harry made a silent promise: they would protect this sanctuary, no matter what.