Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

A New Beginning

The morning sun filtered through the dome, casting a warm glow over the sanctuary as Harry sat at his desk in the Great Hall, reviewing the latest reports. Despite the progress they had made, he couldn't shake the feeling that something important was missing.

The sanctuary had food, shelter, and a sense of community, but the children who had arrived over the past months needed more than just survival. They needed guidance, structure, and the chance to grow into the kind of people who could carry their world forward.

It was time to start up school again.

The Idea

Harry gathered the core team in the Great Hall to share his thoughts.

"I think it's time to restart Hogwarts—or something like it," he said, looking around the table.

The others exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from surprise to curiosity.

"You mean lessons and classes?" Neville asked.

"Exactly," Harry said. "But it won't be like the old Hogwarts. There won't be any houses. No Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff. Everyone is united now, and we need to reflect that in how we teach."

Luna smiled softly. "A school without houses... it sounds lovely."

Fred raised a hand. "Do we get to teach pranks as an elective?"

George grinned. "Practical applications of mischief, maybe?"

Draco rolled his eyes. "This isn't a joke. Restarting a school is a monumental task. Do we even have the resources for it?"

"We do," Harry said confidently. "We have the space, thanks to the dome. The Great Hall can double as a classroom for larger lessons, and some of the smaller rooms in the castle can be set up for specialized subjects."

Percy adjusted his glasses, his quill already moving over a sheet of parchment. "We'll need a curriculum. And teachers. Who's going to be responsible for what?"

Harry nodded. "That's the next step. I wanted to get your thoughts first."

Planning the School

Over the next several days, the team worked tirelessly to organize the school.

Neville volunteered to teach Herbology and Magical Agriculture, drawing on his expertise in the greenhouses.

Luna offered to teach Care of Magical Creatures, incorporating lessons on how the sanctuary's creatures contributed to their survival.

Draco agreed—reluctantly—to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, citing his experience with warding and protection spells.

Fred and George insisted on creating a course for creative magic, focusing on invention and problem-solving.

Hannah and Michael took charge of organizing basic magical skills for younger students, while Percy and Hermione (via notes Harry left for her as she had just arrived) worked on a curriculum that combined magical theory with practical applications.

And Slughorn, to everyone's relief, offered to teach Potions.

"We'll need to adapt the lessons to our current reality," Harry said during one meeting. "It's not just about teaching magic—it's about preparing these kids for the world we're living in."

First Day of Classes

A week later, the school officially opened.

The Great Hall was filled with students of all ages, their faces a mix of excitement and nerves. Parents and guardians stood at the back of the room, watching as Harry stepped onto the raised platform to address the group.

"Welcome," he began, his voice steady. "You all know what Hogwarts was, but today, we're building something new. This isn't just a school—it's a chance to learn, grow, and prepare for the future we're all creating together."

He paused, looking out at the eager faces before him. "There are no houses here. No divisions. In this sanctuary, we are all united. And this school will reflect that."

The students broke into applause, their excitement contagious.

A Sense of Purpose

Throughout the day, the new classes began, and the sanctuary buzzed with energy.

In the greenhouses, Neville guided a group of students through the basics of magical plant care, his passion for the subject shining through.

"Gently," he said, demonstrating how to repot a Venomous Tentacula. "Plants can sense your intentions, so always approach them with respect."

In the creature habitats, Luna led a lesson on Bowtruckles, her calm demeanor putting even the youngest students at ease.

"Bowtruckles love their trees," she explained, holding out a twig for one to climb onto. "If you treat them kindly, they'll always be your friends."

In the castle, Draco supervised a practical Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson, his tone brisk but fair.

"Wards are your first line of defense," he said, demonstrating a shielding charm. "Get this right, and you'll be much safer."

Even Fred and George's class, filled with laughter and bursts of colorful sparks, had a sense of purpose as they taught students to think creatively about magic.

A New Era Begins

That evening, Harry walked through the sanctuary, watching as the students shared stories about their first day. The atmosphere was electric, the joy of learning and connection filling the air.

Luna joined him, her expression thoughtful. "You've done something wonderful, Harry. The school is more than just a place to learn. It's a symbol of hope."

Harry nodded, her words resonating deeply. "We've been so focused on surviving. This... this feels like living."

As the dome shimmered in the twilight, Harry felt a rare sense of peace. The school was just the beginning, but it was a step toward building a future worth fighting for.

And for the first time in a long while, he believed they could do it—together.