Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Finding a Place

The morning light filtered through the dome as Dudley wandered through the bustling streets of the sanctuary. It was overwhelming—nothing like the quiet neighborhoods he'd grown up in. Wizards, witches, Muggle-borns, and even creatures moved about with purpose, each contributing to the survival of this strange, magical haven.

For years, Dudley had dismissed magic as something unnatural, something to be feared. But now, surrounded by it, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

He clutched the map Michael had given him, his fingers trembling slightly. The instructions were simple: go to the residential quarter, find Draco Malfoy, and get assigned a place to stay.

"Draco Malfoy," Dudley muttered to himself, the name unfamiliar but intimidating. "Sounds posh."

An Awkward Introduction

The residential quarter was a mix of apartments, townhouses, and newly constructed homes. Dudley eventually found a large, organized tent near the edge of the area where people were lining up to speak with a tall, pale man with sharp features.

Draco Malfoy stood at the front, clipboard in hand, his expression one of practiced efficiency. As Dudley hesitated near the back of the line, Draco's piercing gray eyes caught his.

"You," Draco said, his tone clipped as he pointed at Dudley. "You're new."

Dudley nodded, stepping forward nervously. "Yeah... I'm, uh, Dudley."

"Harry's cousin," Draco said, his voice flat.

Dudley blinked in surprise. "You know that?"

Draco's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "I know everything that goes on here. You're lucky to have Harry vouching for you. Follow me."

A New Home

Draco led Dudley to a small townhouse at the edge of the residential quarter. It was modest but well-kept, with a small garden in the front and a clear view of the dome's shimmering edge in the distance.

"This will be your place," Draco said, unlocking the door with a wave of his wand. "There's food in the pantry, clothes in the wardrobe, and basic supplies in the cupboards."

Dudley stepped inside, his eyes wide as he took in the cozy space. "This is... all for me?"

"For now," Draco said. "But everyone here contributes. You'll be expected to do your part."

Dudley nodded quickly. "Of course. I just... I don't know what I can do."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Can you lift things? Carry supplies? Work with your hands?"

"Yeah," Dudley said, relieved to finally have a clear role. "I used to help my dad with DIY projects."

"Good," Draco said. "Report to the logistics team tomorrow morning. They'll assign you to a crew."

Adjusting to Sanctuary Life

Over the next few days, Dudley found himself falling into a routine. The logistics team assigned him to the storage units near the farmland, where he helped organize supplies and transport goods between the silos and the marketplace.

It was hard work, but it gave Dudley a sense of purpose he hadn't felt in years. The people he worked with were kind, though many were curious about his connection to Harry.

"You're his cousin?" one Muggle-born witch asked during a lunch break. "That's... unexpected."

"Yeah," Dudley admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "We didn't exactly get along when we were kids. But Harry... he's different now. Better than me in a lot of ways."

The witch smiled. "You're here now. That says something."

A Conversation with Harry

One evening, after finishing his work, Dudley found Harry near the edge of the dome, staring out at the frost-covered world beyond.

"You do this a lot, don't you?" Dudley said, approaching cautiously.

Harry glanced at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It helps me think. The frost doesn't stop, and neither can we."

Dudley stood beside him, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I don't know how you do it. Running this place, keeping everyone safe... it's a lot."

"It is," Harry admitted. "But it's worth it. Every life we save, every person who finds safety here—it's worth everything."

Dudley hesitated, then said quietly, "Thanks. For letting me in. I don't deserve it after everything."

Harry turned to him, his expression softening. "You do deserve it, Dudley. You survived, just like the rest of us. And you're here, doing your part. That's all that matters."

A Quiet Resolve

As Dudley walked back to his townhouse that night, he felt a strange sense of peace. The dome was unlike anything he'd ever known—a place of second chances, where even someone like him could start over.

For the first time in his life, Dudley felt like he belonged.

And as the frost loomed beyond the dome's shimmering barrier, he knew he would do whatever it took to help protect this sanctuary.

Just like Harry.